The Importance of Gifts Part III
Last week we began our study into the gifts of the Spirit by examining the gifts of wisdom and knowledge. When we compared the definition of these two terms, we saw that while similar, they are not the same. Today, we are going to take a look at the next gift of the spirit on our list in 1 Corinthians 12, the gift of faith.
It may seem strange that faith is a gift of the spirit, especially since it is the main factor of the Christian faith. Born again believers have faith that Jesus died for our sins, that God’s word is true, and that we can hold Him to His promises. So if we all possess faith in God, how can this be a spiritual gift? For that, we need to look at the definition of “faith”. The term faith used in 1 Corinthians 12:9 is defined “to convince (by argument true or false); by analogy to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); to rely; be content make friend obey persuade trust yield” G3982 and is the moral conviction of the reliance upon Christ for salvation. When you combine this with Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”, we find that faith in Christ will manifest itself in all believers. Again, this appears to be what every born again Christian would have, so why is faith considered a spiritual gift?
When an individual displays the gift of faith it is acting out not only on the moral conviction that we rely on God, but it is manifested for others to see. Examine Hebrews 11 and see those listed in the hall of faith. Faith is not just for our salvation but in every aspect of our life. It is the unique ability to trust God despite all circumstances telling you not to and show it. Consider Matthew 14:22-33 when Peter left the boat and walked on water. Every rational thought would be that he would surely sink the moment he left the boat. However, because of his great faith in Jesus, Peter was able to walk towards Him. The gift of faith is a gift that shows up when we are forced to decide if we will go all out for Jesus Christ or if we will simply remain where we are comfortable. I have seen it in my own life and the lives around me. It takes great faith to trust God and pack up everything you own and move far away from family, simply because that is what God is calling us to do. However, by stepping out in faith, God has blessed in unimaginable ways!
If you want to experience the gift of faith, pray and ask God to reveal to you what He wants you to do. The decision that seems the most uncomfortable may just be what God is calling you to do in order to work through you. Trust that God will provide even when you don’t see how He can.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex