TRANSFORMING LOVE: THE MEASURE OF FAITH

             

TRANSFORMING LOVE

GIVES YOU A “MEASURE OF FAITH”

“…..according as God hath dealt to each man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3 KJV).

God has chosen you, God has drawn you, and now he gives you a “measure of faith”. This “measure of faith” is a holy, spiritual gift and does NOT originate from humans. “…God hath dealt (GIVEN)… to every man THE measure of FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV).  “…[One of]... the fruit of the Spirit… is…FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…God has allotted to each a measure of faith…” (Romans 12:3 NASB).

 “...For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast...”(EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).

“…Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly. Along with faith … that are [“through” the power of the WORD of GOD]…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV). “...[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).

God “…dealt (GAVE) to every man (woman) the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

The “measure of faith” and the “spiritual fruit of faith, is definitely from God, the Holy Spirit and that is the perspective of faith, we’ll attempt to look at. “…God hath dealt (GIVEN)… to every man (woman) THE measure of FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV).  “…[One of]...the fruit of the Spirit ...is FAITH... [and is produced by God, the Holy Spirit]…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…God has allotted to each a measure of faith…” (Romans 12:3 NASB).

The BIBLE says that “faith” IS the assurance, certainty, or confidence of things hoped for and evidence or proof of things not YET seen. “…Now FAITH “IS” the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

Faith is a spiritual FRUIT of certainty and it is the evidence of “THINGS” hoped for or expected from God.

From this perspective, “gifted” Faith is something REAL and PRESENT that EXISTS “within” the believer. “… FAITH “IS” …” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). “…[One of]...the fruit of the Spirit “is” …faith…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The measure of faith... [is “given” by god]...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

HEARING God’s WORD “empowers’ this faith. “… [The measure of or the spiritual fruit of] …Faith cometh by HEARING… the WORD of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).

HEARING God’s Word, the spiritual, living water, will produce the spiritual of faith, within the heart of the believer where the spiritual seed is planted. The spiritual, living water empowers the spiritual fruit of faith to grow, within the believer, through the indwelling, working POWER of the Holy Spirit. “…According to the POWER (the Holy Spirit) that works WITHIN us…” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB).

When “the measure of faith” or the “spiritual fruit of Faith” empowers or strengthens the heart of the believer, it is experienced as complete trust and dependency upon God’s WORD. “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

When common human, finite faith motivates people it is dependent on self-effort, invented spirituality or values, human reason, established bodies of human knowledge, human logic, or scientific theories.

However, without God’s WORD (the spiritual living water), the spiritual fruit of faith is not produced. “…[The measure of or the spiritual fruit of] ...Faith cometh by HEARING… the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).

Human faith is often experienced as trust in one’s OWN understanding OR someone else’s understanding, character, expertise, logic, reason, human knowledge, self-made spirituality, or invented religion. “… LEAN NOT unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

When “the measure of faith” or the “spiritual fruit of Faith” empowers or strengthens the believer it depends on hearing the trustworthy WORD of God to become ACTIVATED.

It is experienced and witnessed as a strong, confident dependence upon the Lord, which also the WORD and the indwelling WORK of the Holy Spirit. “…Trust in (depend upon) the Lord (the word) with ALL thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, MADE the “measure of faith” and “the spiritual fruit of faith,” DEPENDENT upon “HEARING” his WORD. “…Faith cometh by HEARING… the WORD of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “…In him (Jesus, the Word) ALL THINGS  (including FAITH)…hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “… [God through Jesus, his WORD is]…sustaining ALL THINGS (including his people’s faith) … by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).

