But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).
The Greek word for “faith” is used about 250 times in the New Testament. In contrast, the major Greek word for “love” in the New Testament is used about 25 times, and the word for “hope” about 60.
Truly, our walk with Jesus is about faith.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
Faith in the Bible means to be persuaded by God. I believe that faith is initiated by God and maintained by His Spirit.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
And faith begins to influence our taking steps of faith . . .
Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
The Apostles asked Jesus to “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). After we have been “persuaded” by God through His faithfulness, we have assurance to walk by faith to victory.
I ask God to increase my faith.
We all should ask God for increased faith, especially during the trials and tribulations of the end times! How do we increase our faith?
Ask in faith.
In the Gospels, a blind man named Bartimaeus kept shouting at Jesus, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10: 47). And Jesus responded, “Go your way; your faith has made you well” (Mark 10:52).
Obedient in faith.
In Acts 6:7, we read that a great many priests were becoming “obedient to the faith.” All of us will face decision points to grow in faith or turn away. As the Apostle Paul writes, “For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).
Stand in faith.
The Apostle writes, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Often the greatest faith is not moving in the midst of the strong winds of evil.
Hear the Word of God.
Romans contains more references to faith than any other book of the New Testament. I love this passage . . .
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17, ESV).
The faith of the Bible is not blind faith, asking us to follow without evidence. But when we look at the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus and obey Scripture – we will be persuaded of God’s goodness and be willing to take a step of faith . . .
Then another step of faith, and another larger step of faith, and many more ever-increasing steps of faith.
As Paul concludes . . .
This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith (Romans 1:17, NLT).