Building the Fortress: How to Strengthen Your Faith
Introduction:
Faith is not a passive inheritance; it is a living, growing entity. It is the foundation upon which we stand, the shield that protects us, and the compass that guides us. But faith, like any muscle, must be exercised to grow strong. Today, we will explore the practical steps we can take to strengthen our faith, and understand the vital importance of building our own convictions.
I. How to Strengthen Faith: The Practical Pillars
A. Search and Examine the Evidence for Yourself (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:1; Luke 1:4):
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
• Romans 10:17: "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
• Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
• Luke 1:4: "That you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught."
• Don't rely solely on others' faith. Dig into the scriptures, examine the historical evidence, and seek God's truth for yourself. Faith is built on knowledge and conviction.
B. Become a Diligent Student of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18):
• 2 Timothy 2:15: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
• 1 Peter 2:2: "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation."
• 2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
• Immerse yourself in the Word. Study it, meditate on it, and allow it to transform your heart and mind.
C. Talk to God Often (1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 4:8):
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing."
• James 4:8: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."
• Prayer is not just a ritual; it's a conversation with God. Cultivate a constant dialogue with Him.
D. Worship God Faithfully (Acts 2:41-42; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Corinthians 14:26):
• Acts 2:41-42: "So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
• Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
• 1 Corinthians 14:26: "What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up."
• Participate actively in worship, engage with the community of believers, and allow your faith to be strengthened by fellowship.
II. Why Build Your Own Faith: The Imperative Necessity
A. It’s Impossible to Please God Without Having Your Own Faith (Hebrews 11:6):
• "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
• God desires a genuine, personal faith, not a borrowed one.
• "I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins."
• Salvation is predicated on a personal belief in Jesus Christ.
C. Lack Ability to Resist the Devil and Overcome His Temptations (1 Peter 5:8-9; Ephesians 6:16):
• 1 Peter 5:8-9: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
• Ephesians 6:16: "In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one."
• Strong faith is our defense against spiritual attack.
D. Will Not Be Able to Endure Tribulation or Persecution (Matthew 13:20-21; 1 Peter 1:6-7):
• Matthew 13:20-21: "As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away."
• 1 Peter 1:6-7: "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
• Trials test our faith; only strong faith endures.
E. Will Be Spiritually Weak, Prone to Compromise and Apostasy (1 Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 4:13-15):
• 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."
• Ephesians 4:13-15: "Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
• Weak faith is easily swayed by false teachings.
F. Every Follower of Christ Must Have His Own Convictions (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21; 2 Timothy 1:12):
• Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
• Philippians 1:21: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
• 2 Timothy 1:12: "For this reason I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."
• We must have a personal, unwavering conviction in Christ.
G. So You Will Spend Eternity in Heaven (1 Peter 1:9; Revelation 2:10):
• 1 Peter 1:9: "Obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls."
• Revelation 2:10: "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."
• Strong faith is the key to eternal life.
Conclusion:
Do not neglect the building of our faith. Let us diligently search the scriptures, cultivate a relationship with God through prayer, and engage in faithful worship. Let us build our own convictions, rooted in truth and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Let us strive for a faith that endures, a faith that pleases God, and a faith that leads to eternal life. Amen.