“…Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR (the WORD and originator) and FINISHER (sustainer) OF [God’s people’s]…[indwelling, spiritual fruit of]… FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…The LORD (the WORD) WILL PERFECT (grow, mature) that which concerneth me…” (Psalms 138:8 KJV). “…HE (God, the Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP [his people]... STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

 ^“….The decrees (WORDS) of the Lord are TRUSTWORTHY, making wise the simple…” (PSALM 19:7 NLT).  “…All your commands are TRUSTWORTHY…” (PSALM 119:86 NLT). “…your laws are perfect and completely TRUSTWORTHY…. “(PSALMS 119:138 NLT). “…This hope is a strong and TRUSTWORTHY anchor for our souls…” (HEBREWS 6:19 NLT). “...Everything you have heard and seen is TRUSTWORTHY and true…” (REVELATION 22:6 NLT).

 “… [God is]… WATCHING OVER [his] WORD TO PERFORM IT …” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall my word … that goeth forth out of my mouth: IT SHALL NOT RETURN UNTO ME VOID, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).  “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; ALL CAME TO PASS…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). 

“… [God through Jesus is]…sustaining ALL THINGS (including his people’s faith) … by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).

Why does God GIVE his people a “GIFT of FAITH” that must be sustained by HEARING the WORD of God? “… [God through Jesus, his WORD is]…sustaining ALL THINGS (including his people’s faith) … by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).

They need to SEE clearly they were SAVED by GRACE through spiritual FAITH and NOT themselves. It was a GIFT. “...For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves...” (EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV). “.... it is the gift of God...”(EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).

“...Not of works, lest any man (woman) should boast...”(EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).

They need to SEE, clearly, it is God’s FAITH that overflows or transfers to them in order for them to RECEIVE salvation. “…Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out (flowed or transferred) on me abundantly. Along with faith … that are ...[from God “through” Jesus, his WORD]…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV).

Everything God’s people NEED from God, the Holy Spirit, they GET it and RECEIVE by FAITH. However, “that” kind of faith is a GIFT. “…The flesh profiteth nothing (in the spiritual realm)…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…It is God which worketh [by producing the spiritual fruit of faith] in [his people]…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… Jesus Christ is in [God’s people]…” (2 Corinthians KJV).  “…the righteous, [God’s people,]... will live by “his” faith…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). “… [God’s people] live by “the faith” of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…Apart from [Jesus, the spiritual seed that produces the spiritual fruit of faith], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “...[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).

Salvation and ANYTHING else God’s people trust and depend upon God for is obtained BY the spiritual fruit of FAITH and is GIFTED to them BY the Holy Spirit. “…The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV). “….For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:6 NIV).  “…For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

The BIBLE SAYS: “…God hath dealt (GIVEN)… to every man THE measure of FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV).  “...One of “…the fruit of the Spirit… is…FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

“…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “… [One of]…the fruit of  ... [HIS] Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

The indwelling, spiritual fruit of faith is a GIFT. “…You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “… It is …[the]... Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “….every good gift and every perfect gift … cometh down from the Father of lights…..” (James 1:17 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…[SO]...What do you have that God hasn’t given you?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “… [One of]…the fruit of ... [HIS] Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “… [The GIFT is]… NOT OF YOURSELVES … not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

“…The righteous (God’s people) will live by his [gift of] faith…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). “…Christ liveth in [his people SO]…live by the [indwelling gift of] faith [which is]...of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).  

“…It was BY FAITH that Abel BROUGHT(something God’s WORD empowered him to do by faith) A MORE ACCEPTABLE OFFERING than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave EVIDENCE that he was a righteous man (you will know God’s people by their fruit), and God SHOWED his approval of his gifts (God is pleased when his people LIVE by faith in HIM). Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by HIS EXAMPLE OF FAITH…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

“…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “….Without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). “…God hath dealt (GIVEN)… to every man (woman) THE measure of FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, GIFTED each of his children with a “measure of FAITH” to ENSURE they would be PLEASING to HIM!    

