The Christians
to whom Peter the apostle wrote were “kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time”.
Peter told them they were to receive “an inheritance
incorruptible, undefiled that fades not away”, and in verse six
of the first chapter of his letter, he mentioned “a season”
of “manifold temptations” where we read:
Wherein
you greatly rejoice, though now for a season,
if need
be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
The
verse begins, “Wherein you greatly
rejoice, though now for a season,...” Peter
began with the word, “wherein”
which means “in, by or with” “you
greatly rejoice”
which is the Greek phrase “hos agalliaō”
and means “exult or be exceedingly glad”, “though
now” or
“just now, this moment or at this time” “for
a season”
which refers to a “little, small, few in number, quantity or size
time, degree or intensity”. Peter knew the Christians to whom he
was writing were “kept by the power
of God”
and had the “hope of an inheritance
incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away”
which is “reserved in heaven for”
them, but he also knew they were in the midst of “a
season” of
trial which he discloses in the next part of this verse.
The
verse continues, “...if need be, you are in heaviness
through manifold temptations:” Peter added, “if need be”
or “it is necessary, brought on by circumstances or the conduct of
others, duty or equity”, “you are in heaviness” which
means “made sorrowful, afflicted with sadness, caused to grieve,
offended and made uneasy” “through manifold” or “diverse
and various sorts, variegated” “temptations” which
means “an experiment, trial and proving”. Peter extended the
possibility that it would not be necessary for the Christians to go
through “trials”, however, he knew they were “in
heaviness” and made sorrowful because there were various
“temptations” they endured.
When
we meditate upon Peter's words, we may be able to identify with the
“manifold temptations” or trials of which he wrote. Though
we have the hope of “an inheritance incorruptible, and
undefiled, and that fades not away”, there will be “diverse”
“temptations” along the way. These “trials” will cause
us to be “sorrowful and sad” and will at times make us “grieve”,
however, the Lord Jesus has a purpose in them. Peter will share what
that is in our next verse.
Next
time Peter shares about “the trial of faith” being
“found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing
of Jesus Christ:”, so read
ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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