“To another faith by the same Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 12:9). The first two spiritual gifts (words of wisdom and knowledge) would fit under the classification of Revelation Gifts. But this third spiritual gift, the gift of faith, would fit under the classification of Power Gifts, as the result of faith is not passive trust, but active belief that moves mountains and obstacles.

Notice that this gift is given to “another”, not the same people. Again, working with others in the Body of Christ is crucial. I have little respect for a spiritual bigshot who wants to declare he/she has all the gifts and doesn’t need any partners. They are cheating themselves. The main theme here is that these gifts are distributed throughout the church.

Notice also that this gift is not mustered up from within oneself, but is a gift “by the same Spirit”. The Holy Spirit, like the Coach of a football team, calls the plays but let’s the players carry them out.

The gift of Faith is having a sure confidence that God is going to come through. Everyone is given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3), but this gift goes way beyond that. Its the gift of faith that says, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word” (1 Kings 17:1). This gift gives the confidence to say, “If I am a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume you and your fifty” (2 Kings 1:10).

This gift functioned in the New Testament through people who proclaimed healing and deliverance, and saw it transpire before their very eyes. Let’s expect the gift of faith to function through God’s people today, as well.

What has been your experience regarding the spiritual gift of faith?

Tags: faith, miracle, spiritual gifts