8027 faith, testing of
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8010 Faith  »  8020 faith  »  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

1 Peter 1:6-7 See also Matthew 13:20-21 pp Mark 4:16-17 pp Luke 8:13

Testing develops Christian character

James 1:2-4 See also Romans 5:3-4

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

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 pp 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

Difficult circumstances test faith

1 Kings 17:17-18; 2 Kings 4:1,27-28; 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 pp 2 Chronicles 32:10-15 pp Isaiah 36:4-10; Mark 5:35-36 pp Luke 8:49-50; Mark 5:40 pp Matthew 9:24 pp 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

God's help through the encouragement of others

1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 See also 2 Corinthians 7:5-7

The response to trials

Rejoicing at sharing Jesus Christ's suffering

1 Peter 4:12-13

Praying for God's help

Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 4:19

Persevering

James 1:12 See also 2 Thessalonians 1:4; Hebrews 12:1-3; James 5:11; Revelation 2:3,19

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

See also

1030  God, compassion
1035  God, faithfulness
4351  refining
5565  suffering of believers
6248  temptation
8418  endurance
8610  prayer, asking God
8741  failure
8794  persecution
8832  testing



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