Bible Study

Put to the Test

Is your love for God sincere? Or is it simply a natural reaction to the prosperous life and other blessings He showers on you?

When God allows you or a loved one to experience hardship or asks you to sacrifice something precious, the true state of your heart toward Him will become obvious. Scripture calls this process “testing.”

In this Bible study, you’ll learn more about the purpose and rewards of being tested by God, as well as what He expects from you in the midst of trials.

1. Testing is a normal part of righteous living.

Experiencing trials shouldn’t be unusual for believers. All righteous people are tested from time to time by the One who knows their minds and hearts (Jer. 20:12).

Scripture compares testing to the refining process for precious metals. Gold and silver are heated until all impurities float to the top and can be removed.

• What might be some of God’s goals for allowing us to be refined (Zech. 13:9)?

One example of a righteous person who experienced testing is Job.

• According to Job 1:8-12, why did God allow Satan to afflict Job?

Read 1 Peter 4:12-14.

• Why should we consider ourselves blessed if we suffer for doing good (v. 14)?

God usually uses affliction to test us (Isa. 48:10). However, sometimes we are tested by blessings as well. Proverbs 27:21 says, “Each is tested by the praise accorded him.”

• In your opinion, why does praise test a person?

   

• How can material blessings, such as a generous salary or large inheritance, test someone?

2. God uses testing to reveal our hearts to us (Deut. 13:3).

The Lord already knows our hearts. However, He uses testing to reveal to us our real priorities so we can adjust them if necessary: Are we focused on the blessings He has granted and the promises He’s fulfilled? Or is our relationship with Him most important?

For instance, in Genesis 22:2, God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering. This was a common practice of pagan religions at the time, though godly people didn’t observe it.

Abraham had waited many, many years before Sarah bore Isaac—a miracle child born in their old age. Yet Abraham quickly set out to obey God.

• In your opinion, why do you think Abraham was willing to obey God in this matter (Gen. 22:1-19)?

   

• According to Hebrews 11:17-19, what enabled Abraham to obey the Lord?

   

• Has God ever given you a dream and then asked you to be willing to give it up for Him, perhaps for a season?

   

• Do you have a blessing, talent, or ministry that has become a higher priority to you than obeying the Lord or spending time with Him?

3. We must continue to honor and obey God when He tests us.

• What are the consequences of failing to respond faithfully to God in the midst of suffering (Jer. 17:10)?

   

• What is impressive about the way Job handled suffering (Job 2:6-10)?

Later Job said, “Though [the Lord] slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him” (Job 13:15). In other words, Job was determined to hope in God, no matter what happened. He would continue to declare his innocence and ask why God allowed him to suffer.

• What can you learn from Job about how to respond to testing?

4. God rewards us when we pass successfully through a season of trials.

• Summarize the blessing God gave Abraham when he passed the test concerning Isaac (Gen. 22:17-18).

   

• During his testing, Job had a “lesson” on God’s greatness. Afterward, what did Job receive (Job 42:10-17)?

   

• According to the following passages, what blessings result when we successfully pass through trials?
  
  Matthew 5:11-12
  
  James 1:3-4
  
  James 1:12
  
  1 Peter 1:7
  
  Revelation 3:5
  
  Revelation 3:21
  

Closing: Testing is never pleasant, but its fruit certainly is. For His glory and our benefit, God sometimes asks us to sacrifice what we treasure. The next time God puts you to the test, be obedient. As a result, you will profit spiritually and earn matchless eternal rewards.

Prayer: Lord, when I walk through trials, help me focus on the eternal rewards instead of temporary suffering or sacrifice. Grant me the desire and strength to draw near to You and be faithful, no matter what. In Jesus’ name, amen.