Growing In Faith

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Hebrews 6:1-8 (NKJV): Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

It seems many in The Body have come to a stall in growing in The Faith. We have to ask, “Why is this happening?” and “What happens if one doesn’t grow?” I believe when we look at what the writer of Hebrews (Incidentally, I believe it was Paul who wrote Hebrews. If you would like to ask me why, see below for my contact info) wrote here:

  1. Verses 1-3, he talks about not just staying put in the learning phase. In fact, if we back up to Chapter 5:12-14, we see that he talks about those who just continue to drink “milk” when we should be moving on to “solid food”. I like to refer this as “Eating steak instead of drinking formula”It seems that this is a sharp rebuke coming from the author. The fact is here we see that he is encouraging more than he is rebuking. He is challenging believers to grow in their walks and not just act like “Baby Christians” anymore. He is saying that we grow from being infants to adults and that we need to start doing the same in our walks with Jesus. In fact, Paul wrote about this same thing in 1 Corinthians 13:1 Corinthians 13:11-12 (NKJV): When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.Hebrews 5:12-14 (NKJV): For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
  2. Verses 4-6, he talks about that if we do not grow, we have the potential of falling away. In fact, it seems as if the falling away is so detrimental, that there is the possibility that one cannot return. It is like that plant which is not watered, fertilized or given light, like a baby that is not introduced to solid foods or even feed, etc. Eventually, they will die.1 Timothy 4:1-5 (NKJV): Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

    So, in a sense, we see them dying in their walks. Some may even be called “Spiritually Fat and Lazy”. These are the ones who come into Fellowship either in church or Bibles Studies, soak in the teachings, then do nothing with what they learn

  3. Verses 7-8 talks about those who soak in The Word then put it to action vs. those who are stagnant. Again, this is an encouragement to get out there and put into action the things you learn. Church services and Bible Studies are not just for fellowship, they are for encouragement, learning and then getting the charge into action we need.

James 2:14-26 (NKJV): What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Even James talked about it, put your Faith into works. We will be challenged, even questioned about what we do. If you are doing what you do n The Will of God, you will be rewarded by The One who it really matter to anyway.

It starts with Our Relationship with Jesus. If you don’t have a Relationship with Him or you need to rekindle that Relationship, do it now. Call out to Him and seek his Love and Forgiveness. It really is as hard or easy as you make it.

We should look to Him daily to seek a relationship with Him. I want to encourage you to seek Him today, if you haven’t already. If you need help, have questions or need direction in this regard, please, feel free to let me know.

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Any scripture referenced here is taken from New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise noted

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