“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. “1Peter 4:19
Concerning the fiery trial which is to try you:
- think it not strange, as though some strange thing happened unto you.
- rejoice, you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings;
- happy are you, the spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
- let us not be ashamed.
- glorify God on this behalf.
- commit the keeping of your souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
But what does the trial accomplish?
- it is to try you (as gold tried in the fire).
- that ye may be glad also with exceeding joy, when his glory shall be revealed.
- and the spirit of glory and of God to rest upon you:
How is it measured?
“Puroō,” the Greek word for “try” gives us the picture of burning as in Revelation 18:9, 18:18 Proverbs 27:21 “(As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. )” The trial brings heat, which praise reveals
Praise reveals the man. “If his own mouth praises him, as in Proverbs 27:1-2, he is known to be what he is, a foolish and vainglorious person.”( Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. “)
A second application goes, “So a man is proved by the mouth of him that praises him.” “if he is praised by good and virtuous men, he may be thought to be so himself; and if by wicked men, he may be concluded to be so likewise.” Gill
thirdly, “Or he is known by the effect that praise has upon him; if it swells him with pride, and makes him haughty, conceited, and overbearing, he will appear to be a weak and foolish man; but if he continues modest and humble, and studious and diligent to answer his character, thankful to God for what he has, and to whom he gives all the glory, he will approve himself a wise and good man. Gill
Bill Johnson— ‘If you don’t live by the praise of men you won’t die by their criticism.’
What does the trial require?
” …is a task of enormous difficulty. It requires the dead-lift of Omnipotence. Nothing less will suffice than the infinite grace of the Father, the blood of the Son, and the patience of the Holy Spirit.” F.B.Meyer
Rejoice , be happy, and do not be ashamed. 1Peter
2Timothy 1:8 comments, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” Paul stirs up Timothy to not be ashamed neither to fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 Fear can compel us to shame,
But Paul again, “nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
Finally, the trial requires committing the keeping of our souls unto Him.
1Peter 4:1 is helpful, “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind:”
What does this mind look like?
- But He made himself of no reputation,
- and took upon him the form of a servant,
- and was made in the likeness of men:
- he humbled himself,
- and became obedient unto death, Philippians 2
So what does one tried in the fire look like? He has not compromised truth at any cost. He has relinquished reputation and fame. He is clinging to his Savior, he dare not affirm his own strengths or powers. he does not react with fear which causes shame . He has deposited his soul in the bank of Jesus Christ. His daily prayer is for wisdom from above . Yes , even 100 times in a day . Love ya
