The Trial of Your Faith

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Short Summary
The discourse emphasizes that the trial of faith, likened to the refining of gold by fire, serves to prove and purify believers, preparing them for a future glorious inheritance. It highlights the importance of enduring hardships with joy and patience, trusting God’s love and discipline, and relying on divine strength to overcome challenges, with the ultimate assurance that faithfulness through trials leads to spiritual maturity and salvation. The lesson also draws on biblical examples and prophecies to encourage steadfastness, faith growth, and confidence in God’s deliverance amid present and future trials.

Long Summary
Detailed Summary of the Discourse: “The Trial of Your Faith”

Theme Text:
The key scripture guiding this lesson is 1 Peter 1:7:
*”The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”*
This verse introduces the concept that faith trials refine believers, making their faith more valuable than gold.

Nature and Purpose of Faith Trials:
– Trials test the genuineness of our faith, like gold refined by fire.
– They are permitted by God to prove, purify, and strengthen us, developing character and preparing us for a glorious inheritance.
– Apostle Paul in Romans 8:18 points out that present sufferings are incomparable to future glory.
– Peter encourages rejoicing in sharing Christ’s sufferings (1 Peter 4:13), as it leads to exceeding joy at His revelation.

God’s Discipline as a Sign of Love:
– Hebrews 12:6,11 teaches that God’s chastening is His way of loving and training us as His children.
– The Greek word for chastening means education or training to maturity.
– Even Jesus learned and grew through trials, showing their formative purpose.

Rejoicing in Trials:
– Trials should not be seen as strange or only negative, but as opportunities to partake in Christ’s sufferings and to grow (1 Peter 4:12-13).
– The main sources of trials are the world, the flesh, and the devil, with the flesh being the greatest enemy since it is the channel through which others attack us.
– Within the church (ecclesia), there are also dangers from false teachers and internal strife (Acts 20:29-30).

God’s Role in Temptations:
– God does not tempt us to evil but permits trials to test and strengthen us (James 1:13).
– Deuteronomy 13:1-3 explains God’s method of testing.

Spiritual Growth Through Trials:
– James 1:2-4 and Romans 5:3-5 describe the progression: trials produce patience; patience results in experience; experience leads to hope; hope does not disappoint because of God’s love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
– This growth fosters joy and confidence, viewing trials as God’s loving refinement (Malachi 3:3).

The Refiner’s Fire:
– God refines believers by removing impurities such as self-will, pride, and mere outward religiosity without destroying the precious new creature within.
– Hebrews 12:11 highlights the peaceable fruit of righteousness yielded by chastening.

Biblical Illustration – Daniel 3 and the Fiery Furnace:
– The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image and being delivered from the fiery furnace illustrates God’s power to save and the faithfulness required.
– This has both a practical application for daily trials and a prophetic meaning concerning the final deliverance of God’s faithful.

Confidence in God’s Deliverance:
– Romans 8:28 teaches that God works all things for good for those who love Him.
– Psalm 23:4 and Job 13:15 highlight trust in God even in the darkest trials.
– Mark 9:23-24 shows that imperfect faith is acceptable when accompanied by a plea for help to overcome unbelief.
– Luke 17:5 encourages praying for increased faith.

God’s Promise of Protection:
– Isaiah 43:2 assures that when passing through deep waters or fire, God will be with us and not allow harm to our true selves.
– 1 Corinthians 3:11,15 emphasizes building life’s foundation on Jesus Christ, with trials acting as fire testing the quality of one’s work, rewarding those who build with gold, silver, and precious stones (symbolizing divine character), while destroying wood, hay, and stubble (human traditions and worldly ways).

The Present Day as a Time of Intense Trials:
– The current era is described as the most difficult in the Church’s history, with stronger worldly influences and spiritual opposition (Ephesians 6:10-18).
– Believers are urged to put on the “whole armor of light” (Romans 13:12) to stand firm in this evil day.
– The harvest message is God’s special provision for spiritual strength during this time.

Balancing Earthly Obligations and Spiritual Devotion:
– Emphasis on seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:19-21) while responsibly managing earthly duties.
– Redeeming the time is crucial because the days are evil.

Encouragement to Holy Living:
– 2 Peter 3:11 calls for godly conduct as the world dissolves.
– Matthew 24:33 and Luke 21:28,31 remind believers to recognize the nearness of God’s kingdom and redemption.

God’s Unfailing Love and Faithfulness:
– Romans 8:31-39 assures that nothing can separate believers from God’s love except self-will.
– God understands human weakness (Psalm 103:14) and expects effort, not perfection.
– Salvation is a cooperative work: believers must work out their salvation with fear and trembling, yet God works in them to will and do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).

