Skip to main content
    In Context

    How to Grow in Faith — In Biblical Context

    Faith grows by hearing the Word of God, exercising it through obedient action, persevering through trials, surrounding yourself with faithful believers, and asking God Himself to increase it.

    Quick Answer

    Faith grows by hearing the Word of God, exercising it through obedient action, persevering through trials, surrounding yourself with faithful believers, and asking God Himself to increase it.

    "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Faith is not summoned from within; it is received through the Word. Romans 10:17 is unambiguous: faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The most reliable way to grow faith is sustained exposure to Scripture — daily reading, memorisation, preaching, and meditation.\n\nFaith is also strengthened by use. James 2:17 says faith without works is dead. Like a muscle, faith grows when exercised. Step out in small obediences — give, forgive, share the gospel, serve — and watch faith expand. Trials, painful as they are, refine and strengthen it (James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:7).\n\nAsk. Luke 17:5 records the disciples' prayer: 'Lord, increase our faith.' Mark 9:24 records a desperate father's: 'Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.' Both prayers were answered. Surround yourself with believers whose faith strengthens yours (Hebrews 10:24–25), and keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:2).

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Romans 10:17, sits inside Romans 10. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
    Romans 10:17 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    James 1:2-4
    "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
    Mark 9:24
    "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."

    Explore this question from another angle

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library: