Studies

Spiritual Gifts Series

Spiritual Gifts: The Gift of Faith

Category of Gift: Service

1 Corinthians 12:9

“to another faith by the same Spirit,”

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Section One

Introduction

1.1 The Command To Believe. Jesus commanded people to believe in Him. He commanded the Samaritan woman at the well to believe in Him (John 4:21). He commanded His disciples, and especially Peter, to believe in Him (John 14:1; John 14:11). Without faith, God said it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). Only by faith can a person receive salvation, be forgiven of sins, enjoy rebirth, and go to heaven to live with God eternally. That faith is a gift of God, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). So, what is faith?

1.2 Every Born-Again Christian Has at Least One Spiritual Gift. Every born-again believer in Jesus Christ has received a spiritual gift from the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Please recall also that one spiritual gift may have a variety of ministries, with a variety of spiritual effects (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Therefore, if you have the spiritual gift of faith, that single gift may result in a variety of ministries, producing a variety of effects. Furthermore, if you have the spiritual gift of faith, your ministry may look very different from another believer with the same gift of faith. Your ministries of the same spiritual gift may produce very different effects. So, one gift may result in different ministries, and each ministry may produce very different spiritual effects.

Section Two

Faith Defined

2.1 Assurance and Conviction. In Hebrews 11:1, we read that “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith rests here upon two things: assurance and conviction.

2.1.1 Assurance. The term “assurance” (“ὑπόστασις”) means that we have confidence in the hope of salvation by faith alone. A very similar term appears in Hebrews 1:3 to describe Jesus as the “exact representation” (“ὑποστάσεως“) of the nature of God. Taking those two thoughts together, we see that faith provides an exact representation and confidence of the things we hope for. Therefore, faith is the assurance of things hoped for.

2.1.2 Conviction. The term “conviction” (“ἔλεγχος”) means verification or certainty, to prove with certainty. Therefore, we see that faith means that I have certainty about the future. Faith is never blind in the absolute sense, because we do believe in things that exist, but we may not see them with our human eyes right now. Therefore, faith is the conviction of things not seen. We see the Word of God, and believe the promises of God contained in the Bible. For example, Jesus pronounced blessings upon believers who would believe in Him without seeing the bodily wounds He displayed in person to His disciples (John 20:29).

2.2 The New Testament Diversity of the Term “Faith.” The Greek term translated as faith has diverse applications in the New Testament. As you read through various verses dealing with faith, please keep in mind that I interpret these passages below as examples on the one hand of spiritual activities all believers will do at times; but, on the other hand, the person with The Spiritual Gift of Faith in the forms described below will have a special gift from God to edify believers and build up unity. Let us explore some of those uses to gain insight into the different ways God gifts people with faith to edify the church. We will see below that The Spiritual Gift of Faith involves different major areas of ministry. We will look at them one at a time.

Section Three

The Ministry of Faith:

Overcoming the World

3.1 The Ministry of Overcoming the World. Jesus outlined that every believer will face serious afflictions from the world, orchestrated by antichrist scheming to deceive everyone, including believers. In the face of these tremendous spiritual attacks, appealing to the boastful pride of life, the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh, Jesus reminds us that our faith overcomes (“νικᾷ“) the world. In fact, in the power and love of Jesus Christ, we overwhelmingly conquer (Romans 8:37). Therefore, one ministry of the believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith will be the ability to use their faith to overcome the world in a very special way, beyond the normal practice of every believer.

3.2 The Display of the Gift. Please recall that every believer has faith that overcomes the world, but the believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has a special, divine gift to overcome. When you are around believers exercising this gift, it greatly encourages your heart to have more faith resulting in more victory over the world in daily life. They demonstrate special faith to overcome the boastful pride of life, lust of the eyes, and lust of the flesh. They live in powerful victory over the evil forces of the world, and have greater confidence in the power of God by faith.

Section Four

The Ministry of Faith:

Unfailing Strength

4.1 The Ministry of Unfailing Faith. The ministry of unfailing faith means that believers often undergo extremely difficult problems, fail during the trial, and then turn back to Jesus, and have stronger faith that strengthens others after their own failure. Please remember that all believers have eternal security in salvation, meaning once saved always saved. Believers also have resilient faith that draws every believer back to Jesus after we have sinned. The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to believe, even after terrible failures, and strengthen the faith of other believers.

