WHAT IS The Gift of FAITH?
The gift of faith is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to discern with extraordinary confidence the will and purposes of God for His work.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR this Gift
Tap each verse to read it. Unless otherwise noted, all scriptures are in the English Standard Version.
The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.
In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
IN THE GREEK
PISTIS
Strong's Number: 4102
In general, it implies such a knowledge of, assent to, and confidence in certain divine truths, as produces good works. A miraculous faith.
SUGGESTED POTENTIAL STRENGTHS & CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS GIFT
- Often more interested in the future than history (Acts 27:25).
- Unmoved by circumstances, suffering, or obstacles (Acts 13:46-52).
- Great trust in God (Acts 14:8-10).
- Positive attitude, hopeful.
- Often are visionaries, dreamers, promoters (Acts 9:27).
- Very courageous (Acts 6:5; 7:1-60; 27:25).
- Senses the moment when “prayer of faith” is needed (Acts 3:1-10).
- Is goal centered (Acts 27:25).
- Actively reminds others of the promises of God.
SUGGESTED POTENTIAL WEAKNESSES & WARNINGS OF THIS GIFT
- May be viewed as non-realist because of positive attitudes.
- Can become impatient when others don’t have their kind of positive faith outlook.
- Have a difficult time understanding “the system” and why it works as it does to slow down progress.
- Exercise Gift of Faith without works.
- Often irritated by criticism because they are assured they know God’s will.
SUGGESTED WAYS TO SERVE BASED ON THIS GIFT
- Prayer Ministries
- Altar Counselor
- Deacon/Deaconess
- Board Member
- Committee Chairperson
- Evangelism
- Prayer Group Coordinator
- Healing Ministries
- Fundraising
- Building Projects
GOOD BIBLICAL EXAMPLES
ABRAHAM
*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016).
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.