Topical Bible: Love to God: God Tries the Sincerity of

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The concept of love to God is central to the Christian faith, and Scripture frequently addresses the sincerity of this love. God, in His omniscience, tests the hearts of His people to discern the authenticity of their devotion. This testing is not for His knowledge, as He is all-knowing, but for the benefit of the believer, to refine and strengthen their faith.

Biblical Instances of Testing

1. Abraham's Test of Faith: One of the most profound examples of God testing the sincerity of love is found in the account of Abraham. In Genesis 22:1-2 , God commands Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering. This test was designed to reveal Abraham's ultimate allegiance and love for God above all else. Abraham's willingness to obey demonstrated his deep love and trust in God, as confirmed in Genesis 22:12 : "Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him," said the angel, "for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me."

2. Israel in the Wilderness: The Israelites' journey through the wilderness serves as another example of God testing His people's love and obedience. Deuteronomy 8:2 states, "Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments." This period of testing was intended to reveal the true nature of their devotion to God.

3. Hezekiah's Test: King Hezekiah experienced a test of sincerity when God withdrew from him to see what was in his heart. 2 Chronicles 32:31 recounts, "And so in the matter of the envoys sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart." This test revealed Hezekiah's pride and reliance on his own strength rather than on God.

Purpose of Testing

The testing of love to God serves several purposes:

· Refinement of Faith: Trials and tests refine the believer's faith, as seen in 1 Peter 1:7 , "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."

· Revelation of True Devotion: Tests reveal the true nature of one's devotion, distinguishing between superficial and genuine love for God. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

· Strengthening of Relationship: Through testing, believers grow closer to God, learning to rely on His strength and grace. Romans 5:3-4 explains, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

Conclusion

The testing of love to God is a recurring theme in Scripture, serving to refine, reveal, and strengthen the believer's relationship with the Almighty. Through these tests, God demonstrates His desire for a sincere and devoted relationship with His people, one that is grounded in genuine love and faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 13:3
You shall not listen to the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proves you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

All Joy in all Trials
... He is apt to murmur against God under it: that is a ... entices no man to do evil; but
yet He tries the sincerity ... Is there any love that has not at times been so ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/all joy in all trials.htm

His Name --The Mighty God
... believe that he searches your hearts, and tries your reins ... finding him full of sympathy,
and full of love. ... louder than words, called him the mighty God, for you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/his namethe mighty god.htm

Tenth Chapter
... shamefaced, humble, and patient resignation, and how Christ tries her beforehand ...
to each other, and binds them together with divine love; yea, God doth bind ...
/.../the history and life of the reverend doctor john tauler/tenth chapter.htm

Jacob Boehme's "Way of Salvation"
... is still only a follower of "Cain" who tries to cover ... to own will in the Life and
Virtue of Love.". ... of his own inward direct appreciation of God's revelation of ...
/.../chapter xi jacob boehmes way.htm

How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him
... He neglected prayer, and when he tries to pray he ... Lord has loved him with an everlasting
love; "there is ... Son is his Savior, the Spirit of God dwells within ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/how a mans conduct comes.htm

Zacchaeus
... and how difficult the path of him who tries to return ... very first response of Zacchaeus
to the love of Christ ... the character of a holy, just, and merciful God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 61 zacchaeus.htm

The Throne of Grace
... The man who, despite the teaching of Scripture, tries to pray without a Saviour ... no
higher, it can be no greater, for it is written "God is love," which is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the throne of grace.htm

A More Particular view of the Several Branches of the Christian ...
... Jesus Christ," (1:Cor.1:2) whom if you truly love, you will also love all those ... I
adore thee as the God who searches the hearts and tries the reins of ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xiv a more particular.htm

The Hold Fast
... He who tries to learn of Jesus himself, taking the very words from the Lord's own
lips ... I mean that you will not only read of the love of God, but you will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the hold fast.htm

Household Salvation
... be some glaring fact to cast doubt upon the candidate's sincerity. ... to you, could
not you, fathers, who love the Lord ... The church of God tries to take care of you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/household salvation.htm