4.2 Unfailing Faith Demonstrated. Jesus understood the dangers of satan sifting believers like wheat. Jesus explained to Peter that satan was about to sift Peter like wheat, and seek to destroy his faith (Luke 22:31). Later that night, Peter would publicly and notoriously deny Jesus three times, and even utter curses. Jesus prayed for Peter that (1) his faith would not fail; and (2) Peter would turn back to Jesus; and (3) Peter should strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:32). Peter turned back to the Lord Jesus, fellowshipped with Jesus after the resurrection, witnessed His ascension, and preached the great sermon on Pentecost, and served as an apostle of Jesus Christ for the rest of his life. Peter strengthened many believers and also wrote 1 and 2 Peter in the Bible. The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to demonstrate faith, even after terrible lapses in obedience and being sifted by satan.

4.3 The Shipwreck of Faith. Paul used Hymenaeus and Alexander as examples of people who suffered shipwreck of their faith (1 Timothy 1:19-20). Apparently, they were believers, but they rejected their duty to keep faith and a good conscience. Therefore, Paul handed them over to satan, so that they would be taught not to blaspheme. The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to avoid the shipwreck of their faith.

4.4 The Good Fight of Faith. Paul declared to Timothy that Paul had finished the course and had fought the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7). Faith must be kept and it takes spiritual effort and consistency like running a long race with endurance. The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to finish the course of life, and complete the good fight. They never give up and quit in their faith, and they strengthen others to have more faith through their own testimony about faith in Christ.

4.5 Standing Firm in Faith. Paul never intended to lord his faith over anyone, but always sought to be a worker with believers in their joy. To that end, he declared that even the Corinthians were standing firm in their faith because they had found spiritual help for so many spiritual problems within their assembly (2 Corinthians 1:24; compare also 1 Corinthians 16:13, where Paul links being alert, standing firm, acting like men, and being strong–all commands to all believers). The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to help believers, particularly immature believers struggling with their faith and practice, to stand firmly in their faith, without lording it over the immature believer.

4.6 The Stability of Faith. Paul rejoiced over the stability of the faith of the Colossian believers (Colossians 2:5). He linked their stability in faith to their good discipline in the Christian life. The Colossians consistently struggled in their faith for the believers who had not seen Paul in person. The Colossians encouraged the hearts of those believers to be knit together in the love of Christ. The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to demonstrate stable faith, without delusion, so that they continue to seek the spiritual welfare of other believers without wavering in their faith.

4.7 The Testing of Faith. God never tempts believers to sin, but does test their faith to produce endurance within them (James 1:3). As believers scattered throughout the Roman empire because of persecution, their faith went with them and spread to other groups. Within each believer, God tested their faith during times of trials. The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to withstand trials, and to gain more endurance by undergoing trials successfully.

4.8 Turn-Out-as-Promised Faith. Paul faced shipwreck in a terrible storm that threatened the life of everyone on board (Acts 27:25). God sent an an angel to Paul, revealing that God would save everyone on board the ship. With the wind howling and everyone under huge stress, Paul confidently proclaimed his faith that things will turn out exactly like God told him. The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to believe God during difficult circumstances, with the wind howling and the storm raging, and share that faith with others to strengthen them.

4.9 Power and Strength Faith. Paul demonstrated profound faith in the surpassing greatness of the power of God and the strength of God’s might (Ephesians 1:19). Paul prayed that all believers would have the eyes of their heart enlightened, to know about the huge blessings of God at work in our lives. The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to believe, communicate, and pray for the surpassing power of God and the strength of His might to be evident in the lives of all believers.

Section Five

The Ministry of Faith:

Overcoming Fear

5.1 Faith Removes Fear. Jesus met a synagogue official and went to his home to heal his daughter. On the way, the daughter died. Upon the news of death arriving, Jesus told the father not to fear “any longer; only believe and she will be made well.” (Luke 8:50; Mark 5:36). The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to encourage believers to face death and fear by believing that Jesus Christ will help them get through those tough times.

5.2 No Fear of the Wrath of the King. Moses left Egypt without fearing the wrath of the king (Hebrews 11:27). Moses endured, by seeing Him Who is unseen. The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to take action without fearing the wrath of government, because the believer knows that they will endure by seeing the Unseen One, God.

