Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you. 1 Peter 4:12 Peter starts off here with the word 'Beloved'. What a term of endearment, it is from the form of love that is God's divine love - agapētos. You could translate it to be 'divinely loved ones'. Peter uses this word as a descriptive title, reminding the recipients of this letter, who were going through much suffering because of persecution, that they were loved in the heart of God. What a beautiful comforting thought! Peter goes on to say, 'concerning the fiery trial which is to try you'. 'Fiery' literally means burning, the word used here refers to a smelting furnace where gold and silver are purified. What a perfect description of what going through fiery trials does to us; it is a purifying experience. Picture this; refining gold from the ore involves a process in which the ore is tried or melted in order to separate pure gold from the other elements. It is a very complex process where all the impurities are removed. Peter is telling us that the fiery trial is a refining process rather than divine judgment. It is going to strengthen our faith as we lean on Jesus Christ.
Peter said in 1 Peter 1:6-7 'In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 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'. God's plan for your life often, but not always, includes pain and hardship. When trials come, we are not to be surprised, he writes, it is normal. As we suffer for Christ's sake, our lives will be refined and our faith strengthened.
Welcome to Empowered Bible Studies
Bible study is essential to our Christian walk. As we study God's Word, our personal relationship with God grows deeper and deeper. It empowers us to live for the Lord in every aspect of our lives. This is what has inspired me to do an online Bible study.
Many years ago my husband introduced me to a commentary on the book of Colossians and I was so blessed as the Scripture came to life before my very eyes. Since that day we have developed an extensive library and enjoy studying God's Word.
I have prepared some Bible studies that I would like to share with you. My prayer is that they will bless you as much as they have blessed me in preparing them. I pray your life is touched and that it would inspire you to live every moment of every day for Christ.
Please click on the link to the left under 'Empowered Bible Studies' for the Bible Study you would like to view.
Many years ago my husband introduced me to a commentary on the book of Colossians and I was so blessed as the Scripture came to life before my very eyes. Since that day we have developed an extensive library and enjoy studying God's Word.
I have prepared some Bible studies that I would like to share with you. My prayer is that they will bless you as much as they have blessed me in preparing them. I pray your life is touched and that it would inspire you to live every moment of every day for Christ.
Please click on the link to the left under 'Empowered Bible Studies' for the Bible Study you would like to view.
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this inspires me so much!
ReplyDeletei am so blessed reading such great words...truly its inspiring!..truly it gives more wisdom...truly its add more strength...I love you ...LORD JESUS!..
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