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.
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.
Trials and tribulation in our life is for growth and so we can be stronger or help someone else down the road.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.
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.
That scripture helped me when i was depressed. It gave me hope that God was with me.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.
No problem.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.
I agree they help us grow. Thanks for the reTrials 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.
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.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.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.
Good point.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.
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.
I see testing more as purifying. Our faith is purified in the fires of affliction and hardship.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 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.I see testing more as purifying. Our faith is purified in the fires of affliction and hardship.
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.
I disagree.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.
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.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.
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.
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