Why Does God Test Us?

Why Does God Test Us?
Scott LaPierre | www.scottlapierre.org

Lesson 1: God tests us to prove _______ _________ Jam 1:2-3; 1 Pet 1:6-7; Isa 48:10).

Lesson 2: Trials test us and prove the genuineness of our faith:

• (Part I) To ________ (1 Pet 1:7).

• (Part II) To ___________ (Matt 13:5-6, 20-21; 1 John 2:19; Rev 3:1).

• (Part III) To ______ (Psa. 26:2, 139:23-24, Job 1:9-11, 2:5).

Lesson 3: Perseverance _________ _______ perfection (Jam 5:11; Job 9:23, 21:4, 9, 17,
31:35-40, 32:1, 40:3-5, 42:1-6 cf. Job 2:10, 13:15).

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important for God to test our faith?
2. How can it help your perspective of trials to view them as tests, versus viewing them as unfortunate circumstances?
3. Did you previously consider your faith as being "more precious than gold?" How has your view of your faith changed since hearing this message?
4. Describe hypothetical people who represent the "seed that fell on stony places." What made them look like Christians before the trial? What changes took place during or after the trial that made them look unsaved?
5. Can you think of other Scriptural examples of people who experienced trials and proved the genuineness of their faith? What about individuals who proved their faith was not genuine?
6. How can Job's example encourage us?