Testing of faith

God allows faith to be tested

Testing proves the genuineness of faith

1 Peter 1:6–7 NASB95

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

See also Mt 13:20–21

Testing develops Christian character

James 1:2–4 NASB95

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

See also Ro 5:3–4

Testing purifies God’s people

Isaiah 48:10 NASB95

“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

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

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 NASB95

Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.

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

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

God’s help through the encouragement of others

1 Thessalonians 3:2–3 NASB95

and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.

See also 2 Co 7:5–7

The response to trials

Rejoicing at sharing Jesus Christ’s suffering

1 Peter 4:12–13 NASB95

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

Praying for God’s help

Heb 4:14–16; 1 Pe 4:19

Persevering

James 1:12 NASB95

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

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

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