“to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.”
reserved in heaven for you
Peter is writing to people who are about to undergo a trial. Nero is going to light his garden parties with Christian burning on poles. That is how he got his kicks. God is about to allow Christians to suffer under Nero. These Christians will need to keep eternal values in view–the best is yet ahead.
PRINCIPLE:
God wants us to keep eternal values in view.
APPLICATION:
“Why does God not keep me from getting kicked around in this life? Why does he not provide an ivory palace for me? Why will God not protect me from all the miserable things I have to face? Why can’t I always have things nice and pleasant?”
In verses 6 and 7, he answers that – God wants us to develop our faith. Some of the greatest blessings we will ever receive are through suffering. God can use us to encourage others through our suffering. He will demonstrate the reality of Christianity to those who do not know him.
Suffering becomes a witness to our life in Christ. God gives his assets during periods of grief. He provides his grace in suffering.
In eternity there will be no suffering. God cannot show his love for us in the same way at that time. Therefore, only in time can God demonstrate his grace through suffering. He cannot do it in eternity. Our Lord has a short time to show his grace in suffering. He throws the book at us now because he only has a short period to work in time. “I want to throw this at you to see how you handle it.” If we handle it well, cursing turns to blessing. In God’s plan, he does all of the providing.
