Periasmos, translated variously as both test and tempt, is sometimes defined as "an experiment".
I've come to understand Peirasmos, in our Christian life, to refer to contrary circumstances within or without, hardships, privations, sufferings, to which we can respond by faith or by flesh. This is a testing of our faith, and a tempting of our flesh. Can we endure patiently through contrary circumstances, continuing to bear spiritual fruit as we serve others through Godly love? Or will we resort to ourselves to attempt to improve our circumstance in some way, independent of God?
Will we become immune to the temptations of sin in this world?
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 LITV
12) So that he that thinks to stand, let him be careful that he not fall.
13) No temptation has taken you except what is human; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able. But with the temptation, He will also make the way out, so that you may be able to bear it.
This is a singular way out of the temptation, that is, there is a direction God is endeavoring to move us when we are being tested. He intends that we should choose according to faith, achieving a certain result, a new maturity as we endure, a new circumstance as we accept change, so we become more like Him, knowing Him better, and able to bear more fruit.
With the temptation, He will also make the way out. Each Peirasmos, tempting/testing, is intended by God to produce a particular result, to move us a certain direction, to produce in us the fruits of holiness and righteousness. Failure to cooperate will ultimately bring us into greater and greater testings, Godly chastening, until we are so distressed that we will finally yield to God's design.
If it's not some kind of suffering, it's not a testing. Either suffering loss, or pain, or humiliation, the fear of these, and all manner of suffering. Our response, our willingness to suffer for Jesus Christ's sake, will show our maturity in Him.
Much love!
I've come to understand Peirasmos, in our Christian life, to refer to contrary circumstances within or without, hardships, privations, sufferings, to which we can respond by faith or by flesh. This is a testing of our faith, and a tempting of our flesh. Can we endure patiently through contrary circumstances, continuing to bear spiritual fruit as we serve others through Godly love? Or will we resort to ourselves to attempt to improve our circumstance in some way, independent of God?
Will we become immune to the temptations of sin in this world?
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 LITV
12) So that he that thinks to stand, let him be careful that he not fall.
13) No temptation has taken you except what is human; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able. But with the temptation, He will also make the way out, so that you may be able to bear it.
This is a singular way out of the temptation, that is, there is a direction God is endeavoring to move us when we are being tested. He intends that we should choose according to faith, achieving a certain result, a new maturity as we endure, a new circumstance as we accept change, so we become more like Him, knowing Him better, and able to bear more fruit.
With the temptation, He will also make the way out. Each Peirasmos, tempting/testing, is intended by God to produce a particular result, to move us a certain direction, to produce in us the fruits of holiness and righteousness. Failure to cooperate will ultimately bring us into greater and greater testings, Godly chastening, until we are so distressed that we will finally yield to God's design.
If it's not some kind of suffering, it's not a testing. Either suffering loss, or pain, or humiliation, the fear of these, and all manner of suffering. Our response, our willingness to suffer for Jesus Christ's sake, will show our maturity in Him.
Much love!
