Understanding The Gift Of Faith And How To Use It

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When you listen to pastors preach, have you wondered why they are good at preaching? When you encounter people serving the church, have you questioned why they’re good at what they volunteer to do? As Christians, we are most likely familiar with the knowledge of or having spiritual gifts. Some people may find the idea odd, weird, or even scary. Yet, these gifts aren’t supposed to be weird or scary; but instead, special to each individual. God has given a specific spiritual gift to each person. And these gifts given to us are gifts we can use to advance His kingdom. Whether you have received the gift of faith or other types of gifts from God, know that He is giving you an important tool to help you in your spiritual journey. Each gift given has a purpose of its own.

1 Corinthians 12:4  There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 

There are many parts in the body of Christ, that is the Church. For it to function effectively, God has given each person a different spiritual gift that they can use to help the Church be at its best. 

So, what are spiritual gifts? These are supernatural abilities that the Holy Spirit has specifically chosen for us to fulfill the mission of the Church. Our purpose is to build and encourage people一to create an impact on the life of another person using the gifts given to us. The mission and responsibility of the church include the proclamation of the Gospel and its demonstration. And the best example to follow is shown in the New Testament through the actions of Jesus Christ. He taught with authority and lived with grace and humility. Being a disciple of Christ, we must utilize the abilities that he gave to us.

There are seven spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible, and one of these is the gift of faith. Here’s how we can learn more of this gift, and how we can use it to impact lives. 

What Is The Gift Of Faith?

1 Corinthians 12:9  to another faith by the same Spirit

Have you encountered someone who has shown an extraordinary amount of faith in seemingly hopeless circumstances? Here, we can assume that is more than likely that they have been given the gift of faith. By anointing them with the gift of faith, we can see the immense power of the Holy Spirit. 

The gift of faith enables one to demonstrate great confidence in the power and promises of God. People blessed with this spiritual gift can stand strong in their beliefs and prayers. No matter what circumstances might happen, nothing can shake their faith in God. It displays God’s powers in ways that can help others. Hence, they create joy and encouragement for many people. Also, their faith equips them to stand up for the church for the future of God’s work in the church.

The gift of faith is a mountain-moving type of faith, which often produces miracles. Also known as Special Faith or Wonder Working Faith, it is one of three spiritual power gifts. Alongside the other two power gifts which are the working of miracles and the gift of healing, it is found that the best way to discern the gift of faith is when fear is absent. People with the gift of faith often express their gift through faithful prayers for others and bring positivity when darkness surrounds us. They help us look to God in faith, especially when we are in a season of doubt. Yet, it is important to remember that those people anointed with the gift of faith are not superior nor perfect Christians. They are equal to all other Christians with their own special gifts.  

Distinguishing The Gift Of Faith Over Other Types Of Faith

The word “faith” appears in many contexts in Scripture. And in scripture, we can find different bible verses that talk about faith. All Christians have faith, especially saving faith, but not all have the spiritual gift of faith. It is probably difficult for some to identify the difference between this spiritual gift versus other kinds of faith mentioned in the Bible. Hence, we should have an idea of how to identify the different kinds of faith stated in the Bible. 

Hebrews 11:1  Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

First, we have to ask the question, what is faith? As stated in Hebrews 11:1, it is an inner assurance and confidence in God. It is a firm belief that all the things you hope for will happen according to God’s will. The Bible presents faith in four distinct ways: Saving Faith, The Prayer of Faith, Works of Faith, and The Gift of Faith. 

Saving Faith

Ephesians 2:8  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. 

God gives all of us, Christians, saving faith, for we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. He paid for the price for our sins through His death on the cross. And whoever believes in Him, will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). And this kind of faith allows us to believe in the promises of God.

A Prayer of Faith

James 5:15  And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Meanwhile, the prayer of faith is an inner conviction that manifests in a confident prayer to God. It is often focused on a specific matter and desired outcome. This faith commonly occurs when believers pray over someone who is sick and needs healing, but many do not stop there. Praying a prayer of faith includes praying in all circumstances. 

Works of Faith

James 2:14-17  What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Works of faith are works and accomplishments you achieve through persistence and unwavering trust in the Lord. However, doing good works doesn’t gain God’s favor or save us. It denotes proper actions from a true Christian. Our actions are the product of our faith. They say that faith without action is useless, and faith with action is great!

The Gift of Faith

The gift of faith is a supernatural manifestation that occurs as a direct result of a believer’s faith-inspired proclamation. It enables them to gain insight into what God wants to accomplish. This spiritual gift equips them with the necessary power to bring what God wants to accomplish into reality. Those who are blessed with this gift, are able to speak miracles into existence. In Scripture, miracles are accompanied by significant works of faith. And with it, comes the ability to bring circumstances that help lead people into divine alignment.

Like other spiritual gifts, the gift of faith is given by God for a purpose. Like other body of Christ is used to encourage and build up the church, having full confidence in God. So, with faith, those who have been given the gift of faith have no doubts in God’s promises and have faithfully placed the full weight of their lives in God’s hands. They believe that God will carry out his promises in his own timing and are not surprised when He answers a prayer or performs miracles (Ecclesiastes 3:1). 

Spiritual Gift Of Faith Demonstrated In The Bible

Throughout the Bible, we can find people that have demonstrated supernatural confidence in God’s promises, power, and presence. Their unwavering faith has resulted in various miracles that help in the advancement of God’s work in the church. Hebrews 11 shows how different men and women were able to manifest the gift of faith. 

First,  in Genesis, Noah showcased extraordinary faith when he listened to God, building an ark in preparation for the flood that was to come. By doing what the Lord asked, Noah, served as an example to his family who also helped him in building the ark. So, his act of faith ultimately saved humanity from destruction.

