Seventh-day Adventist® Church

Have you ever noticed how you can become really annoyed when you are being tested? Have you ever noticed how you can sometimes become angry when some test your patience? Sometimes as Christians we can become upset with God when we think that we are going through so many trials, test and tribulations. But could it be that God has a good reason why He is allowing you to have these testing experiences? Could it be that there is something God wants to develop in your character which cannot be done unless you are tested? Let us see what the Lord must tell us this today about the benefits of being tested.

In James 1:3, we see the Lord making the point that our faith needs to be tested in order for our patience to become strong. This morning as I took some time to look at the original words used in this passage of scripture, I found renewed meaning for the tests that I am facing at this present moment. I would like for us to look at the meaning of the following words:

1.  Trying
2.  Faith
3.  Worketh
4.  Patience

The Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words provides the following information of the Greek word “dokimion” that is used for “trying” in this passage of scripture.

Proof:
"a test, a proof," is rendered "proof" in Jam 1:3, RV (AV, "trying"); it is regarded by some as equivalent to dokimeion, "a crucible, a test;" it is the neuter form of the adjective dokimios, used as a noun, which has been taken to denote the means by which a man is tested and "proved" (Mayor), in the same sense as dokime (No. 1) in 2 Cr 8:2; the same phrase is used in 1 Pe 1:7, RV, "the proof (of your faith)," AV, "the trial;" where the meaning probably is "that which is approved [i.e., as genuine] in your faith;" this interpretation, which was suggested by Hort, and may hold good for Jam 1:3, has been confirmed from the papyri by Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 259, ff). Moulton and Milligan (Vocab.) give additional instances.”

The Larry Pierce’s Outline of Biblical Usage provides the following information on the Greek word “pistis” that is used for “faith”:
“conviction of the truth of anything, belief; belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things…”

The Strong’s Definition provides the following information on the Greek word “katergazomai” that is used for “worketh”:
“to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion:”

The Larry Pierce’s Outline of Biblical Usage provides the following information on the Greek word “hypomonē” that is used for “patience”:
“steadfastness, constancy, endurance”

Based on the meaning of these words, could it be that God wants to build steadfastness, constancy, and endurance in you and that is why your belief in God is going through this test so that it can be proven? You see my friend; it is God’s intention to make you into a vessel of honor that is fit for Heaven, and through these tests, God will ensure that you have the faith required to stand on the sea of glass.

God will prove that His work of transformation has been completed in your heart and you are therefore fit and ready for the second coming of Jesus. It is my prayer that as you take some time to reflect on this passage of scripture that you will ask God to allow the Holy Spirit to remain in your heart so that as He continues to accomplish this work of developing endurance, it will be completed in your heart; thereby making you fit for heaven.