Topical Bible: Faith: Often Tried by Affliction

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Faith, a central tenet of Christian belief, is frequently tested through various trials and afflictions. This testing serves to refine and strengthen the believer's trust in God, as illustrated throughout Scripture. The Bible presents numerous examples and teachings that highlight the purpose and value of faith being tried by affliction.

Biblical Foundations

The Apostle Peter addresses the testing of faith in his first epistle, emphasizing its purifying effect: "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:6-7). Here, Peter likens the testing of faith to the refining of gold, suggesting that trials serve to purify and authenticate the believer's faith.

Similarly, the Apostle James encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4). James underscores the idea that enduring trials leads to spiritual maturity and completeness.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament provides numerous accounts of faith tested by affliction. The account of Job is perhaps the most notable example. Despite losing his wealth, health, and family, Job's faith in God remained steadfast. His declaration, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15), exemplifies unwavering faith amidst severe trials. Job's account illustrates that faith can endure even the most profound suffering.

Abraham's faith was also tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham's willingness to obey, despite the personal cost, demonstrated his trust in God's promises. Hebrews 11:17-19 reflects on this event, stating, "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, even though God had said to him, 'Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.' Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death."

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues to affirm the theme of faith tested by affliction. The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, shares his own experiences of suffering for the sake of the Gospel: "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Paul's resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the sustaining power of faith.

Moreover, Jesus Himself taught about the inevitability of trials for His followers. In John 16:33 , He assures His disciples, "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world." This promise offers believers hope and encouragement, knowing that their faith, though tested, is anchored in the victory of Christ.

Purpose and Outcome

The testing of faith through affliction is not without purpose. It serves to deepen the believer's reliance on God and to cultivate a more profound spiritual character. Romans 5:3-5 articulates this process: "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

Ultimately, the trials of faith are instrumental in conforming believers to the image of Christ, fostering a faith that is resilient, enduring, and glorifying to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 1:6,7
Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The True Gold and Its Testing
... the traveller, when the sun and the wind tried which could ... three words, which I think
are often neglected, and ... as given to the Christians whose faith has stood ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the true gold and its.htm

Of the Scriptures
... been put in the furnace of questions and doubtings,"it hath often been tried in
the ... A promise might suffice to ground our faith, but he addeth an oath ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture v of the scriptures.htm

Patmos
... God desires the old and tried laborers to stand in ... who in trial and conflict maintain
their faith and loyalty ... Often the gospel laborer carries on his work amid ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 56 patmos.htm

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... It is often tried still; it never answers ... his grief is beyond the measure which a
true faith in God ... These crimes and this 'affliction of Joseph' were the direct ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mans passions and gods purpose.htm

Faith's Dawn and Its Clouds
... Help thou mine unbelief," yet that faith makes thee ... second head, mention some
reflections which often cause unbelief to ... who at the first are tried with unbelief ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/faiths dawn and its clouds.htm

The Foundation of the Monastery Hindered. Our Lord Consoles the ...
... for I knew well enough that in matters of faith I would ... [8] Sometimes, in my affliction,
I used to ... I could never have a doubt"though I often tried"that the ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxiii the foundation of.htm

The victory of Faith
... a thousand times, the evil one has tried to seduce ... is the victory that overcometh
the world, even our faith.". II. ... the soul is in great agony"often drowned in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the victory of faith.htm

The Sweet Uses of Adversity
... Perhaps, O tried soul! ... thou canst not know that thou hast faith, until thy faith
be exercised ... He often drives us from our smooth course which we thought was the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the sweet uses of adversity.htm

God's Promises Tests
... but for a moment'; though often they all but crush the ... of the Lord tried him,' and
because it tried him, it ... us, and it will test of what contexture our faith is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/gods promises tests.htm

Christian Consolation in Loneliness
... He will often find himself opposed to the general current of human faith and action.
His position will be singular. His principle will be tried. ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/christian consolation in loneliness.htm