Faith is a Growing Force

Faith is dynamic—it varies in degrees and it is a growing and living force. It can go from strength to strength, from no faith to little faith and to great faith. No faith has killing capacity—if it's not there when you need it because you didn't care for it—that could cost you more than you want to pay.

Faith is rooted in three things—however, first and foremost, faith is sourced from the Word of God. The Word of God must be actively engaged with to grow one's faith effectively. Trusting God leads to stability and productivity, likening a person of strong faith to a tree planted by water, able to withstand life's challenges.

 Understanding Faith

- The importance of faith—the just shall live by faith. Without faith it's impossible to please God. Romans 1:17, Hebrews 11:6

- Faith is not static; it grows over time.

- Differs in levels: no faith (leads to death), little faith (can be shaken), great faith (stable).

- Jesus emphasizes the importance of having strong, unwavering faith.

- Romans 12:3 everyone has been given a measure of faith at salvation.

- Growth requires action; one must cultivate their given measure of faith through engagement with God's Word.

 The Nature of Living Faith

- Faith must be kept alive; it can die if not nurtured.

- A living force that should produce fruit consistently.

 Rootedness in God

- Jeremiah 17:7 those who trust in the Lord are like trees planted by water—stable and fruitful even during droughts or storms.

3 Things that Make You a Strong Lover of God:

1.) Rooted in God's Word

2.) Obeying God's Word

3.) Maintaining your First-Love

Great Faith vs. Little Faith

- Great faith is trust—total reliance on God; unlike little or shaken faith, trust remains steadfast regardless of circumstances.

- Satan seeks to shake one's confidence but standing firm in God's Word helps resist him.

Growing Faith

- Romans 10:17 states that "faith comes by hearing," emphasizing the need for continuous engagement with Scripture for spiritual growth.

- Hearing repeatedly eventually leads to seeing—understanding deeply, changing the way you perceive, and manifesting those things that we are hearing/believing in God's Word.

 Love as a Foundation

- True love for God enhances one's ability to have effective and powerful faith since "faith works by love."

- A mature understanding of God's love dispels fear and doubt, allowing for greater faith in action.

3 Things Faith Must Be Rooted in

1.) The Love of God

2.) The Word of God

[continued in part 2]