5 Ways To Grow Your Faith

“A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted,” wrote Warren Wiersbe.

He added that “Faith, like a muscle, must be exercised to grow stronger.” Then offered this illustration from the book “Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret.”

Taylor was a 19th century missionary to China. The authors, Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor, relate how he determined to live by faith in God alone. He learned to trust God for his salary, especially when His busy employer forgot to pay him. He learned to trust God for daily needs; and as his faith was tested, he grew in faith and was able to trust God to supply his needs.

If we are sowing seeds for spiritual growth, then our faith is growing. Paul commended the brethren at Thessalonica when he penned, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly…” (2 Thes. 1:3).

The ESV translates it, “your faith is growing abundantly.” The NASU renders it, “your faith is greatly enlarged.” The NIV simply says, “your faith is growing more and more.”

This verse reminds us that faith is not a static thing. It can increase. Develop. And mature. Your faith can become bigger. Better. And greater. “A well-grounded faith “grows” organically, as might a tree by the riverside,” wrote Christopher Holdsworth.

There is a fundamental faith that leads one to believe in Jesus and obey the gospel. As he unfolds that progressive development Paul wrote, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). However, a growing faith must move beyond the “the elementary teaching about Christ” and “press on to maturity” (Heb. 6:1).

So, how do you grow your faith?

(1) Read the Word for yourself.

A daily Bible reading program is helpful in growing your faith. Paul says, “when you read you can understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ep. 3:3). Psalm 119 extols the benefits and blessings of reading the Word. It will open your eyes. Light your path. Expose misleading thoughts. Provide wisdom. Keep you from sin. Encourage you when you’re discouraged. And much more.

(2) Search the Scriptures daily

Luke writes that the Bereans eagerly received the Word and “searched the scriptures daily” (Ax.17:11). Thayer says the word “search” means to “to investigate, to examine, inquire into, scrutinize.” This goes beyond a mere superficial Bible reading program or a feel good daily devotional. Our faith grows when we dig deeper. Become more insightful. And develop discernment.

(3) Take advantage of growth opportunities.

In additional to worship services where the Word is read and taught, attend Bible classes, gospel meetings, special seminars, and training classes. Many churches offer these specialized opportunities designed to address topics such as evidences, marriage, parenting, leadership, teaching, or other modern day issues we face.

(4) Don’t discount the value of fellowship.

Faith doesn’t grow in a vacuum. God calls us not only to believe, but to belong. To be a part of a church family. In the community of fellow Believers we nurture, encourage and edify one another. I Corinthians 12 reminds us that the Body must stay connected to the other members in order for each to fulfill their unique purpose. Becoming a spiritual hermit will impede and stymie your growth.

(5) Faith must be exercised to grow.

This means we must put our faith into practice. Faith works. Faith is active, not passive. The Bible says, “Faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:26). As Dee Bowman once wrote, “There is little to be said for a profession that does not result in application.”

Faith exercises itself in godliness (1 Tim. 4:7). It’s an awareness and dependence on God that issues itself in piety, devotion, and righteous living. It demands spiritual focus. Requires self discipline. And involves continual diligence and determination.

As you reflect over the past year, 2 years, 5 years, can you say that “your faith is growing abundantly”? If not, why not?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman