trials – Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: trials

1 Peter 1:6 – Rejoice in Adversity

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Will

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

Truth to Learn

Even in the midst of difficult times we should be rejoicing that God has secured our salvation, forever!

Behind the Words

The word “rejoice” is translated from the Greek word agalliaō, which is a compound of agan, meaning “much” and a form of hallomai, meaning “to leap.” Hence, it literally means “much leaping.” By application, it refers to abundant joyful celebration. In the Greek text, this word is immediately followed by oligos, which means “much” or “greatly.”

The phrase “you have been grieved” is from the Greek word, lupeo which means “to be in distress” or “to be sad.”

“Various” is translated from poikilos, which means “variegated.” This is the word used to describe the skin of a leopard or the different colored shadings in marble. Hence, though the word “various” is an accurate translation, it refers to “various different kinds,” not just “a number of.”

The word “trials” is from the Greek word peirasmos which can mean “to entice” or “to tempt.” By implication it means temptations or adversities in general. This is different from the word translated “tested” in the following verse (dokimadzō), which means “to test or evaluate in order to ascertain value.”

Meaning Explained

Peter is saying, “In this new birth, which can’t be lost, and this guaranteed salvation which you have, you are greatly rejoicing …” He is not so much making a doctrinal statement as he is making a statement of fact. Apparently the people to whom he is writing had already demonstrated their rejoicing in their salvation and inheritance. And this is made even more noteworthy considering the trials that they were currently undergoing.

So what Peter is saying is that these people were rejoicing in the assurances they have from God in spite of the fact that they were currently undergoing distress or sadness from the temptations and adversities that they were suffering. It is clear from the next verse that they were not sad as a result of being tempted to do evil. They were saddened by the pain of the adversity they were undergoing, even though this adversity was causing their faith to be strengthened.

As Paul said:

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Application

We all undergo adversities and trials in our Christian walk. One of the keys to peace and happiness is the realization that these are only temporary and they may result in even greater glory as we allow them to refine our faith and give the glory to God alone.

Are you undergoing adversities which are producing sadness in your life? Peter says, “Rejoice!”

In God's service, for His glory,

James 1:2 – Joyful in Trials

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Will

My brothers, consider it all joy when you fall into various trials,

Truth to Learn

Trials come to make us stronger Christians. They are not to be feared and avoided. They are to be embraced and endured.

Behind the Words

“Count” is translated from a form of the Greek word hēgeomai, which literally means “to go forth” or “to lead the way.” Metaphorically, however, it means “to lead out before the mind.” In other words, it can be translated as “to view, regard, esteem, count, consider, or reckon.” The interesting thing about this verb is that it is not written in the imperative mood. In other words, it is not a command, but an instruction (a lesson to be learned).

The word translated “joy” could also be translated as “calm delight,” “gladness,” or “happiness.” It is translated from charan, which is the noun form of the same word with which James ended the previous verse.

The expression “fall into” is from the Greek word peripiptō, which is a compound word made up of peri meaning “around” or “about” and piptō meaning “to fall.” Hence, this word means “to fall into the midst of something so as to be totally surrounded by it.”

The word translated “trials” is from the Greek, peirosmos which refers to “a trial, temptation, or a putting to proof by means of experimentation.”

Meaning Explained

Once again, James shows his humility by referring to his readers as “brothers.” Notice that there is no pretense with James about being a bishop writing to ordinary Christians. That’s because in Christ there is no distinction between priests and lay believers as some churches teach today. We are all equal in the body of Christ.

In the previous verse James gave his greeting with an expression of joy and delight. That’s precisely what he wants for us, and that’s how he wants us to respond to the everyday trials that come into our lives.

The main point of James’ message to his brothers (and sisters) in Christ is that we should not complain about the fact that we are being bombarded by all sorts of situations that try our patience and our faith, even though we repeatedly stumble. Rather, he says, we should consider it delightful because of what it will produce in us. Just as a jeweler has to strike and abrade a precious stone to bring out the best in it, so each of us needs difficulties and trials to help us grow into the type of servant of God who is more Christ-like.

And, just as a plant grown indoors away from any wind cannot survive outside because it has no strength, so we need challenging and toughening to make us stronger servants of the Lord. That way we can stand strong for Him in the life He has given us. Without continual trials and testing we, too, become weak and unable to stand in the midst of a sinful world.

Application

Don’t complain when things seem difficult spiritually, physically, or emotionally. Instead, count it as a joyful thing, and thank God for the opportunity to be made more like His Son!

The next time you feel like saying “Why, God! Why are You letting this happen to me?” try saying, “Thank you, God, for helping me to become more like Jesus Christ” and ask “What do you want me to learn from this, Lord?”

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 5:4 – Rejoice in Hope

Posted on January 1, 2010 by Will

Romans 5:4

and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Truth to Learn

Difficulties should give us hope and assurance of our salvation.

Behind the Words

“Character” is translated from the Greek word dokimē, which is derived from the verb dokimadzō, meaning “to test for the purpose of finding good.” It is the word used of testing gold to ascertain its value. Hence, dokimē refers to the quality that a person has after they have been tested and proven to be good or worthy. In that sense it means “proof of genuineness, trustworthiness or character (as it is translated here).”

This word “hope” is from a Greek word that we have looked at recently. It is the word elpida, which is a form of elpis, meaning “the desire of obtaining something good with the full expectation of obtaining it.” It is the type of hope that Christians have of being resurrected to eternal life. We certainly desire it and we have full expectation that it will happen because God has promised it to us.

Meaning Explained

Paul has been describing for us the effects of the justification we have through grace. One effect is that we have peace with God. Another is that we have access into grace, that is the throne of grace and the eternal effects of grace by which we have access to the mercy and presence of God. Also, because of our justification by grace, we rejoice in tribulation, which produces patience in us.

Paul now tells us that the patience we develop in times of tribulation, as it gets reinforced over and over again, produces character. Patiently enduring tribulation is a proof to us that the righteousness that God has bestowed on us is genuine.

This character, or proof of genuineness, then creates hope in us. Hence, the patient enduring of tribulation produces a proof of the genuineness of our faith (our righteousness) and knowing that this is genuine, we have a confident expectation that what God has promised He will certainly do.

If you think about it, believing His promise is what we did initially that resulted in God declaring us righteous. So, patiently enduring tribulation strengthens our faith. That’s why we can rejoice in tribulation! It is through tribulation and trials that our faith grows and we are being made more Christ-like.

In a sense, the trials that continually come our way are a confirmation that our salvation is real. And, as we encounter trials, we turn to our Heavenly Father for strength and wisdom, thus drawing us closer to Him. God does not isolate His children from difficulties; He graciously allows trials to help us grow.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul tells us that God will continue His work on us until the day He comes back:

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)

Application

The next time you go through a difficult situation (perhaps it’s right now), be patient. Give thanks to God that He loves you and wants you to grow stronger, becoming more like Christ. And, when these trials come, rejoice!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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2 Peter 2:9 – Lord and Master?

Posted on May 14, 2009 by admin

2 Peter 2:9

if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.

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 verse one is despotes, from which we get our English word “despot.” It means “one who possesses supreme authority.”

“Temptation” in this verse is from peirasmos, which means “a putting to the test.” This word is only used of people.

The word “judgment” is from the Greek word, krisis, which means “a tribunal.”

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 just as 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 that 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 which Peter has just given us are all about. He now makes the summary statement that 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,

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