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Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?
Join Hidden in Him and For His Glory for discussions on how
https://christianforums.net/threads/become-a-vessel-of-honor-part-2.112306/
How to strengthen faith?
- Thread starter DoaWK1992
- Start date
- Dec 11, 2010
- 15,408
- 8,425
1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."
John 15:1-8 NKJV
John 15:1-8 NKJV
Tenchi
Member
- Oct 10, 2022
- 3,518
- 1,725
Romans 10:17
17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:14
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?...
Matthew 4:4
4 But Jesus answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"
Colossians 3:10
10 ...put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—
God has made us all to take the shape of whatever we focus on. If a guy focuses on fear, he will be more and more fearful; if a gal focuses on her appearance, she will be more and more vain and self-interested; if a man focuses on porn, he will be more and more like the hyper-sexual, perverted people in the videos he watches. But when a person fixes their attention on God and His truth, the more they do, the more like Him they'll become and the more they'll take the shape of His truth in how they live.
The advertising industry knows this principle of "Conformity to Focus" very well. It's so powerful a principle in human beings that companies spend millions of dollars a year to get you to look at, and think about, their products, even if it's only for just a few seconds at a time. The more you can be made to focus on their burgers, or shoes, or cars, or whatever, the more likely it will be that you'll buy them (if you can afford to, of course).
So, if you want your faith to grow, ask yourself what it is you're focusing on. Is it God? Is it His word? Or are you giving your attention to any and everything else? If you're looking at the world, at it's endless distractions - t.v., movies, video games, sports, porn, etc. - don't be surprised when you think and act like the world and find it really hard to care about God and to be confident in His truth.
Read Proverbs 1 and 2. Also: Hebrews 12:2-3, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 4:8, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Peter 2:2.
17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:14
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?...
Matthew 4:4
4 But Jesus answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"
Colossians 3:10
10 ...put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—
God has made us all to take the shape of whatever we focus on. If a guy focuses on fear, he will be more and more fearful; if a gal focuses on her appearance, she will be more and more vain and self-interested; if a man focuses on porn, he will be more and more like the hyper-sexual, perverted people in the videos he watches. But when a person fixes their attention on God and His truth, the more they do, the more like Him they'll become and the more they'll take the shape of His truth in how they live.
The advertising industry knows this principle of "Conformity to Focus" very well. It's so powerful a principle in human beings that companies spend millions of dollars a year to get you to look at, and think about, their products, even if it's only for just a few seconds at a time. The more you can be made to focus on their burgers, or shoes, or cars, or whatever, the more likely it will be that you'll buy them (if you can afford to, of course).
So, if you want your faith to grow, ask yourself what it is you're focusing on. Is it God? Is it His word? Or are you giving your attention to any and everything else? If you're looking at the world, at it's endless distractions - t.v., movies, video games, sports, porn, etc. - don't be surprised when you think and act like the world and find it really hard to care about God and to be confident in His truth.
Read Proverbs 1 and 2. Also: Hebrews 12:2-3, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 4:8, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Peter 2:2.
Hebrews :11:1, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
We grow our faith by gaining the knowledge that the bible is trustworthy and that our God is also trustworthy.
So may I suggest you read the bible, read Web sites that teach about the bible and answer difficult questions and that you get involved in a church.
We grow our faith by gaining the knowledge that the bible is trustworthy and that our God is also trustworthy.
So may I suggest you read the bible, read Web sites that teach about the bible and answer difficult questions and that you get involved in a church.
Carry_Your_Name
Member
- Oct 2, 2023
- 3,267
- 478
By incremental small victories. Reading any of these random verse these gentlemen posted don't strengthen your faith, incorporate the word of God in your life, step out of your comfort zone, be intentional and mindful in your daily activities, overcome temptations with smart strategies, and make meaningful, positive, lasting changes, that's what strengthens your faith. On top of that, think less about yourself and more about others, less about the present and more about the future, less about material things and more about spiritual things.
