I Peter 1

Is it sensible to expect that when you are going through times of trial and trouble, you can rejoice?

The Bible consistently calls the Christian into an experience of rejoicing. “Rejoice evermore” and “count it all joy” are common expressions of the Scripture given to us.

Tonight, we are going to seek to see through this Scripture passage why rejoicing is the privilege of every Christian, regardless of the circumstances.

• The background for rejoicing (I Peter 1:1-5)
  • New birth
  • Great mercy
  • Rich inheritance
  • Protective power of God

The question we must raise is, in my life, do I rejoice because of my circumstances or because of my Lord?

• The test of rejoicing (I Peter 1:6)
  • Testing can be difficult
    • Peter says we may sometimes be in distress during testing.
      • Pain
        • Mental or physical
      • Grief
      • Heaviness
  • The testing may be intense
  • It is temporary
  • It is productive (Hebrews 12:11)
    • Chastening
• The benefits of rejoicing (I Peter 1:7)
  • Proves our relationship to Christ
  • Expresses the value of our Christian walk
    • More precious than gold
  • Allows us to give God proper honor

Thus, rejoicing is a privilege of every Christian regardless of the circumstances. When we consider all our Lord has done, and what He is doing, and what yet stands ahead of us, we can rejoice.