Testing of faith

God allows faith to be tested

Testing proves the genuineness of faith

1 Peter 1:6–7 KJV 1900

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

See also Mt 13:20–21

Testing develops Christian character

James 1:2–4 KJV 1900

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

See also Ro 5:3–4

Testing purifies God’s people

Isaiah 48:10 KJV 1900

Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee 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 KJV 1900

So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

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 KJV 1900

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

See also 2 Co 7:5–7

The response to trials

Rejoicing at sharing Jesus Christ’s suffering

1 Peter 4:12–13 KJV 1900

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Praying for God’s help

Heb 4:14–16; 1 Pe 4:19

Persevering

James 1:12 KJV 1900

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that 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