5.3 Faith To Overcome Fear during Storms. A strong storm arose while the disciples were in a boat with Jesus. He slept on a cushion while the boat filled with water and the disciples feared for their lives. They awoke Jesus, saying to Him: “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then Jesus calmed the storm with His command, and said to the disciples: “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40; Luke 8:25). The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to have faith in God even when storms rise and fear of dying grows.

Section Six

The Ministry of Faith:

Pure Doctrine

Pure Doctrine. Paul wrote to Titus about bond-slaves. As bond-slaves, they must act like Christ towards their masters. Part of their service concerned the use of good faith in all their service for their master, so that their conduct will adorn the doctrine of God in every respect (Titus 2:10). Paul meant that slaves must be careful because what they do reflects upon the doctrine of God they share with other people. People with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have a ministry of helping people serve others well, so that servants adorn the doctrine of God in every respect. Some servants need specific encouragement to make the connection between how they serve and the doctrine they proclaim as truth. If you do not serve well, why should anyone listen to your doctrine about Jesus Christ?

Section Seven

The Ministry of Faith:

Building by Faith

Faith To Build for the Future. God warned Noah about things not yet seen. In reverence to God, Noah prepared an ark for the salvation of his household and became an heir of righteousness which is by faith. (Hebrews 11:7). The believer with The Spiritual Gift of Faith has the special ability to build for the future based upon the present warnings of God. In the local assembly today, a person with the Spiritual Gift of Faith can discern God’s plans for the future (such as a new building, program, or ministry) and encourage others to be faithful in pursuing such a program.

Section Eight

The Ministry of Faith:

Standing Firm in the Faith

Standing Firm in the Faith. Paul the Apostle helped believers to stand firm in their faith. He came to them without sparing them from his reproof from God. He told them about their sins, and urged them to repent of their sins and turn back to God. He never lorded his faith over them, but explained he was a worker with them for their joy. Because Christ establishes believers, and anointed them (as God does with all believers), and sealed each believer and gave the Holy Spirit to each of them, Paul said they were standing firm. The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the special ministry to help other believers stand firm in their faith, even after they have sinned, repented, and turned back to the Lord Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:24).

Section Nine

The Ministry of Faith:

Approving Things with Conviction

Approving Things. Faith remains an intensely personal matter. We may choose to eat vegetables only, or meat and vegetables. God allows us to have individual preferences in food. The problem arises when others disagree with our personal choices. If the Bible does not command the matter, but allows freedom, then God has allowed freedom on that issue and no man should strip another man of that freedom of choice. The problem arises with the man if he condemns (“κρίνων“) himself in what he approves (“δοκιμάζει”). We must weigh out our own use of freedom in the context of how other believers will react to our freedom. In some cases, our freedom may cause another believer to stumble. We must be very careful. Paul gave us very clear guidance in Romans 14:1-23). He focused upon our faith. We hold faith, like we hold blood inside our bodies. It flows through us and brings vital power to our minds and bodies. Through faith, we can eat different things without condemning ourselves in our minds. If we doubt when we eat, then we are condemned. Whatever is not from faith is sin. The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may minister by demonstrating faith that allows them to eat one thing, without any doubt or condemnation. They have faith to eat many things, without self-doubt or self-condemnation, but assurance before God (Romans 14:2).

Section Ten

The Ministry of Faith:

No Personal Favoritism

No Personal Favoritism. James described a faith without favoritism. We play favorites when we prefer the rich over the poor, or prefer one person over another person for no good reason. The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may minister in his faith by receiving every person equally, with no show of preference or partiality for anyone. Jesus exemplified this quality of no personal favoritism. Even the enemies of Jesus said: “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth” (Mark 12:14). Like Jesus, some believers will have a reputation for showing no partiality to one person or one group of people, but they pursue ministry among all people, with the same love for each person.

Section Eleven

The Ministry of Faith:

Enduring Persecution

Faith in Persecution. In the Book of Revelation, we read about faith under fire. Believers face huge persecution, and often pay with their lives. We read in Revelation 2:13, that the believers at Pergamum held fast in their faith and witness for Christ, even when Antipas (a believer) was killed. The saints remained faithful and kept the commandments of God (Revelation 14:12). Likewise, the Thessalonians demonstrated perseverance and faith in the midst of their persecutions and afflictions. Therefore, we learn that the believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may minister to others by their perseverance and steadfast faith in the midst of persecutions and afflictions. Indeed, God considers our faith more precious than gold, after it has been tested by fire, because it results in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7).