The indwelling, spiritual fruit of faith empowers or strengthens God’s people to do something that they WOULD “NOT” be able to do on their own. “…It was BY FAITH that Abel BROUGHT (something God’s Word empowered him to do by faith) …” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

What God’s people do in obedience to his Word is EVIDENCE that the spiritual fruit of faith is WORKING “through” them. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

"...My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

“…It was BY FAITH that …Abel’s offering gave EVIDENCE that he was a righteous man (the spiritual fruit of faith was the evidence)…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). . “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

Manifested PROOF of God’s presence is “always” the WITNESS of his display of spiritual fruit, produced by the Holy Spirit, that is WORKING “IN” and “THROUGH” God’s people! “…It was BY FAITH that Abel brought (did something by faith) … [and] God SHOWED his approval of his gifts (God was pleased)…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “….Without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).

“… [One of]…the fruit of ... [HIS] Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “… [God GAVE each of his people] the measure of faith…” as a gift (Romans 12:3). “...For by grace are ye SAVED THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT of yourselves: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD...” (EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).

Every SAVED person has already experienced the work of God-given faith. The Holy Spirit works “IN”, “THROUGH, and “FOR” them AT salvation.

First, God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus SAVES. “….The gospel of Christ (God’s WORD, activates) … [HIS invisible]… POWER...TO...[SAVE]... EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH (accepts, receives, chooses to depend, etc.)…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

The Holy Spirit’s working POWER is witnessed through salvation. Spiritual GRACE and FAITH is transferred to the convert. Apostle Paul provides an example of how he obtained the “Spirit of faith” and totally understood it was gifted to him by God, through Jesus, during the salvation process. “…Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on (transferred to) me abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH and love that are in Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV).

The Spirit of Faith is a Gift of along with GRACE. “…the grace of God which is GIVEN ... by Jesus Christ...” (1 Corinthians 1:4 KJV). “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV).

The Spirit of Faith is the WORK of God, the Holy Spirit SENDS the Spirit of his SON into the hearts of new converts. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [the] HEARTS [of his people]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him...” (John 6:28-29 KJV). “…God has given [his people] his Spirit as PROOF…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).  “…Jesus Christ is in [them]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…The righteous will live by “his” faith…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB).

“…This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him...” (John 6:28-29 KJV). “…It is the gift of God …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN YOU WILL “PERFORM” IT until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…Jesus [is]… the AUTHOR and FINISHER OF [his people’s indwelling, spiritual fruit of]… FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…The Father [through Jesus] … he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“… I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“… [One of]…the fruit of ...[HIS] Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…Ye shall know them by their fruit…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the [invisible indwelling Holy]… Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "…My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

The Spirit of faith is “always” WITNESSED by miraculously DEEDS God’s people are EMPOWERED or STRENGTHENED to do. “…BY FAITH these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

The WORK of the Holy Spirit is witnessed through the WORKS of FAITH, done, IN, THROUGH, and FOR God’s people. “…You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…I will put a NEW SPIRIT in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “… IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…Ye shall know [those with the indwelling Spirit of FAITH]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

“…He (she) who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he (she) bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

God gives his people the “measure of faith” to ensure they receive all the benefits, favors, blessings, and abundant life he promises them.“…I am come that THEY MIGHT have life, and that THEY MIGHT have it more abundantly…” (John 10:10 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB).

 “…This [was ALL]… God’s plan: [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

“…WALK BY [the Spirit of] FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).  “...believe on him (the WORD) whom [God, the Holy Spirit] hath sent” and do “…the work of God [by “HIS” faith]...” (John 6:29 KJV).

 “….God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory…” in Christ Jesus. “… God hath dealt to each man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…IT SHALL BE DONE TO [God’s people]... ACCORDING TO ...[ THEIR indwelling, spiritual fruit of] FAITH…” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).  “…The righteous (God’s people) will live by “his” faith…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). “…Christ liveth in [his people SO they are to]…live by (via, through, by the use of, etc.) “the faith” of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

You can‘t conjure up the spiritual fruit of faith, or increase it, or decrease it, but you can water it with spiritual living water. “…Faith cometh by hearing … by the word of God” (Roman 10:17 KJV). That’s why the bible tells you to “…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Colossians 3:16 KJV).

