Testing

Connections List
 * Christian Persecution
 * Heart Influences
 * The Heart
 * James 1
 * Spiritual Disciplines
 * Rebuke
 * Test God
 * God cause sin
 * 40
 * Keep the faith
 * Actions judgement
 * Temptation
 * Death to Sin
 * Not beyond your ability

Scope
 * God (or people in general) test other people

Etymology
 * H 52524 nasah - test (in Deut 6:16 from Matt 4:7 1598)
 * G 1381 dokimazo - discern/test
 * G 1598 ekpeirazo - do not put the lord to the test
 * G 3985 peirazetai - tempt

Topics Benefits/mechanics/effects of testing
 * Benefits/mech of testing
 * Some odd stuff, JC tempted
 * God tests man - examples
 * God tests man - theo, problem of evil
 * How to act in trials
 * James 1:3 produces perseverance, >matural & complete
 * CS Lewis, Problem of Pain, on Fasting. "involuntary hunger [or trials in general] subjects appetites and will together to the Divine will, furnishing an occasion for submission and exposing us to the danger of rebellion. But the redemptive effect of suffering lies chiefly in its tendency to reduce the rebel will."
 * Thorn 2 Cor 12 is possibly a test. He does not use the word. It was given to prevent conceit (pride). He pleads to take it away but then continues. Same as JC says please take cup but your will be done.
 * JC baptism by HS >> into wilderness. Implies HS doing constructive work
 * Life on earth is a giant "do you trust me?" exercise. Lion cubs playing.

God tests man
 * Deut 8:2 "Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands."
 * 1 Ch 29:17 "I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity"
 * Psalm 139:23 "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."
 * Ecc 3:18 "I also said to myself, 'As for humans, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals.'"
 * Zech 13:9 God promises to test/refine a people
 * Exod 17:1-7 waters of Meribah - interesting because they failed. See also Ps 81:7

How to act in trials
 * Trust Gods plan
 * Continue normally, trials are normal. Persevere
 * Ask for Gods strength to overcome, rather than remove trial
 * Do not be broken / be lowered to animal instincts or similar