Faith, growth in

Christians are called to have a growing faith, built up by prayer and the encouragement of others, and also through testing.

Examples of growing faith

2 Thessalonians 1:3 See also Acts 16:5; 2 Corinthians 10:15; Revelation 2:19

We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.

Weak faith

Weak faith rebuked

Matthew 6:28–30 parallel Luke 12:27–28 See also Matthew 8:26 parallels Mark 4:40, Luke 8:25; Matthew 14:31, Matthew 16:8, Matthew 17:20

And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Other examples of weak faith

John 12:42–43, John 19:38; Romans 14:1–2; 1 Corinthians 8:1–13

Strong faith

Strong faith commended and encouraged

Hebrews 10:22 See also Matthew 8:10 parallel Luke 7:9; Matthew 9:20–22 parallels Mark 5:25–34, Luke 8:43–48; Matthew 15:28 parallel Mark 7:29

let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

The faith of OT leaders

1 Kings 18:3 Obadiah; 2 Kings 18:5 parallel 2 Chronicles 31:20 Hezekiah

The faith of Christian leaders

1 Timothy 4:12; Hebrews 13:7 See also Acts 6:5 Stephen; Acts 11:24 Barnabas; 2 Timothy 3:10 Paul1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22

Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Other examples of strong faith

Habakkuk 3:17–18 See also Job 13:15, Job 19:25–27; Matthew 14:35–36 parallel Mark 6:56; 2 Corinthians 8:7; Colossians 2:5–7

Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!

The growth of faith

Praying for more faith

Luke 17:5 See also Mark 9:24

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

The encouragement of others

2 Chronicles 32:7–8; 1 Thessalonians 3:10 See also Numbers 14:6–9; Luke 22:32; Acts 14:22; Romans 1:11–12; 1 Thessalonians 3:2–3; Jude 1:20

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith.

Faith strengthened through testing

Romans 4:18–21 See also Genesis 15:5; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:6–7

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.