There is No Final Test

Twice a year students face the dreaded final test. It is stressful because the test covers all the material covered by the daily testing for months. Some Christians behave as if we will have one final test at the end of our life so they ignore the daily testing. They are making a terrible mistake because there is no final test. Jesus has already taken and passed the final for us. It is very important that we accept our daily testing seriously because God is recording how we do on each and every one of them. The Scripture says; you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT) Our testing is cumulative. The results will be added together to give the Lord a good picture of our life for Him. Our continual testing is the method the Lord uses to move us toward the maturity that is required to please God. We should consider how well we are maturing in our spiritual life because daily testing is so important to our Lord.

There are different types of testing and it may be helpful to recognize their different origins. The first one may be odd but it seems that we test ourselves! Take a look at this verse; And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. James 1:13-14 (NLT) Most of us know that God requires us to give up our old life in order to focus on our new life. But at times we will go some place or hang-out with someone that we know will lead us into a test. At times like these we are acting in a way that makes us directly responsible for our own testing. Not only is this activity a waste of time but it is counterproductive to our desire for pleasing God. If a believer is not proactive (down to serious business) in their spiritual life they are setting themselves up for self-testing. We need to spend our time and energy serving others as the Lord leads us.

Of course, the testing we usually talk about is from the Devil. Many people like to say that “ the Devil made me do it” which is not always true. The Devil only watches us as we enter into our own temptations in most cases. The clearest case of temptation from the Devil was during the 40 days that Jesus was in the desert. It seems that Satan likes to attack at our weakest time. However, the Devil comes at certain times that God has allowed for him. When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. Luke 4:13 (NLT) When the Devil is testing us it is always about destroying our life and sending us to Hell. He will offer fame to people that will ignore God. He will offer power to people that will act like a God. Here is a popular one; He will offer riches to people who will forget about God. Everything Satan offers is on a path of rebellion against the Almighty. This differs from self-temptation where we usually are looking for a good time to brighten a boring un-saved lifestyle. Serving Jesus is the most exciting life-style, even if there are trials.

James told us in chapter one that God never tempts anyone to do wrong but He will give us a trial to prove our faith. It is a trial of righteousness with the purpose of growing closer to God. An example is Abraham and the offering of his son. James refers to him in chapter two; Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. James 2:21-22 (NLT) The physical trial God gave to Abraham had great spiritual benefits for him and even for us today. Testing is the way we build our faith and it is a day-by-day life that counts. There really is no final test. God has sent his Spirit to live with us. This enables us to have victory in our trials as they arise. When talking about Lot, Peter said; the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. 2 Peter 2:9 (NLT) Knowing that God wants to help us find victory in our testing should give us strength to face each day.

We may not always understand the source of our testing but God will always help us with any of them. Paul tells us; God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Cor 10:13 (NLT) This promise is almost as important as the promise of our Savior because testing is what can lead people away from God. Jesus said; they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. Luke 8:13 (NLT) This is not about who these believers are. The point of this paper is only that we should recognize that testing is an important part of life. James begins his book like this; Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete James 1:2-4 (NLT) Sometimes it seems impossible but we need to keep a good attitude about our trials in order to please the Lord.