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Does God test/tempt people?

TonyChanYT

Member
The Evolving Concept of Testing/Tempting

English Standard Version, Malachi 3:

10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test [H974], says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Strong's Hebrew: 974. בָּחַן (bachan) — 29 Occurrences

Brown-Driver-Briggs:

  1. examine, scrutinize, try
  2. prove, test, try.
There is another Hebrew word for the idea of testing that is a bit more ambiguous, Genesis 22:

1 Some time later God tested [H5254, LXX G3985] Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.
Deuteronomy 13:

3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing [H5254] you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.
H5254 appears 36 times.

Brown-Driver-Briggs:

  1. test
  2. attempt, assay, try to do a thing
  3. test, try, prove, tempt [but not in modern sense of the word: see Deuteronomy 6:16; Psalms 453, 483]
This Hebrew word did not carry the full English sense of "temptation". It meant testing or trying.

The Greek word G3985 is different. As Satan went rogue, the negative concept of temptation emerged from G3985. By the time of the NT, James 1:

3 because you know that the testing [G1383] of your faith produces perseverance.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts [G3985] no one.
Matthew 6:

13 And lead us not into temptation [G3986], but deliver us from the evil one.’
G3985 is ambiguous. It could mean testing in the OT or tempting in the NT.

BDAG πειράζω:
① to make an effort to do someth., try, attempt at times in a context indicating futility
② to endeavor to discover the nature or character of someth. by testing, try, make trial of, put to the test
ⓑ of God or Christ, who put people to the test, in a favorable sense (Abraham, as Gen 22:1). Also of painful trials sent by God (Ex 20:20; Dt 8:2 v.l.; Judg 2:22; Wsd 3:5; 11:9; Jdth 8:25f) 1 Cor 10:13; Hb 2:18ab; 4:15 ③ to attempt to entrap through a process of inquiry, test.
④ to entice to improper behavior, tempt

God tests people in the ancient Hebrew sense of the word [H5254]. God does not tempt people in the Greek sense of the word [G3985] to entrap.
 
God cannot be tempted nor does He tempt anyone (James 1:13) but Jesus was tempted in every way as we are (Hebrews 4:15)
 
We are Born Again to a Living Hope that through trials and tribulations we are tested and found incorruptible, undefiled and faith that is not faded away. 1Peter 1:3-19.

Why God allows us to go through trials and tribulations:
1. Training as God prepares us for the future
2. Patience as we rely and trust in God's timing
3. Perseverance through trials that we remain in Gods will
4. Trust as God's ways are not our ways and He has a better plan for us
5. To learn from our mistakes
6. To humble ourselves before Him
7. To discipline us
8. Teach us to be dependent on Him alone
9. To spend quiet time with God so He can speak to us
10. To teach us of His protection
11. That we also share in the sufferings of Christ that we be not ashamed
12. Strengthen us to become more like Christ
13. To develop character
14. Build up our faith in the Lord
15. For a testimony and witness to help others
16. To show us sin in our lives that we need to own up to having
17. To remind us that God is in control
18. Helps us gain knowledge and understanding God's word
19. Teaches us to be thankful
20. To take our mind off the things of the world and and put them back on God
 
We are Born Again to a Living Hope that through trials and tribulations we are tested and found incorruptible, undefiled and faith that is not faded away. 1Peter 1:3-19.

Why God allows us to go through trials and tribulations:
1. Training as God prepares us for the future
2. Patience as we rely and trust in God's timing
3. Perseverance through trials that we remain in Gods will
4. Trust as God's ways are not our ways and He has a better plan for us
5. To learn from our mistakes
6. To humble ourselves before Him
7. To discipline us
8. Teach us to be dependent on Him alone
9. To spend quiet time with God so He can speak to us
10. To teach us of His protection
1. We are prepared for the future if we press forward to the mark of Christ..

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.



2. Love is kind and patient shed into us. ( Romans 5:5.)


1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

1 Corinthians 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.



3. As the elect of God they put on mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, ( the trails demonstrate whether they are present or not.) and they put on charity the bond of perfection. ( perseverance/longsuffering.)


Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.



4. Gods ways became our ways, there is no better plan.


Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.




