Increasing Our Faith

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.—Luke 17:5

Homer Montague

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report." (Hebrews 11:1,2) The ancients who lived prior to the Christian era and largely walked alone, relying upon God’s promises as their source of strength surely possessed faith. They were convinced that life’s difficult experiences would result in their ultimate blessing even though generally they lacked close human fellowship and encouragement such as is enjoyed today by believers within an ecclesia setting.

Although the eleventh chapter of Hebrews records some very notable stalwarts of faith including Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses among others, this listing ends with the reminder that they had not yet entered into their reward.

"And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."—Hebrews 11:36–40

The remarkable thing about these worthy ones of old is that as faithful as they were, since Christ had not yet provided the ransom, they did not receive the fulfillment of the earthly blessings promised for their obedience to the Heavenly Father. That must await the completion of the Gospel age church who have received the high calling to joint heirship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In comparing our own experiences as spirit begotten sons of God with those servants of past ages, can we confidently claim that we are faithful to our covenant of sacrifice and that we really expect to be in the Body of Christ along with Paul, Stephen, Peter, James and all the other more than overcomers who have lived throughout this age?

The book of Hebrews was written to the early church for the purpose of helping them understand the dispensational change which had occurred and that believers were not under the law covenant but under grace. The eleventh chapter of this book is an exhortation to Christian faith based upon the examples given by righteous individuals who lived during Old Testament times. In the early days of the church there was great opposition towards believers, especially against those Jewish converts who had accepted Christ. Yet that very persecution was instrumental in scattering the brethren so that the good news was being spread in accordance with the Heavenly Father’s design.

An important lesson we can gain from studying the book of Hebrews is that true faith will manifest itself in the demonstration of love and obedience towards God. This thought is also confirmed elsewhere in the scriptures as we read: "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born [begotten]of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."—1 John 5:3,4

Faith and Works

Another writer emphasizes the need for doing acceptable works to demonstrate sincerity of faith. "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works."—James 2:17,18

As an indicator of our appreciation to the Heavenly Father for his marvelous grace in accepting us through Christ, we should engage in activities that will help us increase the fruit of faith. Four such areas are the exercise of faith through doctrine, self-denial, service and prayer.

Doctrine

In the area of doctrine, it is necessary that we take time to study the word of God. There are many demands and commitments in our everyday lives which could occupy much of our time in satisfying our earthly needs. Faithfulness will demand that we scrutinize our actions and seek to minimize the use of consecrated moments devoted to other matters and instead, utilize such time for personal Bible study so that we can be more rooted and grounded in the faith. Today in the workplace, much is said about cutbacks and greater productivity. Jobs are being eliminated and increased demands are being placed upon workers who remain to be more efficient. Similar time management procedures are necessary in our spiritual lives so that we do not neglect the regular feeding upon God’s word for strength to keep us sound in the faith. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."—2 Timothy 2:15

We should utilize helps provided in the Harvest Message to assist us in rightly dividing the word of truth. Consistent use of the volumes, Tabernacle Shadows, reprints and other similar aids will enable us to have a harmonious understanding of present truth. We are aware that certain prophetic matters are unfolding even before our eyes and many brethren have written and spoken about such topics as they observe current events. Our familiarity with the general outline of the plan of the ages will provide us with a firm background to evaluate the likelihood that certain events will be fulfilled in accordance with such projections.

Self-Denial

Regarding faithfulness through self denial, the first step is to seek to know and do God’s will instead of our own. The model for this was Jesus as we read: "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:7,8)

If we look to the Bible for scriptural principles to guide us, we will know God’s will for us. Unquestionably, we must have an attitude of submission to endure whatever self denial may cost us, realizing that faithfulness in this matter will help to work out within us the peaceable fruits of righteousness.

Additionally, we need to be circumspect and avoid earthly entanglements wherever possible. There are many potential distractions to keep us from bending our energies towards maintaining this sacrificial course. These would include the good things that are pleasing to the eye, pleasant to the flesh and things to which every human has a right. Perhaps one of the simplest guides that we can use to determine what we should or should not do is by asking ourselves whether certain experiences we desire enhance the new creature or simply satisfy our flesh. If they promote our spirituality, we are surely doing what merits God’s approval. "All things are lawful but not all things are beneficial, all things are lawful, but not all things build up, so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do everything for the Glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:23,31).

A final suggestion under this category is to faithfully utilize our monetary resources in God’s service. We are stewards of the Lord’s money and after providing things needful and decent for those who are dependent upon us, to the extent possible, we should employ such funds for spiritual purposes. We are not to lay up treasures for ourselves here on earth.

Service

Faithfulness through service can take many forms. "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).

Our general helpfulness to others in need ought to be a hallmark of our character. Friends and neighbors who know us should see this quality manifested in our lives even if they do not appreciate our doctrine. Efforts at sharing the good news of the kingdom is a prime evidence of doing good.

In addition to participating regularly in ecclesia activities, we might assist others of the brotherhood who are engaged in special projects. We can visit, pray for and send comfort messages to the afflicted. Some of the Lord’s children are so busy serving his cause, one might wonder how they find the time to do everything. We should always remember that he who is faithful in that which is least will be granted additional opportunities for service.

Prayer

Our final area to consider is faithfulness through prayer. One of the greatest privileges afforded to believers is access to the Heavenly Father through prayer. Coming often and tarrying at the throne of grace are indispensable to our Christian development as we seek scriptural instructions as to what should be the nature of our petitions.

We read, for example, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11). Acting upon this text would be an evidence of our confidence in the Heavenly Father. He surely will grant what is needful for us. This refers to those things which are necessary for our sustenance, not a superabundance, although in many cases, particularly in our own country, we have been blessed so greatly we must be careful of not becoming dissatisfied with anything that has not been provided.

The Bible indicates, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1:9) It is our privilege to go to the throne of grace frequently, seeking forgiveness for what we do that is not pleasing and even for those things of which we are unaware, our secret faults. This will help us become very sensitive to purity, truth, righteousness and the doing of the Father’s will.

How wise and loving is our God in responding to our proper petitions. "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"—Luke 11:13

Since we want to see the fruitage of the holy spirit demonstrated in our activities, our prayer requests should be along these lines. After having asked the Lord for his blessings in this manner, we need to exercise ourselves in ways which are pleasing to him, through fellowship, study and careful scrutiny of our thoughts, words and deeds, to the intent that we will be pure in our hearts.

We should remember our brethren at the throne of grace as the apostle admonished. "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds." (Colossians 4:2,3) This means we should pray for our brethren in their efforts of spreading the gospel, as well as prospering other activities in their capacity as servants of God. Prayers which seek only self interests could not be acceptable to the Heavenly Father, for we are all part of one body.

One of the advanced evidences of discipleship was given by our Master. "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44) When we can do this heartily, without rancor, bitterness, vindictiveness or railing in our being, we surely will have reached a most favorable standing with our Lord. Such was the kind of love that the Master had for all mankind, as he gave his life willingly, even for his enemies who opposed him and who in God’s kingdom after their awakening will be ashamed and mourn because they will see the one whom they pierced. Will we as followers of Christ leave such a legacy that we truly were walking with God and also did not retaliate against our enemies?

True faith implies a conviction of the things which God has revealed about himself and then acting in accordance with those beliefs. The faithfulness of Old Testament saints under extremely adverse conditions should inspire us to act in accordance with our professions, bearing in mind that those who ultimately will be united in helping to bless all the families of the earth with our exalted King of kings, are "called and chosen and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)