Greatly Rejoice

We love celebrations! We look forward to events and activities that are full of joy. I even find myself getting a bit excited when I hear the phrase greatly rejoice. In my mind, that means we do more than just rejoice; we greatly rejoice.

In Kingdom Life, one of the most thrilling experiences I can think of is when a person comes to salvation through Jesus Christ. Right up there with that would be when a person has wandered away and comes back into a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Another is when someone feels a calling to go into full-time ministry work, knowing that they will be making great sacrifices, but choosing to do that while greatly rejoic[ing].

This is all different from happiness; it is that deep, inner joy of certainty. Thinking back upon the facts we’ve learned so far in our study is that we were chosen by God to be saved and that we are guaranteed an eternal inheritance in Christ. This should be leading us to that deep joy that is not based upon circumstances.

I firmly believe that Peter would be encouraging his readers, as well as you and me, to reflect upon our salvation, especially in light of the very real possibilities of intense earthly persecution, sufferings, and trials. Whatever goes on all about us or with us, we remember that nobody should be able to take away our joy, when we realize that we belong to God.

As we consider our salvation, we should greatly rejoice!

Rejoice Greatly in the Guarantee - 1:6a

Part of the reason we greatly rejoice is that our salvation is guaranteed.

In this you greatly rejoice

What does this refer to in this phrase? That is an excellent question and I’m so glad you thought of this. If we don’t deal with this, then we really aren’t sure what Peter is discussing. Many scholars have varying ideas about this word. However, I tend to lean on a relatively simple approach in the context. The word this seems to be speaking to the previous verses in Peter’s letter. More specifically, the topic of the guaranteed and protected eternal inheritance. Obviously, this concept ought to cause all who claim the Name of Christ as Lord and Savior to greatly rejoice.

Remember that I stated that this is more than just rejoicing. Let me share with you a definition that really helps to bring this phrase into focus. Greatly rejoice is an intense, expressive term that means to be supremely and abundantly happy—a happiness that is not tentative nor based on circumstances or superficial feelings. The word for this description is always used in reference to a spiritual joy, not something which is temporary, which is usually circumstantial. Almost always, it refers to being in relationship to God, which further lets us know that it is something with continual results.

is an intense, expressive term that means to be supremely and abundantly happy—a happiness that is not tentative nor based on circumstances or superficial feelings.

If you recall, last time in Peter, we recognized that our salvation is guaranteed. You may remember me alluding to a couple of passages in Ephesians which teaches this same truth.

Ephesians 1:13–14 NASB95

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 4:30 NASB95

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

This all sounds like good reason to greatly rejoice because of the inheritance that we are assured of in Christ.

Rejoice Greatly In the Proof - 1:6b-7a

Well, we definitely ought to greatly rejoice because we looked back at Peter’s comments about our salvation being guaranteed. Yet, in this little section, we see the outworking of our salvation as seen by our faith which is being proven.

1 Peter: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary Confidence in a Proven Faith

even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire,

even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire

We have heard the phrase joy suckers when referring to people or things or situations that can seemingly rob us of our joy. In reality, most of us can sometimes fall prey to looking at our circumstances, whether they be trials or opposition or outright attacks upon us. We then find ourselves becoming discouraged. I believe that Peter, inspired in these writings by the Holy Spirit, is wanting to encourage us. Even to the point that we can realize that these negative experiences can actually cause us to rejoice greatly as we see the mighty hand of God supporting us, guiding us, reminding us, that we are His and we are guaranteed an eternal inheritance in our salvation.

There are some short phrases here in this last part of verse 6 that helps our perspective. First, he uses the phrase now for a little while. I know that what you may be experiencing seems like it has gone on forever. Yet, the reality is that it will actually go by quite quickly, especially in relation to eternity.

