8027 faith, testing of

The means through which the genuineness of faith is proved and Christian character developed. God promises to help his people during times of testing.

God allows faith to be tested

Testing proves the genuineness of faith 1Pe 1:6-7 See also Mt 13:20-21 pp Mk 4:16-17 pp Lk 8:13

Testing develops Christian character Jas 1:2-4 See also Ro 5:3-4

Testing purifies God’s people Isa 48:10 See also 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
Dt 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 See also 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 pp 2Ch 32:10-15 pp Isa 36:4-10; Mk 5:35-36 pp Lk 8:49-50; Mk 5:40 pp Mt 9:24 pp Lk 8:53

God’s promise of help during testing

Isa 43:2; Lk 22:32 See also 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 See also 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 See also 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

See also