59 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

Why Such Trials?

In this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials (1 Peter 1:6)

Intense and prolonged suffering and trials can bring even some Christians to the point of despair. Such wish like Job that they would have been carried directly from the womb to the tomb (Job 10:19)

1.Notice the phrase ‘for a little while’

Trials are temporary in nature. We need to constantly remind ourselves that, the “sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed” to you (Romans 8:18).

Also, we need to see that “our difficulties are the substance that produce for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

2.Notice the phrase, “if need be”

Trials only come to us if they are necessary. God, in his infinite wisdom, knows exactly what kinds of trials must be designed to stimulate the growth necessary for our own spiritual health.

For example, God permitted satan to give Paul a “thorn in the flesh.” But it was for his own good, and for a specific purpose, so that he would not give into pride. (See 2 Corinthians 12:7–10).

3.Again, see the phrase ‘various trials’

Trials come in various shapes and sizes. Sometimes they afflict our bodies and other times our minds. Most of the time they afflict our comfort zones and other times our loved ones. No matter what their source, trials provide opportunities to be trained in godliness as God uses them to discipline us toward Christlikeness (Hebrews 12:6, 11).

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 1:7)

God did not ordain trials to set you up for failure, but to prove the “genuineness” of your faith. Just as a goldsmith tests gold to check whether the gold is genuine or counterfeit, so also trials test our faith to prove its genuineness.

The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is the first and longest sea link bridge in India. It is 5.6 km long 8-lane cable-stayed bridge, towering to a height of 126 metres, equivalent to the height of a 43-storied building.

Before the bridge could be thrown open to the motorists, the quality and reliability of the steel wire ropes were thoroughly tested lest the lives of thousands of commuters be endangered.

Someone said, “A faith that is not tested cannot be trusted” A mere verbal profession of faith in The Lord Jesus does not really constitute faith.

In the Parable of the Sower, the Lord spoke saying: “Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.” (Matthew 13:5-6)

Because the plants did not have proper roots, the plants died when the sun came up in full force. The sun in the parable represents ‘trials and testing or heat”. The person who abandons the faith when the going gets tough only proves that he or she did not really have faith in the first place.

Job went through many trials and understood the truth to some extent behind his trials. He said, “But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous]. (Job 23:10)

whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8)

whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing

Our love for Christ is not based on our physical sight. We have not seen Him in the flesh. Our love for Christ is based on what the Word teaches and reveals to us about Him.

Also, our love for Him is based upon the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Scripture says, “God’s love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5)

When you find yourself in a trial and you see yourself getting bitter and hurt, murmuring all the while, immediately start worshiping the Lord. This will take the poison out of the experience you are going through and healing will begin to flow into your situation.

Also, when we love ourselves more than we love Christ, the fire will not purify us but burn us.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three… (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Love and faith go hand in hand. The reason for this is when you love someone, you also trust that person. Faith and love together birth hope. Wherever you find faith and love, you will find people have confidence for the future.

4.Each trial makes us experience something new that we did not experience before. Each trial also births in our spirits a new revelation of the Lord.

For example:

1.Abraham discovered God as Jehovah Jireh on Mount Moriah when he was asked to offer his only son Isaac.

2.The three Hebrew children discovered the fourth man in their midst only when they were thrown into the fire. (Daniel 3)

3.Apostle Paul experienced ‘His sufficient Grace’ when he suffered with a thorn in the flesh. (2 Corinthians 12)

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)

People in the first century wore long outer garments, but when it was time to work or walk, they would tie the ends of their garments around the waist (that is, the loins or kidneys), so as to keep them from getting in the way.

In the same way, if we don't gird the loins of our mind, our minds will start wandering dwelling on those things which are not required. This is one of the major reasons why people who even attend church services feel depressed and suicidal.

as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16)

If we are to walk with the Holy One then we need to live like Him.

How are we born again?

having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23)

Chapter 1