Section Twelve

The Ministry of Faith:

Sound Judgment

Sound Judgment. God linked sound judgment (“σωφρονεῖν”) to the measure of faith allotted to a believer (Romans 12:3). God commanded believers not to think more highly of themselves than they ought to think, but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the ministry of faith, in large measure, that produces sound judgment, without puffed up thinking. This believer ministers to others by supporting a cause, or defending a position, with God’s special help.

Section Thirteen

The Ministry of Faith:

Shield of Faith

Shield of Faith. Every believer has been equipped for spiritual warfare. Our adversary, the devil, seeks to devour believers and must be resisted. We stand strong and resist the devil when we wear the armor of God. The armor of God includes the shield of faith, which allow believers to quench the fiery darts of the devil (Ephesians 6:16). The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may be especially gifted with both greater faith and also a greater ability to use the shield of faith to protect himself and others from spiritual attack from the devil. They minister to other believers with the shield of faith.

Section Fourteen

The Ministry of Faith:

Good Fight

The Good Fight. Paul commanded Timothy to fight the good fight of faith (“ἀγωνίζου τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα τῆς πίστεως”) (1 Timothy 6:12). Likewise, Old Testament believers conquered kingdoms by faith (Hebrews 11:33). In both cases, we read about the power of faith to win both spiritual and physical battles. Therefore, all believers by faith fight battles, both spiritual and physical. The person with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the ministry of fighting spiritual battles, with sustained spiritual courage, and providing an example and encouragement to all the believers learning of such spiritual endurance in spiritual battles.

Section Fifteen

The Ministry of Faith:

Fellowship of Faith

The Fellowship of Faith. Every believer enjoys fellowship with God, and often with other believers. Paul wrote to Philemon: I pray that the fellowship of your faith (“ἡ κοινωνία τῆς πίστεώς σου“) may become effective (“ἐνεργὴς γένηται“). Paul prayed that the fellowship “may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake” (Philemon 1:6). Therefore, Paul taught that the fellowship of an individual’s faith means getting to know every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. Philemon had refreshed Paul and other saints with his love. The fellowship of faith means that we gain an understanding of how God uses our lives and spiritual gifts to refresh other believers, bringing them joy and comfort. The person with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may perform the ministry of refreshing other believers, but more specifically helping other believers to know every good thing that is in them for Christ’s sake. In short, they use the Spiritual Gift of Faith to help others know about every good thing in themselves for the sake of Christ.

Section Sixteen

The Ministry of Faith:

Eternal Rewards

Eternal Rewards. All believers will receive praise from Jesus (1 Peter 1:7). All the works of each believer will be tested by fire, and then rewards will be bestowed by Jesus at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Therefore, we also know that every believer must have faith that God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have a special ministry in the area of eternal rewards, by encouraging people to lay up for themselves treasures in heaven and count upon rewards for faithful service. Also, in times of hopelessness and growing weary, the ministry of eternal rewards may lift the despondent believer to an eternal perspective, that God always rewards faithful service, even if the rewards are not apparent right now.

Section Seventeen

The Ministry of Faith:

Believing the Word of God

Believing the Word of God. The Word of God, the Bible, works in every believer to produce many glorious things. It is living, sharp and powerful. It brings encouragement and strength. Through the Bible, we hear the words of life and light, breathed out by God into our lives. Unless we both hear the Word of God and believe the Word of God, it profits us nothing. The person with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may also have the ministry of helping people believe the Word of God so that it works powerfully in the lives of believers (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Section Eighteen

The Ministry of Faith:

Believing the Impossible

Believing the Impossible. Jesus expects every believer to believe that things impossible with man are possible with God. In fact, all things are possible with God. Jesus did the impossible by casting out a demon after challenging the faith of the boy’s father (Mark 9:23). By faith, Abraham believed that Jesus could overcome the deadness of Sarah’s womb; Abraham grew strong in faith, and gave glory to God (Romans 4:19-20). By faith, Sarah, the wife of Abraham, conceived at ninety years of age (Hebrews 11:11). By faith the size of a mustard seed, men move mountains, because nothing is impossible by faith (Matthew 17:20). The person with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the ministry of helping believe that physically impossible things are all possible with God.

