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
1 Peter 1:6–7 See also Matthew 13:20–21 parallels Mark 4:16–17, Luke 8:13
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith — more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Testing develops Christian character
James 1:2–4 See also Romans 5:3–4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Testing purifies God's people
Isaiah 48:10 See also Psalm 66:10–12; Jeremiah 9:7; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:2–3; 1 Peter 4:17
See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
Examples of God testing faith
Abraham is told to sacrifice Isaac: Genesis 22:1–2; Hebrews 11:17–19; Deuteronomy 8:2–5 God tested Israel in the desert; Judges 7:1–8 God reduces Gideon's army; Matthew 15:21–28 parallel Mark 7:24–30 Jesus Christ appears to discourage the Canaanite woman; John 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 Luke 22:31; 1 Thessalonians 3:4–5; Revelation 2:10
So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and infected Job with terrible boils from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.
Difficult circumstances test faith
1 Kings 17:17–18; 2 Kings 4:1, 2 Kings 4:27–28; Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 11:25–27
Persecution tests faith
Daniel 6:10–12; Acts 8:1–4; Hebrews 11:35–38
Discouraging people test faith
2 Kings 18:19–25 parallels 2 Chronicles 32:10–15, Isaiah 36:4–10; Mark 5:35–36 parallel Luke 8:49–50; Mark 5:40 parallels Matthew 9:24, Luke 8:53
God's promise of help during testing
Isaiah 43:2; Luke 22:32 See also Psalm 91:14–15; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 12:7–9; 1 Peter 5:10; 2 Peter 2:9
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
God's help through the encouragement of others
1 Thessalonians 3:2–3 See also 2 Corinthians 7:5–7
We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this.
The response to trials
Rejoicing at sharing Jesus Christ's suffering
Praying for God's help
Persevering
James 1:12 See also 2 Thessalonians 1:4; Hebrews 12:1–3; James 5:11; Revelation 2:3, Revelation 2:19
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.
Examples of faith victorious through testing
Genesis 22:9–12 Abraham; 2 Kings 6:15–17 Elisha's servant; Job 1:22 Job; Daniel 3:16–27 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; Acts 5:27–29 the apostles; Acts 7:59–60 Stephen; 2 Corinthians 4:7–9 Paul
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.