In whom you rejoice, a little while now, if it is necessary to be, you are grieved by many trials, in order that the approval of your faith, more precious than gold that perishes, through fire indeed having been approved, may be found unto praise and a proper opinion and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6–7).
Our faith that is purified as through fire by being tested is more precious than the finest of gold. James writes concerning temptation in the lives of Christians. They are to count it joy when their faith is tested to determine its quality (James 1:3). This kind of test strengthens our faith by exposing its good qualities. When we are tempted—solicited to do something that lacks character—the only way we will overcome the enemy attacking us is to take God at His word. When the flesh pushes its desires upon us, we must use the truth to overcome it (Romans 6:3–6, 11, 13). For Satan, the armor must be applied correctly so that we can stand in the malignantly evil day (Ephesians 6:10–18). When it comes to the world and its desires, we recognize that the world’s desires are constantly passing away, but the one who does the will of God feels at ease in the age. Therefore, we use the world, but do not abuse it, for in Christ we are crucified to the world (1 John 2:17; 1 Corinthians 7:31; Galatians 6:14). When we do not take God at His word and follow deceptive teachings, we do not have victory over sin in our lives. Therefore, when tempted, we should focus on where we are taking God at His word and strengthen those areas. Happy is the man who endures a temptation (James 1:12).
When the Lord comes with the shout of the archangel and the trumpet of God calls the saints of the Church to meet Him in the air, the approval of our faith will bring praise and express a proper opinion of who we are in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Although these trials may be grievous at times, they do not compare to the proper opinion of God that will be revealed in us at the revelation of our Lord (Romans 8:18).
