Bryan Dunaway (Grace and Peace Ministries)
Edited Bill Watkins
“We thank God for you, brethren, because your faith grows exceedingly” (2Thessalonians 1:3). God wants our faith to grow. Let us notice some practical keys to growing in faith.
1. FAITH’S PURPOSE. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). God is seeking faith—pure, simple, humble faith. We can trust God if we decide to, for that is what faith is. It is a decision. How simple a matter it is to put all of our trust in a trustworthy God. This is what pleases Him.
2. FAITH’S PROMISE. There are many great promises tied to faith. “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”(Heb. 10:39). “Receiving the end of your faith–the salvation of your souls.”( 1Peter 1:9). We are promised salvation if we have faith in God. We are also promised help in this life (Matthew 21:22).
3. FAITH’S PERSON. Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Faith should be viewed as God’s gift to man, not man’s gift to God. “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake”(Philippians 1:29). This gift is for everyone who will receive it. Faith comes by hearing the gospel (Romans 10:9-17). Those who will hear and accept the truth of what God has revealed through Christ will receive the gift of faith. If we remember that faith is something God gives us, we will remember to pray, “Lord, help my unbelief!” (cf. Mark 9:24). This attitude will cause our faith to grow, for God will respond faithfully to the request.
4. FAITH’S POWER. There is eternal security in Christ for those who continue to have faith. Christians are those “who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”(1Peter 1:5). Faith is what we need more than anything else!
Remember that God wants our faith to grow and He is always willing to help those who will look to Him for the help they need.
