The Gift of Faith
The elevator was too slow. So, I took the stairs. Two steps at a time, I climbed the three flights of stairs
as fast as I could move. They had called while he was en route to the hospital. Short, terse words were spoken.
Before I could ask any questions, the line went dead. Yet, I was smiling as I climbed the stairs.
Why? It wasn't that Hank was too young to die of heart failure. I knew better than that. A heart attack can
happen to anyone, at any age. It wasn't that he was a strong believer who knew how to lay claim to the provisions
of healing grace. Hardly. Hank was a believer, but a young one. I knew him pretty well. Hank would struggle to
locate the Gospel of John, let alone any passages on healing!
But I was smiling. Why? I was smiling because I knew that Hank was going to be OK. This knowledge didn't come
from the terse words that had summoned me to the hospital. My smile wasn't caused by medical knowledge—or, by a
lack of it. I was smiling because I recognized the gift of faith.
This was not the first time. It had happened before, once when I had knelt beside a nine-year-old girl who had
just been struck by a truck. I had been driving the car behind the truck that had hit her. As I knelt beside her,
it was apparent that she had sustained serious injury. The head was misshapen from the blow. Blood was coming from
her ear. I could hear the mother screaming in the background and people yelling for someone to call an ambulance.
Knowing that she should not be moved, I began to whisper in her ear. “You're going to be all right. The Lord
is going to take care of you. You will live, and be completely restored,” I quietly spoke to her. It was true!
I was not just attempting to comfort her with words of confidence. I somehow knew that she would completely recover.
I was experiencing a gift of faith.
And she did recover. So did Hank. I wish it happened all the time, but it doesn't. Even people with the strongest
of faith admit that the gift of faith, while not rare, is not the common experience. The common experience
in faith is a matter of choice. The believer chooses to believe what God has said in His Word. And the next chapter
in this study guide is devoted to exploring that expression of faith we'll call the choice of faith. But
now we're looking at this other work of God's Spirit, when faith functions as a “gift” because He—the Holy
Spirit—has simply given it into a situation where you, I, or another Christian “happens” to be the instrument
He has chosen to use in ministering this “gift.” It's that gift referred to in 1 Corinthians 12:9, “to another
faith by the same Spirit. …”
Turn to 1 Corinthians 12:7–11 and examine it to answer these questions:
1. To whom is the manifestation of the Spirit given and why?
2. Write down the nine manifestations of spiritual gifts listed in this passage.
3. Who works all these different gifts, and by whose will do they work?
Word Wealth
Faith, pistis (Strong's #4102). The word means persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction
of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God. It carries the connotation of assurance, belief, believe, faith,
fidelity.
Word Wealth
Gift, charisma (Strong's #5486). A (divine) gratuity, i.e. deliverance (from danger or
passion); a spiritual endowment or miraculous faculty; a free gift.
Putting these two words together, “faith” and “gift,” then adding the thought that this charisma of faith
comes from the working of the Holy Spirit, the stage is set for some remarkable possibilities!
The Apostle Paul
The Apostle Paul experienced the gift of faith many times. We can read about one such time in Acts 27:6–44.
Read how this passage describes Paul's journey to Rome as a captive. See how, even though Paul warned the captain
of the ship, he still set sail at the most dangerous time of the year. (See map on page 26.)
With your Bible open at this account, answer the following questions:
1. What did Paul first say about loss of life? (Acts 27:10)
2. What did Paul say about loss of life after the storm had begun? (Acts 27:22)
3. On what basis did Paul make this promise? (Acts 27:23–24)
4. What did Paul believe? (Acts 27:25)
Paul's unswerving confidence in this situation was not by strength of a powerful human “will” to believe. It was
due to a visition of the Lord “giving” faith at an otherwise seemingly impossible juncture. When we study
it objectively, the gift of faith appears to function without external stimulus. By that I mean, the attending
circumstances are dictating, or at least suggesting, something else. For example, the storm did not suggest everything
would be all right! Rather, Paul's faith came from something internal, not external. It was supernatural, not natural.
