1Peter 1:6-9 In which you greatly rejoice, though for a little while now, if need be, you have been distressed by various trials, (7) so that the genuineness of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, though being tested with fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (8) Whom not having seen, you love, in whom now not seeing, but believing, you rejoice with inexpressible joy and glorified, (9) obtaining for yourselves the outcome your faith–the salvation of your souls.
Our faith is more precious than gold, and our faith is tested by fire. Here the apostle describes an inexpressible joy during the painful trial of fire – simultaneous pain and joy. What an enigma a Christian is.
ian.
Ian Vincent 
October 17, 2007 at 12:19 am
I want to touch one part of Ian’s point.
“but believing, you rejoice with inexpressible joy”
The scripture speaks for itself at arriving to the above point.
The trial of our faith is experienced in many ways….God knows what buttons to push to accomplish his ends. Yes, it is an an inexpressible joy. It’s a joy that resides so deep in our spirit that it can only be God birthed as we agree with the word of God and it’s purpose.
The purpose is to extend the love of God to the world and other saints. It’s a “where the rubber meets the road” application of we can only teach what resides in us.
October 17, 2007 at 12:59 am
Re: “…It’s a joy that resides so deep in our spirit that it can only be God birthed..”
Amen brother. The Word distinguishes between our soul and our spirit (Heb. 4:12).
Vs. 6. “…you greatly rejoice..” What kinda people were they???? Not, you “mildly” rejoice, but you “greatly” rejoice.
ian.
October 17, 2007 at 7:20 am
David was a man that had more then his fair share of problems.
Like us, he brought some of it on himself. However, through the things that happened in his life of trial by fire God, in his faithfulness, produced a reservoir of life in David that enabled him to realize the foundation that was laid.
1Sa 30:6 And it greatly distressed David, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, each one for his sons and for his daughters. But David encouraged himself in Jehovah his God.
In this present age when all manner of distress may come upon us to “rob, kill and destroy”, like David, if we learn the lesson of trial by fire we will have the ability to encourage ourselves in the Lord.
October 17, 2007 at 1:34 pm
No one treats me like Jesus treats me.
But one day, we will all treat one another as the Lord would have us to so do.
Oh, what a glorious day!