1 Peter Chapter 1
1 Peter 1:6-9 is a passage that reminds us that although we might be grieved by various trials, the genuineness of our faith will be like gold that passes through fire and is purified.
Through trials, we are able to better understand the state of our faith, and are able to grow in faith as well. When everything is going smooth sailing for us, it is easy to proclaim our faith, to proclaim our love for God. When we suffer and are in great pain, it becomes much harder to make the conscious decision to continue to love and have faith in Him regardless of our circumstances, regardless of whether He delivers us from what we are facing or not.
And when we are able to choose to cling on to the cross with a sure and steadfast hope (Heb 6:19), when we know we are just pilgrims on the earth and desire a better heavenly country (Heb 11:13-16), when we are able to count in all joy even as we face various trials (James 1:2), then we know our faith in God is genuine, and not just dependent on how smooth-sailing our lives are.
What does this faith refer to? Verse 8 tells us: Although we have not seen Him, yet despite our sufferings we continue to love Him; although we do not see Him, yet we believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible joy. This faith is crucial because it leads to the salvation of our souls (v.9).
However, 1 Peter 1 goes beyond just enduring hardships and sets the requirements a step further.
The second half of this chapter focuses on the need for us to remain holy. The God who has called us to salvation and given us hope is holy, so we too, ought to be holy. Verses 18 to 19 tell us that we have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ. Since we have received such a great grace and are no longer ignorant, we should no longer be conforming ourselves to our former lusts (v. 14). So, amidst all our sufferings in this life, we are expected to remain holy as well!
At this point we may wonder – bearing our hardships is already such a daunting task! And now we are required to lead a holy life as well? It really is not easy.
After all, Jesus said that narrow and difficult is the way to eternal life. But how are we to find strength to lead such a life that is victorious over suffering and over sin? Scattered throughout 1 Peter 1, we can find the answer.
Peter opens the letter by reminding us how according to His abundant mercy, we now have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus. We have an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, one that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for us (v.3-4)!
We are not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold (which are no doubt very expensive!). But rather we are redeemed by something even more previous – the blood of Christ (v.18-21). Knowing how difficult this path of holiness is, God shows us His mercy by sending the Holy Spirit to be our Helper and Counselor.
Life is indeed full of suffering. Amidst all the hardships that we face, we may find ourselves lacking in strength to continue to remain holy or lead a life pleasing to Him. But let us persevere in living a life that is acceptable to God.
Let us persevere through sufferings, persevere to be holy, and God is faithful – He will help and strengthen us to face whatever comes our way.