And it was based on what Paul understood the Lord to be saying, rather than anything being spoken by earthly authority
or generated by human will or religious zeal.
At a Glance
In Jerusalem following his third missionary journey, Paul struggled with Jews who accused him of profaning the
temple (Acts 21:26–34). He was placed in Roman custody in Caesarea for two years, but after appealing to Caesar,
was sent by ship to Rome. After departing the island of Crete, Paul's party was shipwrecked on Malta by a great
storm. Three months later he finally arrived at the imperial city. [Spirit-Filled Life Bible, Jack Hayford,
General Editor (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991), 1678.]
Caleb
In the Old Testament, there are similar accounts of supernatural faith. One of them is the story of the twelve
spies, sent by Moses into Canaan. They were to bring back a report to Israel. Ten of the spies brought back a humanly
realistic, militarily practical, and completely negative report. In contrast, two of the spies gave a positive
report which seemed to miss the actual challenges being faced.
From the account of this incident in Numbers 13:17–33, answer these questions:
1. What was the assignment given to the spies?
2. How long were the spies gone?
3. What did Caleb say?
Word Wealth
We are more than able—yakol (Strong's #3201; yaw-kole): To be able; to have power;
having the capacity to prevail or succeed. This verb is used 200 times in the Old Testament. Generally, it is translated
by such English words as “can,” “could,” or “be able”; in a few references, “prevail” (1 Ki. 22:22; Esth. 6:13);
sometimes, “to have power.” In Esther 8:6, it is translated as “endure”: the compassionate queen asks, “How can
I endure to see the evil that will come to my people?” Here in Numbers 13, Caleb uses the intensive repetition
of yakol: “Let us go up … we are well able to overcome it” [Ibid., 213, “Word Wealth: Num. 13:30, able.”]
As you've studied these verses, you have noticed the contrast between what Caleb reports and the advice of the
other ten spies! It is obvious that Caleb is speaking with amazing faith. Where does this faith come from? How
can Caleb speak with such confidence when the other men are saying just the opposite?
For the answer, read Numbers 14:24. What kind of “spirit” does Caleb have?
“Spirit” refers to Caleb's inner man, not the person of the Holy Spirit. But it is still a reference to help us
see how the gift of faith can function within us.
Caleb was not moved by the giants he saw during his forty days of spying. He was not awed by the walled cities
or the enormous size of the land. Instead, because Caleb “followed [the Lord] fully,” he not only saw the giants,
he could also see the Lord! Even though he saw the walled cities, he could also see the Lord. Caleb saw the largeness
of the land, but he also saw the Lord. People who fully follow the Lord are able to see the Lord in their circumstances.
They are not ignorant of the challenges, not playing “mind games,” pretending to deny the reality of what is being
faced—but they are seeing the Lord above and beyond the problems!
The gift of faith, that supernatural working of the Holy Spirit, comes to those being filled with that Spirit.
Like all the other gifts, the gift of faith flows to those who are allowing the Holy Spirit to work in them. Caleb's
confession of faith speaks of his character and his choice to believe. Yet, as with Paul on board the ship, when
all the circumstance is examined, no external influence can be found which would justify Caleb's confession. The
giants in the land, the size of the land, the walled cities of the land all would suggest a report best summed
up in the words of the other spies!
But Caleb's report is different, not just because of his character, not just because of his choice—but because
he is being influenced by the Spirit of God. It is a supernatural faith that says, “We are well able to overcome!”
Behind the Scenes
My father, Dr. Roy Hicks, Sr., says of Caleb's confession, “Caleb saw the same giants and walled city as the
other spies, but the ten spies brought back an ‘evil report’ of unbelief. Caleb's words declared a conviction—a
“confession”—before all Israel: “We are well able to overcome.” He had surveyed the land, a reminder that faith
is not blind. Faith does not deny the reality of difficulty; it declares the power of God in the face of the problem.
