Testing of faith

God allows faith to be tested

Testing proves the genuineness of faith

1 Peter 1:6–7 NIV84

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

See also Mt 13:20–21

Testing develops Christian character

James 1:2–4 NIV84

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

See also Ro 5:3–4

Testing purifies God’s people

Isaiah 48:10 NIV84

See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

See also Ps 66:10–12; Je 9:7; Zec 13:9; Mal 3:2–3; 1 Pe 4:17

Examples of God testing faith

Abraham is told to sacrifice Isaac:

Ge 22:1–2; Heb 11:17–19

Dt 8:2–5 God tested Israel in the desert; Jdg 7:1–8 God reduces Gideon’s army; Mt 15:21–28 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 NIV84

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

See also Lk 22:31; 1 Th 3:4–5; Re 2:10

Difficult circumstances test faith

1 Ki 17:17–18; 2 Ki 4:1; 2 Ki 4:27–28; Ac 14:22; 2 Co 11:25–27

Persecution tests faith

Da 6:10–12; Ac 8:1–4; Heb 11:35–38

Discouraging people test faith

2 Ki 18:19–25; Mk 5:35–36; Mk 5:40

God’s promise of help during testing

Is 43:2; Lk 22:32

See also Ps 91:14–15; 1 Co 10:13; 2 Co 12:7–9; 1 Pe 5:10; 2 Pe 2:9

God’s help through the encouragement of others

1 Thessalonians 3:2–3 NIV84

We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them.

See also 2 Co 7:5–7

The response to trials

Rejoicing at sharing Jesus Christ’s suffering

1 Peter 4:12–13 NIV84

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Praying for God’s help

Heb 4:14–16; 1 Pe 4:19

Persevering

James 1:12 NIV84

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

See also 2 Th 1:4; Heb 12:1–3; Jas 5:11; Re 2:3; Re 2:19

Examples of faith victorious through testing

Ge 22:9–12 Abraham; 2 Ki 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; 2 Co 4:7–9 Paul