We all know that to become a Christian, we must place our faith in Jesus as our Savior. But before we can put our faith in Him, we must first know who He is. In II Peter 1:3, we see that God’s divine power gives us this knowledge. No human effort could have such an effect on the heart. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” After we receive the knowledge, then we take the first step of obedience in following Christ. But what then? How do I increase my faith? Often, other believers ask me questions about situations that can only be answered with a simple “trust in God.” Yet, most don’t seem to know how to have enough faith to simply believe his word. A major problem may be that they haven’t studied enough to truly understand God’s promises. Throughout Scripture, God makes promises to us, but the fulfillment of the promises depends on our obedience. Obedience is the key to increasing our faith.
Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
This seems simple. If you want your faith to increase, read the Word, listen to the preacher, attend Sunday School, and study the Word. We are taught all our lives to work hard for the things we want. This also applies to getting to know God. You must seek him with all your heart. God instructs us to seek him diligently.
Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
In II Peter 1:5-8, Peter challenges us to grow in our faith and gives us the recipe for it. Faith is not a static destination, but it is a living foundation. He reminds us that God has already granted us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” If we want something to grow, we must cultivate it. This requires intentional and deliberate action accompanied by the Holy Spirit.
II Peter 1:5-8 “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
As we read through these verses, we see that mature living faith is built layer by layer.
First, our faith requires diligence. This is giving maximum effort to seek God daily. Growth will not happen by accident. We are commanded in II Timothy to “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” You may say, “I don’t have time to study,” but you do. It is just a matter of priority. As you study, you will begin to understand His character. This will give your faith a sturdy foundation to build upon.
Second, we are to add virtue and knowledge to our faith. Virtue here is the Greek word arete; it means moral excellence, which is a standard of noble character and inner strength. This is not just getting by with what society says is OK, but actively pursuing integrity and righteousness in daily living.
Third, we add temperance, which is self-control, and patience. As we learn His Word, our confidence in Him grows, and we can be under control and endure patiently while trusting in His timing.
Fourth, Peter teaches us the next layer to add is godliness, kindness, and love. We now move to demonstrating our faith by how we treat others. This will reveal how deep our faith is. Seeking to increase our faith and be like Jesus will naturally result in a life of unconditional love for others.
Increasing our faith must be a lifelong process until we one day stand before Him. However, it will not happen until we determine to do it God’s way. It will not happen through osmosis. When we reach a point in life where actively seeking Him is the most important thing, we will have no problem increasing our faith. An increasing faith will be active, strong, and reassuring. It will keep us grounded when trials come. As our faith increases, we will know God better; we will love Him more deeply; and, lastly, Peter says we will bear fruit. When we bear fruit, our faith will produce a lasting impact on others.
While Peter gives us the recipe to increase our faith, it is up to us to examine ourselves and determine where we need to change. God’s word is of no value until we seek to apply it. Which of the qualities in II Peter 1:5-8 do you need to focus on cultivating starting today?
Ask God to help you build your faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, and love so that you can bear much fruit for Him. He is so worthy!
