PART 6: THE DIFFERENT LEVELS AND MEASURES OF FAITH
From Little Faith to Great Faith
Theme Scripture: Matthew 8:10
“When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” — Matthew 8:10 (KJV)
1. INTRODUCTION
Faith is the foundation of the Christian life. Every believer is called to live by faith, grow in faith and develop an unwavering confidence in God.
However, when we study the Scriptures carefully, we discover that Jesus spoke about different measures and expressions of faith.
In some passages, He rebuked His disciples for having little faith. In other passages, He commended individuals for demonstrating great faith.
For example:
* Jesus spoke about little faith (Matthew 6:30).
* Jesus challenged His disciples for having little faith (Matthew 8:26).
* Jesus commended the Canaanite woman for her great faith (Matthew 15:28).
* Jesus marvelled at the faith of the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:10).
These passages reveal that believers must not become satisfied with a weak or immature understanding of faith.
Our desire should be to grow in spiritual maturity, develop confidence in God’s Word and become steadfast in our relationship with Him.
Important truth: The Bible does not teach that God loves believers with different degrees of love. Rather, it demonstrates that believers can display different levels of spiritual maturity and confidence in Him.
2. THE MEASURE OF FAITH GIVEN TO EVERY BELIEVER
Romans 12:3
Paul teaches that God has dealt to every person a measure of faith.
This passage reminds us that faith is central to the Christian life. Every believer must learn to exercise faith and develop spiritually.
We should not spend our Christian lives comparing our faith with that of other people. Instead, we should concentrate on growing in our relationship with God.
Practical lessons:
* Appreciate the faith God has given you.
* Do not compare your spiritual journey with others.
* Develop your faith through God’s Word.
* Exercise faith through obedience.
* Remain committed to spiritual growth.
3. LITTLE FAITH: WHEN FEAR BECOMES GREATER THAN CONFIDENCE
Matthew 8:26
“And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”
The disciples were travelling with Jesus when a great storm arose.
Although Jesus was physically present with them, they became terrified.
Their problem was not the absence of Jesus but their inability to trust Him in the middle of the storm.
Little faith is demonstrated when a person struggles to trust God’s ability because of the circumstances surrounding them.
Characteristics of little faith include:
* Excessive fear when difficulties arise.
* Constant anxiety about the future.
* Forgetting God’s previous faithfulness.
* Becoming discouraged when prayers are not immediately answered.
* Allowing circumstances to determine one’s confidence in God.
Practical application:
Do not allow the storms of life to make you forget the God who is with you.
4. WEAK FAITH: WHEN CONFIDENCE IS UNDER PRESSURE
Romans 4:19–20
Abraham faced a situation that appeared naturally impossible. He and Sarah were advanced in age, yet God had promised them a son.
Scripture teaches that Abraham did not allow his faith to collapse under the weight of his circumstances.
Weak faith struggles when circumstances contradict what a person is expecting from God.
However, the Christian must learn to depend on God’s character rather than visible evidence alone.
Lessons from Abraham:
* God’s promises are greater than human limitations.
* Waiting does not mean God has forgotten you.
* Faith must remain rooted in God’s Word.
* Do not allow natural impossibilities to destroy your confidence in God.
5. GROWING FAITH: FAITH THAT INCREASES
2 Thessalonians 1:3
Paul commended the Thessalonian believers because their faith was growing exceedingly.
This demonstrates that spiritual growth should be evident in the life of every believer.
Faith is strengthened through:
* Hearing the Word of God.
* Studying the Scriptures.
* Meditating on God’s promises.
* Prayer and fellowship with God.
* Obedience to divine instructions.
* Endurance during difficult seasons.
Growing faith does not mean that you will never experience doubt or discouragement. It means that you increasingly learn to trust God and respond to His Word.
Practical application:
Examine your spiritual life. Are you trusting God more today than you did in previous years?
6. GREAT FAITH: FAITH THAT RECOGNISES GOD’S AUTHORITY
Matthew 8:5–10
One of the most remarkable examples of great faith in the Gospels is the faith of a Roman centurion.
He approached Jesus because his servant was seriously ill.
When Jesus offered to come and heal the servant, the centurion responded that Jesus only needed to speak the word.
He understood authority because he was a man who served under authority and exercised authority over soldiers.
He believed that Jesus possessed authority over sickness and did not need to be physically present to perform the miracle.
Jesus marvelled at his faith.
What made this man’s faith remarkable?
* He recognised the authority of Jesus.
* He believed in the power of Christ’s spoken word.
* He did not depend on physical appearances.
* He demonstrated humility.
* He approached Jesus with confidence.
Spiritual lesson: Great faith recognises that God’s authority is not limited by distance, circumstances, or human impossibilities.
