Discover Your Spiritual Identity!
The Revelation of the Names and Titles God Has Given His People
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who are of THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH” (Gal. 6:10, MEV).
Two primary definitions are assigned to the word “faith.” First, our “faith” is the sum of religious principles on which we base our lives; second, it is the act of believing in God and trusting His promises.
The word “household” can mean either a family or all those residing in the same home. As born-again believers, we are part of the same family—a relationship that is revealed not by denominational affiliation but by a mutual, authentic faith in the One who is our Savior and Redeemer.
Strangely, the word “faith” only appears twice in the Old Testament but over 240 times in the New Covenant—so it is definitely an emphasis in this era. There is much to be learned about this spiritual “substance” that Paul calls the “mystery of the faith” (Heb. 11:1; 1 Tim. 3:9). Here are eight primary aspects to that “mystery” revealed:
(3) Faith is awakened by God’s Word and is necessary to receive God’s Spirit—”Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Then, as we speak the “word of faith,” we are saved (Rom. 10:8). Next, we go on to “receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Gal. 3:14). As we partake of the “spirit of faith” (a title for the Holy Spirit), we are empowered to accomplish great things for the kingdom (2 Cor. 4:13).
(4) Faith justifies us in the sight of God—Christians are “justified by faith” (Rom. 5:1). To be justified means to be legally acquitted of all guilt, as if we never sinned, and recognized as righteous in the sight of God.
(5) Faith is a spiritual weapon—Paul exhorted Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith” and “lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:12). There are so many adversaries on this journey from time to eternity, within and without. We war against literal powers of darkness, as well as dark attitudes and thoughts that churn within our own hearts and minds. One way we fight is by speaking to “mountains” with the authority of God’s Word (see Mark 11:23).
(6) Faith grants ultimate victory—First John 5:4 says, “Whoever is born of God overcomes the world, and the victory that overcomes the world is our faith.” There is nothing that this world can throw at us that faith cannot overpower—one way or the other.
(7) Faith activates resurrection power—At the graveside of Lazarus, Jesus asserted, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). When we believe that the Father raised His Son from the dead, our souls are saved (see Rom. 10:8-10). Then we go on to believe God will raise us from the dead and we are to live forever in His presence.
(8) Faith will bring us to perfection eternally—Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV) reveals that the five-fold ministry exists to build up the body of Christ “till we all come to the unity of the faith . . . to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (v. 13). So faith will ultimately bring us to absolute perfection, completion, glorification and fullness—finally emerging in the full image of the firstborn Son. How amazing is that!
God gives us the power to believe and then blesses us eternally because we believe. May all the glory return to Him!
To explore this wonderful subject more deeply, listen to two recent episodes of Mike Shreve’s weekly podcast called “Discover Your Spiritual Identity”: The Unconquerable “Household of Faith” and Two Parables that Increase Faith.
Some of our podcasts are also available in a video format on our YouTube channel: YouTube.com/mikeshreveministries. {eoa}
A product of the Jesus Movement Era, Mike Shreve has traveled evangelistically in the United States and overseas since 1970 with an emphasis on healing and the prophetic. His primary biblical teaching for over 35 years has been the spiritual identity of believers. This powerful insight is featured on his weekly podcast on cpnshows.com and his TV program—both titled Discover Your Spiritual Identity. It is also the theme of his Charisma House book titled WHO AM I? Dynamic Declarations of Who You Are in Christ. The first three categories on his YouTube website expand on this amazing revelation: YouTube.com/mikeshreveministries.
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