The testing of our Faith

2010 Archives

September 7, 2010

The testing of our Faith
SERIES: Practical Christianity
Rev. Joey Crisostomo
Director for Central Operations
June 6, 2010

 

Key Scripture
James 1:2-8

 

EXEGETICAL IDEA: The Trials in the Life of the Believer

 

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

 

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION:
Common Ideas Concerning Trials

 

(1) Some say trials are a form of punishment from God.

(2) Others say, if we can just reach a certain level of maturity, all our trials will disappear.

(3) Others try to convince us that there is no such thing as adversity.

 

The Certainty of Trials …whenever you face trial v.2

  • Someone once said…”You are either in a trial, just come out of a trial, or you are headed for a trial.” Bill Stafford

  • This radical attitude accepts trials as expected, not as a surprise.

  • James does not say, “if you encounter various trials,” but when.

  • They are inevitable. It’s a required course in the school of faith.


The Variety of Trials …. whenever you face trials of many kinds,

  • They will be varied according to His sovereign purpose.

  • God’s testing is tailor-made for each child of God.

  • Abraham

  • Job

  • Paul


The Main Target of Trials…the testing of your faith

  • As James says, it is our faith that is being tested.

  • The testing. (dokimion) refers to a “test to prove genuine.”

  • The object of this testing is specifically the Christian’s faith.

  • We do not know if our faith is genuine until it stands up under the test.

  • The test is also designed to develop something that is not yet present in full measure in the person.

  • Faith tested can bring out the best in us!

 

The Purpose of Trials…produces patience.

  • The verse implies that God is using the trials for His purpose.

  • God is using trials:

  • To produce patience…3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

  • To purify your faith  … “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire (7)

  • To perfect character. .. because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope

  • Testing works for us, not against us – 2 Cor. 4:17

 

The Proper Response to Trials…count it all joy

  • We should adopt the radical attitude of counting it all joy.

  • How can a believer be joyful and positive in the midst of trial?

  • We have to switch our thinking; turn our attitudes about trials

  • Look at trials as opportunities

  • We should submit to the refining process in trials

  • Pray for wisdom

 

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