7. GREAT FAITH THAT REFUSES TO GIVE UP
Matthew 15:21–28
The Canaanite woman came to Jesus, pleading for deliverance for her demon-possessed daughter.
Initially, she encountered what appeared to be rejection. Nevertheless, she refused to abandon her request.
She continued to demonstrate humility and persistence.
Eventually, Jesus declared:
“O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” — Matthew 15:28.
Her daughter was healed that very hour.
Lessons from this woman:
* Great faith remains persistent.
* Great faith approaches Jesus with humility.
* Great faith refuses to surrender easily.
* Great faith recognises Christ as the source of help.
* Great faith remains focused on God’s mercy.
We must understand that persistence does not mean forcing God to act according to our demands. It means continuing to trust Him and seek Him faithfully.
8. PERFECTING FAITH THROUGH OBEDIENCE
James 2:22
“Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?”
James uses Abraham’s obedience as an example of faith working together with actions.
Abraham’s faith was demonstrated through his willingness to obey God.
A believer can not claim to have strong faith while consistently rejecting God’s instructions.
Faith must influence:
* Our decisions.
* Our relationships.
* Our character.
* Our conduct.
* Our service to God.
* Our commitment to holiness.
Faith becomes visible through a life of obedience.
9. HOW TO MOVE FROM LITTLE FAITH TO STRONG FAITH
Every believer should desire spiritual growth.
The following biblical principles will help strengthen your faith.
1. Study the Word of God
Romans 10:17 teaches that faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
2. Develop a consistent prayer life
Jude 1:20 encourages believers to build themselves up on their most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.
3. Meditate on God’s promises
Joshua 1:8 teaches the importance of meditating on God’s Word.
4. Obey God’s instructions
John 14:15 connects love for Christ with obedience to His commandments.
5. Remember God’s faithfulness
Psalm 103:2 encourages us not to forget God’s benefits.
6. Remain steadfast during trials
James 1:2–4 teaches that the testing of faith produces patience and spiritual maturity.
7. Surround yourself with people of faith
Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages believers to strengthen and encourage one another.
10. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
* Stop allowing fear to dominate your decisions.
* Develop confidence in God’s promises.
* Refuse to measure God’s power by your present circumstances.
* Maintain a consistent study of Scripture.
* Practise obedience even when it requires sacrifice.
* Learn to wait patiently for God’s timing.
* Do not abandon your faith during difficult seasons.
* Develop a lifestyle of prayer and thanksgiving.
* Encourage other believers to grow spiritually.
* Make spiritual maturity your lifelong pursuit.
11. BIBLE STUDY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
* What does the Bible mean by the measure of faith?
* What are the characteristics of little faith?
* What lessons can we learn from Abraham’s faith?
* How can a believer develop growing faith?
* Why did Jesus commend the Roman centurion?
* What made the Canaanite woman’s faith remarkable?
* What is the relationship between faith and obedience?
* How do trials contribute to spiritual maturity?
* What practical steps can help a believer develop strong faith?
* What areas of your Christian life require greater confidence in God?
12. CONCLUDING PRAYERS
1. Father, increase my faith and establish me firmly in Your Word, in Jesus’ name.
2. Lord, deliver me from every form of unbelief and spiritual weakness.
3. Father, give me the faith that trusts You even when circumstances appear impossible.
4. Lord, strengthen my confidence in Your promises.
5. Every spirit of fear and doubt working against my spiritual growth, lose your influence over my life.
6. Father, help me to develop the kind of faith demonstrated by Abraham.
7. Lord, give me the persistence of the Canaanite woman and the confidence of the Roman centurion.
8. Father, let my faith grow exceedingly through the knowledge of Your Word.
9. Lord, help me to remain steadfast during trials, challenges, and difficult seasons.
10. Father, make me a spiritually mature believer whose life demonstrates genuine faith and obedience.
11. Lord, let my faith produce good works that glorify Your name.
12. Father, establish me in an unshakable confidence in Your power and faithfulness.
In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
13. CONCLUSION
The Christian journey is a journey of continuous spiritual growth.
We must not remain believers who are easily defeated by fear, doubt, and discouragement.
The disciples had little faith, Abraham demonstrated unwavering confidence in God’s promise, and the Roman centurion demonstrated great faith by recognising the authority of Jesus.
These examples challenge us to develop a deeper understanding of God and a stronger confidence in His Word.
Never become satisfied with the present condition of your faith. Continue growing, continue believing, and continue walking with God.
KEY SCRIPTURES TO REMEMBER
* Romans 12:3 — The measure of faith.
* Matthew 8:26 — Little faith.
* 2 Thessalonians 1:3 — Growing faith.
* Matthew 8:10 — Great faith.
* James 2:22 — Faith perfected through works.
KEY LESSON: God desires believers to grow in faith, mature in their relationship with Him, and demonstrate their confidence through obedience.
