When it comes to “building up in faith” as a believer, there’s a continuous need for growth and strengthening. Just as a building requires a strong foundation and ongoing maintenance, our faith too needs nurturing and edification.
In life, we often encounter moments when we need to be strengthened, encouraged, and built up. Just as physical exercise strengthens our bodies, spiritual exercise, grounded in faith, strengthens our souls.
This means a faith grounded in the holiness of God, a faith that can withstand the storms of life. How are you building up your faith?
Anchor Bible Verse of the Day on Building Up in Faith
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.
Jude 1:20 (NKJV)
In this verse, Jude, the brother of James and a servant of Jesus Christ addresses believers and encourages them to actively engage in the process of building up their faith, by relying on the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit through prayer.
Key Explanations
- Most holy faith: Refers to the sacred and foundational principles of the Christian faith.
- Praying in the Holy Spirit: Prayer that is led by and in alignment with the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Reflection on Building Up in Faith
In our Christian walk, faith is the cornerstone, or if you like, the foundation upon which our relationship with God is built. However, faith is not static; it is dynamic and requires nurturing and growth, hence, building up in faith.
Just as a building needs constant maintenance and reinforcement to withstand the elements, our faith also needs to be built up, especially in a world filled with challenges and distractions.
Jude’s exhortation to “build yourselves up on your most holy faith” is a call to action. It implies that our faith has a role that extends beyond our personal relationship with God; it also influences how we engage with the world around us. A strong faith equips us to navigate the complexities of life with grace, resilience, and unwavering trust in God’s goodness.
To build up our faith, we must begin by examining its foundation:
Is our faith firmly rooted in the holiness of God, or have we allowed it to be compromised by worldly influences?
Just as a builder ensures a strong foundation for a building, we must anchor our faith in the holiness of God’s Word and His character.
One of the key ways we build up our faith is through prayer, particularly “praying in the Holy Spirit.” This form of prayer involves surrendering to the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit as we commune with God. When we pray in the Spirit, our prayers become more aligned with God’s will, and we are strengthened from within.
- Prayer in the Spirit is an opportunity to engage with God in a way that transcends the limitations of our human understanding. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, our prayers become more than words; they become a channel through which God’s wisdom, comfort, and guidance flow into our lives.
- Building up in faith also involves engaging with God’s Word. The Bible is a rich source of spiritual nourishment, providing us with the wisdom, encouragement, and truth we need for our journey. Regularly reading and meditating on Scripture allows us to internalize God’s promises and principles, reinforcing our faith.
- Moreover, we must not overlook the role of community in building up our faith. We are not meant to journey alone; God has placed us in a community of believers for mutual support and growth. Through fellowship, we can encourage one another, share our faith journeys, and learn from the experiences of others.
As we build ourselves up in faith, we become equipped to face life’s challenges with confidence. Our faith becomes a shield that guards our hearts from doubt and fear. It empowers us to persevere in the face of trials, knowing that our foundation is secure in God’s holiness.
Consider the analogy found in Psalm 84:7:
They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.
Our faith journey is marked by progression and growth, from one level of strength to another. It’s a continuous journey of transformation.
Call to Action
Today, take intentional steps to build up your faith. Dedicate time to prayer, seeking God’s presence and guidance through the Holy Spirit. Immerse yourself in the Scriptures, allowing God’s Word to shape your beliefs and actions.
Engage with your faith community, supporting and encouraging one another in your spiritual journeys.
Prayer Points for Today
- Spiritual Growth: Pray for personal spiritual growth and an increased understanding of God’s Word.
- Guidance of the Holy Spirit: Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your faith-building journey.
- Impact on Others: Pray that your strengthened faith may inspire and encourage those around you.
Let’s Pray
Our Father, we come before You with a desire to build ourselves up in the most holy faith. May our faith be firmly rooted in Your holiness, and may we continually seek Your presence through prayer and Your Word.
Empower us to live out our faith with courage and conviction. In Jesus’ precious and mighty name, we pray. Amen.
My prayer for you today: May your journey of building up in faith be a testimony of God’s transformative power in your life, inspiring others to seek a deeper relationship with Him.