Why tribulation?

Aseyesee

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When God allows our faith to be tested by tribulation, is it so we will know how weak we are, or is it so God will know? It seems to me that God already knows me, and so perhaps its me who needs to know God and myself.

Always to the end that we might know him in a deeper, and more intimate way.
 
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Halbhh

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Btw W2L, sorry about speed reading through Post #5 or I would have noticed you had already cited those verses I did. This particular verse brings up yet another reason: It gives God the ability to manifest His power through us in our weakness. Paul was beaten half to death several times, and even was stoned to death at one point. And yet the power of God continued to raise him up supernaturally to continue his ministry. Regardless of what the Devil threw at him, nothing could stop Paul, and his time was not up until GOD finally said his time was up. :oldthumbsup:

Yes, and even the physical side of the attack isn't the most powerful. Paul could willingly risk his physical life quite easily I think. I think of that instance in 2 Cor 1 as somehow more difficult. It was more difficult than merely being almost killed. The moral or social condemnation/emotional attack is more of a challenge than mere physical injury. It's also harder to wait under a general social condemnation (of seemingly all the people), likely with repeated condemnations, for instance than to be beaten to death.
 
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JacksBratt

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When God allows our faith to be tested by tribulation, is it so we will know how weak we are, or is it so God will know? It seems to me that God already knows me, and so perhaps its me who needs to know God and myself.
Trials and tribulation in our life is for growth and so we can be stronger or help someone else down the road.
The Great tribulation is the wrath of God on an evil world.... this is another reason to comfort each other as we will not be here.
 
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Hidden In Him

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Yes, and even the physical side of the attack isn't the most powerful. Paul could willingly risk his physical life quite easily I think. I think of that instance in 2 Cor 1 as somehow more difficult. It was more difficult than merely being almost killed. The moral or social condemnation/emotional attack is more of a challenge than mere physical injury. It's also harder to wait under a general social condemnation (of seemingly all the people), likely with repeated condemnations, for instance than to be beaten to death.

Absolutely. Dying daily is much tougher than simply dying once.
 
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W2L

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Good set of helpful quotes. I was struck by the wording in 2 Cor 1, "...burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life." ! Wow. That can happen, but that it happened even to one as strong, very strong, as Paul.
That scripture helped me when i was depressed. It gave me hope that God was with me.
 
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W2L

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Btw W2L, sorry about speed reading through Post #5 or I would have noticed you had already cited those verses I did. This particular verse brings up yet another reason: It gives God the ability to manifest His power through us in our weakness. Paul was beaten half to death several times, and even was stoned to death at one point. And yet the power of God continued to raise him up supernaturally to continue his ministry. Regardless of what the Devil threw at him, nothing could stop Paul, and his time was not up until GOD finally said his time was up. :oldthumbsup:
No problem.
 
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W2L

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Trials and tribulation in our life is for growth and so we can be stronger or help someone else down the road.
The Great tribulation is the wrath of God on an evil world.... this is another reason to comfort each other as we will not be here.
I agree they help us grow. Thanks for the re
 
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dqhall

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When God allows our faith to be tested by tribulation, is it so we will know how weak we are, or is it so God will know? It seems to me that God already knows me, and so perhaps its me who needs to know God and myself.
In the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:20 (WEB) What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

300px-Bridge_Alcantara.JPG

This Roman stone bridge was built c. 100 AD. By this time the Gospel was spreading as Christians could not turn back. Persecution should not turn you from your search for knowledge of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.
 
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thetruth0

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When God allows our faith to be tested by tribulation, is it so we will know how weak we are, or is it so God will know? It seems to me that God already knows me, and so perhaps its me who needs to know God and myself.
The GOD who knows the end from the beginning already knows if you will pass or fail a test. So, if the GOD tests you, its not to see if you will pass, rather to demonstrate to the enemy that he can't have you. For if you are tested by GOD, you have already passed it as the GOD would not set HIS children up to fail.

Therefore, one who is tested has been found worthy to be tested. And should rejoice that he is found worthy.
 
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W2L

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In the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:20 (WEB) What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

300px-Bridge_Alcantara.JPG

This Roman stone bridge was built c. 100 AD. By this time the Gospel was spreading as Christians could not turn back. Persecution should not turn you from your search for knowledge of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.
Good point.
 
