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The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down  /  Chapter 34, The Ball is Now in Our Courts  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 4
The chapter says “a crucial part of kingdom theology is the realization that God will test us” and cites James and Paul about trials and God “who tests our hearts”; how does the idea of God testing believers challenge modern assumptions about grace, security, and what God is like toward His people?
Another way to ask: The chapter says God will test believers through trials and by testing our hearts. How does that idea challenge common views about grace, feeling secure, and what God is like toward His people?

Direct Answer Bercot’s point challenges the assumption that grace means God will not seriously evaluate or discipline believers; instead, God tests hearts through trials and obedience situations to reveal whether we love the real Jesus, not a sentimental substitute.

Support from Transcript:

  • He calls it “a crucial part of kingdom theology” that “God will test us.”
  • He says testing shows “whether we truly love the real Jesus.”
  • He quotes James: “count it all joy…knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
  • He quotes Paul: God “tests our hearts,” and this is contrasted with “pleasing men.”
  • He illustrates tests in Israel: manna instructions, Achan keeping Jericho’s gold—tests tied to concrete commands.
  • He insists God’s commands are stable: “If God gives us a clear command, he isn’t going to later contradict it.”
Discussion Follow-ups How does “God tests our hearts” affect how you interpret suffering or pressure? If God tests, what kind of “assurance” is reliable according to this chapter—words, feelings, or obedience?

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