Bread From Heaven

Fruits of the Spirit - Faith

Dear God,
Teach us to be faithful in keeping the faith. Teach us what it means to have faith as a fruit of the Spirit. Build up our faith and grow this fruit of the Spirit in us. Help us if there is any unbelief in us.
In Jesus’s name,
Amen

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Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

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Song: Great is thy faithfulness
https://youtu.be/ErwiBz1QA4o

What is Faithfulness? Poem
https://www.billkochman.com/Poetry/what-is-faithfulness.html

Faith and Faithfulness

In some translations, this fruit is referred to as faithfulness. Faithfulness is trustworthiness. It is being dependable. God is faithful. We have faith in God's faithfulness. God does not lie. Every word that proceeds from his mouth is faithful and purposeful and will accomplish what he has sent it to do. The Bible is full of his promises, and it is the living Word of God also powered by his Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 55:10-11 ▼

10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

We have studied the definition of faith. What is the definition of faithful (faithfulness)?
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faithful

Faithfulness is steadfastness. Steadfastness is the quality of being resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering. Faithfulness in a Christian is one who steadfastly holds to the truth about God and acts upon it. Here is a reading plan for the subject of steadfastness.
https://intentionalbygrace.com/free-steadfastness-bible-reading-plan/

Faithfulness is adhering firmly, being devoted to a person, cause, or idea. Faithfulness is being proactive and not reactive. It is keeping loyal to a commitment regardless of the circumstances. It is not changing your loyalty to a commitment due to the circumstances. Faithfulness is being full of faith, strong in one’s belief, loyal, constant in the performance of duties or services, true to one’s work, reliable, and dependable.

Faith as a fruit of the Spirit is the faith that is grown and established as it is exercised and you draw closer to God through prayer and reading his word. We studied previously how faith can be a shield when used as part of the armor of God. When I had talked about faith as a piece of armor, I had mentioned how Roman soldiers practiced with fake shields and swords first. Well, faith as the fruit of the Spirit is like the being skilled enough to use the real thing. The fruit of the Spirit is developed and grown. The armor is available immediately to begin training with and using.
Hebrews 11:1 ▼

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

It is using your faith as the shield that builds our spiritual muscles. It exercises and strengthens our faith and increases our level of skill in battle and life in general. We learn how to use our faith and become transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Romans 12:1-3 ▼

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Faith is trustworthy reliance on God and being faithful toward him in Christ. The just shall live by faith, trusting in the goodness, mercy, grace, and character of our God. We must accept God for who he is. God as himself should be enough regardless what he chooses to do. Genuine faith is walking with God steadfastly for the pleasure of being in his company and not for self-gain. We should admire God's works, but God desires us to seek him and have a heart-to-heart personal relationship with him.

God's Character and Faithfulness.

God's attributes and character:
http://www.theattributesofgod.org/list-of-attributes.html

https://christianstt.com/abc-attributes-god-god/

Faithfulness is one of God's core characteristics. God always acts out of love because he is love. He always has our best interests and the best overall outcome in his heart. Everything is always worked out for good for those who love him. What he does and allows in our life will always lead us toward our purpose and calling. We can always 100% trust in who God is even when we don't understand his ways or what he is doing in our life. His ways and thoughts are higher than our own ways and thoughts.
1 Corinthians 1:9 ▼

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

The New International Version Bible calls him a God of Faithfulness in Deuteronomy 32:3-4. The King James Version is worded a bit different, but the meaning is pretty much the same.
Deuteronomy 32:3-4 (NIV) ▼

3 I will proclaim the name of the Lord.
Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he.

Deuteronomy 32:3-4 (KJV) ▼

3 Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

God is full of faithfulness and love. Great are his mercies and great is is faithfulness. His faithfulness spreads to the clouds. He is completely righteous. His loving kindness is excellent!
Lamentations 3:22-23 ▼

22 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Psalms 36:5-7 ▼

5 Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast.
7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

He is faithful to all generations. God does not waste his words. Every word he says, he means. No idle or useless words come from his mouth. His word is established and true. His word is pure with no corruption.
Psalms 105:5-8 ▼

5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.
7 He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth.
8 He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.

Psalms 119:89-90 ▼

89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.
90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

God remains faithful even when we are not. Even if we don't believe in him, it doesn't change the fact that he exists or that he keeps his word. He is always faithful still.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 ▼

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

God is our faithful creator. He created us for his glory and good purpose. We have a specific reason for being here in existence on Earth.
1 Peter 4:19 ▼

19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

God always keeps his promises. We can have assurance of or faith and our Salvation. We can always count on God. He never tells a lie. His promises are a sure thing.
Hebrews 10:22-23 ▼

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Hebrews 11:11 ▼

Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Hebrews 6:13-14 ▼

13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.

