The concept of a “measure of faith” is found in Romans 12:3, which says: “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” So what exactly does this verse mean when it refers to the “measure of faith” that God assigns to each person?
There are a few key things to understand about this verse in its context:
1. It comes in a passage where Paul is exhorting believers to live in a way that honors God and serves others. Right before this verse, he urges them to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” and “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom 12:1-2). So this verse on the measure of faith is part of Paul’s instructions for Christian living.
2. Paul says we should have sober judgment about ourselves – not thinking too highly or too lowly. We should think about ourselves with an accurate, balanced perspective.
3. As we think rightly about ourselves, we should remember that God has given each of us “a measure of faith.” The word for “measure” refers to the portion of faith apportioned to each believer by God.
4. This indicates that faith is a gift from God, not something we can manufacture or conjure up on our own. God has sovereignly assigned and entrusted a certain capacity for faith to each Christian.
5. The point is not that some Christians have more faith than others – as if it’s a competition. Rather, we all have been given the exact measure of faith we need to live for Christ and serve Him effectively.
So in summary, the “measure of faith” refers to the God-given capacity to trust in Him that every believer has received. The essential points are:
– Faith originates with God. It is not self-generated.
– God dispenses this gift of faith to every Christian, so we all have what we need to live the Christian life.
– We should think rightly and humbly about ourselves, recognizing that our faith comes from God’s grace.
– We must be good stewards of this “measure of faith” and live by faith as God intended.
There are differing interpretations on exactly how God apportions faith to believers, but a few main views are:
1. All Christians receive the exact same quantity of faith. God measures out the same amount to each person. There is equality among believers in the amount of faith they are given.
2. God gives different amounts of faith based on His wisdom and plans for each believer’s life and service. Some are given larger measures of faith than others.
3. The measure refers not to quantity but function. God gives each Christian sufficient faith to fulfill their unique role and purpose in the body of Christ.
4. The measure refers to the proportion of faith in relation to the light and revelation a believer has received. Those entrusted with more gifts, knowledge, and responsibility are expected to exercise more faith.
The first view emphasizes the equality of believers – we all have the same capacity for faith in God. The other views see more distinction in how faith is apportioned based on God’s sovereignty and His plans for each life.
No matter which view is correct, the main point is that every believer has received their allotted portion of faith as a gracious gift from God. We should humbly recognize that our faith originates from God’s grace toward us. And we should steward this faith well for God’s glory.
As we consider how to use the measure of faith God has given each of us, Scripture suggests several important functions and manifestations of faith:
– Trusting God in the midst of trials and suffering (1 Pet 1:6-7)
– Believing God for boldness in witness and ministry (Acts 4:29-31)
– Stability and steadfastness in the Christian walk (2 Cor 1:24)
– Exercising gifts to serve others in the church (Rom 12:6-8)
– Persevering through persecution for the sake of the gospel (1 Thess 1:3)
– Living free from bondage to sin (Rom 6:11-14)
– Receiving healing and miracles by God’s power (Acts 3:16)
– Overcoming the assaults and accusations of the enemy (1 Pet 5:8-9)
– Holding firmly to Christian doctrine and truth (Titus 1:9)
– Having a vision for God’s plans that inspires and motivates (Rom 4:18-21)
This is not an exhaustive list, but it shows some of the key ways the measure of faith given to believers is activated and expressed. Our faith enables us to receive God’s grace (Rom 5:2), overcome obstacles (Mark 11:22-24), walk in holiness (1 Pet 1:14-16), access spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:9), and hope in God’s promises (Heb 11:1).
In summary, the measure of faith is the gift of capacity to believe God that He has sovereignly given to each Christian according to His grace and wisdom. Though interpretations differ, we all have been equipped with the exact measure of faith required for our calling and purpose. This faith is manifested through trusting God, believing His Word, relying on His strength, and living out His will for our lives. We can be confident that the measure of faith He has assigned is exactly what we need to pursue His glory and enjoy relationship with Him.