1 Peter 1:6-9 (NKJV) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
V6 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials…” The believers can rejoice in the promises of God (Hebrews 10:23) and Numbers 23:17, the ever presence of God (Hebrews 13:5), and the love of God (Romans 8:35). This life has spiritual, emotional, and physical temptations. If we are persecuted, then will we be faithful. It might be so severe that we want to quit. We must encourage each other by fellowship and prayer to stay faithful. The purpose of God’s allowing such things is in the next verse. God does not decree these afflictions, but He uses them and turns them around into a blessing.
V7 “…that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…” The various trials reveal the genuine of our faith. People don’t suffer and die for a lie, especially for a lie that had not been in existence for a short time (Peter writes this letter in the early to mid 60s AD). Anything that is genuine can be proven by the standard–an already proven thing. Is this watch genuine? Go to the manufacturer and compare them. Faith is more precious than gold, because money cannot buy salvation and money can be destroyed, lost, etc. The fire is the trial. All is known by the Lord Jesus. Praise, honor, and glory come for the Lord Jesus, the judge of the church. The place of His judgment is the Bema Seat (Romans 14:10-12, 1 Corinthians 3:10–4:5, and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10). The time for this judgment is after the Rapture. The judge is the Lord Jesus (John 5:22, John 5:27). The purpose is not for salvation but for rewards for faithfulness (Proverbs 28:20, 1 Samuel 26:23, Colossians 3:23-24, and Hebrews 10:35). The rewards are the crowns He will give.
The Five Crowns
- The Crown of victory: Like Paul we run the race even to our death and using self-discipline to continue living the Christian faith regardless of life’s challenges—1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
- The Crown of Rejoicing: sharing the Gospel—1 Thessalonians 2:19.
- The Crown of life: persevering afflictions, torture, difficulties, mockery, hate, abuse but continue—James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10.
- The Crown of Righteousness: for those who eagerly wait, long for, love, and pray for the Rapture and the coming of the Lord—2 Timothy 4:8.
- The Crown of Glory: for those in ministry whether great or little persevering and not deserting in difficult times and circumstances—1 Peter 5:1-4.
V8 “…whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory…” They believed the witnesses, which at that time were those who had seen Jesus in the flesh. We have the written records of His ministry in the 4 Gospels. Those 4 Gospels give the written record of the authentic Jesus.
V9 “…receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” The goal of our faith is: 1) the eternal salvation from God’s wrath and all the promises and 2) deliverance from all the trials and suffering in this earthly life.
We learn:
- Some effects of living a Christian life
- Some blessings that come or will come from suffering as a Christian
- Testing proves our faith and strengthens it
- Love for God is our motive