Christ’s Example and Encouragement:
– Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33), serving as our forerunner (Hebrews 6:20).
– He offers peace that surpasses worldly peace and calms troubled hearts (John 14:27; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:7).
– Faith and peace come from trusting in God’s wisdom, love, justice, and power (Manna from July 17).

Final Exhortation:
– The trial of faith is more precious than gold because it leads to divine nature and eternal reward.
– Believers are encouraged to rejoice in trials, trust in God’s refining process, and maintain faith and patience with joyful expectancy of future glory.

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Key Bible Verses Cited:

– 1 Peter 1:7
– Romans 8:18, 28, 31-39
– 1 Peter 4:12-13
– Hebrews 12:6, 11
– James 1:2, 13
– Acts 20:29-30
– Deuteronomy 13:1-3
– Romans 5:3-5
– Malachi 3:3
– Daniel 3
– Psalm 23:4
– Job 13:15
– Mark 9:23-24
– Luke 17:5
– Isaiah 43:2
– 1 Corinthians 3:11, 15
– Ephesians 6:10-18
– Romans 13:12
– Matthew 6:19-21
– 2 Peter 3:11
– Matthew 24:33
– Luke 21:28, 31
– Psalm 103:14
– Philippians 2:12-13
– John 15:5
– Philippians 4:13
– John 16:33
– John 14:27
– Isaiah 26:3
– Philippians 4:7

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the discourse’s core teachings on the refining and testing of faith, the spiritual growth resulting from trials, biblical examples and promises, and practical and prophetic applications for believers today.

Transcript

The trial of your faith Our theme text for this lesson is found in 1 Peter 1, verse 7 the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

The trial of our faith is the process of proving what is genuine in our faith superstructure. Being tried with fire carries the additional thought of being refined. Every trial, every persecution, every difficulty of life permitted to come upon those who have made a covenant of sacrifice with the Lord is intended to prove them and refine them.

The endurance of these difficulties is cause for thanksgiving, because such difficulties are instruments designed to prepare us for our future glorious inheritance, as the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8:18 for I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us, and the Apostle Peter adds in 1 Peter 4:13 but rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. Whenever we pass through a fiery trial, and are able to maintain our faith and confidence in God, our characters are more and more refined, like gold, and we are therefore more pleasing to God, who disciplines us, who trains us for this very purpose. A quote from Hebrews 12:6, 11 in part for whom the Lord chasteneth, he loveth. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons.

For what son is he whom the Father does not chasten now? No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. The word chastening in these verses is from the Greek 3809 3000, 809, and it’s often misunderstood. It means to educate or train a child in order to bring them to maturity. In this way even Jesus as a new creature was educated, trained, and developed.

He learned from the trials he endured.

The manner for June 16 is based on verse 11. We will not read it. The reason that the trial of our faith is more precious than gold is because the result, if faithful, will be the divine nature. Read from 1 Peter 4:12, 13. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you but rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

If Jesus had to be tested with fiery trials, we should not think it strange if the same testing is necessary for us. What are the sources and natures of these fiery trials? The world, the flesh, and the devil are the main sources that come to mind and of these three the greatest enemy is our own flesh. The devil and the world attack us through our flesh.

There are also dangers in the ecclesia, as mentioned in Acts chapter 20, from verses 29 and 30 for I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock also of your own selves. Men shall arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. There are also special tests for the time in which we are living in that day and in the evil day, which will be considered later. It’s important to remember that God is not the source of our temptations, but he permits them as tests. James 1:13 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.

You can read in Deuteronomy 13, verses 1 to 3, God’s method as it is explained there.

So we see that the purpose of fiery trials is to try us or to exercise us, in order for us to grow and develop as new creatures. If properly received, these trials will develop in us the fruits and graces of the Spirit. Additionally, we are not to choose the kind of fiery trials that will develop us and prepare us and make us meet for the kingdom, but we are to leave all that in the hands of the Lord. Our proper reaction to trials of faith permitted by the Lord should be joy and rejoicing. James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing this that the trying of your faith works patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Romans 5:3 5 We glory in tribulations also knowing that the tribulation worketh patience and patience, experience and experience, hope and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, which is given unto us. Thus we see a progression. Trials taken properly develop patience. Patience under trial results in experience.

This prepares us for the next test of patience, an additional growth in experience, and the reverse is also true. Without patience we cannot gain experience. The more experience we have in enduring trials, the greater our hope will be. As we pass through each trial we gain confidence for God’s assistance in future trials. This experience increases our hope that Ultimately, God will count us faithful.

