Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 2/28/2006

Question
Hi just like to ask about the issue of growing in faith.

"What does it mean for a Christian to grow in faith", is it that we should purposefully read and obey and apply the Word? It is an issue I was just thinking about. Does the desire to grow not come from the Holy Spirit? So is growing in faith, all God's work, or our work or both..? Isn't it God's gift and grace that we are to grow in faith, but are we also responsible? How and in what way? is it our sin that stops us from growing in faith even if we are christians, or is it our lack of prayer for the Holy spirit to fill us, or is it our personal lack of desire? Sorry for many questions,, thanks for your time and any answers will be greatly apperciated!

Answer
Hi Danny,

Thanks for this great question!  I believe that we can make the following observations about Christian growth.

1.  Pastor Teachers are given to the local church so that the people may be given what they need to grow.  Therefore it is the responsability of the people to go and get what they need to grow from church.

Ephesians 4:11-15
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:   14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

The phrase "be no more children" tells us that when we are immature in our knowledge of the Bible and of CHrist, then we are vulnerable to be carried away by false doctrine.  We need to "eat" the Bible and grow stronger through preaching teaching and fellowship.

2.  As soon as a baby is born he continues to grow... as long as he eats... that is why we even as baby Christians are to desire the milk ( simple truths) of the Bible.

1 Peter 2:2
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

3.  The key to maturity is growth in knowledge... God has given us the tools( the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and the Local Church) it is our responsability to use them.

2 Peter 3:17-18
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Our sin stops this growth... until we confess it and open up the channels of communication again.

Ephesians 4:30
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don