A measure of faith
We know that faith is a powerful attribute. Every person is born with it. The bible teaches us that when we come to Christ, we are given a measure of faith (Ro12:3), and this faith is to believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit and the things that we cannot see of his kingdom including his word. This measure of faith is expected that everyone works on and make it grow (2Th1:3). And how do we make this measure of faith grow, by hearing and listening to God’s word (Ro10:17). But not just being hearers of God’s word, we need to be doers (Jm1:22-23), otherwise we will forget that we need to grow in faith. And like everything else that does not receive the correct nutrition in life and does not function correctly, so is faith; it becomes weak not working as expected and dies.
Romans 14:1-2
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
The Jews held high standards for foods and eating. So, when the gentiles came into the church eating pork skins and all of kinds of foods that the Jews thought to be unclean, they clashed. It became a matter of faith. Paul mentions that weak faith has some identifiable characteristics that are detrimental to other believers as well as to non-believers. When one has weak faith, they limit themselves to what other people believe and easily stumble, he says. Paul speaks to the church, as mature believers to receive the weak in faith. Because when we enter into disputations where doubt is, faith weakens, and we become divided. Entering into judgmental discourse becomes a faith stumbling block (Ro14:13), and that is not healthy for the kingdom of God. If we as believers cause someone to stumble because of something we eat or drink, we are going to be held responsible for that person’s fall. The more one stumbles in faith, the closer it gets to dying. And how do we measure a dying faith, it is by the works one does. James says that faith without works is a dead faith (Jm2:20), and if someone’s faith continues to depreciate it can die. Paul says that the things we do without faith is sin (Ro14:23).
Jesus encountered many people whose faith was either dead or dying. For example, a father brought his son who was possessed with a demon to Jesus’ disciples to cast out, but they could not. It was not until he recognized his deficiency of faith that his so became free (Mk9:23-24).
Romans 12:3
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
2 Thessalonians 1:3
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
Romans 10:7
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Romans 14:13
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
James 2:20
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Romans 14:23
23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.