The Gift of Faith

Sermon: The Gift of Faith                                                                              Apr.13, 2008

The PYRAMID OF FAITH

The spiritual Gift of Faith –  a call to exercise your gift of faith…giving

1 Corinthians 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, (RVR) a otro, fe por el mismo Espíritu; y a otro, dones de sanidades por el mismo Espíritu.

An intensive ability to trust God in difficult and demanding ways, to trust Him in the face of overwhelming obstacles and human impossibilities. an unusual measure of trust in God beyond that exercised by most Christians.

the faith to lay hold on God’s promises in a very unique way, the capacity to believe in God for extraordinary deeds, an unusual measure of trust in the Holy Spirit’s power.

The gift of faith is primarily expressed toward God through prayer, appealing to and trusting God to do that which is beyond His normal provision.

El don de fe representa una forma única de fe que va más allá de la simple creencia o la fe salvadora. Consiste en una confianza sobrenatural que no alberga la más mínima duda en torno al asunto de que se trate

EXAMPLES:

Paul (Acts 27:25) So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. (RVR) Por tanto, oh varones, tened buen ánimo; porque yo confío en Dios que será así como se me ha dicho.

Peter (Matt 14:29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.) (NBLH) “Ven,” le dijo Jesús. Y descendiendo Pedro de la barca, caminó sobre las aguas, y fue hacia Jesús.

Abraham (Romans 4:18-21) Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. (NBLH) Abraham creyó en esperanza contra esperanza, a fin de llegar a ser padre de muchas naciones, conforme a lo que se le había dicho: “Asi sera tu descendencia.” 19 Y sin debilitarse en la fe contempló su propio cuerpo, que ya estaba como muerto puesto que tenía como cien años, y también la esterilidad de la matriz de Sara. 20 Sin embargo, respecto a la promesa de Dios, Abraham no titubeó con incredulidad, sino que se fortaleció en fe, dando gloria a Dios, 21 estando plenamente convencido de que lo que Dios había prometido, poderoso era también para cumplirlo.

EXAMPLES OF FAITH

Steven (Acts 7:51-60) “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.” 54 When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (NBLH) “Ustedes, que son tercos e incircuncisos de corazón y de oídos, resisten siempre al Espíritu Santo; como hicieron sus padres, así hacen también ustedes. 52 “¿A cuál de los profetas no persiguieron sus padres? Ellos mataron a los que antes habían anunciado la venida del Justo, del cual ahora ustedes se hicieron traidores y asesinos; 53 ustedes que recibieron la ley por disposición de ángeles y sin embargo no la guardaron.” 54 Al oír esto, se sintieron profundamente ofendidos, y crujían los dientes contra él. 55 Pero Esteban, lleno del Espíritu Santo, fijos los ojos en el cielo, vio la gloria de Dios y a Jesús de pie a la diestra de Dios; 56 y dijo: “Veo los cielos abiertos, y al Hijo del Hombre de pie a la diestra de Dios.” 57 Entonces ellos gritaron a gran voz, y tapándose los oídos se lanzaron a una contra él. 58 Echándolo fuera de la ciudad, comenzaron a apedrearlo; y los testigos pusieron sus mantos a los pies de un joven llamado Saulo (Pablo). 59 Y mientras lo apedreaban, Esteban invocaba al Señor y decía: “Señor Jesús, recibe mi espíritu.” 60 Cayendo de rodillas, clamó en alta voz: “Señor, no les tomes en cuenta este pecado.” Habiendo dicho esto, durmió (expiró).

Elijah (James 5:16b–18 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops).

(NBLH) Por tanto, confiésense sus pecados unos a otros, y oren unos por otros para que sean sanados. La oración (súplica) eficaz del justo puede lograr mucho. 17 Elías era un hombre de pasiones semejantes a las nuestras, y oró fervientemente para que no lloviera, y no llovió sobre la tierra por tres años y seis meses. 18 Oró de nuevo, y el cielo dio lluvia y la tierra produjo su fruto.