Secondly, if necessary, is used. My personal response quite in the middle of trials is that I don’t think they are really necessary. Obviously, they are no fun. But then again, I’m definitely not God. You see, God can use them to serve His purposes, whatever they may be in each of our lives. For some, there might be a need to learn humility. Others might need to have their spiritual vision adjusted away from this world to the things of heaven. Still others just need to reflect on how blessed we are in Christ, regardless of whatever we might be experiencing that is unpleasant. Maybe in your spiritual character development, God feels the need for you to step up to another level. We simply don’t know, but God certainly does. In His amazing love and in His sovereign plan, I can trust that whatever I’m going through or will be experiencing, will cause me to greatly rejoice.

npleasant. Maybe in your spiritual character development, God feels the need for you to step up to another level. We simply don’t know, but God certainly does. In His amazing love and in His sovereign plan, I can trust that whatever I’m going through or will be experiencing, will cause me to greatly rejoice.

Next, we have a unique phrase have been distressed. Peter seems to be recognizing that though there is a greater good and benefit in all of this, it’s not a whole lot of fun, if any, in the moment. The word is not just dealing with physical pain. It also refers to emotional and psychological distress. Trials are not meant to be fun or pleasurable. We need to understand that Peter doesn’t encourage rejoicing in suffering in a masochistic sort of way, where people get pleasure from pain. Suffering is only beneficial because of the positive benefits we gain from experiencing it. By the way, I don’t think it brings any glory to God when we try to put on a brave face when we are actually in great anguish. Be honest about your situation, while letting God do what needs to be done. We can greatly rejoice even while going through pain and showing it.

Before we look briefly at the various trials, we need to understand that Peter doesn’t encourage rejoicing in suffering in a masochistic sort of way, where people get pleasure from pain. Suffering is only beneficial because of the positive benefits we gain from experiencing it.

Then Peter refers to various trials. The word for various actually means many colored. Yet, in spite of the variety of negative things, trials, that may come into our lives, we can be assured that God is just as creative and varied in His means of taking care of us in the middle of all of that. We can also be assured that since God knows us all individually, that the trials are matched with what He wants to do in our lives.

Then verse 7 begins to show us what all of those negative things are meant to do. This understanding that all of that negative is going to be beneficial to us should cause us to rejoice greatly. It actually shows that we are the genuine deal; we are indeed part of the chosen who are guaranteed an eternal inheritance. We also can be grateful that it will not last forever.

The word for proof is a word used to describe the process of finding how pure a metal is and what it consists of. It is when all the impurities have been melted or refined away from the product. In this context, it is proof of a believer’s faith. Please understand that it is not for God’s benefit; it is for ours. When we discover that when we lean on God and have total trust in Him and are obedient even in the worst of times, we will come out realizing that we truly do belong to God and our faith in Him has been proven. Warren Wiersbe comments that a faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.

Your faith, being more precious than gold, is a simple reminder that as wonderful and valuable as gold is, it doesn’t even compare with a proven faith. Gold is perishable. Our faith is eternal. God is at work even in the midst of the suffering of the readers of Peter’s letter and our suffering.

Rejoice Greatly in the Honor - 1:7b

We rejoice greatly because our salvation is guaranteed, as well as the fact that our faith is purified proof, as well as eternal. The result is that we:

may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

This is actually quite interesting. We are usually called upon to give praise and glory and honor to Jesus. However, this is God giving us a high-five. He is actually honoring us. When you consider that we are indeed to give honor to God all the time, it makes sense that in being faithful and full of joy throughout all the trials and sufferings, God gives honor to us when we meet Jesus. For a little help in understanding this, go back to the Gospels. We’ll look at only one for now.

Matthew 25:21–23 NASB95

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ “Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

Even Paul spoke of this:

Romans 2:29 NASB95

But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

I find this amazing, especially since nobody could have gone through any trials or sufferings with joy were it not for God enabling us to do so. While suffering is happening, we must understand that our faith is being purified and it is being shown as being genuine, in that we can endure and persevere with God’s help.

Praise and Glory refers to praise that you and I will receive from God. Honor seems to be in reference to the various rewards we will receive from God for what has been done for Him. This happens at the revelation of Jesus Christ. That means that at the second coming this will take place. Again, we see more assurance.