Hey All,
DoaWK1992, let's think about faith and see if we can reason this out.
What is faith?
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
So faith is more than just a feeling.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Faith is a gift from God. We have been given all the faith we need to be saved. God's gifts are never incomplete.
Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
God will never take His gift away from us. Nor will He ever regret His gift to us.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Faith (modern translations use "faithfulness" here) is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Faith is a shield. It protects us. Notice also faith is more important than any of the other pieces of spiritual armor.
Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Faith is not a feeling. It is a lifestyle.
Let's recoup.
1. Faith is more than just a feeling.
2. Faith is a gift from God.
3. We have all the faith we need to be saved.
3. God will never take His gift away.
4. Faith (faithfulness) is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
5. Faith is a shield to protect us.
6. Faith is a lifestyle.
So when we say strengthen, or grow our faith, it is not actually the faith that requires anything.
So what are we actually growing or strengthening?
We are growing our knowledge and understanding of what faith is. As we learn about faith, using God's Word, we learn how to walk in faith. 2 Cor. 5:7
We learn how to live in faith. Rom. 1:17
We learn that faith can heal. Matt. 9:22
We learn that faith produces good works.
James 2:18
We learn that faith produces joy and peace.
Rom 15:13
We learn that faith gives us love for others.
Gal 5:6
We learn that faith can allow us to overcome the world. 1 John 5:4
With faith we can walk through the valley of the shadow of death because we know God is with us. Ps 23:4
What is actually growing, is us.
Keep walking everybody.
May God bless,
Taz
DoaWK1992, let's think about faith and see if we can reason this out.
What is faith?
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
So faith is more than just a feeling.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Faith is a gift from God. We have been given all the faith we need to be saved. God's gifts are never incomplete.
Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
God will never take His gift away from us. Nor will He ever regret His gift to us.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Faith (modern translations use "faithfulness" here) is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Faith is a shield. It protects us. Notice also faith is more important than any of the other pieces of spiritual armor.
Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Faith is not a feeling. It is a lifestyle.
Let's recoup.
1. Faith is more than just a feeling.
2. Faith is a gift from God.
3. We have all the faith we need to be saved.
3. God will never take His gift away.
4. Faith (faithfulness) is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
5. Faith is a shield to protect us.
6. Faith is a lifestyle.
So when we say strengthen, or grow our faith, it is not actually the faith that requires anything.
So what are we actually growing or strengthening?
We are growing our knowledge and understanding of what faith is. As we learn about faith, using God's Word, we learn how to walk in faith. 2 Cor. 5:7
We learn how to live in faith. Rom. 1:17
We learn that faith can heal. Matt. 9:22
We learn that faith produces good works.
James 2:18
We learn that faith produces joy and peace.
Rom 15:13
We learn that faith gives us love for others.
Gal 5:6
We learn that faith can allow us to overcome the world. 1 John 5:4
With faith we can walk through the valley of the shadow of death because we know God is with us. Ps 23:4
What is actually growing, is us.
Keep walking everybody.
May God bless,
Taz
Tenchi
Member
- Oct 10, 2022
- 3,518
- 1,725
Someone has said that,
"Faith is believing a thing is so,
When it appears it is not so,
In order for it to be so,
Because it is so."
I think this sums up what faith is for the Christian person very well. Faith is active, not passive. By this I mean, faith is never inert; I can't say I believe something - really believe it - without it having a corresponding effect in my life in some way. This is what the apostle James was getting at in his letter in the New Testament. "Faith without works is dead," he declared (James 2:18-26). Real, genuine trust in something, having faith in it, always manifests eventually in action. For example, if I trust that the rope bridge will hold my weight as I cross it, I will step out onto it and walk its length - even if the bridge bobs and sways a lot as I do; if I trust that the chair I'm wanting to sit in will hold me, I will plunk myself down on it, even if I've never sat in it before; if I trust that my dentist can properly fix my aching tooth, I'll let him stick a needle into my gums repeatedly, then drill out my tooth, fill it, and charge me a ridiculous amount for doing so. The same is true for the faith I exercise in God and His truth. If I trust in Him and in what He has said is true, this will be reflected in how I live.