1 Kgs 18:23-39 Get two bulls for us. Let them choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. 24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.” Then all the people said, “What you say is good.” 25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.” 26 So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “O Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. 27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” 28 So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. 29 Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention. 30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the Lord, which was in ruins. 31 Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.” 32 With the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs of seed. 33 He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.” 34 “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time. 35 The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. 36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”

(NBLH) “Que nos den, pues, dos novillos. Que escojan un novillo para ellos y lo despedacen, y lo coloquen sobre la leña, pero que no le pongan fuego debajo; y yo prepararé el otro novillo y lo colocaré sobre la leña, y no le pondré fuego. 24 “Entonces invoquen el nombre de su dios, y yo invocaré el nombre del Señor; y el Dios que responda por fuego, ése es Dios.” Y todo el pueblo respondió: “La idea es buena.” 25 Y Elías dijo a los profetas de Baal: “Escojan un novillo para ustedes y prepárenlo primero, pues son los más, e invoquen el nombre de su dios, pero no le pongan fuego.” 26 Entonces tomaron el novillo que les dieron y lo prepararon, e invocaron el nombre de Baal desde la mañana hasta el mediodía, diciendo: “Oh Baal, respóndenos.” Pero no hubo voz ni nadie respondió. Y danzaban alrededor del altar que habían hecho. 27 Como al mediodía, Elías se burlaba de ellos y decía: “Clamen en voz alta, pues es un dios; tal vez estará meditando o se habrá desviado, o estará de viaje, quizá esté dormido y habrá que despertarlo.” 28 Y gritaban a grandes voces y se sajaban, según su costumbre, con espadas y lanzas hasta que la sangre chorreaba sobre ellos. 29 Pasado el mediodía, se pusieron a gritar frenéticamente hasta la hora de ofrecerse el sacrificio de la tarde; pero no hubo voz, ni nadie respondió ni nadie hizo caso. 30 Entonces Elías dijo a todo el pueblo: “Acérquense a mí.” Y todo el pueblo se acercó a Elías. Entonces él reparó el altar del Señor que había sido derribado. 31 Elías tomó doce piedras conforme al número de las tribus de los hijos de Jacob, a quien había venido la palabra del Señor, diciendo: “Israel será tu nombre.” 32 Con las piedras edificó un altar en el nombre del Señor, e hizo una zanja alrededor del altar, suficientemente grande para contener dos medidas (14.6 litros) de semilla. 33 Dispuso después la leña, cortó el novillo en pedazos y lo colocó sobre la leña. 34 Y dijo: “Llenen cuatro cántaros de agua y derrámenla sobre el holocausto y sobre la leña.” Después dijo: “Háganlo por segunda vez; y lo hicieron por segunda vez.” Y añadió: “Háganlo por tercera vez;” y lo hicieron por tercera vez. 35 El agua corría alrededor del altar, y también llenó la zanja de agua. 36 Y a la hora de ofrecerse el sacrificio de la tarde, el profeta Elías se acercó y dijo: “Oh Señor, Dios de Abraham, de Isaac y de Israel, que se sepa hoy que Tú eres Dios en Israel, que yo soy Tu siervo y que he hecho todas estas cosas por palabra Tuya. 37 “Respóndeme, oh Señor, respóndeme, para que este pueblo sepa que Tú, oh Señor, eres Dios, y que has hecho volver sus corazones.” 38 Entonces cayó el fuego del Señor, y consumió el holocausto, la leña, las piedras y el polvo, y secó el agua de la zanja. 39 Cuando todo el pueblo lo vio, se postraron sobre su rostro y dijeron: “El Señor, El es Dios; el Señor, El es Dios.”

Examples of Faith

Heb 11:33–40. who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect (NBLH) quienes por la fe conquistaron reinos, hicieron justicia, obtuvieron promesas, cerraron bocas de leones, 34 apagaron la violencia del fuego, escaparon del filo de la espada. Siendo débiles, fueron hechos fuertes, se hicieron poderosos en la guerra, pusieron en fuga a ejércitos extranjeros. 35 Las mujeres recibieron a sus muertos mediante la resurrección. Otros fueron torturados, no aceptando su liberación a fin de obtener una mejor resurrección. 36 Otros experimentaron insultos y azotes, y hasta cadenas y prisiones. 37 Fueron apedreados, aserrados, tentados, muertos a espada. Anduvieron de aquí para allá cubiertos con pieles de ovejas y de cabras; destituidos, afligidos, maltratados 38 (de los cuales el mundo no era digno), errantes por desiertos y montañas, por cuevas y cavernas de la tierra. 39 Y todos éstos, habiendo obtenido aprobación (testimonio) por su fe, no recibieron la promesa, 40 porque Dios había provisto algo mejor para nosotros, a fin de que ellos no fueran hechos perfectos sin nosotros.