Section Nineteen

The Ministry of Faith:

Believing in Prayer

Believing in Prayer. All believers are to pray, and to have faith in God to answer prayers according to His will. In Matthew 21:18-22, Jesus used the barren fig tree to teach a lesson about faith and prayer. Jesus cursed a fig tree because it had no figs, even though it was not the season for figs. Jesus used that fig tree to teach a lesson about the power of prayer and how faith must be joined to prayer. You must have faith in what you pray. The disciples were amazed that the fig tree withered at once. Jesus taught them that faith without doubts can move mountains into the sea. Indeed, “all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22). The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have a ministry in prayer, with extraordinary faith and without any doubts, so that what they pray they receive. They also use their Spiritual Gift of Faith to encourage other believers to pray with faith, without doubting.

Section Twenty

The Ministry of Faith:

Faith To Overcome Terrible Sin

Overcoming Terrible Sin. Jesus told Peter that the devil had demanded permission to sift Peter like wheat. Jesus then prayed for Peter, that his faith would not fail, but that once he had turned again, he would strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:31-32). Jesus also prophesied to Peter that Peter would deny Jesus three times before the cock crowed. Immediately after delivering the latter prophecy, Jesus then gave a series of remarkable commands to Peter: “Do no let your heart be troubled (John 14:1). Jesus used the plural form for “your.” He meant that not only would Peter be challenged in his faith, but all of them must believe. Jesus continued: “believe in God; believe also in Me” (John 14:1). Jesus commands three things in this verse: (1) do not let your heart be troubled, even though Peter will be committing great sin; and (2) believe in God; and (3) believe in Jesus. The person with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the ministry of helping people turn away from and recover from terrible sin in their lives.

Section Twenty One

The Ministry of Faith:

Faith To Prepare for the Future

Prepare for the Future. We know that Noah had great faith, but he did not have the Spiritual Gift of Faith, because the Holy Spirit had not yet bestowed such gifts. Even so, we may learn from Noah that faith helped him heed the warning of God and faith helped him build an ark to survive the judgment of God (Hebrews 11:7). Today, the believers with the Spiritual Gift of Faith might have the ministry of heeding other warnings of God regarding impending judgment and so take appropriate action (Hebrews 11:7). Believers with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have a ministry of taking action today based upon the warning of God about the future.

Section Twenty Two

The Ministry of Faith:

Alien Faith

Alien Living. Abraham lived as an alien, stranger and exile upon earth, knowing his citizenship was in heaven, and looking for a better country in heaven (Hebrews 11:8-16). By faith Abraham obeyed the calling to go a place to receive an inheritance, not knowing where he was going. He was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Although Abraham did not have the Spiritual Gift of Faith, he did exemplify the great faith that caused him to obey God and travel to distant lands, where he lived as a stranger, desiring a better country. This ministry of the Spiritual Gift of Faith empowers a believer to believe and obey God in moving to distant lands, or any foreign place, to minister for God in that foreign venue. These gifted people live as foreigners, aliens, and exiles upon earth, to the glory of God. They can encourage others to live in obedience to God through the ministry of their spiritual gift.

Section Twenty Three

The Ministry of Faith:

Sacrificing Precious Things

Sacrificing. In the Old Testament, Jesus had not baptized anyone with the Holy Spirit, and He had not yet bestowed spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit upon believers. Yet, Abraham lived by faith. In fact, Abraham offered up his son Isaac, and was prepared to kill Isaac upon the altar when God provided a ram instead. Abraham believed God would resurrect Isaac to keep the promise made to Abraham regarding a family inheritance of spiritual blessings. We learn that Abraham had great faith, the kind of faith that motivated him to extreme obedience to God, even to sacrificing his own son by faith in God’s command (Hebrews 11:17). The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have a ministry of sacrificing precious things in obedience to God.