Rejoice Greatly in the Fellowship - 1:8

There is so much to rejoice greatly when we begin to take inventory of how blessed we are. But now we are amazed by the fact that we don’t have to be name dropping; we really do have a personal relationship and fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:8 NASB95

and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

Peter is affirming in the lives of his readers what he himself failed at; trusting Jesus when faced with potential problems. Peter had lived with and sat under Jesus for at least three years. He had more than enough evidence that should have caused him to have an unfailing love and trust. Yet, on the night Jesus was betrayed, Peter denied knowing Jesus three separate times. However, those reading this letter did not have that privilege of close fellowship and camaraderie with Jesus. Still, they loved Jesus without having the privilege of walking on this earth with Jesus.

In fact, the Greek word Peter uses for love; you love Him, is the strongest sense of the word. It also is a verb used in the present tense, showing a constant, consistent love. That is the picture of a true believer, one who knows they have been chosen; though not understanding how and why, we also can rejoice in the fact that we are chosen. That is the picture of a true believer, one who knows that whatever is thrown at them, their inheritance is guaranteed for eternity. That is why we greatly rejoice. All of this continues even when we may be going through sufferings and trials and persecutions.

Not only is there a continual, constant love for Jesus without having seen Him, Peter points out that though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him . . . We don’t have to see Jesus to continue to believe in Him. John MacArthur wonderfully points out:

The soul that loves Christ cannot help but believe in Him, and the soul that believes cannot help but love.

John F. MacArthur Jr., 1 Peter, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2004), 47.

The soul that loves Christ cannot help but believe in Him, and the soul that believes cannot help but love. You see, I can fully trust God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which is in agreement with His Word; in faith. As I learn more and more about Jesus, as I experience His enabling power in my life to live in obedience to His Word, my love for Him becomes stronger every day. In this, I can greatly rejoice in spite of the world crashing down all around me. Even thinking back to , we recognize that we may not be able to see the good, but we can certainly know the good that will result because of God’s promises.

In fact, Peter states that this is inexpressible. It is beyond any words I can possibly communicate. Thomas Schreiner states: Believers who suffer are not dashed to the ground by their troubles. They love Jesus Christ and rejoice in him, even though they have never seen him and do not see him now. Their lives are characterized by a hope that fills the present with love and joy.

Believers who suffer are not dashed to the ground by their troubles. They love Jesus Christ and rejoice in him, even though they have never seen him and do not see him now. Their lives are characterized by a hope that fills the present with love and joy.

Rejoice Greatly in Your Salvation - 1:9

After all that we’ve covered, it can be summarized in the fact that I rejoice greatly in my salvation.

1 Peter 1:9 NASB95

obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Here, a few translations are a bit weak in the wording, for it makes it appear futuristic. The reality is that this is happening right now.

The NIV words this in a very understandable and accurate way.

1 Peter 1:9 NIV

for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:9

Obtaining is the idea of presently receiving for yourselves. In addition, salvation is not just for the sweet by and by. This is a reminder that our salvation is that constant freedom now from the penalty and power of sin. We are right now considered innocent, without any guilt. We are not in any danger of being condemned by the ever-righteous Judge. We have the joy of knowing that God’s wrath was poured out upon Jesus Christ on the cross, leaving us without any fear.

Obtaining is the idea of presently receiving for yourselves. In addition, salvation is not just for the sweet by and by. This is a reminder that our salvation is that constant freedom from the penalty and power of sin. We are right now considered innocent, without any guilt. We are not in any danger of being condemned by the ever-righteous Judge. We have the joy of knowing that God’s wrath was poured out upon Jesus Christ on the cross, leaving us without any fear.

Is your joy quotient a bit low? Take some time and consider all that Peter is reminding us in his letter. We indeed have all riches in Christ Jesus. We have everything we need for today and it’s all guaranteed through eternity. In fact, let’s look at what Jesus stated in John 15:11:

John 15:11 NASB95

“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

So, we also, can be encouraged. We can know that regardless of what sufferings we may be going through or having to go through, we will most certainly see Jesus Christ and get to spend eternity with Him.