Next, in the Book of Joshua, the obedience shown in marching around the walls of Jericho displayed what a bold faith looks like. Despite a seemingly difficult situation, with his army, Joshua bravely displayed God’s faithfulness, power, and protection for his people and their enemies. Without bloodshed, the walls came down through the power of God.

Another biblical figure we know that demonstrated the gift of faith is Moses. Through faith, he boldly faced different situations that may have caused his death, along with the Hebrews who followed him. Every time Moses dared to step forward to follow God, he moved forward on nothing but trusting God’s promise of protection. He had total faith in God. With God’s hand guiding him, Moses led the entire population of Israel to freedom from slavery. Not only did he show the power of God to the Israelites, but to thousands of Egyptians as well. 

Gift Of Faith In The Early Church

As we understand the gift of faith, we learn one thing一these people are fearless. There are people in the early church that were anointed with this spiritual gift. One of the famous examples is the story of Stephen in Acts 6 and 7. Known as a man full of faith, he ended up angering religious leaders by telling them they had crucified the Messiah. He already knew that mentioning this truth to those who did not believe, would cost him his life. These people would eventually stone him to death. Yet, he showed no fear and spoke the truth. He saw the glory of Jesus waiting for him as he finished his last breath. And eventually, his declaration led to the evolution of the early Christian church.

The next example is in Acts 16, where Paul and Silas were thrown into jail because they cast a demon out of a girl. It is common that people who are thrown in jail would show fear. However, instead of being fearful, Paul and Silas were singing hymns. They had faith that God would rescue them and believed that He had a purpose for them as He does with all Christians. While in prison, an earthquake shook the earth, allowing the occurrence of a jailbreak. However, instead of running away, Paul and Silas stayed. And in doing so, it led to their Phillipian jailer being saved, along with his entire household. 

The Spiritual Gift Of Faith In The Church Today

So, how can people anointed with the gift of faith maximize this ability? Jesus mentioned the importance of having even a small amount of faith, especially in every prayer. Hence, many connect this gift to prayer. It is observed that believers with this spiritual ability pray in faith in ways other believers don’t. Such prayers can move mountains, making impossible things possible. 

Matthew 17:20  He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

There are many instances of demonstrating this extraordinary gift in modern churches. They believe that the gift of faith is mission-critical. Without this, the mission cannot be successful. For example, a missionary hoping to enter a closed community of a creative access nation must exercise the gift of faith. Also, a church planter’s prayer for a healthy, thriving church needs this kind of supernatural confidence in God. The college minister attempting to advance God’s kingdom by launching a new student movement must demonstrate this spiritual gift.

As long as it’s for God’s purpose, this extraordinary faith is alive and well in the modern church. We might see it through people declaring the gospel and starting a church in some countries antagonistic to the gospel. Or through those people who simply stand up in front to give glory to God. Those with and without this gift also pray in faith for others who might need encouragement. 

Going to a battle place without the gift of faith is like a troop trying to fight without weapons. Hence, this concludes how important faith is to the Body of Christ. 

The Gift Of Faith Is Not…

The gift of faith is not a positive confession, forceful speaking, or wishful thinking. It is the outward act of obedience prompted by the inward guidance of God. Also, this gift is an outward manifestation of power in response to your inward and silent act of listening to God’s heart. 

Here are other things we have to remember about this spiritual ability. 

It is not given to Only the best Christians.

Take note, having the gift of faith doesn’t make you a superior Christian. This ability isn’t something given only to the best Christians. We are all equally in need of God’s grace and mercy. The Bible tells us that each member of the church is necessary and important. You are saved for a purpose一that is to give glory to God and advance His kingdom. As stated in 1 Corinthians 12:12, there are many parts in the church of Christ, and together, they make up the Body of Christ. Our spiritual gifts are not personal accreditations but intended to work together. 

It is Not an Extra Measure of Salvation.

We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Yet, Jesus paid the same price for every single one of us. God gives all Christians saving faith. Thus, you are not extra saved or extra special if you are a recipient of the spiritual gift of faith.

It is Not Something We Can Achieve by Striving for a Closer Relationship with God.

When you have the gift of faith, it doesn’t mean that you’re closer to God than everyone else. Also, it isn’t something that you have to work hard for just to have this ability. All spiritual abilities are gifts. And gifts are freely given. There is no such thing as access to a closer relationship with God. He is close to all of us, regardless of whether or not we choose to walk with Him. God’s love is unconditional. He wants to be close to all his children. 

A Purposeful Spiritual Gift

God enables each of us to have and grow in faith! Faith is an exceptional ability to hold to His promises despite pressures, problems, and obstacles. It empowers us to hold fast to our identity in Christ amidst any difficulties. Yet, the gift of faith enables believers to rise above the pressures and challenges that might cripple them. This ability inspires others to hold on to their faith and push through their struggles instead of being tempted to give up. 

Those gifted with this spiritual ability create a foundation upon which Christ’s community can be built and sustained. They make opportunities to share their beliefs, learnings, and their life testimonies. It is also an opportunity for them to create a powerful impact and transforming effects on the lives of other people. 

All spiritual gifts are important in the church. God gave each of us a spiritual gift that we should learn to use for the betterment of spreading the Gospel. As we are each individually wonderfully and beautifully made, God gives us each a special gift in which He can use to work in us to share His love to both believers and unbelievers. However, first, we have to be alive to the reality of the Holy Spirit working within us. Then, we have to be confident in the identity that God has made us. When we are in sync with the Holy Spirit and are humbly using our gifts for the glory of God, others will see God’s presence through us. 

How can you use your spiritual gifts? You can start to volunteer in a ministry or around your church. Seek God for a place to serve so you can utilize your spiritual gift. Even if it is a seemingly small job, you are moving God’s kingdom forward.