Such trials are not a source of shame, but of joy. A proper view of this progression helps us to realize God’s love manifested in these trials and consequently increases our love for Him. Another illustration is found in Malachi 3:3 and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver and he shall purify the sons of Levi and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

The emphasis in this verse is in the removal of all impurities in our character, such as self will, personal ambition, pride, outward forms of godliness, etc. The literal refiner watches the crucible with great care to make certain the fire is hot enough to destroy the impurities, but not too hot so as to destroy the precious metal. This promise should increase our trust and confidence in God.

Until now, in each one of our lives God has been 100% successful in refining and purifying in us, yet at the same time protecting us from any harm to our new creature.

Another important text which we won’t read is in Hebrews 12:11.

The end result is pure metal, which reflects the image of the great refiner God.

The little flock are shown here as gold, a symbol of the divine nature, the highest showing the fact that they are more than overcomers, as stated in Romans 8:37. The great company are shown as silver on a lower plane than the little flock, but still precious, still overcomers, just to a lesser degree, as shown in Revelation 7:13,15.

The next illustration is found in Daniel 3.

This is a familiar story, but it is not often considered from a prophetic standpoint.

Chapter three follows Chapter two, and with good reason. The prophetic fulfillment of chapter two is related to the times of the Gentiles and the eventual complete destruction of the gentile powers after 1914, a process which began right on time and continues today. The prophetic fulfillment of chapter three has to do with the events after those of Chapter two. The preliminary steps for this fulfillment have already begun, but the climax is yet before us.

This prophecy concerns the golden image which Nebuchadnezzar had commissioned and set up in the plain of Dura. A kingly decree, punishable by death if not obeyed, required everyone to bow down and worship this image at a public gathering called for that purpose. Daniel’s three companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused to obey the decree and were reported to the king. Nebuchadnezzar threatened them with death, gave them another chance, but they refused, saying that God could deliver them if he chose. But even if he did not deliver them, they would not bow down to the golden image.

They were thrown into the fiery furnace which was so hot that those men who threw them in died from the flames. As we all know, the three Hebrews were miraculously delivered. Nebuchadnezzar recognized Jehovah as their deliverer and he promoted them to high positions in the government of Babylon. That is the literal reality that took place all those centuries ago.

We appreciate this as a general example of God’s great power to deliver and of the uncompromising loyalty of those three Hebrews. But we are more concerned in today’s lesson with the picture which it contains. For us, there are two modern day applications we can make from this prophecy. First of all, there is the practical lesson of God’s ability to deliver us in all of our trials. This practical lesson is most pertinent to our personal daily trials of faith.

Secondly, there is the prophetic lesson regarding future events. These future events will bring about the final deliverance of the last members of the little flock and will take them beyond the veil. Both of these applications are pertinent to our keep text found in 1 Peter 1:7 the lesson of Daniel 3 gives us confidence that God can and will make all things work together for our good in our daily experiences. Romans 8:28 these daily deliverances and overrulings give us confidence that God will ultimately bring us through the valley of the shadow of death. Psalm 23:4 and in the words of Job 13:15, Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.

This degree of confidence and trust is what we all strive for.

But someone may say, my faith is weak.

Then we are reminded of the beautiful lesson found in Mark 9.

Jesus said to the man whose son was possessed by a demon, if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

The man’s reply to Jesus was, I believe, help thou my unbelief.

What a helpful lesson this is for us. Our faith is not perfect, but we can pray as this man did. I believe, help thou my unbelief, and additionally, as the apostles prayed in Luke 17:5, Lord, increase our faith.

Someone has their phone open.

Kind of a nice effect there. Thank you.

Lord, increase our faith. There’s a similar concept in Isaiah 43:2 when thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee. When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. At times Our trials seem like a flood of waters that threaten to overflow us. But the Lord has promised that he will be with us and bring us safely through to the other side.

The other side could mean further opportunities here, or it could be the other side of the veil. We trust in the Lord to decide what kind of deliverance we will have, and like the three Hebrews, when we pass through the fire fiery trials, they cannot harm our new creature. Rather they are working together for our good and for our development and preparation for our future work.

Read from 1 Corinthians 3:11, 151 Corinthians 3:11, 15.

It gives a powerful lesson concerning the special fire of the time in which we are living.

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble every man’s work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built, thereupon he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved yet so as by fire These verses have had a general application all down throughout the Gospel age, but the apostle draws our attention to the special trials of the day, the harvest of the Gospel age, the time in which we are Living, Malachi 3:2, 2 Peter 3:10, Zephaniah 3:8, and so forth.

All who remain on the rock foundation of Christ, and the ransom will be saved. The degree to which we build character will determine whether we will have part in the Little flock or the Great Company. All gold, silver, and precious stones will resist the fire. These represent divine truths, corresponding character. All wood, hay, and stubble will be burned up.

