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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
From this straight-forward acknowledgement of God’s purpose in asking Abraham to sacrifice his son, we draw both comfort and dis-ease. Why would God test Abraham so severely? Hadn’t he already professed belief in and allegiance to God? Why was it necessary to prove himself in this way? Well, the stakes were high; Abraham stood to gain a lot from his relationship with God but much would be expected from him as well. He needed to prove his worth and value through faithfulness not so much to God as to himself. And he needed to be convinced of God’s provision and his desire to bless in order to be an effective emissary of the Almighty.
God doesn’t use the same technique to monitor everyone’s spiritual growth and level of commitment but he does often use unexpected turns of events to gauge and develop our faith and faithfulness. (See Job) At times, he allows or even causes things to happen that challenge our ideas and willingness to obey but he never tempts us to sin. Satan does that by offering us alternatives to God’s will – counterfeit opportunities and responses. (1 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 11:14; John 8:44) Yet the question remains: Can we grow through the challenge of temptation? Absolutely. But only as we flex the spiritual muscle we’ve been developing to withstand its allure or in taking responsibility for what we’ve done and paying the price to make it right. To be tempted is not sinful – that’s merely human – giving in to temptation is.
Temptation is common to all men, Paul assuring us that, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (See also Hebrews 4:15 & 2:18) So if he’s going to provide a way out, why would he tempt me or allow me to fall to temptation at all? He doesn’t. “When tempted no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:13-15 Falling victim to temptation happens not so much because we can’t withstand it but because at that moment, the allure of sin seemed more desirable to us than staying true to God’s will.
Trials come when things don’t go as we expected or when we are challenged to stand firm in situations that seem to call for compromise. But even then, James encourages us to, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know (or will learn) that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (And) perseverance must fulfill its work so that you may be mature and complete…” James 1:2-4However, this is not merely resigning ourselves to the idea that whatever doesn’t kill us only serves to make us strong, but anticipating the speed bumps and the detours that could derail us from our desired destination, holding fast to the way of the cross revealed in God’s word. Jesus going so far as to characterize us as blessed when encountering tribulation, active persecution directed at us through insults, misrepresentation and falsehoods; particularly when they are the result of our faith in him. (Matthew 5:11 & 1 Peter 2:19,20) Later cautioning his followers, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” John 15:20
Paul and Barnabas urged early Christian converts to understand that, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,…” Acts 14:22 (See also 1 Thessalonians 3:1-4 & 2 Thessalonians 1:4-7) In fact he bluntly told Timothy, “…everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted,” 2 Timothy 3:12 Even as he learned to, :…rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:2-4Jesus assuring us that, “In this world you will have trouble.”; while following that warning up with an encouragement to, “…take heart! (For) I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Paul confirmed this teaching while experiencing difficulty throughout his ministry, which only served to convince him that nothing, not trouble or hardship, danger or persecution – not even death – could separate him from the love of God found through our Lord and Savior. (Romans 8:35-39)
And finally, “…it is required (however) that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:12 (See also Luke 12:48) As, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.” But now you are reconciled through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, presented to God free from accusation. “…if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.” Colossians 1:21-23 (See also Ephesians 6:13) Our stand for righteousness and faithfulness best manifested in the “…fruit of the Spirit,…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22
“Therefore, …let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition (or testing) from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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