Do We Receive Faith?

[Martin Marprelate]

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.

 

[Kai]

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.'

What is "it" that has been granted?

Philippians 1:27 (ESV)
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel

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.

If faith has been received and is a settled matter, then why does Paul instruct the Corinthians to be "found faithful" in the sight of God?

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (ESV)
Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.

 

[LaGrange]

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

I agree. We call it a charismatic gift as seen in 1 Cor 12:9 “To another, faith in the same spirit: to another, the grace of healing in one Spirit:” (DRV) It’s a gift but also a gift for the whole church. This particular kind of faith is an extraordinary confidence in obtaining anything or in working miracles. It is not the common faith of all believers. An example would be Matt 15:28.

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.

I think this particular kind of Faith is not the same faith that all Christians have. It’s built on top of that same general faith all christians have but it’s given to only a few of those same christians. It’s like the gift of teaching: 1 Cor 12:28 “And God indeed hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors: after that miracles: then the graces of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches. (DRV) Not everyone is given the ability to teach. Of course, not everyone performs miracles, heals or prophecies either.

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.

I agree. It’s all received.