trial – Ministry of Grace Church

the Lord knows to rescue devout ones from trials and to keep the unrighteous for the day of judgment, being punished.

Truth to Learn

If you’re a Christian, God is your master and you are his servant.

Behind the Words

The word translated “Lord” in the first verse of this chapter is despotēs, from which we get our English word “despot.” It means “one who possesses supreme authority.”

“Trials” in this verse is from peirasmos, which means “a putting to the test.” This word is only used in the New Testament with regard to people.

The word “judgment” is from the Greek word, krisis, which means “a tribunal.” It most often refers to condemnation.

Meaning Explained

Peter now returns to his message about false teachers. In the preceding few verses he gave us examples of how God dealt with people who rejected His lordship like the false teachers have. Now he makes a summary statement about this notion.

Before we look at it, though, let’s spend a minute talking about what it is that the false teachers have done wrong. The answer is back in verse one, “denying the Lord who bought them.” The root of their problem, Peter says, is that they refused to submit to the Lordship of the One who paid for their sins. Rather than believing that God is all powerful and able to do as He pleases, these teachers tried to bring God down to their own level.

This is nothing more than “big man, little god” theology which has been espoused by churches throughout the ages. It has been expressed in many ways, most of which sound reasonable, some of which are well intentioned, and some are out and out heresies. Whatever the case, the ultimate result is to draw people away from the type of relationship that God wants into the type of relationship that man thinks he wants.

One of the subtle points that Peter is making is that God is the one in control, not man. We are not able to control these false teachers, but God is able. That’s what these examples that Peter has just given us are all about. He now makes the summary statement, not only does God know how to deliver the godly out of temptation, but He also knows how to keep the ungodly from escaping. They will be judged and they will be punished!

It’s interesting that this verse does not say that God will keep us from being tested; it says that when we are tested God will deliver us out of it. He will deliver the Godly out of their time of testing, but He will not allow the unjust ones, those who deny His lordship, to escape the Day of Judgment. That is, the Great White Throne Judgment at the end of days where all the ungodly will be cast into the lake of fire.

The point is that these false teachers, who are teaching a theology laden with humanistic ideas and subtly denying who is really in supreme control, will eventually be judged by the Master himself.

Application

God is not looking for eloquent leaders; He is looking for submitted and committed followers. He is the Lord and Master and He wants His followers to recognize Him as their Master and to proclaim this truth. Is that what you do?

In God's service, for His glory,

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

Truth to Learn

Christians have suffered for their faith throughout history. Therefore, don’t think it strange if it happens to you.

Behind the Words

The expression “do not think it strange” comes from two Greek words, mē and a form of xenidzo. Mē means “not” and the verb zenidzo means “to think of something as strange.” This verb is expressed in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The words “fiery trial” are translated from purōsis, which refers specifically to “the act of smelting metals.” Figuratively, it refers to any time of intense trial.

“Which is to try you” is translated from peirasmon humin ginomenē. The word peirasmon refers to “a trial or temptation,” that is, “a time of testing.” The word humin means “you (plural).” And ginomenē is the present participle of the verb meaning “to begin” or “to come about.” Hence, this expression can be translated as “a trying time which is currently coming upon you.”

Meaning Explained

Peter now returns again to the theme that he has been repeating throughout this letter, suffering for righteousness sake. It is true that the Christians in the early church suffered persecution repeatedly at the hands of jealous Jews and tyrannical Roman rulers. But members of the Church have suffered persecution throughout history. In fact, there have been few times in history when the church has not suffered persecution, so Peter’s message is relevant for all generations of believers.

Consider, after all, the spiritual warfare that is going on, and has been going on in the heavenlies since time began. Satan and his demons have been opposed to God’s plan and His faithful servants from the beginning. We sometimes think it a strange thing that we are coming under heavier and heavier attack from the humanists and secularist who want to get God out of our school systems and out of our government. But wasn’t this country founded on Christian ideals and values? Of course it was. However, that doesn’t mean that our enemy won’t do everything in his power to neutralize God’s influence. Actually, in this country we have had such religious freedom for the past 250 years that we think all of history has been like that. Not so, I’m afraid.

And, there are places in the world right now where Christians are being persecuted and murdered simply because they believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins.

The time is coming when, even in this country, Christians will be persecuted and caused to suffer simply for believing in the Creator-God and the sacrificial atonement of His Son. So Peter’s message is just as relevant to us today as it has been throughout history. Therefore, don’t think it strange if it happens to you.

Application

Let’s proclaim the message of freedom and salvation, though it may fall on deaf ears, even if it means that we will be persecuted and suffer for it. And if you do suffer, don’t think it unusual, give Him the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: trial

2 Peter 2:9 – Lord and Master?

1 Peter 4:12 – Christian Suffering, Not Unusual