The Testing of Faith
That 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: I Peter 1:7
The word “trial” [δοκίμιον / dokimion] refers to a testing, that which reveals the trustworthiness of your faith. If you profess faith in Christ, you can be certain that somewhere along the way, God will put that faith to the test to see if it is the real thing. This is important because many simply have religion. Are you a genuine Christian? That is the issue.
The paragraph that extends from verse 3 through 12 has to do with our salvation. If your salvation is real, noted in verse 5, you will greatly rejoice (I Peter 1:6). This does not mean that you will forever be trouble free. On this sin-cursed earth, there will be heartaches, problems, car accidents, disappointments, discouragement just as the unsaved experience. But regardless of your circumstances, God has a way of keeping you by His power through faith that God will acknowledge when we stand before Him in Glory. The difference between us and the unsaved is the recognition of the presence of God and the outcome as revealed in God’s Word. And so shall we ever be with the Lord (I Thessalonians 4:17). Tony Evans states that God has an omnipotent grip on you (John 10:27-29). So, we rejoice in our salvation.
Notice that our faith is more valuable than gold. In glory, we will walk on gold. Our text is very clear that the trial of our faith produces something for us in the future. The Apostle Paul in II Corinthians 4:17 stated, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, WORKETH FOR US A FAR MORE EXCEEDING AND ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY. When our faith is tried, when we experience these “light” afflictions, why is it that we often see them as gigantic afflictions? It will always be determined on whether your life is all about you or God. Any afflictions (tests) are temporal – but for a moment – even Covid! Peter wrote his second epistle to those that have obtained like precious faith through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ (II Peter 1:1) and the closer you get to the Lord the more you will recognize that what you have in Christ is more valuable to you than anything else you possess or any other relationship that you have. The older you get, the more you recognize this. It is when you are on your deathbed that this is so very clear. It is sad when we put other things first in our lives to the place that some on their deathbeds will be full of regrets.
Notice the link between your faith and the fire. Notice as well that gold will perish BUT NOT YOUR FAITH. Our faith is imperishable faith. How many times have you heard someone at church say, “They lost their faith!” You cannot lose what you never had. There are many today who are faithful in their church attendance, memorizing many verses of Scripture, enjoying singing the great hymns of the faith who will stand and the judgment and Jesus will say, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Matthew 7:23).
If, as a Christian, you have trials and tribulations, God is either putting you to the test or steering your life in a different direction. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy (I Peter 4:12, 13). You want to examine yourself whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates (II Corinthians 13:5).
When your faith is tested, you will recognize what the quality of your faith is. Will you get an “A” or an “F?” For some of us, there will be the recognition that we need to do some more studying for our final exam!
What is your faith like just now? Do you know that it is the real thing? Are you concerned at all as to where you are spiritually in your relationship with the Lord?
George Stiekes serves as a Lay Pastor at Bethany Bible Church in Hendersonville, NC. See here for a more complete bio of brother Stiekes extensive ministry. We republish his material by permission.