Hudson Taylor - China

George Mueller – England

Nate Saint  – Ecuador in 1955

Daily faith – A call to trust Jesus for your daily needs

Matt 6:30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of LITTLE faith? (NBLH) “Y si Dios así viste la hierba del campo, que hoy es y mañana es echada al horno, ¿no hará El mucho más por ustedes, hombres de poca fe?

Matt 8:26  He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (NBLH) Y El les contestó: “¿Por qué tienen miedo, hombres de poca fe?” Entonces Jesús se levantó, reprendió a los vientos y al mar, y sobrevino una gran calma.

Matt 14:31  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (NBLH) Al instante Jesús, extendiendo la mano, lo sostuvo y le dijo: “Hombre de poca fe, ¿por qué dudaste?”

Matt 16:8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? (NBLH)Pero Jesús, dándose cuenta, dijo: “Hombres de poca fe, ¿por qué discuten entre ustedes que no tienen pan?

Matt 17:20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (NBLH) Y El les dijo: “Por la poca fe de ustedes; porque en verdad les digo que si tienen fe como un grano de mostaza, dirán a este monte: ‘Pásate de aquí allá,’ y se pasará; y nada les será imposible.

Mark 9:24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (NBLH) Al instante el padre del muchacho gritó y dijo: “Creo; ayúdame en mi incredulidad.”     IN BETWEEN FAITH

Mark 4:40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (NBLH) Entonces les dijo: “¿Por qué están atemorizados? ¿Cómo no tienen fe?”

Matt 8:10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such GREAT faith. (NBLH) Al oírlo Jesús, se maravilló y dijo a los que Lo seguían: “En verdad les digo que en Israel no he hallado en nadie una fe tan grande.

Matt 15:28 Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. (NBLH) Entonces Jesús le dijo: “Oh mujer, grande es tu fe; que te suceda como deseas.” Y su hija quedó sana desde aquel momento.

Saving Faith – altar call to salvation

Acts 16:31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (NBLH) Ellos respondieron: “Cree en el Señor Jesús, y serás salvo, tú y toda tu casa.”

Acts 2:21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (RVR) Y todo aquel que invocare el nombre del Señor, será salvo. (Romans 10:13; Joel 2:32)

NO FAITH – (those not born again)

Jn. 6:36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. (VP) Pero como ya les dije, ustedes no creen aunque me han visto.

Jn.6:64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe …... (NBLH) Pero hay algunos de ustedes que no creen.” Porque Jesús sabía desde el principio quiénes eran los que no creían…..

Jn.10:25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. (NBLH) Jesús les respondió: “Se lo he dicho a ustedes y no creen; las obras que Yo hago en el nombre de Mi Padre, éstas dan testimonio de Mí. 26 “Pero ustedes no creen porque no son de Mis ovejas.

Jn.12:37 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. (VP) A pesar de que Jesús había hecho tan grandes señales milagrosas delante de ellos, no creían en él;

Matt 7:13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (RVR) Entrad por la puerta estrecha; porque ancha es la puerta, y espacioso el camino que lleva a la perdición, y muchos son los que entran por ella; 14 porque estrecha es la puerta, y angosto el camino que lleva a la vida, y pocos son los que la hallan.

