Summary
Scripture teaches that the origin, growth, and completion of faith are God’s work. Yet believers are called to participate actively through obedience, discipline, and the means of grace. Faith grows by God’s power, through the believer’s faithful response.
1️⃣ Introduction
Christians often ask:
“If God gives faith, why do I need to work hard?”
“If I discipline myself, am I growing faith—or is God?”
Scripture never pits God’s sovereignty against human responsibility.
Faith grows through God’s power and believers’ active obedience working together under His grace.
2️⃣ Biblical Foundation
📘 Hebrews 12:2
“Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” (ESV)
Greek: ἀρχηγός (archēgos)
Meaning: originator, founder
Explanation: Faith begins because God initiates it.
Greek: τελειωτής (teleiōtēs)
Meaning: one who completes
Explanation: God brings faith to maturity, not human effort.
📘 Philippians 2:13
“for it is God who works in you…” (ESV)
Greek: ἐνεργῶν (energōn)
Meaning: actively energizing
Explanation: Faith grows because God continually empowers the believer.
📘 John 15:5
“apart from me you can do nothing.” (ESV)
Greek: χωρὶς (chōris)
Meaning: apart from, separated
Explanation: No spiritual growth occurs without union with Christ.
📘 2 Timothy 2:1
“be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (ESV)
Greek: ἐνδυναμοῦ (endynamou)
Meaning: be empowered
Explanation: Grace is the source and engine of faith’s growth.
3️⃣ Theological Insight
- John MacArthur
“Sanctification is God’s work through which believers actively participate.” - R.C. Sproul
“God grows faith, yet never encourages passivity.” - John Piper
“God supplies the power; we act with all our might through that power.” - John Owen
“Without the Spirit’s work, no believer advances even one step.” - Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 14
Saving faith is God’s gift but grows through the means He appointed.
4️⃣ Misunderstandings vs Biblical Truth
| Misunderstanding | Root Cause (with explanation) | Biblical Truth |
|---|---|---|
| “Faith grows on its own.” | Passivity — assuming grace eliminates effort | Growth requires disciplined obedience. |
| “I grow faith by my own effort.” | Human-centered spirituality | God is the author and finisher of faith. |
| “Slow growth means weak faith.” | Performance mindset | God grows each believer uniquely. |
| “Trying harder guarantees growth.” | Result-oriented thinking | Growth comes by grace, not technique. |
5️⃣ Practical Application
1️⃣ Depend on God as the source of growth
Faith grows only because God supplies grace. Start each day with dependence, not confidence in your effort.
2️⃣ Use the means of grace consistently
Scripture, prayer, worship, and fellowship are God’s appointed channels. Faith grows where grace flows.
3️⃣ Practice small acts of obedience daily
Faith strengthens like muscle—through repeated, deliberate acts of obedience.
4️⃣ Stop comparing your growth rate
God sanctifies each believer through a unique path. Comparison breeds despair, not maturity.
5️⃣ Stay rooted in community
God grows faith through encouragement, confession, and accountability within His church.
6️⃣ Conclusion
Faith grows because God makes it grow.
But He grows it through our obedience, discipline, and daily dependence.
“God is not only the giver of life, but the One who grows our faith.” — Revito
Original-language note:
πίστις (pistis) — faith; trust; wholehearted reliance upon God.
🔗 Links
https://www.revito.co.kr
https://www.gty.org
https://www.ligonier.org
https://www.desiringgod.org
🔖 Hashtags
#FaithGrowth #Sanctification #ReformedTheology #JohnMacArthur #RCSproul #JohnPiper #JohnOwen #Revito
