The Theology of Suffering.
I. Temptations or trials reveal faith. (1) Trials, on the one hand, show us the evil that is in us. (2) Afflictions further serve to evoke our good, to lead forth into visibility the faith, the hope, and the charity God, in His loving-kindness, has infused into our souls.
II. Temptations or trials strengthen faith. (1) Bitters are the best tonic for the spiritual man, as for the physical; (2) sorrows further invigorate faith because they call it into frequent, yea constant, exercise.
III. Temptations or trials purify faith. (1) Trials release it from the impurities attached to it; (2) adversity throws faith more upon its proper resources, making it draw its aliment and inspiration more directly from God, from God as revealed in His book.
IV. Temptations or trials beautify faith.
J. C. Jones, Studies in First Peter,p. 29.
References: 1 Peter 1:6; 1 Peter 1:7. R. W. Dale, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxxv., p. 102 1 Peter 1:6-9. H. S. Brown, Ibid.,vol. xii., p. 230. 1 Peter 1:7. Spurgeon, Morning by Morning,p. 317; H. W. Beecher, Christian World Pulpit,vol. vii., p. 147.