Seven Kinds of Faith

Title: Seven Kinds of Faith

Main Text: Hebrews 11:1 – "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Introduction:

Faith is at the very heart of the Christian life. It is the cornerstone of our relationship with God and the foundation of everything we do as believers. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” But what kind of faith are we talking about? Is all faith the same? Is saying, "I have faith," enough?

Faith is like a bridge—it connects us to God, carries us through trials, and anchors us in hope. However, just as there are sturdy, well-built bridges and weak, crumbling ones, not all faith is equal. There are different types of faith described in the Bible, each with distinct characteristics and consequences. Some forms of faith are flawed and ineffective, while others are vibrant, life-changing, and capable of moving mountains.

Consider this: if a person claims to have faith but their actions don’t reflect it, what does that say about the quality of their belief? Or think about someone who starts with faith but gives up when trials come—how deep was their trust? Then there are those whose faith inspires awe, marked by boldness and confidence in God’s promises. Finally, there’s the kind of faith that grows stronger over time, refined by experience and enduring through life’s toughest challenges.

As we delve into these, we’ll examine their characteristics, look at biblical examples, and consider where our own faith fits within these categories. My prayer is that through this message, you’ll be inspired to move beyond weak or stagnant faith and embrace a living, growing, and victorious faith in Jesus Christ.

But let’s start with a personal reflection: If faith is the foundation of your spiritual life, what kind of foundation are you building on? Is it solid, or does it need reinforcement? Let’s uncover these truths together.

1. Dead Faith

Scripture: James 2:17 – "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Additional Scriptures:

James 2:26 – "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

Matthew 7:21 – "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."

Titus 1:16 – "They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work."

Illustration: A car without fuel—it looks functional but won't go anywhere.

Dead faith lacks action and evidence. It’s a superficial profession without a genuine heart transformation.

Application: Examine your actions. Is your faith alive and active in service and love?

2. Little Faith

Scripture: Matthew 8:26 – "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?"

Additional Scriptures:

Matthew 6:30 – "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field... will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"

Matthew 14:31 – "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Luke 12:28 – "If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?"

Illustration: Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:28–31). He began with faith but faltered when fear took over.

Little faith trusts but is easily shaken by doubts and challenges.

Application: Strengthen your faith by focusing on God’s promises rather than your circumstances.

3. Saving Faith

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8 – "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."

Additional Scriptures:

Romans 5:1 – "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Acts 16:31 – "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."

Illustration: The thief on the cross (Luke 23:42-43)—his simple trust in Jesus brought eternal salvation.

Saving faith is the foundational faith that reconciles us with God through Christ.

Application: Trust in Jesus alone for salvation, not in works or self-righteousness.

4. Great Faith

Scripture: Matthew 8:10 – "Assuredly, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"

a powerful, unshakable faith that honors God and achieves the impossible.

Additional Scriptures:

Matthew 15:28 – "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire."

Luke 7:9 – "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"

Mark 5:34 – "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction."

Illustration: The centurion who believed Jesus could heal his servant with a word (Matthew 8:5–13).

Great faith is marked by unwavering confidence in God’s power and authority. Application: Cultivate great faith by immersing yourself in God’s Word and believing in His ability to do the impossible.

5. Growing Faith

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:3 – "Your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other."

Additional Scriptures:

Colossians 2:6–7 – "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith."

Philippians 1:6 – "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

1 Peter 2:2 – "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."

Illustration: A tree that starts as a seed but grows strong through proper nourishment and care.

Growing faith matures over time as we experience God’s faithfulness. Application: Invest in your spiritual growth through prayer, study, and obedience.

6. Tested Faith

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:7 – "The genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire."

Additional Scriptures:

James 1:2–3 – "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."

Romans 5:3–4 – "We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope."

Job 23:10 – "But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold."

Illustration: Gold refined in fire—it becomes purer after enduring intense heat.

Tested faith is strengthened through trials, showing its authenticity and resilience.

Application: Embrace trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper trust in God.

7. Victorious Faith

Scripture: 1 John 5:4 – "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

Additional Scriptures:

Romans 8:37 – "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

2 Timothy 4:7 – "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Revelation 12:11 – "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."

Illustration: David defeating Goliath (1 Samuel 17)—faith in God’s power led to triumph.

Victorious faith overcomes the world’s challenges, fears, and opposition.

Application: Walk boldly, knowing that your faith in Christ makes you more than a conqueror.

Conclusion

Faith is dynamic, not static. Assess which kind of faith you currently have and ask God to help you move toward great, growing, and victorious faith. Leave the congregation with this question: “What step of faith will you take today?”

Closing Scripture: Hebrews 11:6 – "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Let me know if you'd like any additional insights or tweaks!