Testing of Faith
How faith is proven and Christian character is developed. God promises to support his people during times of testing.
God allows faith to be tested
Testing proves the genuineness of faith 1Pe 1:6-7 Also see: Mt 13:20-21 Mk 4:16-17 Lk 8:13
Testing develops Christian character Jas 1:2-4 Also see: Ro 5:3-4
Testing purifies God’s people Isa 48:10 Also see: Ps 66:10-12; Jer 9:7; Zec 13:9; Mal 3:2-3; 1Pe 4:17
Examples of God testing faith
Abraham is told to sacrifice Isaac: Ge 22:1-2; Heb 11:17-19
Deut 8:2-5 God tested Israel in the desert; Jdg 7:1-8 God reduces Gideon’s army; Mt 15:21-28 pp Mk 7:24-30 Jesus Christ appears to discourage the Canaanite woman; Jn 11:1-6 Jesus Christ delays going to Bethany when Lazarus is ill.
Means by which faith is tested
God allows Satan to test faith Job 2:7 Also see: Lk 22:31; 1Th 3:4-5; Rev 2:10
Difficult circumstances test faith 1Ki 17:17-18; 2Ki 4:1,27-28; Ac 14:22; 2Co 11:25-27
Persecution tests faith Da 6:10-12; Ac 8:1-4; Heb 11:35-38
Discouraging people test faith 2Ki 18:19-25 2Ch 32:10-15 Isa 36:4-10; Mk 5:35-36 Lk 8:49-50; Mk 5:40 Mt 9:24 pp Lk 8:53
God’s promise of help during testing
Isa 43:2; Lk 22:32 Also see: Ps 91:14-15; 1Co 10:13; 2Co 12:7-9; 1Pe 5:10; 2Pe 2:9
God’s help through the encouragement of others 1Th 3:2-3 Also see: 2Co 7:5-7
The response to trials
Rejoicing at sharing Jesus Christ’s suffering 1Pe 4:12-13
Praying for God’s help Heb 4:14-16; 1Pe 4:19
Persevering Jas 1:12 Also see: 2Th 1:4; Heb 12:1-3; Jas 5:11; Rev 2:3,19
Examples of faith victorious through testing
Ge 22:9-12 Abraham; 2Ki 6:15-17 Elisha’s servant; Job 1:22 Job; Da 3:16-27 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; Ac 5:27-29 the apostles; Ac 7:59-60 Stephen; 2Co 4:7-9 Paul
Say this prayer: Father in heaven, Thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the forgiveness of my sin. Lord Jesus, please forgive me for all of my sins. Come into my heart, and be my Lord and Savior. Please, help me live for you and fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
