Tests of Faith - Pt 1

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 ESV). Today we are beginning a lengthy series that will deal with what has commonly been called “tests of faith.” James is clear in our text today that we do indeed experience “tests.” He uses a word that is translated trials. The actual word James uses is peirasmos. It is used 21 times in the New Testament and may be defined as a putting to the proof, proof, trial (cf. 1 Peter 4:12; Hebrews 3:8); direct temptation to sin (cf. Luke 4:13); trial, temptation (Matthew 6:13; 26:41; 1 Corinthians 10:13); or, trial, calamity, affliction (Luke 22:28). It seems clear from the context that James is thinking about those experiences in life that put us to the test concerning the genuineness in our faith. He’s asking if our faith is real. And, then as he proceeds, he gives many examples of what real faith looks like in the midst of life. I remember reading some years ago the reason why there was a piece of marble in the counter in front of bank tellers. Modern banks don’t have such, but I remember some of the older bank buildings I have been in over the years and virtually all of them contained such. It seemed unusual to me that a small piece of marble countertop would be placed there. If it was decorative, then just make the entire counter out of the marble. It looked “half-done” to me. At least that was the case until it was explained to me why it was there. It has nothing to do with making the counter esthetically pleasing. There was a very specific function of the marble in the banking transactions. It seems that when a teller received either a gold or silver coin, they would drop on the marble slab and listen to sound it made. If it was genuine it sounded a far different note than a counterfeit coin did. It was how the put the coin “to proof.” Now, I’m not saying that we need to be dropped on our heads to prove our faith, but many trials feel like that. The interesting thing about the proving of our faith is that we are not proving it to God. He already knows whether our faith is genuine or not. The proof is for our benefit and the benefit of those around us. It gives us an opportunity to recognize the truth of our heart. And, it gives a testimony to others concerning our faith. In the next twelve weeks we will look at the life of Abraham through twelve different “trials.” From each of these we will be able to see the truth of his faith and how it gave him an unshakeable hope regardless of the circumstance of life. Sometimes he did well, and others he did not. In every circumstance he learned the absolute truth that God is more than a match for any of life’s trials. I pray that we will learn that as well!