Knowledge, by itself, is not faith; knowledge is necessary to faith (as the Bible verses I posted to you earlier in this thread indicated), but faith is the result of knowledge. God's given to all of us the capacity for faith, for trust in, various things. We can't function as human beings without the exercise of faith, of trust, in other people (doctors, dentists, barbers, restaurant cooks, other drivers on the road, etc.). Atheists are just as much people of faith, then, as Christians are. Where they differ in this regard is in what they put their faith, their trust. The Christian has come to know the truth about God, Christ, the Gospel and themselves and trusting that all they know about these things is true, they act accordingly.
This is what Paul described in his letter to young Timothy:
2 Timothy 1:12
12 ...I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
Do you see the chain of things here? Paul knew, then believed and, convinced of the truth of what he knew, he then entrusted himself to God. To summarize: knowledge>belief>action.
Christian faith, then, is active. It arises from, and responds to, knowledge, to truth, by taking corresponding action. The person who says, "I believe!" but in whose living there is no evidence of their belief - particularly when it is obvious their belief should shape their living - is full of baloney.
So, what does the shape of your living reveal about what you really believe?
"Faith is believing a thing is so,
When it appears it is not so,
In order for it to be so,
Because it is so."
I think this sums up what faith is for the Christian person very well. Faith is active, not passive. By this I mean, faith is never inert; I can't say I believe something - really believe it - without it having a corresponding effect in my life in some way. This is what the apostle James was getting at in his letter in the New Testament. "Faith without works is dead," he declared (James 2:18-26). Real, genuine trust in something, having faith in it, always manifests eventually in action. For example, if I trust that the rope bridge will hold my weight as I cross it, I will step out onto it and walk its length - even if the bridge bobs and sways a lot as I do; if I trust that the chair I'm wanting to sit in will hold me, I will plunk myself down on it, even if I've never sat in it before; if I trust that my dentist can properly fix my aching tooth, I'll let him stick a needle into my gums repeatedly, then drill out my tooth, fill it, and charge me a ridiculous amount for doing so. The same is true for the faith I exercise in God and His truth. If I trust in Him and in what He has said is true, this will be reflected in how I live.
Knowledge, by itself, is not faith; knowledge is necessary to faith (as the Bible verses I posted to you earlier in this thread indicated), but faith is the result of knowledge. God's given to all of us the capacity for faith, for trust in, various things. We can't function as human beings without the exercise of faith, of trust, in other people (doctors, dentists, barbers, restaurant cooks, other drivers on the road, etc.). Atheists are just as much people of faith, then, as Christians are. Where they differ in this regard is in what they put their faith, their trust. The Christian has come to know the truth about God, Christ, the Gospel and themselves and trusting that all they know about these things is true, they act accordingly.
This is what Paul described in his letter to young Timothy:
2 Timothy 1:12
12 ...I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
Do you see the chain of things here? Paul knew, then believed and, convinced of the truth of what he knew, he then entrusted himself to God. To summarize: knowledge>belief>action.
Christian faith, then, is active. It arises from, and responds to, knowledge, to truth, by taking corresponding action. The person who says, "I believe!" but in whose living there is no evidence of their belief - particularly when it is obvious their belief should shape their living - is full of baloney.
So, what does the shape of your living reveal about what you really believe?
- Apr 22, 2011
- 31,246
- 16,582
So many good scriptures I need not add to them other to say that the best way to strengthen our faith is through our fellowship with Christ who is our faith and strength as we trust in Him. Keep building upon your relationship with Him.
I will add these scriptures I just thought of.
Prayer for Spiritual Strength
Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
I will add these scriptures I just thought of.
Prayer for Spiritual Strength
Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
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