5. We learn from others mistakes, to not be with them.



1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:




6. We humble as a little child or cannot begin to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and we humbly believe the words of Christ to meekly receive.


Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.





7. Discipline cant be missed in the examples of the Apostles of Christ, and we are beseeched to follow those ways. ( of discipline.)



2 Corinthians 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

1 Corinthians 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.



8. Believing in what Jesus Christ taught us, is trusting in God..


Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.



1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.



9. God speaks to us in the ear and we proclaim it on the housetops.



Isaiah 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.
20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:
21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.




10. God taught us of HIs protection..


2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
 
God does not tempt people in the Greek sense of the word [G3985] to entrap.
GREEK TERMS FOR TESTING AND THEIR CONNOTATIONS

There are two Greek terms which have the connotation of testing someone for a purpose.

1. Dokimazō, Dokimion, Dokimasia

This term is a metalurgist term for testing the genuineness of something (i.e., metaphorically someone) by fire (see Special Topic: Fire). The fire reveals the true metal and burns off (i.e., purifies) the dross. This physical process became a powerful idiom for God and/or Satan and/or humans testing others. This term is only used in a positive sense of testing with a view towards acceptance (see Special Topic: God Tests His People [OT]).

It is used in the NT of testing

a. oxen – Luke 14:19

b. ourselves – 1 Cor. 11:28

c. our faith – James. 1:3

d. even God – Heb. 3:9

The outcomes of these tests were assumed to be positive (cf. Rom. 2:18; 14:22; 16:10; 2 Cor. 10:18; 13:3,7; Phil. 2:27; 1 Pet. 1:7), therefore, the term conveys the idea of someone examined and approved

a. to be worthwhile

b. to be good

c. to be genuine

d. to be valuable

e. to be honored

2. Peirazō, Peirasmus

This term often has the connotation of examination for the purpose of fault finding or rejection. It is used in connection to Jesus' temptation in the wilderness.

a. It conveys the attempt to trap Jesus (cf. Matt. 4:1; 16:1; 19:3; 22:18, 35; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:2; Heb. 2:18).

b. This term (peirazōn) is used as a title for Satan in Matt. 4:3; 1 Thess. 3:5 (i.e., "the tempter").

c. Usage

(1) It was used by Jesus warning humans not to test God (cf. Matt. 4:7; Luke 4:12, [or Christ cf. 1 Cor 10:9]).

(2) It also denotes the attempt to do something that has failed (cf. Heb.11:29).

(3) It is used in connection with the temptation and trials of believers (cf. 1 Cor. 7:5; 10:9, 13; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 3:5; Heb. 2:18; James. 1:2, 13, 14; 1 Pet. 4:12; 2 Pet 2:9).


GOD TESTS HIS PEOPLE (OT)

The term "test" (BDB 650, KB 702, Piel perfect; Gen. 22:1) is used in the sense of "to try." It is used in the sense of bringing someone to the place whereby they recognize and act on their own stated priorities. It is obvious from Genesis 12 through 22 that God is presenting Abraham with a series of situations (the rabbis say ten) in order to focus his love and trust in God and God alone (possibly also Job). These tests were not so much for God's sake, but for Abraham's sake and his understanding of the God who called him out of Ur of the Chaldees. Abraham is asked to give up family, home, friends, inheritance, tradition and even the future (his promised son in Genesis 22) to follow God by faith. God tests all of His children in the area of their priority (cf. Matt. 4:lff; Heb. 5:8; 12:5-13).

God tests (BDB 650) in order to know (BDB 393; see Special Topic: Know). Israel often tested God by their disobedience and God proved to be true to His word. Now God will give Israel and her people a chance to demonstrate their spoken allegiance and faith.

1. God tested His people corporately

a. Exod. 15:25; 16:4; 20:20

b. Deut. 8:2,16; 13:3

c. Jdgs. 2:22; 3:1,4

2. God tested individual Israelites

a. Abraham, Gen. 22:1-12

b. Hezekiah, 2 Chr. 32:31

3. The Psalm writers cry out for God to test them so as to remove any hidden flaws (cf. Ps. 26:2; 139:23)

4. The NT people of God are also tested, as was Jesus (Matthew 4; Luke 4; Heb. 5:8).

I would say we are being "tested" every moment of our earthly lives.
 
