The Test of Faith
Pastors Leslie & Adeline Chua
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary,
you have been grieved by various trials,
so that the tested genuineness of your faith
—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—
may be found to result in praise and glory and honor
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Anything that is of great value is often counterfeited. There are counterfeit money, branded products, and high-end items. There is also such a thing as counterfeit faith.
A good counterfeit looks like the real thing. It is often hard to tell the difference.
Jesus warns that the Kingdom of God comprises of both wheat and weeds (Matthew 13:24-30). Most likely, Jesus is referring to the type of weed called darnel. It looks so much like wheat stalks that even experienced farmers could hardly distinguish between them until it is too late. By then, the root systems have become so intertwined that pulling out the weeds would damage the wheat plant.
Likewise, counterfeit faith not only fools others, it also deceives the person himself. He thinks that he is saved, and that all is well with him. But his faith is worthless. He does not even know that he is not in Christ and Christ is not in him. What a tragedy! The damage caused by counterfeit faith is incalculable. It is potentially eternal in nature if not remedied.
Faith Must be Tested
Given that, faith must be tested.
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God also tests believers
to prove the genuineness of our faith. ____________________________________________
Paul urged the Corinthian believers to examine themselves to see whether they were in the faith and test themselves to make sure that Christ was in them (2 Corinthians 13:5). We also ought to do the same. No one should take their faith for granted. There is no room for complacency.
God also tests believers to prove the genuineness of our faith. It is not for His sake because He already knows our spiritual estate. Rather, it is for us to know our own spiritual condition. Testing reveals the strength and weakness of our faith. Adversity has a way of bringing to light that which is hidden and unknown to us. It also exposes those who are merely keeping up with appearances.
In the bible, analogies of refining in fire and moulding on the potter’s wheel are used to describe the process of testing. God uses various kinds of adversity and affliction to test and refine His people.
Testing is never easy to go through. It invariably involves pain and suffering. Patience, endurance, and perseverance are required to see us through the ordeal and pass the test.
Men of God Tested
Many well-known characters in the bible were put through severe tests.
God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his only son. Abraham was tested for his obedience, which he passed with flying colours.
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Despite losing everything,
Job maintained his righteousness
and his faith in the LORD. ____________________________________________
Joseph experienced rejection, betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment. Despite the continuous series of trials, the young man did not complain or blame God even once. His response to the adversities were remarkable. His faith in God was never shaken.
God instigated and permitted Satan to do whatever he wanted with Job except to take his life. Satan worked fast and furious. In a matter of days, Job lost his family, wealth, and health. Satan was certain that Job would turn his back against God. But Job proved Satan wrong. Despite losing everything, Job maintained his righteousness and his faith in the LORD.
Moses spent forty years in the desert wilderness living a mundane life. During this dry and uneventful period, God emptied Moses of himself before he could be used as Israel’s deliverer.
David was betrayed and hunted like a wild animal by King Saul, whom he served faithfully. He was tested for his loyalty and steadfast love for God.
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Everyone of these men proved themselves
and they passed their test
with flying colours. ____________________________________________
Daniel’s three friends – Hananiah, Mishael, and Abednego –were tested for their loyalty to Yahweh God. Either they bowed to the golden statue and lived, or they would be thrown into the burning furnace. They believed that Yahweh could save them if He so chose. If not, they would rather die than betray Him.
Everyone of these men proved themselves and they passed their test with flying colours.
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Do not be surprised when you face challenging times
and the dark nights of the soul.
God deems these journeys to be necessary
for the formation and strengthening of your faith.
It will do you good.
So, expect to be tested. ____________________________________________
Testing proved the genuineness of their faith in God. Going through the painful and trying process strengthened their faith further. It made them sturdier and more resilient. They emerged stronger, became better persons, and were made ready for a higher calling.
No Believer is Exempted from Testing
Like these exemplary men, no Christian is exempted from testing. So, do not be surprised when you face challenging times and the dark nights of the soul. God deems these journeys to be necessary for the formation and strengthening of your faith. It will do you good. So, expect to be tested.
In encouraging the believing Jews who were going through intense persecution, Peter wrote, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). The apostle considered their fiery trial to be a test.
Rejoice in Your Trials
Peter encouraged the Jews to rejoice over their trials - “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials” (1 Peter 1:6)
It seems like a strange thing to say. Know that Peter was not the only apostle to suggest such a counterintuitive response to trials.
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Count it all joy, my brothers,
when you meet trials of various kinds… ____________________________________________
Paul repeatedly urged the Philippians to rejoice throughout his short letter to them. Bear in mind that Paul wrote the letter while he was in prison.
James opened his letter by encouraging the believers to “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3)
The apostles had a good reason for encouraging believers to respond to adversities with joy.
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The testing and trials serve
to prepare the saints to go the distance
and finish their earthly journey victoriously. ____________________________________________
James put it this way – “the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” In other words, testing builds up our capacity for patience, endurance, and perseverance, which are vital ingredients for running and finishing the Christian race victoriously. Didn’t Jesus say that “the one who endures to the end will be saved?” (Matthew 24:13)
Peter shared the same perspective. Following his comments that fiery trials are tests, he went on to say - “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:13). Peter had the end in mind. The testing and trials serve to prepare the saints to go the distance and finish their earthly journey victoriously.
Embrace Trials
Understanding this biblical perspective ought to change our attitude toward trials and adversities in life. Though unpleasant, the testing of our faith has immense and immeasurable benefits. It could be a matter of eternal life and death.
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Notice that God
does not always answer our prayer for deliverance.
When He does deliver, it is usually not immediately.
And usually,
He does not deliver us from the adversity,
but through the adversity.
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Therefore, let us learn to embrace our sufferings with joy and steadfastness. Despite the frustration, confusion, and fear, learn to maintain a good attitude. Be patient, pray and wait upon the Lord.
Notice that God does not always answer our prayer for deliverance. When He does deliver, it is usually not immediately. And usually, He does not deliver us from the adversity, but through the adversity.
Hananiah, Mishael, and Abednego had to go through the fire of the furnace that was heated to seven times hotter than usual. They were delivered finally but only after they had gone through much emotional turmoil, experienced the fury of the king, and been thrown into the fire.
It is always tempting to pray, “Deliver me quickly, Lord.” However, it is more appropriate to pray, “May your will be done and your purpose for this trial that I am going through be accomplished.”