Section Twenty Four

The Ministry of Faith:

Blessing Children

Blessing Children. The Old Testament blessing of children, even adult children, demonstrated the faith of the human father. For example, by faith Isaac blessed his sons Jacob and Esau. Later in his life, as he was dying, Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph, while leaning on his staff. While Jacob did not possess any spiritual gift, he did act by faith (Hebrews 11:20-21). Consider how people brought their children to Jesus, so that He would bless them (Mark 10:13-16). Therefore, we may understand that a person with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have a ministry of blessing children for the glory of God.

Section Twenty Five

The Ministry of Faith:

Faith To Die

Faith To Die. Jacob, also called Israel, by faith worshiped as he was dying, leaning on a staff (Hebrews 11:22). Jacob not only worshiped, but he also blessed his children, the twelve tribes of Israel. If you have the Spiritual Gift of Faith, then you may have a ministry involving dying people. Your great faith, a spiritual gift of God, encourages people as they die to worship God and bless others, particularly their children.

Section Twenty Six

The Ministry of Faith:

Risking Death

Risking Death. The parents of Moses, Jochebed (mother) and Amram, had great faith to hide Moses for three months after his birth from the Egyptian persecutors who sought to kill all the Hebrew babies (Hebrews 11:23). His parents were not afraid of the king’s edict regarding all the children. They put their own lives in peril to save the life of their son. A believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the ministry of helping children escape from the government seeking or allowing the slaughter of innocent children. Abortion today murders unborn children. Believers with this ministry do not fear the government, but prefer to help babies and children survive. They risk their own death to save the lives of others.

By faith, Rahab the harlot, who hid the spies at Jericho, risked her own life to help the people of Israel take her own city, Jericho (Hebrews 11:31). She did not perish along with all the disobedient of the city of Jericho when God flattened the walls of Jericho. As Israel swept into Jericho, flowing over the fallen walls, Rahab survived because she had hidden the spies when the evil men of Jericho searched for them. Believers with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have a ministry of protecting people from harm and hiding them from evil ones, even endangering their own lives in doing so. They risk their own death to protect and hide other people from evil.

Section Twenty Seven

The Ministry of Faith:

Journey Faith

Journey Faith. By faith, the people of Israel passed through the Red Sea (Hebrews 11:29). This special kind of faith, under the leadership of Moses, required everyone in Israel to exercise faith by walking through the Red Sea. The people walked on dry ground. God performed a miracle in holding the water back so they could pass through the Red Sea safely. God killed the Egyptians who tried follow on the dry ground. The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the ministry of encouraging an entire group of believers to follow the direction of God, so that everyone will act in faith and see God do great things for that group.

Section Twenty Eight

The Ministry of Faith:

Overcoming Doubts

Overcoming Doubts. Pleasing God means that we have faith to believe that God is and that God diligently rewards those who seek Him. Without faith, we cannot please God. We must have faith that God rewards believers in order to please God (Hebrews 11:6). The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the ministry of demonstrating great faith to other believers to overcome doubts, and to believe that God is and that God rewards those who seek Him.

Section Twenty Nine

The Ministry of Faith:

Resisting the Devil

Resisting the Devil. Only with firm faith will the believer be able to resist the devil (1 Peter 5:9). As they resist the devil, believers know that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by our brethren who are in the world. The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith demonstrates faith by standing firm in the faith, and so resists the devil. In doing so, the believer encourages others to resist the devil, because we all share the same experience of suffering temptations.

Section Thirty

The Ministry of Faith:

Administering Well

Administration. While all believers must act as faithful stewards, some believers truly excel at administration. They prosper in their investments and the use of money, time, talent, and all gifts from God. The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the ministry of administering the gifts of God (even the gifts of unrighteous wealth (Luke 16:11)) as a steward of God with great faith (Matthew 25:21). They have extraordinary faith in the plans and purposes of God. See also the Spiritual Gift of Navigations.

Section Thirty One

The Ministry of Faith:

Faithfulness to Strangers

Strangers. As strangers visit a local assembly, we must be careful to send them on their way having faithfully accomplished all that God intended us to do for them (3 John 1:5). The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the ministry of demonstrating great faithfulness to strangers and helping them on their way.

Section Thirty Two

The Ministry of Faith:

Faith in Prison

Prison. At times, God allows the devil to cast believers into prison, for the purpose of testing the faith of those believers. God will reward the believers who remain faithful with the crown of life (Revelation 2:10). The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the prison ministry of helping believers remain firm in their faith by demonstrating great faith while suffering imprisonment for their faith.

