The Trial

The General Message of the Lecture

The lecture addresses the concept of the divine trial as an essential part of God’s providence in human life. It explains that the trial is not a punishment, but a means for spiritual growth, a declaration of God’s justice, and a path to reward for those who succeed.

The Main Idea

• Trials exist for the benefit of human beings, because whoever succeeds in them receives a reward from God.
• God does not reward anyone without testing them, since the trial reveals divine justice.

Forms of Trials in Scripture

• The first human was tested with a simple act of obedience, while others were tested with very difficult matters.
• A trial may appear in obedience, authority, endurance of suffering, or delay in answered prayers.

Delay in Response as a Trial

• Sometimes God allows a delay in response to test a person’s faith, trust, and surrender.
• Failure in this trial leads some to rely on human solutions instead of waiting for God.

Trials in Material Matters

• Money and tithes are means of testing, not because God needs them, but to reveal whether the heart is attached to material things or to love and generosity.
• The example of manna shows a daily test of obedience and trust in God.

The Trial of the Body and Free Will

• Free will and the body are gifts from God, used either for good or for evil.
• The body can glorify God through prayer, fasting, and good works, or fall into sinful desires.

Suffering and the Cross as a Trial

• God allows pain and illness as a trial: will the person benefit spiritually or complain?
• Afflictions may be preparation for eternity and an opportunity for repentance and purification.

Spiritual Conclusion

The divine trial accompanies human life in everything a person has and experiences. Success in it leads to spiritual maturity, steadfast faith, and readiness for eternity.

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