The Purpose Of Trial

Concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul has written: “Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (Heb. 5:8).  If the Lord himself suffered because of his obedience to God through the tremendous trials he endured throughout his life, how much more the need for such pressure in our lives.  In fact without tribulation, we would not learn the obedience of faith (Romans 16:26), and cannot please God (Heb. 11:6).  Faith and obedience reveal their quality when put to the test.  Again, the apostle Peter directs attention to the Lord Jesus Christ in that he “suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 3:21).  In like fashion, James would have us remember the “example” of others – “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.  Behold, we count them happy which endure.  Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” (James 5:10-11). 

In this article I wish to draw to remembrance the necessity for trial in our lives.  It is a prerequisite before entrance unto the Kingdom; for trial is intended to develop a character pleasing to our heavenly Father, that we might become fit vessels to bring honour to the Name of Yahweh.

Though we will not consider individual examples in these particular studies, we will address the general principle of trial as revealed in the word.  In order to impact our minds, we will accompany the scripture quotations with some brief comments from Bro. Roberts, found in the book entitled Letters to the Elect of God in a time of trouble (available from Logos publications).  Therein, letters written by bro. Roberts to his fellow servants have been complied to comfort them in the difficulties of life.  These comments will serve well for every saint in any generation.  Appropriately, Letters to the Elect contains headings as: “How trouble moulds character”, “A source of comfort in trouble”, “What trouble is designed to produce”, “The right way to view trouble”, “Why the ecclesias are troubled”, and “God makes choice of the humble”.  We hope these comments, examined in their scriptural setting, will stir our minds to appreciate the need for suffering in our lives and encourage us to patiently bear up under the pressures of life, awaiting the relief that our Lord will surely provide at his coming.

Yours a fellow-servant in the vineyard.


Bro. Martin Barasa, Kiminini, Kenya


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