Faith/Faithfulness - Fruit of the Spirit
As we continue our journey on the fruit of the Spirit, we come to the fruit, ‘faithfulness’ or as translated in the King James, Webster’s Bible, and Young’s Literal Translation, ‘faith’.
The Greek word used which is translated as either faith or faithfulness is pistis. Pistis is defined as: fidelity, faithfulness, (i.e. the character of one who can be relied on), faith, and belief.
The root word of pistis is peitho which means: to be persuaded, to listen to obey, yield to, comply, to trust, and to have confidence. The word pistis therefore, can possibly be translated as a ‘firm persuasion, a conviction based upon hearing, and it is used always of faith in God or Christ, or spiritual things.
As you can see, the word pistis as used in Scripture can have many meanings. When searching out the definition of the word ‘fidelity’, which is used often for the word pistis, we see that synonyms for fidelity are: faith, integrity, devotion, loyalty, trustworthiness, and steadfastness. I believe these words can be used to help us understand the scope of the fruit of the Spirit of ‘faith’ or ‘faithfulness’.
In Titus 2:10 (ESV), “not pilfering, but showing all good faith (pistis), so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.“ We see ‘pistis’ translated as faith and tells of the benefit of having faith.
Theologians have long disagreed on the translations of the word, pistis, in this capacity. The definition of ‘faithfulness’ in Merriam-Webster and found at freedictionary.com is, “having faith or full of faith.” I believe using this definition will help us with the proper use of this word.
In order to be faithful, we must be faithful to someone or something. The fruit of the Spirit draws us to profound loyalty to God and to His Word, which produces faith.
Hebrews 11:1 gives us a Biblical definition of faith, “Now faith (confidence, firm trust and assurance, conviction, belief, trust, and holy fervor) is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.”
Faith is an absolute necessity in our relationship with God. Hebrews 11:6 reads, “And without faith it is impossible (unable to be done) to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.”
We find an awesome truth in Romans 12:3b, “God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” The word translated as “allotted” is merizo, meaning to distribute, to bestow, to impart. “Measure” means” determined extent, a portion, measured off or given (according to the will of God). God has distributed to each of us a measure of faith according to His will!
Jesus is the originator and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2, “looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” ‘Originator’ or author (in the King James Version) means a predecessor, one who takes the lead. ‘Perfecter’ is one who has, in his own person, raised faith to it’s perfection and so set before us the highest example of faith. (This is the only time this word is used in Scripture.)
2 Peter 1:1, “Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ” Though our faith is a free gift from God, His Word instructs us in how it is developed and how it is possible for us to increase it or grow in it. Of course, Galatians 5:22 reveals that ‘faith’ is a fruit of the Spirit. We have learned in previous posts concerning the fruit, that the more we use or move in it, the more that fruit matures.
Our faith is also developed as we seek Him through His Word. Romans 10:17 (NKJV), “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Then we see in 2 Timothy 3:16 and 17 (NKJV), “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Why is it so important and valuable that the Lord gives us the fruit of faith through the Holy Spirit? To Name a few of the reasons:
We are saved (granted spiritual eternal salvation) through faith. Ephesians 2:8 (NIV), “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--” Being saved comes from an act of grace, a free gift of God, however, it is released by our faith in Him.
We are sanctified (set apart, consecrated, separate, made holy) by faith. Acts 26:18 (ESV), “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
Faith is accounted to us as righteousness (in right standing with God). Romans 4:5 (ESV), “And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness”
We walk (pass one’s life) by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7, “for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
We stand (persist, continue, persevere) by faith. Romans 11:20a (NIV), “Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith.”
With the shield of faith, we will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Ephesians 6:16 (ESV), “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one”
Our faith, as demonstrated by our faithfulness produces blessings - as seen in the following verses:
Proverbs 28:20a, “A faithful person will abound with blessings.”
Matthew 25:21 (NKJV), “"His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'“
2 Chronicles 16:9a (NKJV), “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT), “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
Wow! Thank you for sticking with me today! “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness/faith…” (Galatians 5:22)
Our God is an awesome God!
He loves you!
Till next time, continue to seek Him, spend time with Him, worship Him, walk with Him, and stand with Him!
Thank You Lord, for sending the Holy Spirit to live in us so that we can grow and mature in Your virtues, the fruit of the Spirit and thus, be a reflection of You to the world!
Unless otherwise indicated, Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible 2020
ESV Eastern Standard Version
NKJV New King James Version
NIV New International Version
NLT New Living Translation