The Gift of Faith - This sovereign, Spirit–given faith obviously is distinct from saving faith or the daily faith by which every believer lives. This category of giftedness is limited to certain Christians and has to do with an intensive ability to trust God in difficult and demanding ways. It is the ability to trust Him in the face of overwhelming obstacles and human impossibilities. The gift of faith is primarily expressed toward God through prayer, appealing to and trusting God to do that which is beyond His normal provision. Jesus said, “For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you” (Matt. 17:20). Paul alludes to that type of faith later in this letter: “If I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing” (1Cor.13:2). Paul was not disparaging faith but simply pointing out its emptiness without love. His phrase “all faith” seems to indicate that it is possessed in degrees. [mountain moving faith] Those with the gift of faith have a special ability to lay claim on the promises of God. According to His own plan and will, faith activates God (James 5:16b–18  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops). When Paul was sailing to Rome as a captive, the ship encountered a terrible storm. After throwing all cargo and tackle overboard, they went for many days without food and without letup of the storm. At the height of danger Paul told his fellow travelers, “I urge you to keep up your courage, for there shall be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you’ ” (Acts 27:22–24). Paul’s confidence took special faith. His great faith exercised in the midst of disaster laid hold of God’s promise and brought hope and safety to everyone with him. Abraham was also “strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Rom. 4:20). On the basis of one person’s strong faith others are always helped and served. Through the history of the church thousands of saints with gifts of faith have believed God in the face of great danger and often death, and in exercising their faith have strengthened the faith of their brothers and sisters in the Lord. Hudson Taylor believed God would win many Chinese converts through him, and without any money or support, refusing to ask for a penny of help, he began what became the great and fruitful China Inland Mission. George Mueller, solely through trusting God in prayer, continually saw Him provide for his orphanage in miraculous ways. Countless missionaries have claimed tribes or nations for the Lord, and evangelists have claimed cities for the Lord, and seen Him faithfully respond to their faith. Their prayers are answered and their faith itself is strengthened and multiplied.

9 To another is given faith by the same Spirit & to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit

a. “To another is given faith by the same Spirit.” The third gift is faith. Together with miracles and healings, it is part of the category of supernatural gifts. Because every true believer has faith in Jesus Christ, Paul is not thinking of saving faith. He has in mind complete and unshakable trust that God will perform miracles. Jesus told his disciples that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains (Matt. 17:20; I Cor. 13:2). The apostles demonstrated that faith in post-Pentecost times. For instance, Peter and John courageously opposed the members of the Sanhedrin, preached the gospel, and healed a cripple in the name of Jesus (Acts 3:1–4:2). Paul accepted Jesus’ word to testify for him in Rome (Acts 23:11). During the storm on the Mediterranean Sea, when all aboard the ship despaired of their lives and gave up hope, Paul’s faith wavered not. He encouraged the crew and passengers by saying that he trusted in God; everyone would be safe and land on some island (Acts 27:23–26, 34). Countless believers have demonstrated their trust in God and have seen their faith rewarded in miraculous ways. The writer of Hebrews presents a list of Old Testament heroes of faith (Heb. 11), which has an unwritten counterpart in New Testament times. This writer overlooks the faith of Elijah, but James mentions his name and says that he was a man just like us (James 5:17–18). The special gift of faith, therefore, is not limited to an Old Testament prophet and a New Testament apostle.

b. “And to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit.” Faith and the gifts of healing are closely related. James writes that the prayer offered in faith by the church elders will make the sick person well (James 5:14–15). When these people claim the words written by James and trust that God will hear and answer their earnest prayer, the miracle of healing frequently occurs. We make two cautionary remarks, however: first, these elders should not expect that they have received a permanent gift to heal every member of the church who is ill; next, in spite of fervent prayer offered in faith, God may choose not to restore someone to normal health and strength. Not only apostles but also deacons received the ability to perform miracles of healing in the early years of the Christian church. At that time, all the sick who came to the apostles were healed (Acts 5:16b). Peter healed people even by having his shadow fall on them (Acts 5:15–16). Both Stephen and Philip performed miracles of healing in Jerusalem and Samaria (Acts 6:8; 8:6–7). At Lystra in Asia Minor, Paul healed a man who was crippled in his feet (Acts 14:8–10). But he himself was afflicted with an ailment which he called a thorn in his flesh. Although Paul pleaded with the Lord to heal him, Jesus answered him: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (II Cor. 12:9). Moreover, in his epistles Paul indirectly admits that he lacked the ability to heal either Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:27), Timothy (I Tim. 5:23), or Trophimus (II Tim. 4:20). Why did God not provide Paul the ability to heal his friends? Perhaps we should look for an answer in the purpose of restoring the sick. The New Testament teaches that miracles of healing were generally performed to strengthen faith and broaden the circle of believers. In some circumstances, God might not heal a patient merely to further his or her physical well-being. Believers today lack the gift of healing that the apostles possessed at the time the New Testament church was in its infancy. Presently when believers pray in faith and wait for a divine answer, they frequently learn that no healing is taking place. God may choose either to heal a person through medicines and physical care or not to heal at all. Those believers who pray for the sick and see restoration through prayer ought not to boast about possessing the gift of healing. Christians have no claim to a permanent gift but must give God all the glory and honor for healing the sick. When there is no immediate answer, believers should continue to pray and not stop asking for help in time of need (Heb. 4:16). Healing happens because God responds to prayer believers offer in faith. Believers acknowledge that God performs the miracle of healing the sick in answer to prayer. They exercise the power of prayer knowing that “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16b).

