Family, we’re already in week three of our Growing into Legacy series. In week one we looked at The Anointing – how God gives His power for a life that lasts (you can read that recap here). In week two we spoke about spiritual vision – seeing Jesus clearly in a noisy world.
This Sunday, while Ps Larry was preaching in Durban, Ps Ben shared a strong, gentle word with us here at home: it’s time to grow in faith. Not just have faith on paper, but live with a faith that stands when life gets hot.
A living hope in a real world
Ps Ben took us to 1 Peter 1:3–7. Peter reminds us that, because of Jesus’ resurrection, God has given us “new birth into a living hope” and “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” That inheritance is kept safe in heaven, and through faith we are shielded by God’s power.
Then Peter is very honest: for a little while, we “suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” Those trials are not to crush us; they prove the genuineness of our faith – faith that is “of greater worth than gold.” Gold is refined by fire; believers are refined by pressure.
In other words, when you’re sitting in traffic after load-shedding, dealing with bills, sickness or family strain, your Father has not left the building. Those very pressures become the place where you grow in faith. When you keep trusting Jesus instead of running back to old ways, it shows that your faith is real, not just words.
Faith starts as a gift – but it must grow
Where does faith come from?
Hebrews 12:2 calls Jesus “the author and finisher of our faith.” Romans 12:3 says God has “dealt to each one a measure of faith.” You didn’t manufacture faith; God gave you a measure as a gift when you came to Him.
But that measure is meant to grow. In Luke 17:5–6 the apostles say, “Increase our faith.” Jesus answers that if we have faith like a mustard seed, we can speak to a tree and it will obey. That picture is beautiful: faith starts small, like a seed, but carries authority as it grows.
Ps Ben reminded us: what we receive from God should never stay stuck. Salvation was your first gift – and with it came a measure of faith. Now the call is simple: grow in faith and start using the authority God entrusted to you.
Faith that grows, makes room
The Bible is clear: faith isn’t a once-off deposit. It can increase, mature and be strengthened as we walk with God.
Paul tells the Thessalonian church, “your faith grows exceedingly” (2 Thessalonians 1:3). To the Corinthians he speaks about their faith being “increased” and their sphere of influence being enlarged (2 Corinthians 10:15). When faith grows, your life stretches to carry more of what God wants to do through you.
Ps Ben used a simple picture: a growing tree sends out new branches so it can carry more fruit. In the same way, as you grow in faith, God grows your “branches” – responsibility, influence, capacity. But some branches need pruning. Old, sick branches – habits, attitudes, relationships that pull you down – must be cut away so the new fruit does not fall to the ground before it’s ready.
Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches… apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). To grow in faith, stay connected to the Vine. Stay close to the Word.
Make every effort: growing on purpose
2 Peter 1:5 tells us, “giving all diligence, add to your faith…” That word diligence speaks of earnest, eager effort – not lazy faith, but wholehearted co-operation with what God is doing inside you.
God works in you, but you still work it out. Philippians 2:12–13 says we must “work out” our salvation with seriousness, **“for it is God who works in you”*. From faith to faith (Romans 1:17) – step by step, trust by trust.
Peter then paints a powerful picture of what we should add to our faith (2 Peter 1:5–7):
- Virtue – moral courage and integrity in a crooked world.
- Knowledge – not gossip or Google first, but growing in the knowledge of God and His Word.
- Self-control – saying “no” to the lust of the flesh, eyes and pride; refusing the fruit that looks good but leads to regret (Genesis 3:6).
- Perseverance – staying steady under pressure, not quitting when it hurts.
- Godliness – real devotion that shows in daily choices.
- Brotherly kindness – genuine care for fellow believers, not just Sunday smiles.
- Love (agape) – God’s kind of love, sacrificial and unconditional.
These aren’t optional extras. They’re proof that you grow in faith. Peter promises, “if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8).
That means your faith stops being theory and becomes a life that bears fruit – in your home, at work, in traffic, in every WhatsApp group you’re in.
For cell groups this week
- Read 1 Peter 1:3–7 together. Where have you seen God use “fiery trials” to deepen, not destroy, your faith?
- Look at 2 Peter 1:5–7. Which one of the “add to your faith” steps is the Holy Spirit highlighting for you right now? What is one practical step you can take this week?
- Pray for one another to grow in faith – not just for breakthroughs, but for steady, fruitful lives that reflect Jesus.
Family notes
- Men: remember our Men’s group at the Whale Deck – Friday 28 November 2025. Sunrise, the sea, brothers in worship – don’t miss it.
- Ladies: the Angels Tea is happening Wednesday 26 November in the Y-Life building – a beautiful space to be refreshed and encouraged.
If you’d like one of our pastors to stand with you, visit our Church Life – Pastors page or reach out via Contact Us.
Closing prayer
Father, thank You for giving me a new birth into a living hope.
Thank You for the measure of faith You’ve already placed in my heart.
Today I choose to grow in faith. Show me where fear still hides. Help me to feed on Your Word, to add virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love. Thank You that Your angels watch over my life and home. I trust You for protection, peace and fruit that honours You.
In Jesus’ Name, amen.
