22/02/2015 - THE SAME SPIRIT OF FAITH

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And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak.  2 Corinthians 4.13

This declaration from the Lord, made by Apostle Paul, provides to the weak and failing believers the capacity of not being influenced by the devil’s lies. There is no such thing as some being privileged, and others, despised. Everyone has been given the same spirit of faith. Therefore, no child of God will fail in the missions that are given to him. The difference is in the fact of believing or not.

The declaration that we are studying does not leave any room for doubt that the Lord treats us equally. As you learn what you should do, do not let yourself be led by the deception that you do not have the conditions to fulfill the divine order. Since you are in the same spirit of faith, you have received the necessary abilities to fulfill your calling. Therefore, strive to do what you have been ordered.

The Bible declares that the Lord gave to everyone that He received in His kingdom a measure of faith, but the spirit is the same. This portion supplies our needs, aiming to fulfill the divine will. It is possible to increase this portion, for the disciples asked it to Jesus, and He did not say that it was impossible. When He answered, He said that if their faith was of the size of a mustard seed, they would be able to transport a tree into the middle of the sea (Lk 17.5,6).

The formula to acquire it is to listen to the Word (Rm 10.17). As He answered about the power that a person with little faith has, the Master encouraged His followers to increase the faith that they had. However, if you feel that you need a greater portion, ask the Lord to increase it. Then, He will make you understand the Scriptures better. But this will not be made for your personal delight, or for any specific or egoistic purpose.

All who believe must speak, rebuke evil, undo the works of evil, and declare themselves victorious. Whoever does not believe remains silent, consents and suffers with the damage that the devil causes. Our spiritual lives work according to our confession and the declarations that we make about what we believe in the divine Word. Jesus did not have any doubts that He and the Father were one (Jo 10.30). Now, whoever is united to the Lord is one with Him, and therefore, must talk with boldness.

If we believe in what the Scriptures say, we will also tell our mountain to be removed and thrown at the sea. We will not let the devil destroy us, shame us, or take us from our position in Christ. Those who cower, retreat, do not proceed, and do not take hold of what belongs to them will have to give explanations to the Lord concerning the reason that they did not use the talents that they received.

At last, having the same spirit of faith, we can do the same things that Jesus did (Jo 14.12). This was exactly what He said that would happen in the lives of all who believed in Him. In fact, we are the justice of God through Christ (2 Co 5.21).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares