Some words we use mean very different things depending on the context in which they are being used. We use the word love when we reference an idea, a friend, a picture or animal but also use it when referencing our feelings for our spouse, parent, or even a sexual experience. Obviously, the meaning of the word changes depending on how we use the word.
I was in a discussion group where a person referenced a Bible verse of which the latter part reads this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith (1 John 5:4). Great, encouraging words. In my mind snapped the question, “Is this faith a cerebral or divine type faith”? I asked the question and received a lot of puzzled looks which sort of caught me off-guard.
You may believe a chair will hold you up, a gondola will carry you across a chasm, the sun will rise tomorrow, or God does exist. Those all reference a belief that is based on how you think of any of those things. But is that the same definition Jesus used when He said If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Matthew 21:22, NIV) or The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news! (Mark 1:15, NIV) or Paul used when he wrote That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9, NIV)? Absolutely not!
Whether you use any of the related terms like believe, faith or trust as the Bible primarily does, the words are intended to call for there being be an internal conviction, relying fully on, or having deep confidence in God. Paul says this type of faith doesn’t come from a person’s mind, rather … God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3, KJV). The Bible defines this type of faith as … the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1, ESV). John’s use of the word faith referred to earlier (1 John 5:4) is the type of faith that brings about the victory that has overcome the world.
You can identify the source of your faith by pausing for a moment and considering if it came from your mind or emotions (soul) or from your intuition (spirit). We often think because Jesus was also God that His knowledge came from His deity. However, He chose to set aside His deity (Phil. 2:7) in order to limit Himself to live with the very same tools you and I have available to us. Notice how He operated. And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? (Mark 2:8, ESV). His spirit had a direct link to the very same spirit that is within each believer. This Holy Spirit gives us His faith and knowledge just as the Holy Spirit did with Jesus. I’m currently taking a step of faith to do what I intuitively sense may be the Spirit urging me to take. I am fully confident if I step in the wrong direction, He will let me know and will not chide me. He will do the same for you. That is kind of Heavenly Father we serve!
This begs the question: Is the faith you possess and knowledge you practice based on the same divinely revealed source Jesus depended upon, or, could it be your faith and knowledge of God is based on cerebral indoctrination? I sense that all believers do want to receive supernatural faith and knowledge as Jesus did through divine revelation. If you sense deep within that the Spirit is urging your intuition to do something, step out and take a chance. At least test the water as Peter did. He won’t chide you or let you sink but instead move you forward in your faith journey.