“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of Life.” Revelation 2:10 NKJV.

Tested, pierazo, Strong’s # 3985: fascinating word. Compare “empirical” based on observation or experience and “peirastic,” fitted for trial or test; experimental; tentative; treating of attempts. Pierazo To explore, test, try, assay, examine, prove, attempt, tempt.

The word describes the testing of the believer’s loyalty, strength, opinions, disposition, condition, faith, patience, or character. In our text Our Lord was tested. Should we experience any less? I feel this is much needed for all of us.

Profiting from trials.

James tells us: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces maturity. James 1:2,3. The proper attitude in meeting adversity is to count it all joy, which is not an emotional reaction but a deliberate intelligent appraisal of the situation from God’s perspective, viewing trials as a means of moral and spiritual growth.

Testing carries the idea of proving genuiness; trials serve as a discipline to purge faith of dross, stripping away what is false.

Peirazo determines which way one is going and what one is made of.