Priorities for Hard Times

1 Peter 2

Hard times are a reality to all people and no one is exempt.  Furthermore, such occasions can even become especially dangerous to a child of God.  Because of the pain, some believers fall behind in their growth, brake vital spiritual ties, and generally live in rebellion or become rather toxic in their relationships. To avert such spiritual catastrophes, Peter exhorts Christians to focus on three healthy responsibilities for all believers that will help us face these trials God’s way.  First of all he mentions spiritual growth, then he proceeds to godly associations, and then finally he deals extensively with one primary spiritual attitude in times of hardness—submission to God. Beloved, these are high priorities for hard times.

Since Peter had explained that new life begins with the Word of God, he now shows how that life is sustained and nourished by the Word.  Spiritual growth is not automatic in the spiritual realm; it requires discipline and determination regarding our internal attitudes and our external disciplines.  Like a baby desires milk, the Christian should feed his hunger for the Word consistently.  Believers must feed regularly and generously on the Bible. The Word is always a major contributor to authentic growth in Christ! Through systematic reading, study, and meditation believers will grow as we exercises ourselves in obedience to God. Yes, I believe we need to be deeply impressed with this priority and its applicability to hard times. Yes, God uses good churches, pastors, teachers, and Bible study tools to alley our growth, but He also uses difficulties, trying seasons, and painful circumstances to develop us into mature Christians.

Too often we allow the wrong kind of things to feed our souls and our hunger for the Word is filled by or with junk food.  Feelings of malice and guile along with actions of hypocrisy and evil speech can actually destroy a spiritual appetite if left unchecked. But, God wants us, through the Word, to frequently taste and recognize how gracious our Lord truly is.  The result will certainly be advancement in the Lord instead of backsliding.

Next Peter deals with the Christian’s privileged associations. One constant threat to progress in Christ is unholy relationships and the influence of godless friends. Clearly there is something defining and controlling about knowing who you are, or having a clear perspective of one’s identity.  Peter reminds believers that we are intimately associated with none other than Jesus Christ, God’s chosen and elect Stone.  We are with Him!  Through this fellowship, God communicates strength, direction, and wisdom to live in a manner consistent with being Jesus’ close associates.

Now in spite of the rejection of men, primarily Israel’s religious leaders, Jesus Christ was selected and precious to God for the construction of a new spiritual house, nation, and people of God. Christ is the foundation, pinnacle, and center of all God is building today.  Believers are associated with Him by faith and sinners stumble over Him through unbelief.  Christ is essential to God’s purposes in redemption and believers association with each other. Though we may experience harsh rejection by unsaved family members and old friends because of our stand with Jesus, we still belong to God! Like so many of you, I have felt the sting of rejection by a few loved ones and old friends, but in Christ I am never alone.

While Christians do not replace Israel in the prophetic plan of God, during this age, believers fulfill the very same role God designed for Israel. Therefore believers are described as a “spiritual house, an holy priesthood.”  This is how God spoke of Israel because they were to bear witness to this fallen world of Him. Witnessing to the grace and glory of God is our responsibility today also. We are living stones in God’s building because of faith and association with Jesus Christ the Living Stone.  We have purpose and meaning as servants of God and a collective mission as fellow priests, lively stones, “the people of God,” and a “holy nation.”  Identity and unity goes hand in hand with spiritual progress. No one can grow to maturity alone; believers need each other to fulfill God's plan individually and collectively. Identity and purpose are the benefits of healthy enthusiastic association with God and His people. Do not permit your troubles or challenges to isolate you from other faithful believers or your church home. Do not allow your circumstances to change who you truly are...You are still God's beloved child when life hurts...even when the pain is deep and pervasive. God designed these 'spiritual family relationships' to be mutually supportive and strengthening.

Not only are advancement and association important focuses for God’s people in times of struggle, but so is our heart’s attitude towards relationships outside of the family of God. In unfair and hard circumstances we can be swept away by our fallen and carnal nature if we are not on guard. Nothing challenges our faith like enduring personal injustices; such experiences stimulate the worst in us. In this light, Peter commands us to sustain a good honest testimony among the lost for the glory of God.  Beloved, insist on being godly and doing right even if the waters rise and the stars fall from the skies! We do not have to capitulate to the low life because everyone else is. God's people are further instructed to submit to the just laws of our civil government and encouraged to show proper respect to public officials and administrative authorities. We do this as submissive servants of God, and not merely to people. We live for something and someone far greater than the country we are citizens in. Peter also tells them and us to practice patient submission to God even if believers are slaves with a harsh master. The unrighteous behavior of authorities, does not negate respectful responses for genuine Christians. Does this seem unreasonable and utterly detestable to you? Actually, such counsel was executed by the Lord Jesus Himself...God is not asking you and me to do something He has not endured Himself. Beloved, this is the believer’s calling to follow the example of Christ Who did not resort to backbiting, reviling, and threats when mistreated because He had wisely deposited Himself in the care of God the righteous Judge. We must do likewise as a matter of trust in God's justice. In doing so Christ paid for our sins in order to make righteous living possible for believers.  We should no longer be marked as straying and wondering sheep, but instead those who have returned to “the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.” Yes, much good...great good...eternal good can come out of such suffering and inequity.