Why God allows us to go through trials and tribulations:

11. That we also share in the sufferings of Christ that we be not ashamed
12. Strengthen us to become more like Christ
13. To develop character
14. Build up our faith in the Lord
15. For a testimony and witness to help others
16. To show us sin in our lives that we need to own up to having
17. To remind us that God is in control
18. Helps us gain knowledge and understanding God's word
19. Teaches us to be thankful
20. To take our mind off the things of the world and and put them back on God
11. Sharing is caring, sinning is not the word taught to suffer with Christ. ( the opposing words are told in scripture below.)


1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.


2 Peter 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:



12. We cant become more than joined perfect in one. ( where HIs love is perfected in us.)


John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.



13. The character we have is to PUT ON CHRIST. ( a way to develop how to put Christ on, has not been found yet, compared to be baptized with Him unto HIs death, and then to put Him on.)



Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.



14. Faith has to come to the unity of the Son of man unto a perfect man. ( when in Christ we are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit/the whole body fitly framed together edifying itself in love.)



Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.




15. The testimony and witness to help others is when they witness the good works, not bad ones.



1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.




16. Sin is shown in the lives of the workers of darkness. ( a shame to speak of what is done of them in the dark.)


Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.



17. Ephesians 5 just told us about waking from the dead, ( darkness workers of sins) to the light.

Now see that continued, Colossians 3 tells us if we are risen ( from the dead with Christ) to seek those things that be above where Christ sits n the right hand of God. ( for we are dead/to sin/things on the earth, our life in the light now, is hid with Christ.

That is putting on Christ, putting on charity the bond of perfection, ( being in the unity of the faith unto a perfect man, the measure of the stature of Christ.) and is when we LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE IN KOUR HEARTS. ( not trials reminding us God is in control of our lives.)



Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.





18. Knowledge and understanding comes unto us by the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, to be FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL IN ALL WISDOM AND SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING.



Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;




19: God leaves men to a reprobate mind, because of their imaginations, ( evil surmisings) being foolish in their hearts and not glorifying Him as God.

The peace of God rules in our heart, called in ne body and we be thankful, the peace of God passing understanding, keeping our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving making our requests to God, in EVERY THING GIVE THANKS FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS CONCERNING US.

But men are lovers of their own selves now, coveting, boasting, proud, blaspheming, UNTHANKFUL AND UNHOLY.



Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,




20. Our mind cant serve two masters. We are crucified to the world, or we are better to have never known the way of righteousness, than to turn from it. ( what good would it be to hear those great swelling words of vanity, alluring us through the flesh promising us liberty,l when they are THE SERVANTS OF CORRUPTION.)


2 Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
 
3. The Psalm writers cry out for God to test them so as to remove any hidden flaws (cf. Ps. 26:2; 139:23)

4. The NT people of God are also tested, as was Jesus (Matthew 4; Luke 4; Heb. 5:8).

I would say we are being "tested" every moment of our earthly lives.
All scripture is Christ, making us whiter than white. ( belief in Him)



Psalm 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.



Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
 
We learn from others mistakes, to not be with them.
Not going to read through these unnecessary long postings of yours and also Johann!@# but will comment on what you said here.

We can only learn from our own mistakes, but not to follow after the mistakes of others. There are times when we might fail the testing or the temptation, but God's grace is always there and the conviction of the Holy Spirit will always bring us back and set our feet on that narrow path again.
 
Faith is tested, and the question is why and how ?

The answer is not so we do not have time to read and see if what we said was answered or not, but it is when we have faith to see what others are saying and to answer their own words, by the Word.
 
We were as lost sheep, going astray on different paths, now we follow the Shepherd of the sheep, never following others ,just His voice showing the way.



1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
 
Faith is tested, and the question is why and how ?

The answer is not so we do not have time to read and see if what we said was answered or not, but it is when we have faith to see what others are saying and to answer their own words, by the Word.
But yet again, for the most part people do not want to try and read through long postings that are broken up that many topics are discussed within one post. When one sticks to only that of the OP then it is worth reading, but yet may not be agreed with.

