Part 10 of 12 of the theme 'Answers to Questions' by Gijs van den Brink

This theme is very nicely explained by the apostle James in his letter.
First, I must say that there is an important difference between a trial or test by God, and a temptation or temptation by the devil?
A trial or test is a test, it is positive, like an exam in school. A test is meant to teach us something.

But a temptation is negative. A temptation is enticing someone to do bad things, to sin. God will never do that, as we also read in James 1:13. That is what the devil does and also our own lusts and desires tempt us.

But God tests us from time to time. And He may use Satan's temptations for this purpose, as we see with Job.
Trials of God are very positive, very good for us.
That is why James says in James 1:2 "Keep it for mere joy, my brethren, when you fall into all kinds of temptations."

Why? We read that in vs.3 because you know that the test of your faith works constancy, perseverance.
Our faith becomes stronger because of it. So this is very positive. In a trial, the genuineness of our faith is tested. In trouble, it shows whether our faith is real and steadfast. In school, if you pass a test or exam you get to move to the next class, a new stage.
Through steadfastness comes faith growth and perfection. James says this in vs. 4 "The point is for you to become perfect and gifted people who fall short in nothing"(GNB).
Through problems, worries and trials, we are purified and purified.
God's purpose with our lives is that we receive a new character, the character of Jesus Christ.

Through the trials in our lives we become more and more perfect says James. By perfect he means perfectly dependent on God. Our trust in God grows stronger.

Increasing our trust in the Lord is the main purpose of trials.

Jesus lived this trust to us perfectly. To fulfill God's purpose, He was given over to evil, cruel and wicked people.
They mocked Him, beat Him, scourged and crucified Him. So that He even cried out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

But in all these things He never lost His trust in His Father's goodness and faithfulness. And so He was allowed to return to His Father's house. He accomplished the Father's purpose perfectly.
I pray for myself and for you that we too may reach our perfect goal. Eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

Next time: Part 11 of the series  'Answers to questions' is entitled "In the Bible, what is the definition of a happy person?

Also see: Part 9 of 12 of the theme 'Answers to questions‘ How can I know that my desire is in accordance with the will of God?

Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine

This is part 10 of 12 from the theme "Answers to Questions' Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!

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