There is a message in the spirit of Caleb's response to those who rejected his faith-filled report. While today
some people use their “confession” of faith to cultivate schism, or to separate in pride, Caleb stood his ground—in
faith—but still moved in partnership and support. For the next forty years, he moved alongside many whose unbelief
delayed his own experience of victory. See it, please. Here is tenacious patience as well as faith! His eventual
actual possession of the land at a later date indicates that, even though delays come, faith's confession will
ultimately bring victory to the believer. [Ibid., 213, “Kingdom Dynamics: Num. 13:30; 14:6–9; ‘Faith When Facing
Delays.’”]
Peter
The healing of the lame man in Acts 3:1–16 offers another look at supernatural faith. Though many miracles occurred
through the ministry of Peter, the methodology of this miracle is reported only here. It is significant for several
reasons. Answer the following questions from the text:
1. How long had the lame man been in this condition?
2. Where was the lame man when Peter spoke to him?
3. What did Peter say he had to give the lame man?
4. How did he give this to him?
5. When was the man healed?
6. What, did Peter say, did not heal the man?
7. To what did Peter attribute this healing? (v. 16)
8. Where did this faith come from?
Behind the Scenes
In this first recorded miracle performed by the disciples, we are given the key for use by all believers in
exercising faith's authority. When commanding healing for the lame man, Peter employs the full name/title of our
Lord: “Jesus Christ [Messiah] of Nazareth.” “Jesus” (“Joshua” or “Yeshua”) was a common name among the Jews and
continues to be in many cultures today. But the declaration of His full name and title, a noteworthy practice in
Acts, seems a good and practical lesson for us (see Acts 2:22; 4:10). Let us be complete when claiming our authority
over sickness, disease, or demons. In our confession of faith or proclamation of power, confess His deity and His
lordship as “the Christ” (“Messiah”); use His precious name, as “Jesus” (“Savior”). Call upon Him as “Lord Jesus”
or “Jesus Christ” or “Jesus of Nazareth.” There is no legal or ritual demand intended in this point, but it is
wise to remember, even as we pray “in Jesus' name” (John 16:24), so we exercise all authority in Him—by the privilege
of power He has given us in His name (Matt. 28:18; Mark 16:12; John 14:13, 14). Many other compound names for Him
are found in the Word of God. Let us declare them in faith, with prayer and full confidence. [Ibid., 1629, “Kingdom
Dynamics: Acts 3:6; Jesus' Name: Faith's Complete Authority.”]
Please note that the healing required a choice by Peter. He chose to extend his hand to the lame man and to
pick him up. He chose to speak the healing words in the name of the Lord Jesus. But in responding to the amazement
of everyone as they saw the lame man now walking, jumping, and praising God, Peter says that it was faith that
healed him. And more important to our discussion, Peter declares that this faith “comes through Him (and) has given
him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”
Peter recognized that the operation of this faith was not premeditated. This faith is not a function of character
or personal acquisition. Though obedient choice is certainly involved, Peter makes it clear that nothing
of personal holiness, self-will, or personal power has accomplished this wonderful miracle (Acts 3:12).
Peter acknowledged that this miracle was made possible by a faith whose source is beyond human initiation. This
supernatural faith can be and is to be cooperated with, it can be and is to be released through human agency, but
above all, this faith “comes from Him!”
Paul and the Lame Man at Lystra
Open your Bible to Acts 14:1–18, and examine it to answer these questions:
1. How did the Lord bear witness to the word of His grace?
2. How long had the lame man in Lystra been in that condition?
3. What did Paul command the man to do?
4. How did the lame man respond?
5. What did Paul see in the man?
Since Paul's habit, when entering a new city, was to speak to the Jewish community first, some have assumed that
this lame man was a Jew. This cannot be known for certain, but it is most probable that he was hearing the “word
of grace” for the first time. As Paul preaches about Jesus Christ, what His death and resurrection have accomplished
for all, the lame man begins to believe.
It is vital to note that Paul was not preaching on healing. He was preaching Christ—that is, Jesus Himself
as the prophesied Savior-King. When Paul sees faith in the lame man, he does not see faith to be healed. He sees
faith in Christ—in Jesus the Lord. This man has begun to believe what Paul is saying about the Lord Jesus. When
Paul recognizes the presence of faith, he gives the command, “Stand up straight on your feet!”