Advancements in spiritual growth, enthusiastically associating with Christ and God’s people, and our attitude towards the lost people around us must be the focus of the child of God. It is difficult to remain focused when our circumstances are less then desirable, but believers must focus on these God-given priorities.  By doing so we will build consistency, deepen commitment, and shape godly character even when it hurts to press on.  Stay in the Bible, live and serve in spiritual unity with other believers, and live submissively in all other relationships. Commit the keeping of your soul to your faithful and fair-minded Father-God. These are the crucial points of focus in the good times and the bad times. So, even in hard times continue to monitor spiritual advancement, associations, and your attitudes towards authorities as fundamental concentrations. These remain viable priorities during the difficult days, months, and years.

Indescribable Joy!

1Peter 1:6-12

Subject: Joy in Salvation

Theme:  the magnificent truths of our salvation give us reason to greatly rejoice.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 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: 8 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: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.10 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:6-12, KJV)

Introduction:

Though spiritual joy seems elusive, it can be known and experienced by the people of God. One key is to focus our attention on the Lord and the great salvation He has wrought on our behalf. Yes, the truth that we are saved through such magnificent expressions of God’s infinite grace is solid reason to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory!

You see, Beloved, we can rejoice in the truth that God chose us (1:2), the Spirit sanctified us, and Jesus shed His precious blood for us (1:2). We can rejoice in the fact that we have been born again unto a living HOPE secure for us through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus (1:3). Even more so we can rejoice in the incredible inheritance God has stored up and reserved in Heaven for us (1:4). Lastly, but not least, we can rejoice in the security God affords us as saved individuals. He keeps us by His awesome mighty everlasting “power” unto the complete promise of salvation (glorification) is realized (1:5)! “Wherein” we greatly rejoice!

Yes, we are encouraged to act on this wonderful insight; to govern ourselves in full accordance with what God has stated. Beloved, put this knowledge into practice…rejoice! Our response to the tremendous theological truths taught so far should be that of greatly rejoicing.  Note the insight of Walvoord, a recognized Bible teacher,

Knowledge alone cannot produce the great joy of experiential security and freedom from fear in the face of persecution. God’s omnipotent sovereignty needs to be coupled with human responsibility. Christians are responsible to respond in faith. Faith turns sound doctrine into sound practice. Faith acts on the content of theology and produces conduct that corresponds to that content. Faith makes theological security experiential. The Apostle John wrote, “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). This kind of faith or living hope can enable believers to rejoice even when they are called on to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary)

Beloved, it is time to get your praise on and greatly rejoice! While it is good to know this stuff intellectually, it is time to mingle some faith with that knowledge and praise God in light of the awesome salvation and hope we have in Jesus Christ!

Furthermore, God’s people are to rejoice in the “salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1:5). While can rejoice in what the Lord has already done for us, here we are challenged to rejoice in what He will do in the future. The “the last time,” (1:5) refers to when we receive our glorified bodies at the Rapture. “Rejoice” here is pointing to extreme joy expressing itself externally in an exuberant triumphant articulation of joy. Beloved, this is a glorified joy made possible by our future glorified state, a joy not possible now in our mortal bodies. We would likely hurt something if we tried to fully express this boundless joy in our present state!

It was Kenneth Wuest, a noted theologian of yesteryear who said, “Tears of joy are just an evidence of the inability of our present state to fully feel the joy that comes to us at times. But then in our bodies of glory we will be able to drink in and appreciate all the boundless joys of the Saviour’s presence.” 

Beloved, this extraordinary salvation we have in Christ Jesus gives us many reasons to rejoice. This potent joy will strengthen us through the hard times we must face in this life. Notice two wonderful facts about our Joy in Salvation (1:6-12).

