THE TRIALS OF THE WAY ( 1 Peter 1)

THE TRIALS OF THE WAY ( 1 Peter 1)

The following is a suggestive outline on the special theme of suffering in 1 PETER:

Suffering as a trial of faith (1:6, 7)

Christ’s predicted sufferings (1:11)

Suffering for conscience’ sake (2:19).

Christ’s suffering, our example (2:21–23)

Suffering for righteousness’ sake (3:14)

Christ suffered for our sins (3:18)

Suffering to cease from sin (4:1)

Partakers of Christ’s sufferings (4:13)

Suffering as a Christian (4:16)

Suffering for a limited time (5:10)

There is nothing fatalistic or arbitrary about election as taught in the Scriptures. The gospel is to be preached to all, and all who believe it may be assured that they are numbered among the elect. Through the Spirit’s sanctification—that is, His separating work, men are awakened and brought to see their need of Christ. When in the obedience of faith they appropriate the privilege of finding shelter beneath the sprinkled blood of Jesus, they are forever safe from the judgment which their sins deserve. - H. A. IRONSIDE  

It is noticeable how closely the words of verse 3 are linked to Ephesians 1:3. Both begin in exactly the same way, by blessing, or extolling the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. But as the passages in the two Epistles continue they unfold altogether different aspects of truth. In Ephesians the believer is seen as seated together in the heavenlies in Christ. This is the New Testament antitype of Canaan, the inheritance which is ours already. On the other hand, Peter shows us the believer as journeying on to Canaan rest which is at the end of the way. Both aspects are true, and the one never contradicts the other. As to our standing we are in Christ in the heavenlies; as to our state we are pilgrims marching on to glory. - H. A. IRONSIDE  

Faith must be tested, otherwise it could not be verified. So we need not fear when our faith is exposed to trial that it indicates any displeasure on God’s part toward us. Rather it indicates His deep interest in and concern for us. For just as gold is tried in the fire in order to separate it from the dross, so faith, which is much more precious than gold that perisheth, must be tested in order that it may be found unto praise and honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ from heaven. - H. A. IRONSIDE  

Redemption is a work which was accomplished by Christ Jesus on Calvary, and is therefore, so far as we are concerned, entirely objective. But regeneration, or new birth, is subjective. It is a work done in us by the Word and the Spirit of God. - H. A. IRONSIDE