Remember from your study that the signs and wonders were promised and given by the Lord Jesus to bear witness
to the message the apostles were preaching (Mark 16:15–20). This miracle occurs as a sign, bearing witness to the
truth of Paul's presentation of Jesus Christ. Notice, too, that the sign occurs to one having faith.
Where did this faith come from?
The presence of faith in this man coincides with his hearing the message of Jesus Christ! It is the proclamation
of the message of the Lord Jesus that awakens this faith, and it is the working of the Holy Spirit that
makes faith available to this man who has never experienced strength in his feet before this moment.
Probing the Depths
This chapter on the “Gift of Faith” will be followed by the chapter, “The Choice of Faith.” This is intentional.
However, neither chapter is presented as an alternative. Some in the renewal movement within the church have become
polarized on the question, “Is faith sovereign, or is faith all a matter of human choice?”
Two personalities from the early days of renewal illustrate the different positions: Charles Price and Smith
Wigglesworth. Both were evangelists, Price from Canada and Wigglesworth from Great Britain.
Charles Price preached that all faith was a matter of the sovereignty of God. If you didn't have faith, there
wasn't a thing you could do about it! Either you had it, or you didn't! Price said, “God will move, then you may
follow.” A story is told of the evangelist Price. A young man entered the church service late and was ushered to
the front row. Though late, he noticed that the meeting hadn't yet started. He whispered to the man sitting next
to him, “What, haven't we started? Where is the evangelist?” To his surprise, he heard, “Young man, I am
the evangelist. But we are not starting until the Lord has arrived!”
Smith Wigglesworth believed quite differently. His message was, “You move, and then God will move!”
He is famous for outlandish behavior. This story illustrates his position on matters of faith: He once pulled a
woman from her wheelchair with the command, “Be healed!” Instead of being healed she fell down. Everyone else was
quite embarrassed. Not Wigglesworth. He calmly put her back in the wheelchair and said, “Young woman, you fell
because you tripped over your blankets.” Again he pulled her from the wheelchair with the command to be healed.
And she was!
Both men had extraordinary results in seeing many people healed, but their methodologies were quite different.
Since both ministries occurred quite early in the renewal movement of this century, the church's understanding
of faith and the miraculous was just beginning to be developed. Since then, many are tempted to, or actually do,
polarize on the question of God's sovereignty vs. human participation. But when we're faced with the question today,
“Is faith all God, or is faith all man?” the best answer is “both!” There is the gift of faith (from God,
Who sovereignly gives), and there is the choice of faith (by man to actively receive).
Our faith life will be complete only if we will make room for both. Consider this: there will be times when
God's Spirit will make it possible for you supernaturally to believe. The gift of faith will flow from within you,
and in the face of difficult circumstances you will sense a solid confidence rising. Though nothing of your circumstance
would agree with your sense of faith, you will hear or sense within yourself the saying, “This is going to be O.K.
This will work out.” Why do you feel this confidence? Because the Holy Spirit's presence is giving you the gift
of faith.
But also consider those other moments: when the circumstances all are evaluated in the cold light of reality,
and you feel no confidence. Yet, you may hear God's Word in your heart, whispering to your soul. Or perhaps a promise
committed to memory long before will surface to your thinking. At this moment, you have a choice. You may give
your faith to the practical diagnosis of the circumstance. Or, you may give your faith to the power-filled promises
of God's Word. This is the type of setting when we all face the choice of faith.
Faith Alive
Write a personal experience you have had with the “gift of faith.”
What are those things you can do that make you responsive to the working of the Holy Spirit who brings the manifestation
of the gift of faith? (Eph. 5:18)
Romans 12:3–8, says that you have received a “measure” of faith. Everyone has. Honestly evaluate how you are
using the measure of faith you have been given.
From Power Faith: Balancing Faith in Words and Works by Roy Hicks, JR. with Jack W. Hayford. Copyright 1994 by Jack W. Hayford.
