Trial = circumstances not to our liking, that bring non-Christlike values and reactions to the surface, frequently causing doubts about God's promises, which, if responded to in faith and truth, result in sanctification (a shift from temporal to eternal values) and glory

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

I. We resent trials, considering them strange, because our purposes and values aren't Biblical

1Pt 1:3 Blessed be the God...born again to a living hope thru the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance... reserved in heaven for you 5 who are kept by the power of God thru faith for salvation (justi/sancti/glori) ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice,  tho...grieved by various trials, 7 that the dokimadzo of your faith...may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ 8 yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith----the salvation of your souls. 10 Of this salvation ...the grace that would come to you, 11 glories that would follow. 13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be soundminded, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 15 be holy in all your conduct, 16 conduct yourselves...in fear; 22  Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a  pure heart, 2:1 laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking 2 desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 tasted that the Lord is gracious

A. Ignorant of God's purpose and promises  2Tim 3:12 all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 
Jn 15:20 servant is not greater...If they persecuted Me..will also persecute you Mt 16:2 whoever kills you will think that he offers God service

B.  Ignorant of the refining process of sanctification Ps 11:5  Lord tests the righteous 7 righteousness... His face beholds the upright   Jn 15:2
Zec 13:9  refine...test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them.  Isa 48:10-11 Dan 11:35 12:10; Mal 3:3

C. Ignorant of God's protection and provision   Dan 3:28  Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach...
Isa 43:1 thus says the LORD, who created you who formed you...fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 I will be with you...When you.. walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

  
D. Ignorant of the prize/product far outweighing the cost. (momentary light affliction -2Cor 4:16 below)
Mt 5:10 Blessed...persecuted for righteousness' sake 11 when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

1Pt 2:20 what credit is it..beaten for your faults...But when you do good and suffer...this is meritorious before God 21 For to this you were called...Christ also suffered for us, example...follow His steps 3:14 if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed.  

II. We rejoice in trials, considering them special, when we embrace God's purpose and values

A. Heb 2:10 For it was fitting for Him...in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

 
B. Js 1:2 count it all joy...various trials 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.4...that you may be perfect and complete 12 Blessed is the man who endures trials; for when dokimos, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised those who love Him

C. Rm 8:17 and if children, then heirs----heirs of God BUT co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we co-suffer with Him, that we may also be co-glorified together. 18 For I consider the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us

D. 2Cor 4:16 we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary light affliction, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 18 we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 
E. Phil 3:8  indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11  if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 14  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore as many as are mature, have this mind

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Why would God want to or need to purify/refine us? Aren't we fine/perfect just the way we are? What's His objective?
2. What is our typical response to being in circumstances we don't like? What do we lose by running? What do we gain by enduring?
3. Why do we think the Christian life should be easy, and if God loved us, He wouldn't let anything we didn't like happen to us?
4. What helps you “stay the course” when the going gets rough? Have you ever regretted bailing out too soon? How about hanging too tough”?
5. What would have to happen for you to get to the place where you welcome and value refining? What resources do you have for that?