Why does God test us?

[Gary]

Nice Deborah !

I'd like to look at the next passage.

In His Parable of the Sower, Jesus identifies the ones who fall away as those who receive the seed of God’s Word with joy, but as soon as a time of testing comes along, they fall away. James clearly explains that the testing of our faith develops perseverance, which leads to maturity in our walk with God. Perseverance in times of trial and testing will result in our spiritual maturity, our completeness (James 1:3-4). James goes on to say that testing is a blessing, because when the testing is over and we have “stood the test,” we will “receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Testing and trying come from our heavenly Father who works all things together for good for those who love Him and who are called to be the children of God (Romans 8:28).

In the parable of the sower the testing which comes is from the world because of the presentation of the Word. God allows this but doesn't cause it imo.

Mat 13:20-21 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; (21) Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

It's correct that testing of faith develops perseverance and maturity as written in James but also note that God doesn't test us with evil.

Jas 1:13-14 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

I think sometimes we confuse God's discipline with the temptations from the world and the flesh.

 

[Gary]

Why does God test us?

I don't believe He does. I don't believe He would purposely put anything in our path that could possibly cause us to stumble. As difficult as it is to find the Narrow Gate, I can't see Him doing anything that could divert us onto the wide path.

But that's just me.
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[iLOVE]

I don't believe He does. I don't believe He would purposely put anything in our path that could possibly cause us to stumble. As difficult as it is to find the Narrow Gate, I can't see Him doing anything that could divert us onto the wide path.

But that's just me.
.

Matthew 13:24-30
New King James Version (NKJV)

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

This parable teaches us that even though you are doing the right thing, trials and tribulations will come. Jesus said we will have suffering in this world. He didn't say we might, but we will. If God allowed it He has a purpose for it. While we go through these testing we are commanded by God only to fight the good fight of faith. Job said, " Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." - " But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold."

 

[iLOVE]

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.

 

[Gary]

I don't believe He does. I don't believe He would purposely put anything in our path that could possibly cause us to stumble. As difficult as it is to find the Narrow Gate, I can't see Him doing anything that could divert us onto the wide path.

But that's just me.
.

Matthew 13:24-30
New King James Version (NKJV)

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

This parable teaches us that even though you are doing the right thing, trials and tribulations will come. Jesus said we will have suffering in this world. He didn't say we might, but we will. If God allowed it He has a purpose for it. While we go through these testing we are commanded by God only to fight the good fight of faith. Job said, " Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." - " But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold."

Here is the actual interpretation of that passage.

Matthew 13
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”
37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.
38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.
39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.
40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.
41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,
42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!


I see nothing to indicate testing. If there is testing, it would be coming from the devil, not God.
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[iLOVE]

My interpretation is revelation and explained meaning the same. As I stated above if God has allowed it He has a purpose for it. As the scripture says, "not even a sparrow will hit the ground without the Fathers consent."

Also all faith will be tested, not some, but all!

James 1:2-4
New King James Version (NKJV)

Profiting from Trials
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

 

[Gary]

My interpretation is revelation and explained meaning the same. As I stated above if God has allowed it He has a purpose for it. As the scripture says, "not even a sparrow will hit the ground without the Fathers consent."

Also all faith will be tested, not some, but all!

James 1:2-4
New King James Version (NKJV)

Profiting from Trials
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

My faith is tested on a daily basis, but it's not God that's doing the testing.
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