Faith in Action: 3 Types of Faith and How to Strengthen Yours

We frequently find ourselves content with where we are—comfortable, even. Many of us have an idea of faith, yet genuine faith is not something we consistently practice. When our faith is lacking, so too is our awareness of God’s provision for our situation.

What you say shapes what you see. You are either living in the promises of God or navigating life based on your own doubts and those of others. In life, our perspective shapes our reality more than the events themselves. We often base our faith on what we see—our current circumstances, the visible challenges, the lack of resources. We limit ourselves based on our inability to believe for something greater. But often, the results we want don’t match the faith we need. 

Understanding Faith

Many of us have an idea of faith, but do we truly have genuine faith? 

Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith, at its core, is about stepping beyond the visible and believing in the invisible. 

2 Corinthians 5:7 says “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

This shows that faith and sight are working against each other. What you see contradicts your faith, and your faith contradicts what you see.

Romans 10:17 says “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Doubt is created in the eyes. But faith is created in the ears. Faith challenges us to look past our immediate perceptions and hold onto something greater. There are three distinct types of faith that illustrate different responses to this challenge:

What Are the 3 Types of Faith?

Demonic Faith

Demonic faith represents a basic level of belief—acknowledgment without commitment. 

The name comes from James 2:19 where James addresses believers stating, “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”

This kind of faith is aware of God’s existence and may even acknowledge His power and sovereignty. However, it fails to lead to any meaningful change in one’s life. It is characterized by a stagnant, fearful recognition that does not motivate love, repentance, or transformation. This type of faith is similar to that of demons who believe in God and tremble with fear because their belief does not accompany any hope of salvation or redemption.This type of faith is empty, lacking any genuine connection or relationship with God, and emphasizes a deep spiritual emptiness despite an understanding of religious teachings.

Dead Faith

Dead faith involves intellectual acceptance—a belief in the mind, often aligned with correct doctrine, but lacking the heartfelt commitment that brings faith to life. 

James continues in James 2:20: “But do you want to know, O foolish person, that faith without works is dead?”

This type of faith knows the right words, may agree with biblical truths, and can discuss religious ideas, but it does not translate into action. It’s like having a car but never turning on the engine. James critiques this faith by challenging the notion that faith can be genuine if it does not produce good deeds or any outward evidence of an inward transformation (James 2:17). Dead faith is not just inactive; it’s inauthentic, failing to impact our conduct or character.

Dynamic Faith

In contrast to demonic and dead faiths, dynamic faith is vibrant and life-changing. It embodies a belief that deeply roots in the heart and extends through the hands. Dynamic faith believes in the unseen, holds onto the promises of God, and acts upon these convictions with courage and determination. This faith is not passive; it’s an active substance that drives us to engage in actions that reflect our beliefs. Dynamic faith leads to lifestyle changes, influences decisions, and inspires hope and persistence against all odds. It’s the kind of faith that Abraham exhibited when he moved to an unknown land on God’s command (Genesis 12:1), and the faith that drove Peter to step out of the boat onto the water (Matthew 14:29).

Dynamic faith is transformative—it changes us and our interactions with the world. It’s marked by a deep trust in God that what He has promised, He will deliver, and even when the path is not visible, this faith walks forward, guided by the light of God’s presence and promises. It’s a faith that does not just believe in miracles but expects them, and not out of a desire for signs, but from a deep understanding of God’s nature and a personal relationship with Him.

