Young Adults' Group

Joy Inexpressible And Full Of Glory

by Pastor Mark
December 12, 2019

Finding joy through the trials of life

As we approach Christmas, we recognise that the present circumstances of our life may be difficult. Can we still find joy in the midst of these trials of life? The answer is “Yes!”

A proper perspective concerning trials

The apostles Peter wrote to the Christian pilgrims who were going through the trials of life, “though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,” (1 Peter 1:6) Peter had a right understanding of what trials were. They should be seen as not permanent. They don’t last. But these trials are deemed to be necessary. They are meant for our good even though these trials can cause great grief to our heart. Let us ensure that we have a proper understanding of our trials.

The testing of our faith

“that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire,” (1 Peter 1:7)

The word “tested” in Greek is “dokimazo” which means “to prove, to examine”. The testing of life is meant to prove one’s faith…that after being examined, it may be seen as approved by the Lord. The word “genuineness” in Greek is “dokimion” which is the noun form of “dokimazo”. The purpose of these trials of life is meant to test our faith and to prove that it is genuine. Our faith is meant to be applied in the context of these fiery trials. Only then can we see how precious our faith is, “being much more precious than gold that perishes,” (1 Peter 1:7) A tested faith is like gold, which is seen as precious, valuable and of great worth. Let us ensure that our faith proves to be one that brings praise, honour and glory to the Lord.

Outflow of our faith

“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) Peter wrote of faith as an outflow of one’s life. If there is genuine faith, it would flow out and be expressed.

1.  Love for the Lord…The brethren had not seen the Lord Jesus physically. Yet, they were able to love Him. The genuineness of faith will be express with love for the Lord.
2. Belief in the Lord…True faith is not based on sight. They were able to believe without seeing the Lord Jesus physically.
3. Joy in the Lord…Peter commented that the brethren had been able to greatly rejoice through the trials of life. (1 Peter 1:6) The Greek word is “agalliao” which means “great joy”. In going through the trials of life, there was still great joy.

Joy inexpressible and full of glory

When the faith of the brethren was tested and was able to overcome their trials, there came a greater sense of joy, “you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,” (1 Peter 1:8) The word “joy” in Greek is “chara” which is derived from “grace”. Joy stems from the grace of God. The phrase “joy inexpressible” in Greek is “aneklaleto” which means that words fail to describe this joy. It is an unspeakable kind of joy. It is a joy that cannot be fully expressed. It is certainly a joy that is full of glory. But it is glorious kind of joy that can be experienced. This Christmas, no matter what kind of challenges we would have to face, let us apply our faith. Let us go through these testing and prove our faith genuine, that we may have a special sense of joy, rejoicing with joy inexpressible and fully of glory.

Back to Article Listing