Romans 12:3 (NKJV) For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
It is difficult to maintain peace and joy when we are in transition because our measure of faith must be at the same level as—if not higher than—our income. How can we trust God for a specific amount when we have never exercised faith in finances? Therefore, it would be wise to trust Him for our finances and live a purposeful life for Him as early as possible.
It can be done if we practice the biblical financial principles of trusting God to provide for us so we can do good work. This will ensure that when we have faith in God, our finances will not just be for ourselves but also a channel of blessings to others.
We need to know that there is a difference between growing the measure of faith and the gift of faith in the area of finance. We cannot ask God to increase our faith because we are responsible for growing our faith. All of us have been given a measure of faith to know what we can believe God for, and we can grow our faith by listening to the Word and exercising our faith by stepping out to believe Him. Our confidence to step out in faith increases as we take the first step to exercise our faith. Our measure of faith increases after watering God’s Word in our hearts. However, we should not overstretch our faith level unless God has personally given us a word of promise (Rhema Word). Otherwise, it would be presumptuous and silly to hope that things will work out.
1 Corinthians 12:7-8 (NKJV) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit,
In contrast, the gift of faith in this passage is a gift from God and doesn’t come by hearing the Word. It differs from the measure of faith, which we exercise to believe God for something after He has spoken to us. The gift of faith is a supernatural impartation from God to believe in the impossible at that moment—from a project to a massive amount for a business—when God manifests because of the calling on this person’s life. It prevents a person from being concerned about the facts.
If we do not apply God’s biblical principles and do well financially, we will be prideful. However, if we live consecrated lives, apply faith and do well in the business and corporate world, we will do good works as the Lord leads, and God will get the glory.
Sermon Series: Growing our Faith in God (Part 3)
信心和财务的管家
罗马书 12:3 我凭着所赐给我的恩对你们个人说,不要看自己过于当看的,要照着神所分给个人信心的大小,看得合乎中道。
在转型期,很难保持心中的平安与喜乐,因为我们信心的大小和收入是持平的,如果不是比我们的收入更高。当我们从未在财务上操练信心,又怎能相信上帝能让我们拥有特定的金额呢?因此,明智的做法是尽早在我们的财务上信靠祂,并为祂过一个有目的的人生。
如果我们操练圣经的财务原则,相信神会供应我们来做善工,这些是可以实现的。这将确保当我们对神有信心时,我们的财务不仅是为了我们自己,也是祝福他人的管道!
我们需要明白,在财务领域里,增强信心的大小和信心的恩赐是有区别的。我们不能要求上帝增加我们的信心,因为增强信心是我们责任。我们所有人都被赋予一定程度的信心;知道我们可以相信神什么。我们可以通过听神的话来增强对神的信心,并通过迈出一步去相信祂来操练我们的信心。当我们迈出第一步来操练我们的信心时,我们对凭信心走出去的确信就会增长。在用神的话浇灌我们的心之后,我们信心大小就会增长。然而,除非神亲自赐给我们应许的话(Rhema话语),不然我们不应该过度扩张我们的信心。否则,希期望事情能顺利进行将变得贸然且愚蠢的。
哥林多前书 12:7-9a 圣灵显在各人身上,是叫人得益处。 这人蒙圣灵赐他智慧的言语,那人也蒙这位圣灵赐他知识的言语,又有一人蒙这位圣灵赐他信心,
相比之下,在这段经文中,信心的恩赐是来自上帝的恩赐,并非通过聆听话语而得。它不同于信心的大小,即在神对我们说话后,我们在某件事上学习相信神。信心的恩赐是神超自然的赋予,在那一刻相信不可能的事会发生,可能是一个项目到一笔巨额的生意,这是因为这个人生命的呼召而彰显的。它防止人因事实而担心。
如果我们没有应用神的圣经原则而在财务上很成功,我们就会骄傲。然而,如果我们过着分别为圣的生活,操练信心并在生意和企业界取得成功时,我们就会按照主的指引行善,且神会得到荣耀。
讲章系列:在神里面让信心生发成长 (第三部份)
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