Faith Tests

Heb. 11:1 & 6 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen….” “But without faith it is impossible to please Him…..”

We are talking about Christian/Biblical faith.

Christian faith is when I trust Him even when it’s not according to my interpretations or appearances or circumstances. It’s believing even when circumstances are complex and confusing.

All Christians go through testing of their faith.

Some truths about Faith Tests.

#1. The tests don’t necessarily come JUST as tests. Rather, they serve as tests, whatever the reason for happening.

#2. Tests don‘t have to make sense to us to make sense. Isa. 55:8 & 9 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD…….”

Deut. 29:29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, …….”

#3. Your test is not unique or unusual.

I Cor. 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is comman to man,….”

Nor is it too much!! “but God is faithful, who will no allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,…..”

Temptation = test It is the same word in the Greek.

#4. Tests typically involve more than the head and heart, they involve the hands.

Takes response, doing something. Ie: act like it.

Rom. 1:5 Heb. 11:7f – “by faith _name___ __verb____.” Ie: Abraham did something, Isaac did something, etc.

James 2:26 “……so faith without works is dead also.” (2:14-26)

#5. Faith tests can and should result in greater faith.

I Pet. 1:6 & 7 James 1:2 – 4

#6. The testing is not for you alone. God works on others through your tests.

Rom. 1: 11 & 12 “……that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” For example: how many people have been encouraged by Job’s test.

#7. You never know in advance how you’ll do when tested.

Example: Peter being sifted by Satan. He thought he could stand through anything, but failed miserably.

Gideon being called to a leadership roll. He thought he'd fail, but came through a leader.

I Cor. 10:12 “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

BUT:

#8. Your failing the test will not affect God’s faithfulness.

Rom. 3:3 & 4 “……..Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar……..”

2 Tim. 2:13 “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”

Therefore:

#9. If you fail, it does not end your relationship with Christ.

Heb. 13:5 “……………….For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’……”

#10. The tests apparently never end. (in this life)

Gen. 22:1 - Abraham was tested at approximately 114 years of age.

This is because His love and His purpose never end. Phil. 1:6 –“being confident of this very thing; that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”