Lord’s Day, Vol. 4 No. 11

Joy Amidst Trial (1 Peter 1:3-9)

Christians are to expect trials and tribulations. The Bible tells us in no uncertain terms that suffering is a normal part of a true Christian life (Behind a Frowning Providence, Murray, 12). It is the Christians’ response to trial and tribulation that authenticate the Christian’s faith.

When Christians exercise faith in God during trials, there is a joy which can subsist in the midst of sorrow (Leighton).

It is easy to think that we are alone in our trials but the truth is that we are not. Jesus is with us. His love for us cannot be severed by the severest trials that come our way.

Jesus assures us in John 16:33, “…that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

The word “tribulation” is derived from the verb “to press”, describing the crushing of grapes and olives, suggesting heavy pressures of outward trouble or inward anguish.

Tribulation produces patient endurance – the ability to keep the faith and not fall apart. This brave endurance produces experience or more accurately “character”. Character is built in suffering (Murray).

Therefore, when we are going through trial and tribulation, that should draw us closer to Jesus. Our love for Him must increase as we experience His unfailing love for us.

Christians facing trials are exhorted to rejoice in the midst of suffering for it is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom (Acts 4:22). How to have joy when all seem hopeless and bleak?

1) The Basis of Joy – Lively Hope (v3-5)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In times of trials, the Christian’s hope is alive. Jesus rose from the dead to give us a heavenly inheritance. This inheritance is ours when we put our faith in Jesus. This is the lively hope of the Christian. This is the basis of the Christian’s joy.

This heavenly inheritance is first, incorruptible – everything in this world decay and will not last, however, this inheritance will be forever. Secondly, the inheritance is undefiled for it cannot be polluted, it is pure and without the defilement of sin. Thirdly, it fades not away – time cannot ravish it unlike the flower that blooms and starts to wither thereafter.

We are to rejoice by resting in the omnipotence of God. His infinite ability will deliver us from any trouble and bring us to our final destination when Christ returns to take the church to glory.

2) Burdens that Kill Joy – Fiery Trial (v6-7)

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Trial and tribulation threaten to take away our joy. During the period of trial, we “will be grieved” with many temptations, for circumstances and people will act upon us to cause grieve to our hearts. But it is temporary, it will come to an end, it will not last indefinitely.

3) Buckler that keeps Joy – Loving and Trusting Jesus (v8-9)

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

(a) Loving Jesus

“Whom” refers to Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He is the one that sustains us by His grace. We are to look to Him – “ye love” is the Christian’s antidote to despondency in the midst of trials.

Rekindle that first love for the Lord. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, persevere in prayer and faint not (Luke 18:1). Keep that love for Jesus glowing. We love the Lord by obeying His Word and walking according to His way.

(b) Trusting Jesus

When trials intensify, faith needs to be increased proportionately. How can faith be increased? It is in God’s Word. The promises in God’s Word give the Christian strength to endure and to have victory. He experiences God’s power delivering, keeping and protecting him, and thereby receiving the end of his faith, even the salvation of his soul.

Amen.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee