Faith is the primary way God measures kingdom maturity.
The Maturity Paradox
There’s a profound paradox between our conventional understanding of maturity and what God deems true maturity. This revelation can open our minds to a deeper understanding of the spiritual journey we are on.
As children grow into adulthood, their parents want them to become more independent. Independence from their parents is a sign of natural maturity. However, with God, it is just the opposite. As believers mature, God wants them to become ever more dependent upon Him and the resources He makes available to them. That is the spiritual sign of maturity.
Developmental maturity = Greater independence
Spiritual maturity = Greater dependence on God
Faith Is the Key
Faith is not just a belief but a powerful spiritual lens that enables us to see the invisible realities of life. Faith empowers us to use the spiritual kingdom authority and resources that God has provided to impact the physical world. Thus, faith is the currency of Christ’s Kingdom.
Faith is not simply optimism or positive affirmations; it involves trusting in God’s character, believing what he says, and following him regardless of the circumstances.
Four Characteristics of Faith
1. Faith Pleases God
“Now without faith, it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” —Hebrews 11:6, NET
Faith is not just a component of the Christian life; it is the solid foundation. Without faith, it is impossible to build a relationship with God that is pleasing to Him. Faith is how we connect with God and it aligns our lives with His will.
Approaching God reflects a willingness for his presence and the desire for a relationship. That relationship builds when we believe in God’s goodness, His responsiveness to seekers, and His blessings for those who earnestly pursue Him.
2. Faith Is Confident
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” —Hebrews 11:1
Faith involves trusting that what God has promised will come to pass, even if we do not see it yet. It means believing in the reality of things that have yet to be fulfilled and cannot be seen with the physical eyes. This confidence is rooted in the character of God.
3. Faith is Spiritual Sight
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” —2 Corinthians 5:7, NET
Living by faith means relying on God’s guidance and provision instead of depending solely on our own understanding or what we can perceive with our senses.
In contrast, living by sight involves making decisions based only on what we can see, touch, and understand through our natural senses. This approach focuses on visible evidence and tangible proof.
However, the Christian life calls for a deeper level of trust that goes beyond what is immediately apparent. It requires a willingness to follow God’s leading, step by step, without knowing the destination while trusting that He will provide and guide us along the way.
4. Faith Requires Action
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” — James 2:17, NIV
Faith alone is not enough; it must be supported by actions based on God’s revelation to be considered true faith.
True faith leads to corresponding actions. These actions serve as evidence of genuine faith, demonstrating the reality of one’s belief and trust in God. Without actions, faith remains incomplete and unproven. A thought that does not result in action is considered dead because it lacks the vitality and authenticity that action-based faith possesses.
Kingdom Faith Is a Process
Faith is not just a single event but an ongoing cycle of growth.
There are four steps of the faith cycle:
- Step 1: Faith in God’s character.
- Step 2: Confidence in God’s Word.
- Step 3: Perseverance in God’s will.
- Step 4: Fulfillment of God’s promises.
God is the reason for our faith. Our faith is in God. Therefore, the knowledge of God and his character is fundamental, supporting our faith continually. We develop confidence in His Word and promises as we grow to know Him better and experience His trustworthiness.
We step out in faith to demonstrate our trust in God and belief in His Word and persist in doing His will. Then, when we see God act on our behalf, we are grateful for His fulfillment of promises. And that generates greater faith in God’s character; so, we trust Him even more as the cycle continues.
Faith Indicates Maturity
The display of faith reflects spiritual maturity. Let’s reflect on the different stages in the disciples’ faith journey.
The first stage in the faith journey was when Jesus called the disciples to follow him.
The disciples observed Jesus, became acquainted with him, and gained knowledge from him as he displayed his authority.
Performing miracles, Jesus healed the sick and cast out demons. He also raised a girl from the dead. But when a storm threatened them while crossing the Sea of Galilee, the disciples panicked and woke Jesus. After calming the storm, Jesus scolded them for having little faith.
The second stage in the faith journey started when Jesus sent the disciples out two by two to minister.
The disciples received authority to heal the sick and cast out demons as they co-ministered with Jesus.
During this period, the disciples saw Jesus feed the 5000 and then the 4000. They saw Jesus transfigured on a mountain. Later, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after he had been deceased for four days. And yet, when Jesus was betrayed and arrested, the disciples fled and denied him.
But then Jesus appeared to them after the resurrection. He forgave their lack of belief in him and reconfirmed to them what he had previously prophesied regarding his death and resurrection.
The disciples’ faith journey entered its third stage as Jesus commissioned and empowered them to minister on his behalf.
Jesus gave them the authority to fulfill the Great Commission in his absence.
The disciples witnessed Jesus’ ascension into heaven, were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and then spread the gospel worldwide. The Book of Acts records the supernatural deeds of the early believers, which were the results of their active faith.
Your Faith Journey
Our faith is grounded in God’s character, His promises, and His actions throughout history. By focusing on God as the foundation of our faith, we anchor our trust in His unchanging nature and faithfulness.
Understanding God’s character is crucial to our maturing faith and daily lives. It comes from studying the Bible, experiencing His presence, and observing His work. This knowledge shapes our decisions, influences our actions, and serves as a moral and spiritual compass.
As we cultivate our relationship with God, we gain a deeper confidence rooted in our personal experiences of His faithfulness, answered prayers, and the fulfillment of His promises in our lives. Each time we see God intervening on our behalf, our faith strengthens, and our trust in Him deepens.
Where are you in your faith journey with God?
Are you just beginning to understand God’s trustworthiness and developing confidence in His promises? Or are you already seeing God accomplish his supernatural work through you? It all starts with trust in God and persisting in doing his will through active faith.