Leaving Our Old Life Behind through Baptism
August 15, 2026
Faith Is Established through Spiritual Gifts
Faith Is Established through Spiritual Gifts
Strengthened by the Spirit to Stand Firm
The word "established" means to be made firm, stable, and unshakable in faith. Paul knew that although the Roman believers already had faith, they still needed spiritual reinforcement to withstand trials, false teachings, and persecution. Therefore, he longed to impart spiritual gifts so they would be established, while both he and they would be encouraged through their mutual faith.
Faith is the foundation of the believer's life. The Bible declares, "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6), "We walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7), and "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). True faith is not merely believing that God can do something; it is trusting the authority of His Word and allowing it to overrule the facts of our temporary circumstances.
The centurion demonstrated this faith when his servant was healed because he recognized the authority Jesus carried and believed that His word alone was sufficient (Matthew 8:5-13). Likewise, the disciples could not heal the boy with epilepsy until Jesus intervened (Matthew 17:14-18). Jesus later explained that their failure was because of unbelief and that some things require prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:19-21). Prayer and fasting strengthen our faith and deepen our dependence upon God.
When Jesus sent His disciples out two by two, He gave them authority over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7). After His resurrection, He breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit (John 20:22), moving them from serving under His external authority to having the Source of that authority dwelling within them.
The Holy Spirit does not merely give spiritual gifts to display God's power. He manifests them to strengthen and establish believers in their faith. Through the manifestations of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11), He turns faith into the substance and evidence of unseen realities, equips believers to stand firm in seasons of trials and persecution, and brings mutual encouragement to the body of Christ, just as Paul desired for the believers in Rome.
No matter what someone faces in life, what matters is whether their faith remains anchored in God. Spiritual gifts are given to strengthen believers, establish them in unwavering faith, and build up the body of Christ. As we submit to the Holy Spirit, trust God's Word, and walk in faith, we become steadfast, unshakable, and mutually encouraged for the glory of God.
SOW THIS WORD INTO YOUR SOUL
