5 Reasons For Testings

I was reading thru the first chapter of the book of James today, and highlighted 5 reasons we believers go through testings. The gospel of Matthew also serves as a good book that reiterates a lot of what James teaches in his epistle. Finally, I don't think there's any book in the Bible that's greater when it comes to showing us what endurance under severe trial looks like other than Job.

Anyway, here are the 5 points I took away from James today as it pertains to reasons for testings.

1. To check our faith (lets us know where we’re at).

 ("because you know that the testing of your faith produces

  

perseverance." -James 1:3)

2. To conform us into the likeness of Jesus.

 ("Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and

complete, not lacking anything." -James 1:4)

3. To give us wisdom.

(If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives 

  

generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

-James 1:5)

4. To make us obedient.

  

("Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having

  

stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the

Lord has promised to those who love him." -James 1:12)

 

("If you love me, keep my commandments." -John 14:15)

5. To keep us from sin.

  

("When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For

  

God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;  but

each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own 

  

evil desire and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives

birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

 

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and
perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the 
heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.   
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created."