*Faith as a spiritual gift is probably an unusual measure of trust in God beyond that exercised by most Christians (13:2)

*Since all Christians have saving faith, this must mean the faith which moves mountains (13:2), the power to lay hold on God’s promises for results (James 5:17, 18)

*Faith here is the capacity to believe in God for extraordinary deeds

*Spiritual gifts are discussed in detail in four NT passages: Rom. 12:3–8; 1 Cor. 12:1–10, 28–31; Eph. 4:11, 12; and 1 Pet. 4:10, 11. These lists are to be regarded as representative of spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are those gifts given by the Spirit of God for the accomplishment of God’s purpose in the world and for the edification of the church, the body of Christ. Two things are important to remember concerning spiritual gifts: (1) every believer has been given spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:5, 6; 1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Pet. 4:10); and (2) the gifts belong to God and are given for the believer to use for the glory of God (1 Pet. 4:11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen)

*9. To another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit.

In the Greek there is a distinction that is not expressed in our translation. The main divisions in this list seem to be indicated by a word that is a stronger expression of difference than between the other terms, although both words are translated another. Therefore, where the stronger word is used, a new group seems to be introduced. The first class includes the message of wisdom and the message of knowledge; the second includes all the rest except for the last two.To another faith. As faith is mentioned here as a special gift some Christians have, it cannot mean saving faith, which is common to all believers. It is generally supposed to mean the faith of miracles to which our Lord refers in Matthew 17:19–20 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”] and that the apostle mentions in 13:2 (a faith that can move mountains). But to this some object that the gift of miracles is mentioned immediately afterwards as something different from the gift of faith. Others say it is that faith that manifests itself in all the forms listed under this class—that is, in miraculous powers, in healing, in prophecy, and in distinguishing between spirits. But then it is nothing special; it is a gift common to all under this heading, whereas it is as much distinguished from them as they are from each other. In the absence of clear evidence for deciding which faith is meant here, it is perhaps safest to stick to the simple meaning of the word and to assume that it means a higher measure of the ordinary grace of faith. Such a faith enabled people to become confessors and martyrs and is fully illustrated in Hebrews 11:33–40. who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect] This is something truly as wonderful as the gift of miracles. To another gifts of healing. That is, gifts by which the sick were healed (Acts 4:30). This evidently refers to the miraculous healing of diseases.

*Todos los cristianos tienen fe. Algunos, sin embargo, tienen el don espiritual de la fe, que viene a ser una dimensión poco usual de confianza en el poder del Espíritu Santo

*El don de fe representa una forma única de fe que va más allá de la simple creencia o la fe salvadora. Consiste en una confianza sobrenatural que no alberga la más mínima duda en torno al asunto de que se trate

*To another Christian, or perhaps another group of Christians, Paul says that faith is given by the same Spirit. The reader needs to be aware that Paul uses the noun “faith” (πίστις, pistis) in more than one way in his letters. As we approach v. 9 it is important to keep in mind at least three of the different ways Paul uses this word. One of the ways the apostle uses “faith,” and the one that is best known, focuses on the idea of trust in God. This is best known through Paul’s discussion of the faith of Abraham. A second use in Paul’s letters of the term “faith” is when it relates to the concept of conscience, Rom 14:1, 22, 23 Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters; 22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin] Because of Paul’s use of the word “faith” at 1 Cor 13:2, it is probable that in our verse here he has in mind a third use of the term to refer to supernatural faith to move mountains. Next Paul mentions gifts of healing. The apostle does not specify which kind of healing he has in mind, but we can only assume that it would include the kinds of healings that Jesus performed in the Gospels and which the apostles and others performed as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Both the Jewish and pagan converts in the church of God at Corinth would have been familiar with the claims in their previous religions regarding the ability to work miracles. Both the Jews of this period of history as well as pagan religions believed in the possibility of supernatural religious healings. In fact there were large pagan temples constructed for this particular purpose, some of which have been excavated in the city of Corinth.