Biblical Examples of Dynamic Faith

1. Noah: Noah demonstrated his faith by building an ark in response to God’s warning of an upcoming global flood. Despite no rain in sight and probable skepticism from those around him, Noah faithfully constructed the ark, preparing for an event entirely unseen. His obedience to God’s instructions saved his family and preserved animal life on earth (Genesis 6:13-22).
2. Daniel: Daniel maintained his faith through consistent prayer and adherence to dietary laws, even when Babylonian decrees threatened his life. His decision to continue praying, despite the king’s order against it, led to his survival in the lions’ den, showcasing his unshakeable trust in God’s protection (Daniel 6:10-22).
3. Ruth: After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to leave her homeland and cling to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her faith was expressed through her loyalty and her belief that God would provide for them. Ruth’s actions eventually led to her remarriage and securing a stable future for herself and Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17).
4. David: As a young shepherd, David faced Goliath with just a slingshot and five stones. He declared his faith in God’s power to deliver him from the hand of the Philistine, reflecting his deep trust in God’s ability to save. His victory over Goliath was a testament to faith over might (1 Samuel 17:45-50).
5. Hannah: Distraught by her inability to conceive, Hannah poured out her soul to God in prayer, promising to dedicate her child to His service if He granted her a son. Her faith-filled vow was met with the birth of Samuel, whom she faithfully returned to the Lord, fulfilling her promise (1 Samuel 1:10-11, 20).
6. Joseph: Despite being sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph trusted in God’s sovereignty. His faith in God’s plan allowed him to interpret dreams and eventually rise to a position of power in Egypt, where he saved many from famine, including his own family (Genesis 50:20).
7. Peter: After denying Jesus three times, Peter’s faith was restored and he became a bold preacher of the gospel. His transformation from a fearful denier to a foundational leader of the early church demonstrates his renewed faith and determination to spread Jesus’ teachings, despite great personal risk (Acts 2:14-41).

Practical Steps for Having Dynamic Faith

1. Speak God’s Word Over Your Life: Begin each day by affirmatively declaring God’s promises. Find specific scriptures that resonate with your life’s challenges and aspirations. Speaking these words daily builds a foundation of faith based on divine truth.
2. Act in Faith: Prepare for the blessings and outcomes you are praying for by taking practical steps that align with your prayers. If you are seeking a new job, prepare by updating your resume and applying for positions. If you’re praying for health improvements, you might start a healthier lifestyle. If you’re praying for financial freedom, start putting together a plan for managing your money effectively. 
3. Engage in Regular Bible Study: Deepen your understanding of the Word by setting aside dedicated time for Bible study. This can be done individually or in a group setting, providing a deeper understanding of the scriptures and how they apply to your life.
4. Maintain a Prayer Journal: Record your prayers, the dates you prayed them, and the answers you receive. This practice will help you see the patterns of God’s faithfulness and remind you of His presence in your life. Keeping a prayer journal can greatly enhance your awareness of God’s workings in your life and reinforce your faith through visible reminders of answered prayers.

5. Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled Community: Regularly participate in small group activities where you can share and grow in faith with others. Being part of a community that supports and encourages each other in faith can be incredibly strengthening.
6. Practice Generosity: Act out your faith by being generous with your time, talents, and resources. This reflects your trust in God’s provision and opens your heart to the blessings of giving. “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).
7. Implement Faith-Filled Affirmations: Use affirmations that align with biblical truths to combat doubts and negative thoughts. This can reshape your mindset and strengthen your faith.
8. Witness and Share Your Faith: Sharing your faith journey and the impact of Christ in your life with others can reinforce your own beliefs and encourage those who might be struggling or seeking.  
9. Seek Spiritual Mentorship: Find a spiritual mentor who can guide, advise, and encourage you in your faith journey. This relationship can provide you with wisdom, accountability, and deeper insight into living a life of faith.
10. Embrace Trials as Faith-Builders: View challenges and setbacks as opportunities to trust God more deeply. Remember that trials can develop perseverance and mature your faith, as highlighted in James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Remember, faith is built on the foundation of God’s faithfulness. Don’t let what you see make you overlook the promises of God. Worry and anxiety creep in when we lose focus on God’s faithful acts in our lives. Avoid wasting today’s energy on tomorrow’s problems. God’s Word is true and never fails. Speak His promises over your life and let your faith grow based on His unchanging faithfulness.