The spiritual fruit of faith is PRODUCED every time it hears the Word, not any word, but the Word of God. Faith is not positive thinking either. Positive thinking is a product of self-effort.

Human faith becomes self-invented faith, a self-made belief system, and puffs up human ego or pride with self-motivated religiousness giving a person a reason to boast about self-effort apart from God. “….without [God-given] faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). “….Apart from [Jesus]… you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Dependence upon the indwelling, spiritual fruit of faith involves choosing to receive God’s GIFT. “…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Jesus said… I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

“…The LORD will accomplish (take care of their production of the spiritual fruit of faith)… which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “….Apart from [Jesus]… [God’s people]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “… [However, God’s people] can do all things through Christ (the originator of their faith) which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“… God will supply all [his people’s need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…What is the riches of the glory…; …CHRIST IN [them]…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in [each of them]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in [them] …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell in [his people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…The Father (the SPIRIT) that dwelleth in [them] he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “... God will supply all  [their need for the spiritual fruit of faith through Jesus]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

“…The righteous will live by “his” (jesus’) faith…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). “…Christ liveth in [God’s people SO they can CHOOSE to]…live by (via, through, by the use of, etc.) “the faith” of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

“…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT...[of faith “IN” Jesus Christ]…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…His [“HOLY” indwelling] POWER hath GIVEN unto [his people]… ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “... God will supply all [their need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

If God SUPPLIES “ALL” your NEED and he GAVE you a “measure of faith” or produces the “spiritual fruit of faith” evidently it’s necessary. “…Without [God-given] faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). Apart from Jesus Christ, “…ye can do nothing…” holy or righteous (John 15:5 KJV).“… [God] work[s] IN [you]… what is pleasing to him…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…the Father that dwelleth in [his people], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“...[God’s people]… can do all things through Christ who strengthens [them]…” (Philippians 4:13). God-given faith allows God’s people to REST in his loving CARE for them expressed in HIS WORD. “......Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief...” (Hebrews 4:10-11 KJV).

James says, “…But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.  And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone...” (James 2:18-24 NIV). God-given faith allows God’s people to actively rest in the promises of HIS Word.

Often God’s people THINK they “LACK FAITH,” but that is NOT the problem. What they LACK is the “EXERCISE of faith,” which comes from HEARING the WORD of God.  “…Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God…” (Romans 10:17 KJV).   “…Have faith in God [by HEARING his WORD]…” (Mark 11:23-24).

“…[Choose to rely on] the Lord (God’s word) with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… [choose “not” to lean] unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). If God says GIFTED faith comes from HEARING His Word, remember “...not one of the good promises which the Lord ...made failed; [but] all came to pass...” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). Faith comes... “ by hearing ... Word of God…” (Romans 10:17 KJV).  

Exercising God-given faith is hardest when human effort interferes. Most believers’ faith fails because of human effort instead of following God’s instructions to HEAR his WORD. “...Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent" (John 6:28-29 NASB). Faith (or belief in HIM) comes... “ by hearing ... Word of God…” (Romans 10:17 KJV).  

The Christian walk is a walk of faith. “...the JUST (God’s people) SHALL live by faith...” (Romans 1:17 KJV). There are two WAYS to walk by faith; HEARING the Word of God often and getting to KNOW the Word of God, personally. Faith comes... “ ...by hearing ... Word of God…” (Romans 10:17 KJV). “...The people who KNOW their God SHALL be STRONG and DO great things...[by faith]...” (Daniel 11:32 KJV).  

HEARING the Word helps God’s people to both KNOW God and EXERCISE their faith at the same time.

God’s people can read the word quietly, read it out loud, listen to it by audio, watch it on DVD, or hear it through preaching as a way to build faith.