*Its nature, or principle, is the same as that of saving faith, namely, reliance on God; the producing cause, also, in the same,’ namely, a power altogether supernatural (Eph 1:19,20 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms). But the objects of faith differ respectively.

*The phrase to another here should be read, “to a different (heteros) person.” The Greek may suggest that Paul is contrasting this special faith manifestation to more ordinary expressions of faith manifested in all of God’s people. It is tempting to see it as an attendant manifestation related to the ministries of wisdom and knowledge and to those that follow, healings and miracles; but this is conjecture. Closer perhaps is the idea that this faith is a special enablement of God in certain circumstances to have an “indomitable assurance that God can overcome any difficulties and meet any emergencies” (James Moffatt). Often—and appropriately—the nineteenth-century George Müller of Bristol, England, is cited as a person who manifested this ministry. Müller founded a large orphanage, where he fed, housed and otherwise cared for over two thousand orphans with no guaranteed income from any source. He trusted God daily for the milk, food and funds to care for the children. Mrs. Charles Cowman wrote the following revealing story about Müller: I went to America some years ago with the captain of a steamer, who was a very devoted Christian. When off the coast of Newfoundland he said to me, “The last time I crossed here, five weeks ago, something happened which revolutionized the whole of my Christian life. We had George Mueller of Bristol on board. I had been on the bridge twenty-four hours and never left it. George Mueller came to me, and said, ‘Captain, I have come to tell you that I must be in Quebec Saturday afternoon.’ ‘It is impossible,’ I said. ‘Very well, if your ship cannot take me, God will find some other way. I have never broken an engagement for fifty-seven years. Let us go down into the chart-room and pray.’“I looked at that man of God, and thought to myself, what lunatic asylum can that man have come from? I never heard of such a thing as this. ‘Mr. Mueller,’ I said, ‘do you know how dense this fog is?’ ‘No,’ he replied. ‘My eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the living God, who controls every circumstance of my life.’“He knelt down and prayed one of the most simple prayers, and when he had finished I was going to pray; but he put his hand on my shoulder, and told me not to pray. ‘First, you do not believe He will answer; and second I believe He has, and there is no need whatever for you to pray about it.’ “I looked at him, and he said, ‘Captain, I have known my Lord for fifty-seven years, and there has never been a single day that I have failed to get an audience with the King. Get up, Captain, and open the door, and you will find the fog gone.’ I got up, and the fog was indeed gone. On Saturday afternoon, George Mueller was in Quebec for his engagement.” (Cowman 1925:241–242) Such a Spirit manifestation of faith encourages all of us by showing us God’s work and also by providing a model to help our own trust in God to grow. Thus this gift ministers to the edification of the whole body of Christ.

*The Spirit gives special faith to another. All Christians have faith because the faith that brings a person to salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit. “God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God” (Eph 2:8 nlt; Gal 5:22; 1 Tim 4:12–14). Some people, however, have the spiritual gift of faith, which is an unusual measure of trust in the Holy Spirit’s power. In 13:2, Paul describes this gift further: “If I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move …” (nlt). This kind of faith is a supernatural trust in God’s miraculous power for specific situations. While the next two gifts, healing and doing miracles, are listed separately, this gift of faith is surely connected to the ability to do such acts through the Holy Spirit. This gift of faith could also be manifested in believers’ willingness to face persecution and martyrdom without renouncing what they believed

*There is the gift of faith. This is not the usual faith that we mean when we speak about saving faith. It is a very special gift of faith: a mustard seed faith, a strong faith, a powerful faith, a wonder-working faith, a special gift of faith that enables a believer to do great things for God and His people.

"If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Mt 17:20).

Jesus said unto him If thou canst believe all things are possible to him that believes (Mk 9:23

"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5).

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father" (John 14:12).

*Paul means more than what we might call ordinary faith. It is the faith which really produces results. It is not just the intellectual conviction that a thing is true; it is the passionate belief in a thing which makes a man spend all that he is and has on it

*