What does it mean "Each has been given a measure of faith" in Romans 12:3?
Romans 12:3
ESV - 3 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.
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Asked March 10 2015
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Bill Gillan
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Anthony Clinton
In context and related to the individual gifting of Christians mentioned in the following verses. The measure of faith is specifically relevant to the kind of gift one is called to exercise. If a person was motivated by pride and self will to present themselves as a prophet when they had never been called to exercise such a gift then that would not be their measure of faith but presumption. Faith is based upon the Word of God and every calling is directed by the word of God. So again,in context the measure of faith is related to the gift and personal calling of the believer and especially as seen in Rom 12:6 'prophesy according to the proportion of their faith'! The measure of faith needed for prophesying is obviously much higher than for serving or giving which are some other gifts mentioned in the same context. When people are called to a gifting the fruit of the gift is generated by the measure of faith imparted by God to fulfill that specific calling. Some have sought ministries that they have never had the measure of faith to perform such a ministry. It would be like a dissatisfied Doctor deciding he'd rather be a police commissioner, their qualification exempts them from such a foolish desire.
Matthew Miller
Supporter
Many times I've asked this question, "How do you know that our Heavenly Fathers called you to serve this particular area?" my question is to recognize Gods blessing and not to be come confused by others who rather see you serve for their benefit. I believe once we become a Follower in Jesus Christ and began to grow by faith, through studies, and prayer God will guide our service to Him based on temperament strength, as well weaknesses, our ability to listen, and our submission. Once we find ourselves to be guilty of sin, undeserving of the sacrifice God made, and see ourselves making more mistakes as a believer in Jesus Christ than a lost soul, the Holy Spirit will guide us to our gift. The joy finding Life excites our soul, so jumping into servitude can become discouraging and even a set back if we try doing to much at one time. Our eyes for the first time get a glimpse of Jesus's love and our hearts desire fills with endless energy. This energy needs gas, to be nurtured, and kept running by reading the bible, studies, and worship. The only answer I seem to agree with, if your heart is leading you to serve, be sure you attend a non-reformed bible college, remember how Jesus teaches by agape love, and foremost important God will have you serve out of your comfort zone. Resistance will be persistent, we our not of this world, everything living in this world does not like those who do not belong to the world, and no one, "NO ONE", will like you because sin nature is exposed by the works of the Holy Spirit.
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