Philippians 1:29. 'For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.'
The Greek word translated 'granted' is charizomai, from which we get the word 'charismatic.' It has the meaning of 'bestowed' or 'freely given.' Faith is therefore a gift of God. Upon whom is it bestowed? Upon those described in Phil. 1:1: 'To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi' and by extension to all saints everywhere.
Paul asks the Corinthians, 'What do you have that you did not receive?' (1 Cor. 4:7). The context is not directly to faith, but it's worth asking ourselves the question.
Suffering is not the spiritual gift that most people hope for, but suffering nobly borne can, in the will of God, have a profound effect upon unbelievers, as the suffering of Naomi did upon Ruth.
The Greek word translated 'granted' is charizomai, from which we get the word 'charismatic.' It has the meaning of 'bestowed' or 'freely given.' Faith is therefore a gift of God. Upon whom is it bestowed? Upon those described in Phil. 1:1: 'To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi' and by extension to all saints everywhere.
Paul asks the Corinthians, 'What do you have that you did not receive?' (1 Cor. 4:7). The context is not directly to faith, but it's worth asking ourselves the question.
Suffering is not the spiritual gift that most people hope for, but suffering nobly borne can, in the will of God, have a profound effect upon unbelievers, as the suffering of Naomi did upon Ruth.
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