 If God’s people choose NOT to exercise their faith it will become weak and inactivate. The walk of FAITH cannot be done in the flesh. “…The flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Human effort (human faith) accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT). “….Don't put your confidence in … people [human effort, not even your own.]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT). “…It is impossible to please God without FAITH…” (Hebrews 11:6 NLT). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV).

 “…I  (without God’s help) want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free [you] from this life that is dominated (disabled from the Holy Spirit) by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…I will put a NEW SPIRIT in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

There are more doubting Thomases than people are willing to admit. Many rely solely on what they see, but NEW CREATIONS rely solely on their God-given FAITH, without SEEING. Christ said, “...blessed are they that have NOT seen and yet have believed….” (John 20:29 KJV).

Doubt is a part of the Christian journey and every one experiences it sooner or later. Believing without seeing is not a natural practice, but a supernatural one. God is Spirit and it is normal for HIM to make things CLEARLY visible out of that which is invisible. “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…What we now SEE did not come from anything that can be SEEN…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

Because humans prefer to keep their experiences limited to the tangible realities; spiritual realities are way beyond their control, inquiries, or thinking. God, the Holy Spirit, “… is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).  “…the things which are impossible with men … POSSIBLE …” (Luke 18:27 KJV). 

However, God-given faith is unique to Christianity and it is given to all believers via a gift from God. “…God has allotted to each a measure of faith…” (Romans 12:3 NASB). “…the things which are impossible with men … are POSSIBLE with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit… is…FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).

Human faith, which is flesh is NOT God-given faith, which is Spirit.  "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV).

“….every good gift and every perfect gift … cometh down from the Father of lights…..” (James 1:17 KJV).“…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…A man can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “… [One of]…the fruit of the [HIS] Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “… [The GIFT is]… NOT OF YOURSELVES, … not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV),

In addition, the object of God-given faith also makes it unique from other objects of faith since the object is God, the SOVEREIGN Holy Spirit. “… there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things and we in Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him…” (1 Corinthians 8:6 KJV).

“… I am God, and there is none else… I am God, and there is none like me…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV).  “… there is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

God-given faith, when exercised, will empower and strengthen God’s people to be CERTAIN and CONFIDENT of who God is, what he says, and what he can DO. “…for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him…” (Hebrew 11:6 KJV).

God-given faith was NOT given to make you feel condemned, but to HELP you. God is COMMITTED to HELPING you that why he gave you the “measure of faith” or the “spiritual fruit of faith.” “…I do believe, [choose, accept your way God, but] help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV).  “…A double minded man (or woman) is unstable in all [of] his (her) ways…” (James 1:8 KJV).

 “…He helps [his people]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps [his people]... in [their]... weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…[God is his people’s]... helper and ... savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

Struggling with faith is quite common and many great saints have struggled with faith. King David, during one of his many struggles said, “…why art thou cast down, O my soul: and why are thou disquieted within me…?” (Psalm 43:5 KJV).

King David used his God-given faith and said to himself “……hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God….” (Psalm 43:5 KJV).

Many cry out to God, “….help thou mine unbelief….” (Mark 9:24 KJV). God will answer and send the Holy Spirt to help our infirmities “… The Holy Spirit helps [his people]... in [their]... weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).

Even though King David struggled with his faith, God said he was a man “…after his own heart…” (1 Samuel 13:14 KJV).

Believers are encouraged to walk by faith and are reminded that “….without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).

HEARING the Word powerfully empowers or strengthens God’s people to RESPOND BY FAITH through obedience. “...God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill...” (Numbers 23:19 NIV).

“Not one of all the LORD's good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:45 NIV).

If God said his God-given FAITH comes by HEARING; then it does. It’s up to you to choose to trust and depend upon HEARING the Word of God in order to truly WALK by the indwelling, spiritual fruit of faith.

“….according to your faith (whichever one you are using (human or divine)… let it be done to you…” (Matthew 9:29 ASV).