Section Thirty Three

The Ministry of Faith:

Faith for Health

Health. As you read through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the New Testament, you will notice that many people are healed of their physical problems. Jesus often linked faith to miraculous spiritual healing (for example, Matthew 15:28; Mark 5:34; Mark 10:52; Luke 18:42). The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the ministry of helping believers believe that God can heal their physical bodies, as God alone chooses to perform healing (Luke 4:16-30).

Section Thirty Four

The Ministry of Faith:

Speaking in Faith

Speaking in Faith. As Paul recounted his stewardship of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, he explained that he suffered greatly as part of that stewardship. He was constantly being delivered over to death for the sake of Jesus, so that he may proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and manifest the life of Jesus Christ in his mortal flesh. Because Paul believed in Jesus Christ, he proclaimed Jesus Christ: “But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you” (2 Corinthians 4:13-14). Therefore, we see the close connection between the spirit of faith and speaking in faith. The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the ministry of suffering persecution for the sake of Jesus Christ and His Gospel, but speaking out boldly even so because of the spirit of faith abiding in them.

Section Thirty Five

The Ministry of Faith:

Nourished on Faith

Nourished. Paul commanded young Timothy to point out the value of sanctified living. In particular, believers may eat all things sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer (1 Timothy 4:5). As Timothy pointed out the truth of living a sanctified life, he himself would be nourished (“ἐντρεφόμενος”) on the words of faith (“τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως“) and of the sound doctrine (“τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας“) which he had been following. The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have the ministry of pointing out to believers that they must live sanctified lives, and as they exercise this gift, the gifted believer will be nourished on the words of faith and of sound doctrine.

Section Thirty Six

The Ministry of Faith:

Faith for Preaching and Teaching

Preaching and Teaching. Some believers went to Antioch and began preaching to the Gentiles and saw many people converted to Christ. As the great news spread to Jerusalem, the church at Jerusalem sent trusted servant Barnabas to Antioch. Barnabas arrived in Antioch and (1) he witnessed the grace of God; and (2) he rejoiced; and (3) he began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord (Acts 11:23). Barnabas was a good man (“ἀνὴρ ἀγαθὸς“) and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. Considerable numbers were brought (“προσετέθη“) to the Lord. Notice that as believers remain true to the Lord, unbelievers turn to the Lord. The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith may have a resolute heart, and from that resolute heart, they encourage other believers to remain with the Lord, with the result that considerable numbers of unbelievers are brought to the Lord.

Hallmarks of The Spiritual Gift of Faith

Faith: Understanding the Spiritual Gifts. The believer with the Spiritual Gift of Faith ministers in many ways, helping believers with their hope and conviction. Faith may be enabled, and the faith of others also may be encouraged. Through this ministry of faith, God produces great works and strengthens believers.

Please review this entire chapter to understand the Spiritual Gift of Faith and then see if you have that spiritual gift.

Check out the list to see if you have some of the spiritual qualities listed below and then see if other believers confirm your understanding. You may have the Spiritual Gift of Faith.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of helping believers overcome the world.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of encouraging unfailing strength.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of overcoming fear.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of promoting pure doctrine.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of building faith.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of helping believers stand firm.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of approving things with conviction.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of showing no personal favoritism.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of enduring persecution.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of sound judgment.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of using the shield of faith.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of fighting the good fight.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of the fellowship of faith.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of eternal rewards.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of believing the word of God.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of believing the impossible.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of believing in prayer.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of overcoming terrible sin.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of preparing for the future.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of alien faith.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of sacrificing precious things.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of blessing children.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of faith to die.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of risking death.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of journey faith.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of overcoming doubts.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of resisting the devil.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of administering well.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of faithfulness to strangers.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of faith in prison.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of faith for health.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of speaking in faith.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of nourishment on faith.

♦ Faith-gifted believers may have a ministry of faith for preaching and teaching.

Conclusion

The Spiritual Gift of Faith rests upon the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Because of that special gift of faith, many different forms of ministry flow from that one gift. That ministry may include encouraging faith, demonstrating faith, overcoming evil, resisting the devil, preparing for death, blessing others, and many more great effects. In all things, God promised to reward stewards who act faithfully.