Choice 4: 1 Peter 1–4. The Trial of Our Faith Is More Precious than Gold

Read 1 Peter 1:1–9; 2:12, 15, 20–25; 3:11–16; 4:12–19. Write two to three paragraphs using the principles of these verses to explain to someone who says, “Life isn’t fair. Why do I have to have so many trials? I’m tired of being ridiculed by those who do not keep the commandments.”

*disclaimer: Sorry, I went a little overboard and have more than 3 paragraphs. I just had a lot to say. Hope you enjoy! 

Life isn’t meant to be fair. Yes that is harsh, but it is also reality. We are all here to experience different things that will build our character and make us stronger. Trials are here to help us appreciate the good times in life. We would not know joy if we didn’t know sorrow. 

We all have trials at some point in our lives. There is no way to avoid them. We simply just have to keep the faith and endure them well with patience as it says in 1^st Peter 4:13 "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." This scripture is simply saying that we are sometimes partakers of Christ’s sufferings because he suffered for us. We can be glad when we remember that he has already suffered for us and he knows what we have gone through. In those times we always have a friend we can count on for comfort.

As we suffer and go through trials we need to have a positive outlook on our situation so that we can better endure them. 1^st Peter 2:20 says: " ...but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." Hard times will come, but if we endure those times with patience then God will be happy with us and very proud of our faith in Him. 

We also need to follow Christ’s example. Many people ridiculed him for being who he was. Those who crucified him obviously didn’t like what he stood for and we may know many people in our lives now who don’t like us because of what we stand for. However, we need to have Christ’s attitude towards these people. Instead of trying to get back at them we simply should commit ourselves even more to our faith as Christ did. This is mentioned in 1^st Peter 2 verse 23: "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:" We should be happy and unafraid to suffer for Christ’s name sake as it says in these two verses 1^st Peter 3:14 "But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye..." and 1^st Peter 4:16 "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."

So, yes, life isn’t fair. People who don’t live God’s laws will ridicule you. It is up to us to be stronger than they. We have to be the bigger person and stand strong. Christ only wants us to gain experience here on earth so that we can be stronger and help build His kingdom. He has a plan for all of us and He can see the bigger picture. All the trials placed in our path are for our good and for our profit and learning. God always has a purpose, and this is why we must pass through so many trials in this life. 

 

Hebrews 13. Works of Righteousness

Paul concluded his epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements of counsel. Read Hebrews 13 and find statements about the following questions:

• How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds”?

Verse two says: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers…” The footnote for entertain says hospitality. So we should be hospitable to strangers. Verse 3 says: “Remember them that are in bonds.” The footnote here references back to Matthew 25:36 which says: “Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” So, we need to remember those who are in need and serve them to the best of our ability. 

• How is marriage looked upon?

Verse four tells us: “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled…”

• What warnings are given about covetousness?

Verse five explains that we need to be content with what we have and that our conversations should be “without covetousness.”

• What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever because he remains constant, as does His church and His doctrine. They all remain the same in truthfulness.

• How are we sanctified?

Verse twelve explains that Jesus Christ has sanctified us with His blood. In other words we are sanctified because of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

• How do we respond to those who rule over us?

In verse 17 we learn that we should “obey them that have rule over you, and submit yourselves…” We should show respect to those who rule over us by obeying what they tell us to do.

• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

In verse 18 Paul says: “Pray for us…" meaning to pray for him and the other apostles.