The Dynamic Nature of Faith: Are You Growing?
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather today to reflect on a fundamental aspect of our Christian walk: faith. We all know we need it. We desire it. We fear losing it. We claim to possess it. Faith, as Peter reminds us, is precious, and it’s something we share with all believers (2 Peter 1:1). Yet, haven't we all experienced moments when we question, "What's happening to my faith?" Have you ever surprised yourself with doubts or wavering convictions? Let's delve into this vital topic.
What Is Happening To My Faith?
This question, though unsettling, is one we must confront honestly. To understand what might be happening, we need to recognize two key truths:
I. Faith Is Extremely Important
Our faith is not a mere intellectual assent; it is the bedrock of our relationship with God.
• Pleasing God: Hebrews 11:6 declares, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and 1 that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." 2
• Living by Faith: Habakkuk 2:4 and Hebrews 10:38-39 remind us that "the righteous person will live by his faithfulness." We are called to a life of dependence on God, not on our own strength.
• Walking by Faith: 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." Our path is guided by trust in God's promises, even when we cannot see the outcome.
• Actions and Obedience: Faith is not passive; it manifests in our actions. Prayer (James 5:15), forgiveness (Luke 17:1-6), and all acts of obedience (Hebrews 11) are outgrowths of a living faith.
• Foundation of Hope: Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." It is the foundation of our hope in Christ.
Given its crucial role, any fluctuation in our faith should prompt serious introspection.
II. Faith Can Change
Faith is not static; it is dynamic. It can grow, weaken, or even disappear.
• Various Forms of Faith: The Bible speaks of different levels of faith: weak (Romans 4:19), strong (Romans 4:20; Acts 16:5), little (Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8), and great (Matthew 8:10).
• The Danger of False Faith: It’s possible to have faith, but not the right kind of faith. One that is misplaced, or not in line with the teachings of Christ.
• What Can Happen to Faith: Scripture warns us of the potential for faith to fail (Luke 22:32), be denied (1 Timothy 5:8), be departed from (1 Timothy 4:1), be shipwrecked (1 Timothy 1:19), stray (1 Timothy 6:10, 21), be overthrown (2 Timothy 2:18), be cast off (1 Timothy 5:11-12), and even become unbelief (Hebrews 3:12).
• What Should Happen to Faith: Thankfully, faith is meant to grow. We are called to grow (2 Thessalonians 1:3), increase (Luke 17:5), and be strengthened (Colossians 1:11; Ephesians 3:16) in our faith.
Why Does Faith Change?
Several factors can influence our faith:
• Doubt and Unbelief: Allowing doubts to fester can erode our confidence in God.
• Sin and Worldliness: Engaging in sin and conforming to the world can dim our spiritual vision.
• Trials and Tribulations: Difficult times can test our faith, but they can also strengthen it if we rely on God.
• Neglecting Spiritual Disciplines: Failing to engage in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship can lead to spiritual stagnation.
How Do We Strengthen Our Faith?
• Examine Yourself: 2 Corinthians 13:5 urges us to "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves."
• Seek God's Word: Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
• Pray for Faith: Luke 17:5 demonstrates the importance of asking God to increase our faith.
• Obey God's Commands: Obedience is an expression of faith and strengthens our trust in God.
• Fellowship with Believers: Hebrews 10:25 encourages us not to forsake "our meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."
• Remember God's Faithfulness: Reflect on God's past faithfulness in your life and in the lives of others.
Living by faith according to the Bible means trusting in God's promises and believing that He will fulfill them, even when circumstances may suggest otherwise.
Believe in God: The first step in living by faith is to believe in God and His existence. This belief lays the foundation for trusting in Him and His promises.
We only follow one of two courses in life (no neutrality), Matt. 6:24; 7:13-14; 12:30. We either live by appearances (sight) or by faith (conviction formed by credible testimony and compelling evidence; trusting dependence), Heb. 11:1; 2 Cor. 5:7
Faith On Purpose
- Conviction on principles (Heb. 11:1; 2 Cor. 5:7)
- A willingness to be steadfast (Heb. 10:23)
- Primary trust in God, not in man (1 Cor. 1:20-25)
- Enduring hardships through faith (Gal. 6:9)
Faith to Trust God’s Word, Mark 5:22-24, 35-36 (41-42).
Having faith and trust in God's power can be a deeply personal and spiritual journey.
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Conclusion
Every Christian has faith, but it’s a living, dynamic faith, capable of growth and decline. Let us be vigilant, constantly examining ourselves and seeking to strengthen our faith in the Lord. Let us not be content with a stagnant faith, but strive for a vibrant, growing faith that pleases God and brings glory to His name. May we all say with the apostles, "Increase our faith!" (Luke 17:5). Amen.
