Spiritual growth matters to God. Peter devoted an entire section to emphasizing this truth (2 Peter 1:1-11). In this section, Paul provides the ingredients for spiritual growth and maturity. Before proper growth can begin, a Christian must desire to grow and possess a solid foundation of faith.
What does faith involve?
- It involves believing in God without seeing God (2 Corinthians 5:7; John 20:29; Hebrews 11:1, 6). Even though we have never seen God, Jesus, and heaven, we believe in them. We believe in them based on the evidence surrounding the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
- It involves obeying God. The Bible connects faith and works of obedience (James 2:14, 17, 24, 26). Obedience to God completes faith. Those who genuinely believe in God will submit to His will!
- It involves trusting God (Proverbs 3:5-8). It takes faith to trust God in all our ways. It takes faith to trust in God’s standard for our marriages, morality, and ability to care for us during difficult times. Those with faith will trust God’s way, wisdom, and promises.
- It involves worshipping God. Abel’s worship was pleasing to God because it was done in faith (Hebrews 11:4). It is not just going through the motions and being involved in the proper mechanics when worshipping God. We must also worship with our hearts! We must sing, pray, give, and partake of the Lord’s Supper in faith.
- It involves having the courage to share the message of God (Mark 16:15-16). The early Christians had the courage of their convictions (Acts 2:14-36; 7:51-53; 8:4). Despite facing extreme persecution, the first-century brethren zealously proclaimed the gospel. They were not afraid to tell the world about their faith.
How do we solidify faith?
- Through the Bible – Bible faith comes from the Bible! It is produced and cultivated through constant reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 10:17). This is why we offer Bible classes, zoom studies, youth devotionals, Step By Step videos, and gospel meetings. The more Bible teaching we receive, the more our faith will grow.
- Through Prayer – The apostles prayed for faith to do difficult things for the Lord (Luke 17:1-5). We also need to pray for the same. We need to pray for more faith to persevere, serve God, and obey His commandments even when they seem difficult.
- Through Assembling with the Saints – Gathering for worship provides us with an avenue to encourage and build up the faith of other Christians (Hebrews 10:23-25). It reminds us that we are not alone; others also love and follow God. We must be mindful of this when tempted to forsake the worship assembly.
- Through Remembering God’s Blessings – God is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). He was faithful to send His Son to pay the penalty for our sins. His faithfulness in the past should build our faith in Him today. It should give us confidence in His ability to keep His promises.
Conclusion:
After solidifying our faith, we can add Peter’s ingredients for spiritual growth (1 Peter 1:5-7).