Message:

I.                  We Can Rejoice In Spite of the Pressures (1Pet. 1:6-9).

A.     We Still Have Seasons of Heaviness because of Many Trials (6).

                                                1.      Trials are Seasonal.

i.         “Season” (1:6) means “little, small, few,” and refers to a little while. Surely, this present life is a little while compared to eternity.

ii.       The fact is our loving Lord God sees to it that in the midst of the shadows and heartaches and trials, we His children will have our days of sunshine even in this life.

iii.      Beloved, though we will suffer and are often grieved, it is still only for a little while compared to the glorious eternity awaiting us (1:6). Beloved, I submit to you, that you can rejoice in this. Trials cannot last forever, but our salvation will!

                                                2.      Trials are Necessary. The words “if need be” are hypothetical, not affirmative. That is, they do not state that there is always a need for the dark days, for testing times and difficulties.

i.         In some lives there seems to be more need of trials than in others. To those servants of God whom He purposes to use in a larger, greater way, many trials are allowed to come, for “we must be ground between the millstones of suffering before we can be bread for the multitude.”

ii.       And then, in the case of a saint who is not living close to his Lord, it is necessary to send disciplinary trials to purge his life of sin and draw him into a closer walk with God.

                                                3.      Trials are Grieving.

i.         The words “ye are in heaviness” (1:6) mean “we have been made sorrowful.” Just because our pain is real does not cancel the reality of or the source of our joy. It is wrong to expect to be happy all the time…free of any pains. It is correct to grieve when the occasion requires tears; however, we never grieve as those with no real hope. We do not despair because the Lord has given us reason to hope beyond our tears.

ii.       The idea of a “temptations” (1:6) refers to both temptations and testings. Yes, even solicitations to do evil, can test our character. The trials may come from God or under His permissive will from Satan. They may be the result of our own wrong doing as well. The solicitations to do evil come from the world, the evil nature, or Satan.

iii.      WHY ME?

The problem has vexed philosophers since they first asked questions: Why does an all-powerful, good God permit suffering? To which most people add: “And if someone has to suffer, why me?” Instead of answering these questions on the philosophical level, Christians face suffering by adopting a new set of responses:

a.       Confidence that God knows, plans, and directs our lives for the good. It's hard to calculate sometimes, but God always provides his love and strength for us. God leads us toward a better future.

b.       Perseverance when facing grief, anger, sorrow, and pain. Christians believe in expressing grief, but we should never give in to bitterness and despair.

c.       Courage because with Jesus as Brother and Savior, we need not be afraid. He who suffered for us will not abandon us. Jesus carries us through everything.

iv.     Instead of asking, “Why me?” respond to your trials with confidence, perseverance, and courage. (Source Unknown)

v.       No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.—William Penn

                                                4.       Trials are Multifaceted.

i.         Such trials are described as “manifold,” (1:6) that is they are variegated. This emphasizes the diversity rather than the number of the trials.

ii.       James mentioning “divers temptations” (Js. 1:2) is the same thought as “manifold temptations” (1Pet. 1:6). 

iii.      The trials may be relational, interpersonal, financial, occupational, educational, physical, spiritual, medical, social, or emotional. The list seems endless, but a tried and proven faith is more precious than gold.

B.     But, We Still Have A Living Hope That Results In A Present Joy (6-7).

                                                1.      Peter Emphasized How Christian Joy Is Uninfluenced By Circumstances.

i.         The trials themselves are seen as occasions for joy (Js. 1:2). Though trials may cause temporary grief, they cannot diminish that deep, abiding joy which is rooted in one’s living hope in Christ Jesus.

ii.      Peter pointed out that grief and joy can be simultaneous in the Christian life. Grief is the natural response to the difficulties in this fallen world, but faith looks forward to an eternity with God and rejoices. –The Life Application Commentary Series

                                                2.      Peter Emphasized that We Still Have Reason to Hope in Christ.

i.         According to 1 Peter 1:5 and 9, our inheritance is described as “salvation ready to be revealed.” Clearly we are already saved through faith in Christ (Eph. 2:8–9), but the completion of our salvation (glorification) awaits the return of the Lord Jesus for us in the Rapture. Through our Lord’s mighty rapturing power, we will receive new bodies and enter into a new environment, the heavenly city. Certainly, we can rejoice about finally seeing and being with our Lord! Surely we can rejoice in acquiring a new glorious body that is free of flaws and sin! Who can imagine the joy we will know as our minds, souls, and innermost being is completely loosed from sins power and influence! How wonderful it will be to become pure…entirely pure!

ii.         In 1 Peter 1:7, Peter called this hope “the appearing of Jesus Christ.” Paul called this “the blessed hope” (Titus 2:13).  What a thrilling thing it is to know that we were born for glory! When we were born again, we exchanged the passing glory of man for the eternal glory of God! –Wiersbe: The Bible Exposition Commentary

iii.      This article will continue with the next post referenced to 1 Peter 1:6-12.