The Bible encourages abstinence in various forms, whether it’s sexual purity before marriage or fasting for spiritual purposes. Abstinence is seen as a form of self-control and devotion, a way to honor God with our bodies and actions. We’ll look at what Scripture says about the practice of abstinence and how it applies to different areas of life.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Eating Pork
What Does The Bible Say About Tests
1 Peter 1:6-7
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
This verse teaches us that trials and tests are not meant to break us but to refine us. Through difficult times, our faith is tested, and it proves to be genuine and of great worth. The results of these tests bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ when He is revealed.
It reminds us that even in the midst of suffering and trials, we can still rejoice because they serve a purpose in strengthening our faith and character.
James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James encourages believers to find joy in trials because they lead to spiritual growth. Tests of faith refine and strengthen us, building perseverance and maturity. Through these trials, we learn to rely on God and develop a character that is complete and lacking nothing.
Instead of being discouraged by tests, we can choose to view them as opportunities for growth and to trust that God will work in all things for our good.
Psalm 26:2
“Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.”
David, the author of this psalm, invites God to test and examine his heart and mind. It reflects a heart that desires to be purified and aligned with God’s will. It demonstrates a willingness to be refined and corrected by the Lord.
We can learn from this verse to approach tests and trials with a humble attitude, inviting God to search our hearts and reveal any areas that need purification and transformation.
Proverbs 17:3
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.”
This proverb uses the imagery of refining metals to illustrate how the Lord tests the hearts of individuals. Just as silver and gold are purified through intense heat, God’s tests refine and purify our hearts, strengthening our faith and trust in Him.
It reminds us that God’s tests are not to harm us but to draw us closer to Him and transform us into vessels of honor.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Paul urges believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, which is achieved through aligning with God’s will. As we allow our minds to be renewed, we gain clarity and discernment to recognize and test what God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will is.
This verse emphasizes the importance of being transformed by God’s Word and rejecting the worldly patterns that can hinder our understanding and obedience to God.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.”
This verse assures us that God is faithful and will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle. Even in the face of tests and temptations, He will always provide a way out for us to endure and overcome.
It gives us confidence in God’s provision and reminds us that we are not powerless in the face of tests but can rely on His strength to navigate through them.
Job 23:10
“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”
Job acknowledges that although he may face testing, God knows the path he takes. He trusts that through the testing, he will come forth as refined gold. This verse showcases a deep trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to turn trials into ultimate gain.
It serves as a reminder to trust in God’s purposes even in the midst of difficult tests, believing that He will bring forth something beautiful and valuable from them.
Zechariah 13:9
“This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”
In this verse, God promises to refine His people like silver and test them like gold. Through these tests, they will recognize and call upon His name, and He will answer them. It signifies God’s desire to have a close relationship with His people and His willingness to test them for their benefit.
It reminds us that even in the midst of tests, God is present, ready to respond, and establish a deeper connection with us as we call upon Him.
Hebrews 11:17
“By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son.”
In this account of Abraham’s testing, it demonstrates his unwavering faith in God. Despite the great sacrifice of offering his son Isaac, which God had commanded him to do, Abraham’s faith remained steadfast.
It teaches us that tests can often challenge our obedience and require great sacrifices, but through faith, we can trust in God’s plan and provision.
1 Thessalonians 2:4
“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.”
Paul affirms that as believers, they were approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. Their focus was not on pleasing people but on pleasing God, who tests their hearts.
It serves as a reminder that our motives and intentions are tested by God. Rather than seeking the approval of others, our ultimate aim should be to live in a way that pleases Him.
Deuteronomy 8:2
“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.”
God intentionally led the Israelites through the wilderness to humble and test them. The purpose of these tests was to reveal what was in their hearts and their obedience to His commands.
This verse reminds us that tests can reveal the state of our hearts and show whether we are committed to following God’s commands or not.
Malachi 3:3
“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.”
The prophecy in Malachi speaks of God refining and purifying the Levites like gold and silver. The purpose of this refining is to raise up righteous men who will bring offerings to the Lord in righteousness.
It serves as a reminder that God uses tests and refining processes to purify His people, preparing them to fulfill His purposes and bring offerings of righteousness to Him.
Psalm 17:3
“Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.”
David acknowledges that God probes his heart, examines him at night, and tests him. Yet, he confidently states that he has planned no evil and his mouth has not transgressed.
This verse reminds us that God’s tests can reveal the integrity of our hearts and our commitment to living a righteous life.
1 Peter 4:12
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Peter encourages believers not to be surprised by the fiery ordeal that tests them, highlighting that such tests are not unusual but part of the Christian journey.
It reminds us that tests and trials are to be expected, and rather than being caught off guard, we can have an attitude of readiness, knowing that God uses these tests to refine and strengthen our faith.
Proverbs 25:4
“Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel.”
This proverb uses the analogy of removing dross from silver to produce a vessel. It signifies how tests and refinement remove impurities from our lives, enabling God to shape and mold us into vessels He can use for His purposes.
It reminds us that as we go through tests, God is working to purify us, preparing us to fulfill the plans He has for our lives.
Psalm 105:19
“Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.”
Joseph’s character was tested by the Lord until the time came for his dreams to be fulfilled. This verse illustrates how God uses tests to shape our character and prepare us for the plans He has in store.
It teaches us to trust that God’s timing is perfect and that even in the midst of tests, He is molding us into the person He wants us to be.
2 Corinthians 13:5
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”
Paul challenges believers to examine themselves and test their faith to ensure they are in Christ. This verse highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-evaluation concerning our spiritual walk.
It prompts us to assess whether our faith is genuine and whether we are truly walking in alignment with Christ.
Proverbs 27:21
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.”
This proverb draws a parallel between the refining of silver and gold and how people are tested by receiving praise. It illustrates how even seemingly positive things like praise can reveal the true character and motives of individuals.
The verse serves as a reminder that tests come in various forms, and not all challenges are negative. Even moments of praise can be a test of our humility and integrity.
2 Timothy 2:15
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
Paul instructs Timothy to do his best to present himself to God, being an approved worker who handles the word of truth correctly. This verse emphasizes the importance of diligent study and application of God’s Word in our lives.
It reminds us that handling the word of truth correctly is a test of our faithfulness and commitment to God.
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
This verse encourages believers to rejoice in suffering because it produces perseverance, which in turn builds character, and character leads to hope. It highlights the transformative power of tests and trials in developing resilience and fostering hope.
It reminds us that tests have the potential to bring about positive growth and develop a steadfast and hopeful attitude.
Psalm 66:10
“For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.”
This verse speaks of God testing and refining His people, comparing the process to refining silver. It shows that tests are part of God’s refining work in our lives, aimed at making us more like Him.
It reminds us that tests are not arbitrary but purposeful, with the intention of shaping us into vessels of honor for His glory.
Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
This proverb highlights the idea that children and parents bring great joy and pride. It doesn’t directly address tests, but it reminds us that the legacy we leave behind and the relationships we build can be a testament to how we have persevered through tests together with God’s help.
It serves as a reminder that tests are not only individual but can also impact our families and future generations.