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"Grieved by various trials"

Text: 1 Peter 1:6b

THE TRIALS OF LIFE

Understandably, the trials of life can prove very difficult. The original readers of this Epistle were going through a hard time because of persecution.

“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

1. “Though now for a little while”

a) Peter sought to understand how his readers felt.

b) He too had experienced the same kind of persecution.

c) One comfort that he drew was in this thought.

i) It was only a little while (with reference to time).

ii) Hopefully, this trial would not last forever.

2. “If need be”

a) There were things that were beyond our personal control.

b) These would be classified as “if need be”.

i) If it was necessary, as part of God’s plan.

ii) If it was necessary, as part of God’s will.

c) At the back of the mind, we must trust and take comfort in:

i) God’s foreknowledge.

ii) His protection.

iii) His Personal presence.

3. “You have been grieved”

a) The word “grieved” suggests “sorrow”.

b) Sorrow was felt and it threatened the joy that should be there in the heart.

c) Peter understood how they must have been struggling amidst persecution.

4. “By various trials”

a) The word “trial” suggests “testing”.

b) The word “various” suggests:

i) Some would experience harder trials than others.

ii) Some would experience more testing than others.

5. The challenge was to not lose the joy in the Lord

a) The joy that we have in the Lord is greater than the trials of life.

b) The exuberance of joy can triumph over the various trials of life.

c) It is through faith that we can maintain this great joy in the Lord.