1 Peter 1:6,7

Rejoicing Despite Trials

They rejoiced because of all the things listed in verses 3-5. They rejoiced though they were enduring a time of heaviness brought on by the trials they were experiencing. Of course, the apostles, Paul and Silas also rejoiced in trials suffered for the Lord (Acts 5:40-42; Acts 16:23-25). Such rejoicing is possible because of Jesus' great promise in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:10-12). Verses such as James 4:14 and Hebrews 11:25 help one to understand the "little while" of this passage. Even if a Christian suffered throughout life, it would only be a little while compared to eternity (1 Peter 1:6; 2 Corinthians 4:17).

All Christians want to receive Christ's praise in the day of judgment (Matthew 25:21; Matthew 25:23; Matthew 25:34-36); the honor of a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:6-8); and the glory of living in heaven with God (Revelation 21:22-27). Because of that desire, the testing of one's faith is much more precious, or important, to him than the testing of gold. When gold goes through the fiery test, it comes out purified. The Christian's faith is very much like that gold (1 Peter 1:7; Romans 5:3-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5; James 1:2-4).