Time Well Spent Bible Study with Cornelius F. Warren

What consistently brings you the most joy? For every Christian, the true answer ought to be, “The thing that brings me the most joy in life is my relationship with the Lord and the full salvation He has provided.” But for too many Christians, salvation is nice, but not necessary. Salvation is not an essential core without which life would disintegrate.

God uses trials as a way of getting us to focus on the bare essentials of life. Peter’s readers were enduring affliction. Some may have been facing martyrdom for their faith. Some were under pressure in their homes from unconverted spouses, in their jobs from unconverted employers, and in their communities from unconverted acquaintances.

Because our salvation is so great, we should joyfully endure present suffering in light of the future glory.

To trace Peter’s flow of thought, in verses 3-5, he points his readers to the greatness and certainty of their future inheritance in Christ. In verses 6-9, he shows how this great salvation results in inexpressible joy, even in the midst of present trials. In our text, verses 10-12, he goes back to the past prophetic revelation about this great salvation to show how unsearchable it is and how privileged we are who have received it. If we will focus on the incomprehensible greatness of our salvation, we can joyfully endure present trials.