Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and NatureIn the biblical context, trials refer to the various tests, challenges, and hardships that individuals encounter in life. These can be physical, emotional, spiritual, or moral in nature. Trials are often seen as a means through which God refines and strengthens the faith of believers, drawing them closer to Him and developing their character.
Biblical ExamplesThe Bible is replete with examples of individuals who faced trials. Job is perhaps the most notable figure, enduring immense suffering and loss, yet remaining steadfast in his faith. The Book of Job details his trials and his ultimate restoration by God. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, faced numerous trials in Egypt, yet God used these circumstances to elevate him to a position of power and to save many lives (Genesis 37-50).
The Apostle Paul also experienced numerous trials, including imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks, as he spread the Gospel (
2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Despite these hardships, Paul viewed his trials as opportunities to demonstrate the power of Christ in his life, stating, "For when I am weak, then I am strong" (
2 Corinthians 12:10).
Purpose of TrialsTrials serve several purposes in the life of a believer. They test and purify faith, as stated in
1 Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" .
Trials also produce perseverance and maturity.
James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" .
God's Presence in TrialsThe Bible assures believers of God's presence and support during trials.
Psalm 34:19 states, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all" . God promises to provide strength and comfort, as seen in
Isaiah 41:10: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" .
Response to TrialsBelievers are encouraged to respond to trials with faith and trust in God.
Romans 5:3-5 highlights the positive outcomes of enduring trials: "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us" .
Prayer and reliance on God's wisdom are vital during trials.
James 1:5 advises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" . Through prayer, believers can seek God's guidance and strength to endure and overcome their challenges.
Eternal PerspectiveTrials are temporary and should be viewed in light of eternity.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 reminds believers, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" . This eternal perspective helps believers to endure trials with hope and assurance of God's ultimate purpose and plan.
Greek
4442. pur -- fire... fire. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: pur Phonetic Spelling: (poor)
Short Definition: fire,
trials Definition: fire; the heat of the sun, lightning
...4617. siniazo -- to sift
... to sift. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: siniazo Phonetic Spelling:
(sin-ee-ad'-zo) Short Definition: I sift, prove bytrials Definition: I sift, prove...
5278. hupomeno -- to stay behind, to await, endure
... From hupo and meno; to stay under (behind), ie Remain; figuratively, to undergo,
ie Bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere -- abide, endure, (take) patient...
3986. peirasmos -- an experiment, a trial, temptation
... Word Origin from peirazo Definition an experiment, a trial, temptation NASB Word
Usage temptation (12), testing (2), trial (3),trials (4). temptation....
Strong's Hebrew
4531b. massah -- a test, trial, proving... a test, trial, proving. Transliteration: massah Short Definition:
trials. Word Origin
from nasah Definition a test, trial, proving NASB Word Usage
trials (3).
...Library
Trials and Triumphs of Faith
Trials and Triumphs of Faith. <.Trials and Triumphs of Faith Mary
Cole. Produced by Timeless Truths Online Library, Charles...
Trials of the Christian
... XIV.TRIALS OF THE CHRISTIAN. AFFLICTION"ITS NATURE AND BENEFITS. The
school of the cross is the school of light; it discovers...
Under theTrials of this Life.
... Songs of the Cross and Consolation. UNDER THETRIALS OF THIS LIFE. Full
often as I meditate Upon the world's disorder'd state, I...
Letter xvii. --Abandonment inTrials.
... SEVENTH BOOK: THE LASTTRIALS. AGONY AND MYSTICAL DEATH. THE FRUIT
THEREOF. Letter XVII."Abandonment inTrials. To Sister...
Trials to be Met.
... CHAPTER VIII.TRIALS TO BE MET. Commontrials need not be named: we allude
only to a few of those that are most severe. Take then...
TheTrials and visions of Devout Youth
... GENESIS THETRIALS AND VISIONS OF DEVOUT YOUTH. 'And Jacob dwelt in the land
wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan....
Earnest Supplication, underTrials of Faith. --Ps. cxliii.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CLXXVI. Earnest Supplication, underTrials of Faith."Ps.... James
Montgomery. Earnest Supplication, underTrials of Faith."Psalm 143.p>....
Of the Two Kinds ofTrials, which Come Upon us in a Three-Fold Way...
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter XI. Of the two kinds oftrials,
which come upon us in a three-fold way. Well then, though...
Temptations andTrials.
... SPIRITUAL COUNSELS OF FR. DE CAUSSADE V."Temptations andTrials. On
temptations and interiortrials. Addressed to Sister Anne...
Letter xx. --The Fruit ofTrials.
... FOURTH BOOK: THE FIRSTTRIALS OF SOULS CALLED TO THE STATE OF ABANDONMENT. ARIDITIES,
WEAKNESSES AND WEARINESS. Letter XX."The Fruit ofTrials....
Thesaurus
Trials (11 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Trials (11 Occurrences). Luke 22:28 But you are those
who have continued with me in my
trials. (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV).
...Amid (31 Occurrences)
... choked it. (WEB ASV YLT). Luke 22:28 You however have remained with me amid
mytrials; (WEY). Acts 20:19 serving the Lord in all humility...
Wonders (111 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 4:34 Or has God tried to go and take him a nation from the midst of
another nation, bytrials, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a...
Outstretched (40 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Deuteronomy 4:34 Or has God tried to go and take him a nation from the midst
of another nation, bytrials, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a...
Arrest (22 Occurrences)
... THE JEWISH TRIAL 1. The Jewish Law 2. The Mishna 3. CriminalTrials 4. The Trial
of Jesus 5. The Preliminary Examination 6. The Night Trial 7. False Witnesses 8...
Miraculous (54 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 4:34 Or has God tried to go and take him a nation from the midst of
another nation, bytrials, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a...
Signs (127 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 4:34 Or has God tried to go and take him a nation from the midst of
another nation, bytrials, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a...
Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)
... and encourage them amid the persecutions and the sufferings to which they were unjustly
subjected, and to fortify them against the heaviertrials that were...
Arm (110 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 4:34 Or has God tried to go and take him a nation from the midst of
another nation, bytrials, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a...
Affliction (120 Occurrences)
... The same conception is found in Psalm 94:12; Psalm 119:67, 71. (2) The purificatory
function oftrials is taught in such passages as Isaiah 1:25 Zechariah 13:9...
Resources
Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations? | GotQuestions.orgWhat trials did Jesus face before His crucifixion? | GotQuestions.orgWere the Salem Witch Trials biblical? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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