Proof, through testing

God seeks proof of genuine love, faith and growth in the lives of his people. To this end, he tests them in various ways. However, when people test him, it is often a symptom of lack of trust.

Reasons for God's testing of Israel

To refine them

Zechariah 13:8–9 See also Psalm 66:10–12; Proverbs 17:3; Isaiah 48:10; Jeremiah 6:27–30, Jeremiah 9:7

And in all the land, declares the LORD, two-thirds will be cut off and perish, but a third will be left in it. This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”

To prove their obedience

Exodus 16:4 See also Exodus 15:25–26; Deuteronomy 8:2–5, Deuteronomy 8:15–16; Judges 2:22, Judges 3:1–4; 1 Chronicles 29:17

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions.

To prove their love for him

Deuteronomy 13:1–3

If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

God tests individuals

1 Peter 1:6–7 See also Genesis 22:1–18 Abraham; Job 23:10 Job; 2 Chronicles 32:31 Hezekiah; John 6:5–6 Philip; James 1:2–3, James 1:12

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.

Those who test God are usually motivated by lack of trust

Psalm 78:18–22 See also Exodus 17:1–7; Numbers 14:22–23; Deuteronomy 6:16; Psalm 78:40–44, Psalm 78:56–57, Psalm 106:13–15; 1 Corinthians 10:9; Hebrews 3:7–11; Psalm 95:7–11

They willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved. They spoke against God, saying, “Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness? When He struck the rock, water gushed out and torrents raged. But can He also give bread or supply His people with meat?” Therefore the LORD heard and was filled with wrath; so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and His anger flared against Israel, because they did not believe God or rely on His salvation.

God may invite certain people to test him

Malachi 3:10 See also Isaiah 7:10–14

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

God's people are to seek proof through testing in certain areas

Believers are to test themselves

2 Corinthians 13:5 See also Galatians 6:4

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you — unless you fail the test?

Believers are to test what they hear

1 Thessalonians 5:21 See also 1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 John 4:1–3

but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.