God's promises:
https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/dictionary-of-bible-themes/5467-promises-...

https://outuponthewaters.com/160-promises-of-god-from-scripture/

https://www.compassionuk.org/blogs/gods-promises/

God's Word is always faithful. It is good for exhortation, reproof, sound doctrine, wisdom, faith, correction, and righteous instructions.
Titus 1:9 ▼

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 ▼

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

God is faithful to make a way for us to escape sin when we are being tempted.
1 Corinthians 10:13 ▼

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

If we do ignorantly commit sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us of that sin if we confess it to him and ask for forgiveness. We are cleanser from sin by the blood of Jesus Christ.
1 John 15-10 ▼

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Romans 5:6-9 ▼

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

God never quits or gives up on those that love him. He also doesn't work behind people’s backs. He is not deceitful. He works in front of your face. Even those that hate him will see his works in front of them. We will all know he is God. Every knee will now before Jesus and every mouth will confess he is Lord one day. We will all be face to face with him someday. We had better be ready. We will either face him with love and receive love in return or we will face him with indignation and hate and receive his wrath in return. It is our choice.
Deuteronomy 7:9-10 ▼

9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

Romans 14:11-12 ▼

11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Hebrews 4 (warning)

1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Faith and faithfulness go together

Being faithful to God requires:
1 Commitment and perseverance
2 Denying yourself and taking up your cross daily
3 Keep on keeping on! Don't quit!
4 Having God's priorities
5 Obeying God's commands
6 Always doing the right thing
7 Being a good steward
8 Spending time with him regularly

Faith is grown by:
1Time spent in God's Word
2 A personal relationship with God
3 Time with other Believers
4 Time spent in worship
5 Thinking about all the things God does
6 Always praying
7 Recieving and following God's instructions
8 Trusting in God's Word and promises
9 Being grateful
10 Being persistent and not giving up

As we can see from the two lists above, faith and faithfulness have a lot in common. We can see how they can be developed together through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesian 2:8-10 ▼

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Belief and obedience go hand in hand. Faith is illustrated by what we do. We can show our faith by being faithful as a result of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.
James 2:14-17 ▼

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

The Greek word used in Galatians 5 for faith/faithfulness is pistis. It refers to a man who is reliable. In the old King James Version, the word was translated as faith, but in the New King James Version, it was translated as faithfulness. I found this interesting. Even in translation, faith and works go together.
1 John 2:1-5 ▼

1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

1 John 5:2-6 ▼

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

Acting Faithfully Full of Faith

If you want to be considered righteous, simply believe what God says and act accordingly.
Romans 4:3-5 ▼

3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Faithfulness requires perseverance. Perseverance is persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Suffering and pain are a part of life. There will always be difficulties, delays, obstacles, and disappointments. In order to be faithful, we must persevere through everything life throws at us. A faithful believer shows strength when facing trials. They will be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. The unstable believer and immature Christian will display doubt when facing trials. They are compared to a wave in the ocean. Their trials are like a wind that tosses them around. They may be easily deceived.They are double-minded and unstable in all their ways because they have doubt in their heart.
James 1:2-8 ▼

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

A faithful, steadfast, persevering Christian will avoid sin, be delighted in God's laws, and meditate on God's Word. As a result, he will have stability and prosperity.
Psalms 1:1-3 ▼

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. He gives us faith when we hear God's Word. We don't come to saving faith based on our own understanding. Also it is the Holy Spirit that works to develop our faith and turn it into faithfulness.
John 16:13 ▼

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Romans 10:17 ▼

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Find us faithful song
https://youtu.be/eERKnxzNzwg

God expects us to be faithful to him and consistently follow his will. He wants us to serve him from the heart. We should do everything we do for Christ with pleasure and willingly. Although reluctant obedience is still obedience. Willing obedience is more pleasant for us and for God.
Ephesians 6:6-8 ▼

6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

If you want to show God you love him in return for all he has done for you, obey him and faithfully follow his will. If you think of our faith in God like a relationship, and it is, then you can think of his laws and commandments like personal boundaries. God has set personal boundaries for us and him in our relationship. Looking at it this way, you can see his love in all his “Thou shalt nots”.
John 14:15 ▼

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

❤️Psalms 40:8❤️

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.


Resources ▼

https://bibleoffline.com/blog/learning-about-the-fruit-of-the-holy-spirit-faith/...

https://www.reformation21.org/blog/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-faith

https://lifehopeandtruth.com/god/holy-spirit/the-fruit-of-the-spirit/fruit-of-th...

https://candytroutman.com/2011/06/22/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-is-faithfulness/

https://dwellingintheword.wordpress.com/2019/03/19/2577-malachi-2/

https://slideplayer.com/slide/9071644/

https://www.slideshare.net/Pacific.Church/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-pt-7-faithfuln...

https://slideplayer.com/slide/4323017/

https://slideplayer.com/slide/8724110/

https://slideplayer.com/slide/8415930/

https://slidetodoc.com/northside-community-church-a-beautiful-mess-becoming-like...

https://www.slideserve.com/rchamberlain/our-faithfulness-to-duty-powerpoint-ppt-...

https://slideplayer.com/slide/9462711/

https://holleygerth.com/focus-word-2015/

http://heidilamberton.blogspot.com/2012/11/faith-is-knowing.html

https://slideplayer.com/slide/15534871/

https://unomanwankwor.com/2013/11/17/gratitude-is-the-key/

https://www.siegfriedsilverman.com/how-faithfulness-is-built-into-business/

https://travissinks.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-is-faithfulness/

https://donotdepart.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-faithfulness

https://www.klove.com/Ministry/Faith-Blog/faith/fruit-of-the-spirit-faithfulness...

https://ourjourneywithgod.wordpress.com/2012/03/21/350/

https://www.thespeckledgoatblog.com/2015/07/in-season-faithfulness.html

https://www.slideserve.com/clive/steadfastness

https://slideplayer.com/slide/3873388/

https://slideplayer.com/slide/10891091/

https://www.slideshare.net/toprank414/steadfastness-vs-instability

https://slideplayer.com/slide/8152504/

https://slideplayer.com/slide/8830495/

https://shanekastler.typepad.com/pastor_shanes_blog/2016/03/steadfastness-suffer...

Jesus is my permanent anchor!