The Levels of Faith
Illustration:Abraham staggered not at the promises of God but grew strong in faith being fully persuaded that what God had promised He had the power to perform it. (Romans 4:20,21)
Let us grow up in all aspects into Christ who is the head. (Eph. 4:15)
But we all with open face beholding in a mirror the glory of the Lord are transformed from one degree of glory to another, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Cor. 3:18)
1). Imitation Faith - This person relies on others to show him how to do most things. He cannot successfully believe God for protection, provisions, or direction until others provide an example for him to follow. This child-like faith is characteristic of many Christians who are content to just wait until they are told what to do or warned what not to do. This person has a hard time discovering truths that apply directly to his own situation from the scriptures.
2). Lead Me By the Hand Faith - This person insists that he be led by the hand in making difficult decisions. He lacks the confidence, courage, and boldness to trust God to take him through difficult times without supervision. Counsellors should remind this person that Christ sent the disciples out two by two to learn from their own experiences in the quest to bring others to a saving knowledge of Christ. This level of faith is when many Christians are willing to grow, but they lack the assurance in God’s promises to launch out in witnessing, service, and obedience without consistent encouragement from a more mature believer.
3). Discovery Faith - This person learns to develop his faith and gifts through self-discovery endeavors. He acquires new ideas and inspiration by analyzing many different ideas from scripture as well as from Godly people. He is willing to progressively try new ways to improve his ministry, personal character development, and relationships by experimenting with new applications from scripture. He is continually seeking ways to grow up into all aspects into Christ.
4). Mature Faith - This person has develop an integration of his knowledge of God, theology, philosophy, and methodology with his faith. His entire life and ministry are characterized by a mature faith that exhibits the fruits of the Spirit. This individual’s identity, roles, and responsibilities are closer to the scriptural ideals than those of his culture.
Adapted from Paul Fritz’s 365 Ways to Increase Your Faith, Baraka Press, Kaduna, Nigeria, 1991
Conclusion: Jesus said, "According to your faith be it unto you." Jesus said, "If you believe in Me, the works that I do, will He also. And greater works than these will he do because I go to the Father that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You can ask for anything in my name and I will do it." (John 14;12-14)
