Degrees of Faith
Submitted by Frank Williams
November 25, 2024
Mt 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Jesus wants us to be people of growing faith. We are saved by grace through faith, and the just do live by faith.
Jesus connects little faith to both doubt and fear. There is a good fear—Proverbs 3:7, “fear the Lord and depart from evil”—and Job is a good example of that. But the Lord does not want us consumed with a worrying fear. It can be a big stumbling block, and if not checked, can lead to feelings of dread and terror.
People are afraid of what could happen, what did happen, and even what others think. Our stomachs get ulcers from years of worrying.
The Bible teaches us to trust, not to tremble. To have faith, not fear. There is a proper concern in preparations for potential threats, and there is to be carefulness in safety issues. But Jesus speaks of a fear that worries, frets, and fusses about most every thing.
The phrase “little faith” is used four times in Matthew. A little faith is better than no faith. But we must remember that little faith is not a little fault—for it did receive reproof from the Lord.
In Matt 6:30, sometimes our faith is “little” when it comes to the necessities of life. God knows we have needs, and He certainly will not leave us stranded. Trust Him.
In Matt 8:26, sometimes our faith is “little” when it concerns danger. The disciples thought they were going to die, but Jesus asks them, “Why are you fearful?” Trust Him.
Sometimes, our faith is “little” when we have taken a bold step of faith, but the way gets rough. Peter wanted to walk on water, but he didn’t understand the full situation. Mt 14:31...O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Trust Him.
In Matt 16:8, the disciples forgot their lunch box. Their thoughts about food caused them to miss an important lesson. Mt 16:8 ...O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? Trust Him.
Then there is the “great faith” in Matt 8:10 and 15:28. Jesus speaks of “no faith” in Mark 4:40, and in Luke 8:25, He asks, “Where is your faith?”
Stephen was “full of faith” in Acts 6:5. Yet, there is the possibility of a “vain” faith in 1 Cor 15:2.
Consider – Whatever degree your faith is—strengthen it through exercise. God cares. Trust Him.
