Trials and sufferings in Christian life.
What should we do when we face tests and trials?
Facing Trials and Tests With Grace.
Why trials come and how to respond.
Read (1 Pet 4:12-19): Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; {13} but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. {14} If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. {15} But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. {16} Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. {17} For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? {18} Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” {19} Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
The Greek terms used (1 Pet. 4) and in other parts of NT for “temptation,” “trial” or “test” are derived from “Peirazo”, which means “to test,” “try” or “put to the proof.”
Another term “Dokime” is found in (1 Pet.1:7) which has the meaning “to test the genuineness of something.” This is where the testing of our faith is compared to or in other words, analysing the quality and purity of gold.
“In all this, we greatly rejoice, though now for a little while we may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of our faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Pet.1:6-7)
Again James said: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever we face trials of many kinds, because we know that the testing of our faith produces perseverance” (Jam.1:2-3).
The book of James use the word “Peirazos” for tests, have a purpose. This means it is the process by which the genuineness of our faith is determined. Throughout this process, the quality of steadfast character is developed.
What does a Christian do when faced with trials and tests? Or When a Christian faces disappointment, disaster, and despair?
The Biblical Basis for a believer facing trials, tribulations, tests or temptations:
The Lord Jesus said: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn.16:33).
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim.3:12).
In (Rom.8:28) “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Yet when we encounter difficulties, we often wonder why? When we search for answers, we will ultimately learn that we must view “bad things” as “good things in disguise” because God wants to disciplines His children to develop as they mature spiritually.
In (Heb.12:10-11) “They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it”
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent” (Rev.3:19).
When we are “born again” into the Kingdom of God at the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in our spirit. He confirms our relationship with God, comforts us, and leads us into all truth.
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Rom.8:14-16).
God begins the supernatural work of transforming His child, into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, Who was and Who is and always perfect.
(Rom.8:29). “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters”
As we mature in our faith, God uses tests and trials to develop our character and ministry. By responding to trials in the grace of God, we will experience the power of God’s Spirit, which will be manifested in our life through the fruit of the Spirit: which we read in (Gal.5:22-23) “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control.”
Again Peter said in (I Pet.4:12–13): “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try we, as though some strange thing happened unto we: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy”
With this back ground let’s understand the different kinds of trials and tests: