Testing (πειρασμός)

Trials are a type of testing that are designed to expose weakness, or what may fail under pressure. The word “testing” is used of both a trial and a temptation—a solicitation to do something that lacks in character.

James writes that we are to count it all joy—being content—when we face trials, because these trials refine our faith by exposing its strength. The trial that is for the purpose of exposing weakness actually reveals the strength of our faith (James 1:2). In contrast to “trials” (πειρασμός), which are intended to reveal weaknesses, “approval” (δοκίμιον) refers to a testing that examines what is good. Thus, trials will expose the quality of a person’s faith in God. If one’s claim is not truly based on faith—taking God at His Word—then when trials come, that person’s confidence and steadfastness will fail.

When someone misapplies Scripture to obtain what he desires from God, but does not receive it—no matter how fervently he seeks it—he may stumble in his perceived faith in God, because his faith was not truly in God but in men. This is especially evident in prayer, and in the misguided teaching that the more people who pray for something, the greater the likelihood that God will grant it. Such a belief is based on passages of Scripture taken out of context and misapplied to the Church. For example, in Matthew 18:19 the Jews are told that if two agree on earth concerning any matter they ask, it will be done. This passage is addressed to Israel, not to the Church. Yet it is often cited as justification for communal prayer to obtain what is asked, while ignoring 1 John 5:14–15, which states that for a grace believer, whatever is asked must be according to God’s desirous will. This misapplication results in prayers offered to satisfy personal pleasures—prayers God will not honor—which cause some to cast off the faith (James 4:3). However, if their faith were truly in the promises of God, they would ask in a proper manner, knowing that they will receive what they request when they ask according to His desirous will, as they seek the best for other saints (1 John 3:22).

The aspect of testing that pertains to temptation involves a solicitation to act in a way that is lacking in character—to do what is wrong. This temptation seeks to bring about unrighteousness and sin. Temptation comes in many forms; however, no solicitation to do wrong ever comes from God, for God cannot be tempted, nor does He tempt anyone (James 1:13). Those who set their determination on becoming wealthy in this life fall into temptation and a snare, bringing many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into destruction and ruin (1 Timothy 6:9). When we encounter fiery trials, we are not to think that something strange has happened to us (1 Peter 4:12), for all who desire to live godly lives will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). The one who endures temptation is happy, for he will stand approved (James 1:12).

The source of temptation is not the same across all dispensations. Adam and Eve were tempted only by Satan (Genesis 3:2–5). Cain was tempted by both Satan and his sin nature (Genesis 4:7–8). During the Millennial Kingdom, the prayer of an Israelite to God the Father will include a request not to be led into this type of testing (Matthew 6:13). Since Satan will be bound and the world system destroyed, their only source of temptation will be the sin nature. With God’s law written on their hearts, failure in such a trial will bring devastating consequences, potentially resulting in physical death (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Matthew 13:41–42). Under Kingdom law, a trespass—a determination within the mind to act in a wrong manner—could result in death. For the grace believer—the saved today—temptation comes from Satan, the sin nature, or the world system, each seeking to work out unrighteousness and sin. However, it is only sin that produces death (Romans 8:13), for our trespasses are not imputed to us (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Temptation is not unique to any individual; no one can claim that his trials are beyond the understanding of others. All temptations that overtake us are common to humanity. Even when a particular desire to do wrong does not entice a person, the potential for it to become a temptation still remains. For the grace believer, God provides a way of escape from every temptation; therefore, we are never alone in the trials we face (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Not all trials have a negative outcome. We are to put our faith to the test, examining whether it is weak: Is Christ truly in us? Have we based our salvation on the fact that Christ died for sins and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, or are we believing without purpose? How does one believe without purpose? By adding to the gospel message so that salvation rests on works rather than faith, by claiming belief merely because our parents believed, or by making some other claim of faith. In such cases, this person is not grounding his faith in Christ’s death for sins and His resurrection; rather, he is placing it in his own words, sincerity, or commitment—things based on self-effort or a desire to belong. Therefore, this kind of faith is in vain, for it does not take God at His Word.

There are two kinds of testing in Scripture, and both are valuable to the life of a grace believer. Trials are difficult circumstances brought on by those who seek to harm us, cause us to fail, or place us in situations where our faith is tested for its value. Temptations are solicitations that attempt to persuade us to act in an unrighteous manner, producing sin in our lives. Trials are not to be dreaded, for through them our faith is examined for its quality and strengthened. Therefore, when we are tested in a way intended to bring about our failure, we will stand approved if our faith is in God and not in men. When we fail, our response should be to strengthen our faith upon God’s Word and cease basing it upon the teachings of men. In Christ, we can overcome temptation by taking the way of escape God provides. This requires knowing our enemies—Satan, the sin nature, and the world system—and applying the Scriptural means of overcoming them, so that we may remain happy even in the face of temptation.