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W2L

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The GOD who knows the end from the beginning already knows if you will pass or fail a test. So, if the GOD tests you, its not to see if you will pass, rather to demonstrate to the enemy that he can't have you. For if you are tested by GOD, you have already passed it as the GOD would not set HIS children up to fail.

Therefore, one who is tested has been found worthy to be tested. And should rejoice that he is found worthy.
I see testing more as purifying. Our faith is purified in the fires of affliction and hardship.
 
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JacksBratt

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I see testing more as purifying. Our faith is purified in the fires of affliction and hardship.
I agree, but I don't see all trials and tribulations as "tests". All humans go through the pains and hardships of life on earth. Christians are allowed, by God, to endure hardship. He always has a purpose. Whether it is for yourself or someone else. All challenges are for a season and for God's will.
Not all are tests. Just life. Events that mold us and the decisions we make surrounding them compile who we are and where we are in life.
 
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AlexDTX

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When God allows our faith to be tested by tribulation, is it so we will know how weak we are, or is it so God will know? It seems to me that God already knows me, and so perhaps its me who needs to know God and myself.

Having now read the other replies, much has been well said, leaving little for me to say. What I have not read is that many tribulations have nothing to do with God. It is true that He works all things for good for those who love him, and the trying of our faith is precious in his sight; but there seems to be an unspoken assumption that God is causing the tribulations. He is not. He uses all things for his glory, but he is not the author of our hardships.

Many hardships are of our own doing, whether willfully or through ignorance. Many of the quotes of Paul really don't apply to most believers since most believers are not establishing congregations and sharing the gospel in the power of God. Persecution does not come from God, but all who want their sins to remain hidden, and from Satan who uses persecution to try and stop the gospel from being preached. For some believers, they are not being persecuted at all but are simply disliked because they are insensitive clouts who put their feet in their mouths.

Then there are natural disasters such as is going on in Texas with Hurricane Harvey's devastation. Insurance companies call that an act of God, but it is not. It is simply part of the natural geothermal actions of the Earth. The act of God in that case are the saints who have risen to the occasion and are helping those that have been displaced.
 
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W2L

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Many of the quotes of Paul really don't apply to most believers since most believers are not establishing congregations and sharing the gospel in the power of God.
I disagree.

Romans 5New King James Version (NKJV)

Faith Triumphs in Trouble
5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
 
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AlexDTX

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I disagree.

Romans 5New King James Version (NKJV)

Faith Triumphs in Trouble
5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

I think you misunderstand me. If we live godly and suffer persecution, of course it applies. What I was referring to are the things that I noted that are not really tribulations. And I think most American Christians have not really experienced tribulations. Only annoyances, inconveniences, rudeness or someone's anger, or their own emotional anxiety because they do not know how to live by faith. Those experiencing natural disasters who follow Christ will be carried though those disasters by Christ. What I was saying, though, in general, is that most American Christians have never experienced serious tribulation.
 
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W2L

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I think you misunderstand me. If we live godly and suffer persecution, of course it applies. What I was referring to are the things that I noted that are not really tribulations. And I think most American Christians have not really experienced tribulations. Only annoyances, inconveniences, rudeness or someone's anger, or their own emotional anxiety because they do not know how to live by faith. Those experiencing natural disasters who follow Christ will be carried though those disasters by Christ. What I was saying, though, in general, is that most American Christians have never experienced serious tribulation.
No, i didn't misunderstand you. It takes faith to get through tribulations. I believe you are downplaying the role of tribulation, but you're wrong to do so. What do you mean by annoyances? Any distress, no matter how small, can be a blessing when we take it to God in prayer.
 
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Blade

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When God allows our faith to be tested by tribulation, is it so we will know how weak we are, or is it so God will know? It seems to me that God already knows me, and so perhaps its me who needs to know God and myself.

Lets try to remember .. the way it is now was NEVER what God wanted. You think GOD needed to test Job? As if GOD had no idea what faith Job had? If Adam had not fallen. you think GOD would use something bad evil or the like to test us? Satan is alive and well. He is the god of this world. And he WILL hit each of us all the time over and over. Stand.. have faith.. trust in the lord.. that trial that test.. you get stronger.. GOD shows you HE IS THERE all the time. You will learn patience and so much more. God uses that to bring HIM glory.. so we see find out GOD is with us always.. has not left us so much more.. its how you look at it I guess
 
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