These represent human traditions, human theories and worldly practices, and corresponding character. No one builds perfectly well Jesus did, but none of us builds perfectly hopefully and by the Lord’s grace we are building with gold, silver, and precious stones to the best of our ability.

The Great company fail to daily strive to have these elements purged from their characters, just as they fail to daily ask the Lord to clean the spots from their robes. Eventually they will come off victors if they stay on the solid rock foundation, but they will have lost the great reward to which they were called.

Our day is perhaps the most difficult period in the Church’s history.

The influence of the world is stronger than ever before.

The activities of the fallen angels are greater than ever before. It is necessary, more necessary today than ever before, to put on the whole armor of God in order to be able to stand Ephesians 6:1018 verse 12 Ephesians 6 has special significance, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in high places. Verse 13 tells us that the armor will be most important in the evil day in which we are living, and we believe that a special armor has been supplied for us in this harvest period.

What is this armor? It’s the complete armor of light. Romans 13:12 and other speakers will have much to say about this during the next two days. It was only partially available in previous periods of the Gospel age. It is only with this complete armor that we will be able to stand in this evil day.

The harvest message is God’s special provision of meat in due season, served by our returned Lord through a faithful and wise servant. This special provision is what assists us in putting on the whole armor, which was not possible before.

It is more difficult today than ever before to put Ephesians 5:16 into practice. Redeeming the Time because the days are evil it is not only worldly influences that try to steal our time. We have many valid earthly obligations that also consume our time and means. The man of October 30th contains valuable advice in part. We are to seek first chiefly the kingdom of God.

It is to be our chief concern, and to receive from us all the time attention, thought, energy, influence, and means. We have the things needful for the present life being understood to be accepted and our love and zeal will be manifested by the proportion of even these which we are willing to sacrifice in the interest of heavenly things. But this manna must be balanced with the one from January 19th. But the child of the Lord will be particular to see that it is his own conveniences and comforts that he is sacrificing, and not chiefly the conveniences and comforts of others. We must pursue the proper balance between taking care of our valid earthly obligations and redeeming the time.

Today we have the unique circumstances of our day, which put even greater pressure upon us when trying to stand in the evil day. What should our reaction be to these things? 2nd Peter 3:11 seeing then that all these things are being dissolved, are being dissolved, we see that seeing that all these things are being dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness? Matthew 24:33 when ye shall see all these things, know that it the full establishment of the kingdom is near, even at the doors and Luke 21:28 31 and when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. When ye see all these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

The things of life are so temporary, they can pass away in an instant. How important are the words of Matthew 6:19 21 lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through or steal.

What’s the last phrase? For where your treasure is, there will your hearts be also we’re all familiar with Romans chapter 8, but we usually quote verse 28.

This verse is very important for us to remember in the context of this lesson and always but verses 31 to 39 are also important. We quote in part what shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Brethren, these verses are more than a hope. They are a promise. They are reality.

However, there is one thing missing from the list given in these verses.

There is only one thing that can separate us from the love of God. I heard it, yes, that one thing is self. But as the Apostle Paul says in another verse, Hebrews 6:9 but beloved, we are persuaded better things of you.

Of similar import is the manna for February 8th, which we won’t read.

Another precious Scripture is found in Psalms 103:14 for he knoweth our frame he remembereth that we are dust.

God does not expect perfection from us, but he does expect us to strive for perfection.

However, he knows we cannot attain to that standard. He wants to see how much effort we will put forth to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. But we must have the robe of righteousness to cover our imperfections. We must have clearly in mind God’s part, Jesus part, and our part in regard to the trial of our faith.

Philippians 2:12 13 Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 2 Corinthians 3:5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God. Psalm 18:32 it is God that girdeth me with strength and maketh my way perfect.

John 15:5 Jesus said, Without me ye can do nothing. But the apostle Paul adds, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 and Jesus said in John 16:33, these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace in the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Jesus is our forerunner. Hebrews 6:20 Jesus has gone before us to prepare the way and to make it easier for us to follow.

Jesus shows us that it is possible to overcome the world, and all these thoughts should give us peace even in the midst of fiery trials. John 14:27 Peace, I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee. Philippians 4, 7 and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, and finally, from the manna of July 17th it is a peace which implicitly trusts to the divine wisdom, love, justice, and power, a peace which remembers the gracious promise made to the Lord’s faithful, that nothing shall by any means hurt his faithful, and that all things shall work together for good to them that love God. This peace and the faith which inspires it, can look up through its tears with joyful expectancy for the glorious fruition of our hopes which God has promised, and of which our present peace and joy are but the foretaste. May our loving heavenly Father continue to grant us peace in the midst of fiery trials, and may he help us to always remember that the trial of our faith is more valuable than gold.

May the Lord add his blessing.

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