Biblical Guidance for the Strong and Weak in Faith

For the strong in faith,

As discussed in the previous entry, you should welcome (Rom 14:1) and build up (Rom 15:1-2) the weaker ones. Instead of boasting, keep it between you and God (Rom 14:22).

This is what Paul (strong man of faith) wrote to the Colossians (new church, and weak in faith), and I think it's a good model for both strong and weak in faith to take heed to:

"...we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. " (Col 1:9-13)

So to those of you who are strong, continuously (don't cease to) pray for your friends who are weaker in faith. Pray that they will be filled with the knowledge of God, gaining wisdom and understanding. Pray that they would be strengthened, and have patience and endurance, because I know the road to progressing from a weak faith to strong faith is not always an easy one. It can be frustrating and discouraging. Understand that you'll be blessed by helping the weak:

"...by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'." (Acts 20:35)

If I'm interpreting the latter part of this verse correctly, I believe Jesus is saying here that you are more blessed if you give help to the weak, than to actually be blessed with a strong faith that you have received from God. And if I'm not mistaken, I don't think this verse necessarily speaks about weak in faith only. Like, it could mean helping a weak, homeless person by giving them food, or helping a weak old person by helping them across the street or something like that. I think it just generically says that, you who have more of something (eg. more faith, more strength, more wisdom, more money etc.), help those who have less (ie. less faith, etc.).

If you have a friend, weaker in faith, who is struggling in sin, help to gently restore him:

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness." Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal 6: 1-2)

Again, the strong in faith should not boast (Psalm 75:4), because it is not good (1 Cor 5:6) and is arrogant and evil (James 4:16). God opposes (1 Pet 5:5) and hates (Prov 8:13) pride.

For those of you who are weak in the faith,

We've all been weak in faith (or are weak in faith) at one point or another, so don't be discouraged. God is made perfect in our weaknesses, and remember that it was He who assigned you the measure of faith you have. He has a purpose for it, and you'll see some of it unfold as your wisdom increases. Seek knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of God by asking for it through prayer, and reading the bible. In everything you do, do it for God. Give thanks to Him for qualifying you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light, and for His love that surpasses knowledge.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives grace generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5)

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..." (Col 3:16)

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col 3:17).

Also,

"Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Eph 6:10)"

The armor includes the:

- belt of truth
-breastplate of righteousness
-shield of faith
-helmet of salvation
-sword of the Spirit

(read Eph 6:10-20)

Notice how it says to put on the WHOLE armor of God. Believe me, you need the whole armor on to fend off attacks from evil. There have been times where I didn't put on one piece of armor, and got attacked. Like times when I don't have the breastplate of righteousness on, and the devil spears me in the breast, leading me to do unrighteous things (sin).

You need to fear the Lord, by hating what is evil, in order to gain wisdom, and the Lord will bless and have compassion on you:

"Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling" (Psalm 2:11)

"The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil." (Proverbs 8:13)

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.His praise endures forever!" (Psalm 111:10)

"he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great." (Psalm 115:13)

"As a father shows compassion to his children,so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him." (Psalm 103:13).

And read and pray this:

"Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name." (Psalm 86:11)

Proverbs 2 ("The Value of Wisdom") is a really amazing and beautiful piece of scripture regarding gaining wisdom. Definitely read it! I can't even really summarize it because pretty much every line is important, and inspiring. In fact, I'll devote the next entry to it.

Trusting in the Lord is also key, as written in the next proverb (Proverb 3: Trusting in the Lord with All your Heart).

"Trust in the Lord with all you heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Lastly, although the Christian is difficult, understand that it leads to glory beyond all comparison! And praise God for it!

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen." (2 Cor 4:17-18)