 |  |
Words of Comfort.
#3.
"Manifold temptations" and "Manifold grace"
(I Pet. 1: 6 and 4: 10).
pp. 225, 226
We have already seen in Volume XXVII, that the afflictions of the redeemed are
(1) for a season, and (2) for a reason. Reading on now in I Pet. 1: 6 we come to the
word "manifold".
"Though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold
temptations" (I Pet. 1: 6).
It might be thought that it would be impossible to extract any comfort from the fact
that temptations are "manifold"; their very variety would seem to make the attack worse.
There are, however, at least two reasons for regarding the word in this light.
The first is the Scriptural statement in James 1: 2:
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations."
The second is the fact that suffering associates us with Christ. The word which is
translated "to be in heaviness" in I Pet. 1: 6, is used by the Apostle in 2: 19, where it is
translated "grief":
"For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God, endure grief, suffering
wrongfully" (I Pet. 2: 19).
The context goes on to show that this constitutes a part of our calling--"For even
hereunto were ye called"--and that Christ has left us an example with regard to suffering:
"Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His
steps."
We have, therefore, two good reasons for patient endurance:
(1)
The fact that Scripture says we are to count it all joy.
(2)
The fact that Christ has left us an example of enduring grief patiently.
These of themselves should minister comfort, but the Lord has done more than this.
He has condescended to explain as well as to enjoin.
James not only tells us to "count it all joy", but continues:
"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have
her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1: 3).