Virtual Bible Study – “Growing in Faith – Raising awareness to neglected faith”

You can join in Bible Study via Zoom.

Go to www.sjuhcrichmond.org and scroll down and select the yellow “Watch” button and then select the “Zoom link for services” button to join bible study or any service.

Bible Study Notes

Growing in Faith

Raising awareness to neglected faith

Faith is the foundation of our relationship with Christ, but it doesn’t stop at simply knowing Him.  Growing in faith is a continuous journey that deepens our connection with God and transforms our lives. After embracing the gospel, let’s focus on nurturing that faith and helping it grow deeper and more resilient.

 

What Does It Mean to Grow in Faith?

 “You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”    2 Peter 3:18 (NLT) 

We are called to continuously grow in faith.  Faith growth happens when we spend time with God, study His Word, and apply His truths to our lives.

Faith is a daily journey.  Like a muscle, the more you use it, the more it is strengthened. 

James 1:22 (NLT)  “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” 

Every decision we make to trust God, and to rely on Him in prayer, and to seek His wisdom in His Word brings new opportunities to deepen our faith.

Growing in faith means more than just believing in God.  

• It’s an active and ongoing process that strengthens our trust in God’s promises and helps us live out His will.
• It’s building a deeper relationship with Him 
• It’s continually relying on His guidance for the everyday things of life. 

Faith requires intentional and continual maintenance.

What are some of the warning signs that your faith needs maintenance?

Some Steps to Strengthen Faith                                                    Here are some ways to strengthen your faith daily and develop a deeper spiritual connection with Christ:

Daily Bible Reading and Prayer                                                                                             Romans 10:17 (NLT) “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” 

• Consistency is key. 

• Make a habit of reading the Bible and praying every day. Regular engagement with God’s Word helps your faith grow stronger. Try starting your day with Bible reading and praying for day-to-day guidance.  

Memorize Scripture                                                                                                     Philippians 4:6-7 and  Isaiah 41:10 

• Solidify your faith is by memorizing verses that strengthen your trust in God’s promises. 
• Bible verses can be daily reminders of God’s faithfulness during times of uncertainty.

Fellowship with Other Believers

Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another.” 

• Surrounding yourself with a Christian community encourages growth. 
• Attending and participating in church services, and joining small groups, promote accountability.  
• Growing your faith with the help of others allows you to learn, share, and grow collectively

Serve Other and Live Out Your Faith

James 2:17 (NLT) says, “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”

• Putting your faith into action is one of the most effective ways to grow spiritually. Look for opportunities to serve others—whether it’s through ministry, volunteering, or sharing your testimony. 
•  Living out your faith not only blesses others but also strengthens your own.

Overcoming Challenges to Growing Your Faith

Faith growth comes with challenges. Identifying common barriers and learning how to overcome them is crucial to your spiritual development. 

Some major obstacles to growing your faith and how to overcome them.

Dealing with Doubt and Uncertainty          Mark 9:24 (NLT)

• Doubt is a natural part of the faith journey; don’t let it hinder your growth. 
• When you encounter doubt, immediately bring it before God in prayer. 
• Surround yourself with scriptures that reinforce your faith, such as Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Overcoming Discouragement and Setbacks    Galatians 6:9

• Trials and hardships can leave us feeling discouraged in our faith. 
• Whether you’re facing unanswered prayers, personal struggles, or spiritual dryness, perseverance is key.  
• Growth often comes during challenging times, so trust in God’s timing and God’s plan. 
• Don’t give up!

The world is a distraction.  Stay focused.   Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

• We live in a world full of distractions – social media, work, and personal obligations can pull us away from focusing on our faith. 
• It’s important to prioritize time with God above everything else.  
• Establish a routine that includes daily Bible reading, prayer, and time away from distractions to focus on your relationship with Christ.

Spiritual Warfare      Ephesians 6:12

• Growing in faith often attracts spiritual opposition. 
•  Equip yourself with the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13-18) to stand firm in faith when spiritual battles arise.
• By recognizing and addressing these obstacles, you will continue to grow in faith and become more deeply rooted in Christ, even when challenges arise.

Conclusion: Growing in Faith is a Lifelong Journey

Growing in faith is an ongoing, intentional process that requires daily commitment and trust in God. As you deepen your relationship with Him, you’ll learn how to navigate doubts, overcome obstacles, and live out your faith in practical ways. By applying practical steps to grow your faith and overcoming challenges, you’ll find yourself closer to God and more confident in His promises.