EXCEEDING FAITH

How can a Christian increase his faith? Young Christians often ask this question. I believe that its by studying the Word, meditating on its contents, praying in the spirit and fellowshipping with the brethren. They give you the basis for growing or increasing your faith and they all help to build and boost your reliance on God. Mainly, God's Word is the seed that grows faith.

Reference: 2 Thessalonians 1:3 New King James Version (NKJV) 'We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other.'

What a great compliment Paul paid the Thessalonian Christians! Here's the full essence of what he was saying: "It's incredible to see how much you've grown, both in your faith in Christ and in your love for one another. Everywhere I go, I brag about your spiritual growth. How I thank God for you!"

In this short passage, Paul gives us an amazing picture of a body of Christ growing in unity and love. Both individually and corporately, the faith and love of the Thessalonians outshone that of all other churches. It is obvious that they were practising the Word, moving forward, growing in faith - and their lives offered evidence to that fact. According to Paul, they were the talk of every church in Asia.

Apparently, the preaching the saints were hearing provoked them to an deeper walk with God. It influenced their lifestyle and convicted them of habits that were not Christlike. The Holy Spirit also tore down all ethnic barriers and racial bias among them. They were discovering how to embrace any person, whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, while they offered great support to each other, upholding one another in love.

The most important attribute of this church was that they highly honoured and revered God's Word. They also had every desire for goodness and every deed was prompted by faith. Do you want to grow spiritually? If so, give God's Word utmost attention, fellowship with the Holy Spirit often, and do not forsake the gathering of the saints for fellowship. As you observe these spiritual disciplines, God waters your spirit, feeds your soul, and puts down His strong roots in you. Then light will continually shine on every aspect of your life, until your faith grows exceedingly.

Scripture Reading - Colossians 1:9-10; Ephesians 4:13-16; 2 Peter 3:18; Colossians 2:6-7.

Exuberant Declaration: I read and study the Scriptures, which are able to grow my faith and make me wise for kingdom exploits in Christ Jesus. By living for God, grace is multiplied in my life and my capacity to produce results for the Kingdom is increased by exceeding faith. Glory to God!