1. The Good Life: Choose Joy in Trials 1 Peter 1:6-12

2. Keys to understanding v6 1.“Rejoice” – a choice, not a feeling – to choose to regard oneself as blessed, even if circumstances appear otherwise 2.“Distressed” – this is how we feel – saddened, grieved 3.Part of an optimistic introductory prayer

3. Reasons to rejoice in trials 1.Refines and reveals your faith (v7) – “faith” – whole walk of faith – our ongoing love and devotion to Jesus – “proof” – refining and revealing a ‘24k’ faith – “necessary” – growth comes through pain – God does not rejoice in our pain! – But He knows the benefit outweighs the pain

4. Reasons to rejoice in trials 1.Refines and reveals your faith (v7) 2.Results in eternal reward (v7) Romans 8:16–17 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

5. Reasons to rejoice in trials 1.Refines and reveals your faith (v7) 2.Results in eternal reward (v7) 2 Corinthians 4:17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison...

6. Reasons to rejoice in trials 1.Refines and reveals your faith (v7) 2.Results in eternal reward (v7) 3.Results in God’s continual deliverance (v9) Proverbs 13:3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life (“saves his soul”); The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

7. Reasons to rejoice in trials 1.Refines and reveals your faith (v7) 2.Results in eternal reward (v7) 3.Results in God’s continual deliverance (v9) 4.Recognizes our supreme privilege (v10-12) – more privileged than OT prophets – more privileged than angels