C.A.C Sunday School Manual For July 21, 2024 Lesson 26: Topic – FAITH: A POWER GIFT

2024 SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

UNIT 4: GOD GIVES POWER AND REVELATION GIFTS

THEME: SPIRITUAL POWER AND GIFTS FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST

LESSON Twenty-Six

21th July, 2024

TOPIC: FAITH: A POWER GIFT

MEMORY SCRIPTURE

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

The gift of faith is a power gift by which the Holy Spirit works through the gifted in a mustard seed-like faith that moves mountains.

*BRIEF COMMENT*

Faith serves as a foundational requirement for establishing a relationship with God and living ones life in accordance with His divine plan. It goes beyond a vague sense of spirituality, encompassing a profound trust in God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Those who approach God must firmly believe that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him, emphasising His active involvement in the lives of sincere seekers. The term, “diligently seek Him” underscores the need for a deep, unwavering and genuine quest to know, love and obey God. This calls believers to ground their lives in faith and nurture a profound relationship with God through persistent seeking.

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

*Mon. 15:* “And God Said”: Faith’s Irresistible Expression (Gen. 1:3)

*Tue. 16:* Faith That Surmounts The Giant (1 Sam. 17:44-50)

*Wed. 17:* Valiant Faith In Action (1 Kgs. 17:1-7)

*Thur. 18:* A Jaw-Bone: Faith’s Mysterious Weapon (Jdg. 15:14-16)

*Fri. 19:* Deborah, An Exemplary Woman Of Faith (Jdg. 4:9)

*Sat. 20:* Stand Firm Courageously In The Faith (1 Cor. 16:13)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

1. The gift of faith is a testament to the boundless potential of the human spirit in cooperation with the Holy Spirit.

2. It is a powerful reminder that, with God, all things are possible, and thus encourages believers to tap into their spiritual potentials to accomplish great things for the glory of God.

*BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE:* Mark 16:18.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

*AIM:* To present faith as a power gift of the Holy Spirit.

OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

i. prove faith as a power gift; and

ii. appropriate faith and demonstrate it.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCE: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:9A; HEBREWS 11:1FF

We discussed Gift of Giving in our last lesson. Our thanks therefore go to the Almighty God who has enlightened us on the path to receiving more blessings. May we be willing and obedient, in Jesus’ name.

“Faith: A Power Gift” is our focus this week. Faith, an intangible, yet profoundly transformative power gift, transcends the boundaries of the visible world and bestows upon us an extraordinary ability to navigate life’s uncertainties with unwavering confidence and hope. It dynamically ignites our spirits, empowers our actions, and enriches our inner landscapes, enabling us to believe in the unseen, strive for the seemingly impossible, and transcend limitations. Rooted in the very essence of human experience, it serves as a guiding light in moments of darkness and doubt. It beckons us to trust in the unseen, to embrace the unknown with courage, and to cultivate an unshakeable conviction that propels us forward, even when challenges appear insurmountable.

As we look at faith as a power gift, we pray that our faith will be ignited to soar higher into the realms of the supernatural and work wondrously to the glory of God.

LESSON OUTLINE

*I. DEFINITION OF FAITH AS A POWER GIFT*

*II. DEMONSTRATION OF FAITH AS A POWER GIFT*

*LESSON EXPOSITION*

*I. DEFINITION OF FAITH AS A POWER GIFT (Heb. 11:1ff; 1 Cor. 12:9a)*

To another faith by the same Spirit… (1 Cor. 12:9a).

a) Faith is one of the spiritual gifts classified as a power gift.

b) It is an extraordinary and supernatural ability to trust in God with unwavering confidence and believe in His promises, guidance, and miraculous intervention, even in situations that seem impossible, or contrary to human understanding (cf. Jer. 32:17; Mk. 5:27-29; 10:27; Lk. 1:37; Rom. 4:19-21).

c) It is not the general saving faith that all believers have (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 10:17), but a supernatural manifestation of faith given by the Holy Spirit for specific situations and purposes.

d) It is a gift that empowers a believer to have an extraordinary level of trust and confidence in God’s ability to work miracles, provide solutions, and bring about His purposes.

e) Heb. 11:1ff: It is not based on human effort but is a divine enablement to access God’s power and trust Him on a deeper level.

f) Heb. 11:6: We must recognise that the gift of faith operates in conjunction with the believer’s relationship with God, His Word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

g) Just like love, faith is not meant to be defined, rather, it must be demonstrated.

h) Patience in praying and waiting is needed in order to activate faith.

