The Life of Faith (Pt. 16) - How To Use Your Faith For Others
We began our teaching this week from Matthew 8:5-13. In this powerful message, the centurion’s request was unique—not for himself, but for his servant. He recognized Jesus' authority and believed that just a word from Christ would be enough. Jesus marveled at this and called it great faith. What set this faith apart was not its size, but its direction. It wasn’t self-centered; it was selfless. And in that very hour, the servant was healed.
This should remind of a central, often overlooked principle of the Christian faith: what God gives us is never meant to end with us. The story of the Roman centurion who came to Jesus on behalf of his servant highlights a profound truth—faith is not just for personal breakthrough; it is a tool God entrusts to us for the benefit of others.
We are challenged to ask ourselves: who in our lives are we believing for? Have we confined our faith to personal needs alone?
Everything God Gives You Must Bless Others
Every blessing—be it material provision, spiritual gifts, or influence—is a trust from God. We are not the end goal. Like a pipe that carries water and gets wet in the process, we are conduits of God’s grace. Our lives are to overflow into others'. If we only ever use our faith for our own advancement, we miss the point of why God gives us anything at all.
James 4:3 warns that unanswered prayers often stem from selfish motives. Similarly, Hannah received her son Samuel only after she aligned her desire with God's purpose. When our faith has vision beyond ourselves, heaven responds.
Fruitfulness for the Sake of Others
Scripture describes the blessed man as a tree planted by rivers of water, bearing fruit in due season (Psalm 1). But fruit isn’t for the tree—it’s for others.
Abraham was blessed to be a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12). If we are not considering how what we receive can benefit the kingdom, we’re not truly walking in the fullness of our faith.
God is both loving and strategic. He gives with purpose and expects a return on His investments. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).
The Call to Manifesting Faith
There are levels to faith. Receiving faith brings personal victory. But manifesting faith reaches out and transforms the lives of others.
Manifesting faith is the kind of faith Moses used to carry an entire nation from Egypt through the wilderness. It’s the kind of faith the centurion had. It's the kind of faith we are called to cultivate.
We are exhorted not just to be people of faith, but to be vessels through whom faith flows. Whether for healing, salvation, or breakthrough, our faith should be actively engaged in lifting others.
How to Use Your Faith for Others
1. Connection is Key
To use faith on someone else’s behalf, a connection must exist. This could be relational—family, friends, church members—or spiritual, through compassion. Compassion is the bridge that allows faith to flow. Without it, there is no real ministry. Even Jesus’ healing power was often preceded by compassion.
2. Leverage Revelation and Rhema
Faith must stand on divine insight. To pray effectively for others, we must find scriptural promises (revelation) and seek the Holy Spirit’s direction (rhema). For example, when interceding for a prodigal family member, we might stand on Jesus' promise that none given to Him will be lost. A rhema word, when it comes, provides specific instructions or encouragement that propels the faith assignment forward.
3. Involve Them When Necessary
Sometimes, using faith for others requires their participation—especially when there’s a rhema that involves action. When Jesus fed the 5,000, they had to sit in groups and present what little they had. At other times, like with the centurion’s servant, the person may be unaware entirely. Wisdom lies in discerning which situation you’re in.
4. Teach and Guide the Process
If the person is involved, help them understand what God is doing. Encourage obedience to any instruction, guard their confession, and create an atmosphere of faith. Unbelief or disobedience can sabotage the outcome, even when faith is present.
A Warning and a Hope
We are cautioned that seasoned Christians, because of familiarity and pride, often resist help. Baby believers and the unchurched, however, tend to receive in simplicity and humility. Let us remain teachable, lest we forfeit what God wants to do through others’ faith on our behalf.
Finally, while someone else's faith may carry us for a time, only our own faith can take us into destiny. There comes a point when we must rise and believe God for ourselves. Miracles may pave the way, but entering the Promised Land requires our own step of faith.