1 Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you:… I. THE CONNECTION OF RELIGION WITH TRIAL — "Do not wonder at the burning which is to try you." It is no wonder; it is a natural consequence. 1. Is it likely God would commit the keeping of His honour and glory into the hands of untested witnesses? 2. Is it likely that God would give the work of saving souls to untried emissaries? 3. Is it likely God would admit to His eternal kingdom unproved citizens? By no means. II. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN TRIAL AND SUFFERING — "The burning." What more potent picture of suffering than that which is expressed by this terrible word? III. THE CONNECTION OF SUFFERING WITH JOY. Strange apparent inconsistency! — "Think it not strange, but rejoice." We may gather — 1. That anything which brings us into harmony with Christ is to be desired. Suffering brings us into sympathy with Him. We appreciate the sacrifice which His atonement entailed when we feel something of its consequences. 2. That the only true way to triumph is through the vale of tears. Christ became Conqueror through submitting. IV. THE CONNECTION OF JOY WITH GLORY — "For the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you." (J. J. S. Bird, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: |
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