II. DEMONSTRATION OF FAITH AS A POWER GIFT (1 Cor. 12:9a)

And being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform (Rom. 4:21).

a) Heb. 11:23: Faith demonstrates remarkable confidence in God, even in the midst of seeming impossibilities. It trusts in God’s sovereignty to intervene in miraculous ways (Exo. 2:2).

b) 1 Sam. 7:5ff: Faith prayers often carry a sense of certainty and conviction that God will act (Gen. 4:4; 1 Sam. 7:8-11; Dan. 2:17- 19). By faith, the Precious Stone Society started at Saint Saviour’s Anglican Church, Italupe, Ijebu-Ode in July, 1918.

c) Mk. 5:27-29: The gifted have a heightened ability to believe and expect supernatural interventions, and inspire others to do the same. Joseph Ayo Babalola rested in the LORD in 1959 after years of faith demonstration in powerful ways.

d) Gen. 12:1,4: The gift enables believers to step out in obedience, even in uncertainties, trusting God’s provision, guidance, and fulfilment (cf. Rth. 1:16-17; Matt. 14:28-29; Heb. 11:8-10).

e) Acts 11:23-24: The gifted encourages and strengthens the faith of others (cf. Rth. 3:1-4, 11; Acts 13:43; 20:23). In 1917, Pastor D. O. Odubanjo got The Sword of the Spirit Magazine, built his faith through sound doctrine before starting the prayer meeting in Warri, where he was transferred to.

f) This gift empowers individuals to overcome fear and doubt, both in their own lives and when helping others (Jos. 2:8-16).

g) The gift, like other spiritual gifts, is ultimately for God’s glory and the edification of the Church. The gifted should use it in humility, seeking God’s guidance and relying on the Holy Spirit’s leading.

h) Even a small amount of genuine faith can bring about significant change and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles (Matt. 17:20)

LESSONS DERIVED

1. Faith teaches us the importance of patience and trust in the divine programme and timing.

2. Faith empowers us to take risks and pursue our aspirations, despite potential challenges.

QUESTIONS

1. Vividly explain faith as a power gift.

2. Mention some other demonstration of faith as a power gift apart from the few mentioned in this lesson.

SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

ANSWER TO QUESTION 1

Refer to part I and II of the lesson exposition.

Faith as a power gift is like a spiritual supercharger, enabling believers to operate at a level of trust and confidence in God that leads to extraordinary results and manifestations of His power.

* It is a gift that, when fully embraced and exercised, can bring about profound change, both in the lives of individuals and in the world around them.

ANSWER TO QUESTION 2

 Individuals with the gift of faith pray with great confidence, believing that their prayers are not in vain and that God will answer them according to His will.

Engaging in spiritual warfare with unwavering confidence, knowing that they would overcome spiritual forces of darkness through their faith in Christ’s victory.

Faith-driven generosity goes beyond ordinary giving. Those with this gift may give sacrificially, trusting that God will provide for their needs and bless them abundantly.

Those engaged in full-time ministry often experience extraordinary provision for their work and mission, as they trust God to meet the needs of their ministry and outreach efforts.

Faith as a power gift can empower individuals to overcome fear and anxiety, replacing them with trust and peace in God’s sovereignty.

* Believers patiently endure seasons of waiting, trusting that God’s timing is perfect and that His promises will be fulfilled.

LIFE APPLICATION

In a high-stakes laboratory, a dedicated medical researcher toiled relentlessly in the quest to discover a cure for a devastating disease. The pressure was immense, and the odds seemed daunting. Yet, this researcher possessed an unyielding faith in the scientific process and an unshakable belief that a breakthrough was within reach. Setbacks and moments of uncertainty weren’t deterring his resolve; instead, his unwavering faith propelled him to venture into uncharted realms of knowledge. Likewise, the gift of faith in a believer’s life provides the strength to endure adversity, maintain a belief in divine miracles, and pursue spiritual victories. Those endowed with this gift are guided by an absolute trust in God’s plan and Omnipotence, launching them into experiences of profound successes in their spiritual journey.

*CONCLUSION*

AIl glory and adoration to God Almighty, the Beginning and the End. He has once again helped us to the end of this faith-stirring lesson. We trust that you will begin to trust God for great things, even as you begin to humbly and faithfully attempt great things for Him. The gift is for you; go for it.

*NOTE*