Joyful Expectation

1 Thessalonians 5:16–24 NKJV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

1 Peter 1:6–9 NKJV

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Why should they have an unspeakable joy?

Past

1 Peter 1:2 NKJV

elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Set Apart V2

Sprinkled with His blood V2

Born again to a Living Hope.

Present

God’s Elect V2

Kept by the Power V5

1 Peter 1:5 NKJV

who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Future

Inheritance V4

1 Peter 1:4 NKJV

to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

Salvation Revealed V5, 9

1 Peter 1:9 NKJV

receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Greatness of Joy

Even in Trial

1 Peter 1:6 NKJV

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

Joy that matches suffering

1 Peter 4:12–13 NKJV

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.