Young People's Group

HAVING DEFINITE GROWTH IN FAITH

by Pastor Mitch
July 23, 2006

The Example Of Abraham’s Faith

Growth in faith is essential for every Christian. The challenge is for us to keep on developing faith till it reaches its fullest potential. Our spiritual father, Abraham, had set for us a wonderful example of what it means to have definite growth in faith. He moved from initial faith to one that was growing and maturing. Some of us grapple with having erratic growth. Others see no apparent growth. Young people, let’s seek to commit ourselves to growing in faith. Let’s seek to follow the example of Abraham in having definite growth in faith.

Stages Of Growth In Abraham’s Faith

Let’s consider two important stages.

1. Initial Faith

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
Hebrews 11:8

Abraham started out with a faith that was able to recognize God’s voice. The Lord called him to leave his country and his family to go to an unspecific place, where he would receive a great inheritance. By faith, he was able to discern and recognise this calling as from God. Abraham obeyed the voice of God. The command to get out of his country was obviously a test of obedience. By faith, Abraham obeyed the Lord’s voice and did what was asked of him. Young people, do we also recognize the voice of the Lord speaking to us through His word? Do we obey His word? We must if we want to grow in faith.

2. Maturing Of Faith

“By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
Hebrews 11:9-10

Abraham moved from initial faith to a maturing of his faith. By faith, he saw himself and his families as “foreigners” in the promised land. By faith, he did not count the land as his final home. As such, he dwelt in tents and did not build any permanent home. What an expression of faith! He was longing for the eternal city in heaven. His real home was in heaven. He had the faith to see beyond this world to a city whose foundation was built by God. Young people, we must also learn to go towards a faith that sees beyond this world to that which is eternal. Let’s seek to cultivate greater faith in the Lord and His word. Let’s seek to develop it bit by bit so that we may move from one level of faith to another. Let’s not remain where we are in faith. By faith, we can follow in the footsteps of Abraham’s faith.

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