1 Peter 1:6-7
6 In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
People:
The first-century church was undergoing trials, in Israel and beyond its borders in the known world. The believers faced persecution of numerous kinds.
Plot:
Having suffered persecution first hand, Peter was writing to the church advising it how to “ suffer successfully”. Being one of the original disciples of Christ, his first hand knowledge of Jesus gave him the power to endure the difficult times, and the wisdom to teach others to do the same.
Point:
In this passage, Peter teaches that our faith is matured in the duress. It is in trying times that faith is strengthened and grows. Like the gold in the furnace whose impurities are removed under extreme heat, our faith is made complete by the baptism of fire. Every man is allotted his portion of suffering. We all have a cross to bear.
The Principles:
We have to learn to become unshakeable. In order to do this, God allows the world around us to shake and even attack us. Our task is to plant deeper roots in the Love of God. As our roots dive deeper into Jesus, not only do we becom
e more stable, but we mature to produce better fruit. The purpose of suffering is for the tree to mature and grow and produce better fruit. This often means that before we grow, we go through a pruning. In this cutting away of the old results in new growth that produces better fruit than we could have imagined. The Bible says that when Jesus is revealed to us, He will reveal us to the world. It is written that creation awaits the revelation of the sons of God. The suffering stage is the preparation for this revelation. It develops character. The external pressure is a catalyst for internal change. When we have passed the test then we receive the crown of life. We become mature men of God. Sharing
Christ’s death in suffering means we will rise with Him. He will bring us forth to shine his light. As is said in Isaiah 40:31 we receive wings. Looking at Psalm 23, beyond the suffering is the greater anointing, the banquet, the table in the presence of enemies. Beyond this table is our cup overflow in every single area of our lives. After the trial, goodness, and mercy follow us: this means that we don’t have to look for opportunities, they come to us.
Your Priorities:
You should make deepening your foundation in Christ your imperative. The test has come to strengthen your foundations. Find the weak points in your faith, and develop patience. Remind yourself and God on a daily basis of the promises He has made to you. Have the patience to endure. Jesus will keep you strong till the end. He who began a good work in you will continue until its end. Tap into your church support team. Become a diligent student of the word, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in the word as well as through the still small voice.
Your Plan:
Are you going through a season of suffering? Make a decision to hold on, and to mature your position in Christ. Grow deeper roots in Him. If you are not currently suffering, it is very likely that you know someone who is. Your task is to be the brother or sister they need in duress. Ask the Lord how to minister to them. Sooner or later though, your time will come. All who believe are persecuted. Prepare yourself for this coming persecution, by diving into Christ. The more prepared you are, the better your chance of passing the test.
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