God Uses Trials to Transform Us into the Image He Wants Us to Be!

≪Scripture≫ 1 Peter 1:1-5

Background

Peter, one of the disciples of Jesus, is the author of this epistle. He wrote this letter to a group of Christians scattered throughout the northern areas of Asia Minor. In this letter, Peter spoke much about persecution, which anticipated the persecution he and other Christians would endure in the final years of Nero’s reign. This epistle therefore contains guidance for us today on how we can live the Christian life even though life may be beset with problems.

The Japanese phrase "四苦八苦" (shikuhakku) is a four-character idiomatic compound that combines the terms "四苦" (shiku, meaning "four sufferings") and "八苦" (hakku, meaning "eight sufferings"). This expression is derived from Buddhist teachings and is used to describe experiencing extreme hardship or being in a state of great distress.

In a more detailed explanation:

"四苦" refers to the four fundamental sufferings in life, as identified in Buddhism: birth, aging, sickness, and death.
"八苦" expands on this by adding four more types of suffering: separation from loved ones, encountering what one dislikes, not getting what one desires, and suffering from the five aggregates (form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness).
Together, "四苦八苦" conveys the idea of going through various profound and fundamental hardships in life. It's often used to express a sense of deep trouble or difficulty that encompasses a broad range of human experiences.

the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan, which lasted from 1603 to 1868. His saying, "Life is just like walking a long way with a heavy burden. Never rush," reflects a deep philosophical view on life and its challenges.

A life without God is a life of burdens, hardship, and suffering. Then, is there no hardship and suffering in the life of a Christian who believes in God?

≪Point 2≫ The suffering of the churches in Asia Minor (excerpt from the First Epistle of Peter)

Peter's letter to the towns in Asia Minor gives us an idea of the many hardships Christians are facing.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, (1:6)
For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.(2:19)
But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,(3:14)
For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.(3:17)
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,(4:1)

Christians of that time were "under various trials," some suffered "unjustly," some "suffered for righteousness' sake," some "feared threats or had their hearts moved," some "suffered for doing good," and some "suffered in the flesh.

We Christians today may not be as afflicted as the Christians of that time, but we too may be in the midst of many problems. Parent-child and relationship problems, financial problems, health and illness problems, work problems... I think you are also in the midst of battles, even if the problems are different.

≪Point 3≫ New and severe persecution (excerpt from the First Epistle of Peter)

As we read further in the First Epistle of Peter, we are told that the churches in Asia Minor will be subjected to new and more severe persecution in addition to their current hardships.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (4:12)
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (4:14)
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (4:16)
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (5:8)

In addition to the tribulation in ≪Point 2≫ , Peter advises that a new and severe persecution is coming upon Christians, with "the fiery trial," "insult for the name of Christ," "suffering as Christians," and "the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (After writing this letter and the Second Letter of Peter, Peter is said to have been martyred by persecution by the Emperor Nero.)

We Christians must be prepared to suffer trials, condemnation, misunderstanding, and persecution from the world because of the name of Jesus. This is because the world is against God, and Satan, the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), will fight against Christians.

≪Point 4≫ Peter's exhortation (excerpt from the First Epistle of Peter)

Peter was placed in the midst of suffering, but he speaks words of encouragement to the churches of Asia Minor that are about to undergo suffering and persecution because of the name of Jesus. (4:12-5:14)

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (4:13)
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (4:14)
And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. (5:4)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, (5:6)
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (5:7)
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (5:10)

Peter encouraged the churches of Asia Minor, where tribulation and persecution were imminent, to "rejoice and be glad even as the glory of Christ appears," to "let the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, remain upon you," to "receive the crown of glory that will not wilt when the Great Shepherd appears," and to "be exalted at the right time. God will perfect you, make you stand firm, strengthen you, and make you steadfast.

I believe these words of encouragement are appropriate and empowering not only for the Christians in Asia Minor at that time, but for us, and for God's people and God's Church in the midst of suffering throughout all ages.

≪Point 5≫ Meaning and purpose of sufferings and tribulations

In ≪Point 4≫, we saw Peter's exhortation. Now do you understand why there are tribulations, trials, sufferings, and persecutions for God's people who believe in God and for God's church? In order to understand further, I would like you all to check it again, as it is discussed in detail in the November 5 partial service, "The Meaning of Trials". Here is a brief bullet list of what I learned.

･To receive trials as joy, we should look at them from God's point of view, not from human beings' point of view.
･We should always be mindful to walk with the Lord so that we will not be caught off guard.
･We should accept trials as an important part of the Christian life and a time of opportunity to rely on God.
･We are to accept trials as an opportunity to surrender our own strength, to rely completely on God, and to walk with Him.
･Trials are allowed to test our faith, to teach us perseverance, and to mold us into the image God wants us to be.
･Trials develop our spiritual muscles and give us the stamina and endurance to run the marathon of faith.
･Through trials, we are brought to perfection and experience the joy of the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Although there is not much persecution for faith in Japan today, there may come a time when persecution against Christians will occur in Japan. We must be prepared to overcome trials and persecution without panicking or losing our faith.

Some may say, "I don't have the strength to overcome trials and persecutions," but there is no need to worry because Jesus knows our weaknesses. Aside from the trials that come from our own sins, when we overcome the trials that Jesus allowed us to go through one by one with Him, we will be gradually changed and transformed into the image that God desires!

so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1:7)