1 Peter 1:6-9 Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations:… These words are spoken to Christians, to persons called by the apostle "elect according to the foreknowledge of God," and "begotten to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away." How great a privilege to be chosen to eternal life I Well may the Christian be delighted with such thoughts, "wherein," says St. Peter, "ye rejoice." But before the enjoyment of these things there are many troubles to be encountered; we may be glad, yet may we perchance, when we look at intervening difficulties, "be in heaviness." It is well known that the most devout Christians are sometimes "in heaviness." Do not think it any strange thing for the Christian man to be "in heaviness," even as to his salvation. The Lord often lays the severest trial, that is, this feeling of desertion, on the most perfect, as you would place the boldest soldier in the front of the battle. Hence, then, assurance is not necessary; the spiritual atmosphere is variable. 1. Poverty is a great temptation — a temptation which throws many "into heaviness." 2. But again, the temptations of the rich lie in another direction. 3. The heaviness which sometimes arises from the oppression and power of sin. 4. And some persons are in heaviness — they themselves know not why. None are more to be sorrowed with. There seems to be no known cause — and yet they are in lowness of spirits, and weary of the world. (J. M. Chanter, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: |
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