Have We Passed The Test? Series

We all have faced a test of some type in our life and no doubt we will face many more tests. How we manage those tests depends on our individual character. There are some tests that we can study for, as in an academic test (school). As Christians, we should be reading our Bibles continually, which means on a daily basis.

* 2 Timothy 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

There are some tests that we must prepare for, as in medical tests. These we do not necessarily study for, but there are actions that we must complete prior to those medical tests performed. Spiritually speaking, there are procedures that we should do to prepare ourselves for those spiritual tests, as in prayer, and seeking the Lord’s guidance.

James, the brother of Jesus, authors this book to encourage the Christians. It still applies today. This scripture deals with enduring trials and temptations, which we will call tests.

In verse 2:

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.”

The word temptation here refers to trials or tests. It does not mean a temptation to do evil. While God evaluates (tests) us, he never incites us to sin (1:12-16). Why would we want to be joyous about a test? Notice that the scripture did not say if we face a test, but when we face a test. We need to be ready; tests will come. We do not have to pretend to be happy during those tests, but we should have a cheerful outlook of what the results will be. The test could be hard, but it is during the test that we become stronger as we keep our eyes focused on Christ.

In verse 3:

“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

The “trying” means testing and the “worketh” means to be producing. We are to learn to wait upon the Lord, and the patience that we gain while waiting on the Lord will build our character. When we learn to trust in God, we can become a better person. We should be heading toward maturity in Christ, instead of staying as babes in Christ. James advises us to transform our difficulties into seasons of learning. Harsh occasions can show us how to be tolerant and patient (2 Corinthians 6:3-7; 2 Peter 1:2-9).

* Romans 2:7, To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

In verse 4:

“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

We could rephrase the verse like this, “let patience have her full effect, that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” We are to grow in our Christian walk. The sooner we start to prepare ourselves for the tests and learning to trust in God, the sooner we will start to grow. We should not complain about the tests, these are moments of growth. Those tests that we go through are for the edification of Christ, and for his glory.

God wants to make us “perfect and entire” (complete), not to keep us from all aggravation. We ought to express gratitude toward God for promising to be with us through unpleasant occasions. We ought to request that he assist us with tackling our concerns or to give us the solidarity to endure through them. Then, at that point, we ought to show restraint. God will not let us be alone with our concerns. He will remain nearby to assist us with our growth.

In verse 5:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Having wisdom means to have the ability to make wise decisions during challenging times. If we really want wisdom, we can petition God and he will supply what we need. Christians never need to grab about in obscurity, expecting to coincidentally find the responses. We can request God's wisdom to direct our decisions.

At the point when James discusses wisdom, he implies useful and practical discernment. Wisdom starts with us having respect for God, it prompts right living and results in an expanded capacity to tell right from wrong. God will give us this wisdom; however, we will not be able to get it assuming our objectives are narcissistic. Our goals for the tests are not to be self-centered, but God centered.

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It does not come to you overnight, it takes time, and it comes from God. To become familiar with God's will, we really need to read God's Word, request that he show us the best way to submit to it, and afterward we should do everything that he says to us.