Fruit of the Spirit – Faith

1.   Faith (KJV) - from the Greek pistis (Strong’s 4102) 244 times in NT

      a.   239 times “faith”

      b.   1 time “assurance” – Acts 17:31

      c.   Appears as “faithfulness” in the NKJV, ASV, NAS, RSV, NIV

      d.   Can mean “moral conviction, fidelity, faithfulness.”

2.   Comments regarding faithfulness as appears here:

      a.   David Lipscomb (Gospel Advocate )

            i.   “Trustfulness, the habit of mind which does not doubt that God is working all things together for the good of those who love and trust Him (Romans 8:28).

            ii.  That seeks to realize the truth . . . concerning love that believeth all things (1 Corinthians 13:7).

            iii. Trustfulness in our dealings with others, in opposition to suspicion and distrust:

                  (1) 1 Corinthians 13:5 – “love . . . thinketh no evil”

                  (2) 1 Timothy 6:3-5

                        (a) doting - “sick, ailment of mind, a morbid fondness”

                        (b) questions - “debate, matter of controversy”

                        (c) strifes of words - “contend about words, wrangling about empty and trifling matters”

                        (d) such produces “envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings”

      b.   “Trustfulness is the warm, firm clasp of friendship, the generous and loyal homage goodness ever pays to goodness” (Preacher’s Homiletic Commentary, vol 28, p 93).