I have nothing more to say about this and will not reply any further.
 
All scripture is Christ, making us whiter than white. ( belief in Him)



Psalm 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.



Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
YOUR POSTS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OP
PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC.
FURTHER DERAILMENT WILL LEAD TO REMOVAL FROM THIS THEAD.

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS POST ON THIS THEAD.
USE TALK WITH STAFF IF NECESSARY.
 
GREEK TERMS FOR TESTING AND THEIR CONNOTATIONS

There are two Greek terms which have the connotation of testing someone for a purpose.

1. Dokimazō, Dokimion, Dokimasia

This term is a metalurgist term for testing the genuineness of something (i.e., metaphorically someone) by fire (see Special Topic: Fire). The fire reveals the true metal and burns off (i.e., purifies) the dross. This physical process became a powerful idiom for God and/or Satan and/or humans testing others. This term is only used in a positive sense of testing with a view towards acceptance (see Special Topic: God Tests His People [OT]).

It is used in the NT of testing

a. oxen – Luke 14:19

b. ourselves – 1 Cor. 11:28

c. our faith – James. 1:3

d. even God – Heb. 3:9

The outcomes of these tests were assumed to be positive (cf. Rom. 2:18; 14:22; 16:10; 2 Cor. 10:18; 13:3,7; Phil. 2:27; 1 Pet. 1:7), therefore, the term conveys the idea of someone examined and approved

a. to be worthwhile

b. to be good

c. to be genuine

d. to be valuable

e. to be honored

2. Peirazō, Peirasmus

This term often has the connotation of examination for the purpose of fault finding or rejection. It is used in connection to Jesus' temptation in the wilderness.

a. It conveys the attempt to trap Jesus (cf. Matt. 4:1; 16:1; 19:3; 22:18, 35; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:2; Heb. 2:18).

b. This term (peirazōn) is used as a title for Satan in Matt. 4:3; 1 Thess. 3:5 (i.e., "the tempter").

c. Usage

(1) It was used by Jesus warning humans not to test God (cf. Matt. 4:7; Luke 4:12, [or Christ cf. 1 Cor 10:9]).

(2) It also denotes the attempt to do something that has failed (cf. Heb.11:29).

(3) It is used in connection with the temptation and trials of believers (cf. 1 Cor. 7:5; 10:9, 13; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 3:5; Heb. 2:18; James. 1:2, 13, 14; 1 Pet. 4:12; 2 Pet 2:9).


GOD TESTS HIS PEOPLE (OT)

The term "test" (BDB 650, KB 702, Piel perfect; Gen. 22:1) is used in the sense of "to try." It is used in the sense of bringing someone to the place whereby they recognize and act on their own stated priorities. It is obvious from Genesis 12 through 22 that God is presenting Abraham with a series of situations (the rabbis say ten) in order to focus his love and trust in God and God alone (possibly also Job). These tests were not so much for God's sake, but for Abraham's sake and his understanding of the God who called him out of Ur of the Chaldees. Abraham is asked to give up family, home, friends, inheritance, tradition and even the future (his promised son in Genesis 22) to follow God by faith. God tests all of His children in the area of their priority (cf. Matt. 4:lff; Heb. 5:8; 12:5-13).

God tests (BDB 650) in order to know (BDB 393; see Special Topic: Know). Israel often tested God by their disobedience and God proved to be true to His word. Now God will give Israel and her people a chance to demonstrate their spoken allegiance and faith.

1. God tested His people corporately

a. Exod. 15:25; 16:4; 20:20

b. Deut. 8:2,16; 13:3

c. Jdgs. 2:22; 3:1,4

2. God tested individual Israelites

a. Abraham, Gen. 22:1-12

b. Hezekiah, 2 Chr. 32:31

3. The Psalm writers cry out for God to test them so as to remove any hidden flaws (cf. Ps. 26:2; 139:23)

4. The NT people of God are also tested, as was Jesus (Matthew 4; Luke 4; Heb. 5:8).

I would say we are being "tested" every moment of our earthly lives.
Thank you wondering there is always so much to learn.
God bless
Johann.
 
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