The Testing Of Faith

2009-03-21 20:06

The Lord Jesus suffered much of severe trial in the days of his flesh because according to the Spirit he is the Son of God and according to the flesh he is a descendant of David. It is written, "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.'" (Matthew 4:1-3).

The Bible says about it, "In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering." (Hebrews 2:10). And again, it says more clearly, "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission." (Hebrews 5:7).

It was God's will to remove flesh and blood from the Son of God, and for the first time His will was accomplished through the suffering of Christ Jesus. And so Isaiah said about Christ Jesus, "So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed." (Isaiah 28:16).

Jesus passed through the severe trial that removed flesh and blood, and triumphed over them by the cross. It is written, "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." (John 19:30).

Likewise, those who believe in Christ Jesus and belong to him must pass through the testing of faith. This is the way of the cross. Therefore, the Bible says, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." (Romans 8:17).

Without the testing of faith, no one can participate in the perseverance of Christ. It is written, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." (2 Thessalonians 3:5). Without perseverance, no one can endure the testing. And without the testing, hope is vain. Therefore, the Bible says, "And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." (Romans 5:3-4).

The Bible says about it, "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold." (Job 23:10). And also, "because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance." (James 1:3). And also, "so that the genuineness of your faith--being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:7).

Because the children of God have flesh and blood, there must be the testing of faith for them to subdue flesh and blood. It is written, "Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham." (Hebrews 2:14-16).

The testing of faith is as if God led Israel through the desert and got rid of all the old men from Israel. It is written, "Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands." (Deuteronomy 8:2). And also, "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." (Romans 6:6-7).

Now many people dislike the testing of faith that subdues flesh and blood, and head for the broad gate and the level path. But little flock who imitates the form of Jesus is joyful in hope thanking the testing of faith, wherever the Lamb leads it. Therefore, it is written, "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:14). And the Lord Jesus himself also said, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32).

Therefore, all those who pass through the testing of faith confess from their heart, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16).

"If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, 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. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 'Make level paths for your feet,' so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." (Hebrews 12:8-13). Amen. Thank you, Lord.