An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 297: How do you grow in faith as a virtue?

Question 297: How do you grow in faith as a virtue?

I grow in faith by hearing God’s Word, receiving the sacraments, praying earnestly, and living in daily obedience to Christ. Faith is strengthened through trials, supported by the Church, and deepened by trusting God’s promises even when I do not see. As I abide in Christ and walk in the Spirit, my faith matures and bears fruit. (Romans 10:17, James 1:2–4, Hebrews 12:2, Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:7)

Full Scripture References​

“So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” – Romans 10:17 (BSB)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2–4 (BSB)

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2 (BSB)

“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” – Galatians 2:20 (BSB)

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Faith grows as we cling more closely to Christ and His Word. It is not static, but dynamic—meant to mature over time. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) writes, “Faith grows not by trying harder, but by looking longer—longer at the promises of God, the cross of Christ, and the faithfulness of the Spirit.” (Lectures on Christian Growth, 2021)

The ordinary means of grace are essential to strengthening faith. Bishop Stephen Leung (ANiC, Diocese of Western Canada and Alaska) explains, “Word, sacrament, and prayer are the soil where faith takes root. When we neglect them, faith withers. When we remain in them, faith deepens.” (Faith and the Means of Grace, 2020)

Trials are often God’s appointed instruments to refine faith. They strip away self-reliance and push us to trust in what cannot be seen. Fr. Matthew Munn (ACNA, Church of the Redeemer, NC) teaches, “We do not grow by avoiding difficulty, but by leaning into Christ through it. Faith matures in the wilderness as much as in worship.” (The Refiner’s Fire, 2022)

Faith also grows in community. Encouragement, shared testimony, worship, and corporate prayer build up the body of Christ. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) observes, “Faith is personal but never private. It is upheld by the witness of the Church and nourished by the fellowship of saints.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) adds, “To grow in faith is to grow in dependence. We walk not by sight, but by trust. And the more we walk, the more we find that Christ is faithful.” (Strengthened by Trust, 2023)

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

“Faith grows by the trials that test it, just as gold is purified by fire. Let the soul rejoice in difficulty, for it proves the strength of trust.” – Augustine of Hippo, Sermons on the Psalms, c. 400 AD

“Let your ears hear often the Word of God, and your faith will be made strong. The Scriptures are the food of trust.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Romans, c. 390 AD

“Faith is like a lamp that is filled with oil—prayer is the hand that fills it. Let prayer be constant, and faith will never go out.” – Basil the Great, Homily on Faith, c. 375 AD

“To believe more is to behold more. As we gaze upon Christ with the eyes of the soul, our faith is renewed day by day.” – Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures, c. 350 AD

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

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