1 Peter 1:6 KJV
[6] “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:”
In our verse, “manifold” means “all kinds of” trials and temptations. The word “heaviness” means “grief”. Peter is encouraging saints who are walking through great tribulations. Nero was on the throne, and the world was not a safe place for Christians to live. They were being persecuted and tortured for sport daily.
Peter reminds them that it is normal for Christians to feel grief, especially in such a trying hour. The child of God feels pain and sorrow, just like the lost in this world. The lost have no hope in their trials, but believers can find peace in their pain. That comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
These believers were grieved greatly by the trials and temptations all around them. However, they were still able to rejoice! They had the assurance that God was still on the throne. Their lives were not in the hands of a man but in the hands of the Almighty.
I must admit that, in America, we do not have to face the manifold temptations these saints had to face. However, things are swiftly changing in our country, and the day may come when this verse is more needed than ever. There are two truths concerning the reality of this text that we need to remember.
First, we should remember that while we enjoy the prosperity and comfort of our homeland, there are Christians in the world who are under persecution for their faith. We should pray for those going through suffering and manifold trials and temptations. We have had it good for so long in this country that we have no idea what real persecution is. We should not feel guilty for being born into freedom, and it is not a sin to enjoy it, but we need to remember those who do not have it.
Second, we must face the reality that our children and grandchildren will face more persecution for their faith than we did. The question we should all be asking ourselves as parents is this, “What are we doing to help strengthen their faith, and are we teaching them to be dedicated to Christ?” If we live halfhearted lives and allow complacency and apathy to rule, what will our children do when manifold temptations come to our shores? This generation needs to see living examples of saints committed to the cause of Christ. Be the example for others to look to and follow.