Pistis: The Various Nuances Of Faith

We continue our series on the Fruit of the Spirit with a Word study on faith.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith…
Galatians 5.22

Pistis: The Various Nuances of Faith

pistis

Faith comes from the Koine Greek word pistis, which basically means a conviction.

The root word means being persuaded, a firm belief in God.

The word occurs often in the New Testament and is defined differently by how it is used.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2.8-10

In this instance pistis is referred to as “saving faith.” This is a reaction to the grace of God at the moment of salvation.

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit…
1 Corinthians 12.8-9

Here pistis occurs as part of a list known as the Gifts of the Spirit. These are corporate worship gifts. With the gift of faith, “The Holy Spirit reveals an alternative reality that is God’s will and empowers the believer to miraculously change a given situation.”[1]

From tradition pistis is used a couple other ways.

First of all pistis can be used as a synonym for a creed.

Secondly, pistis is used as a proper pronoun. It is called “The Faith.” In a way, The Faith is the combined unity of the community of faith. Of someone who has backslidden it is still often said he or she has fallen away from The Faith.

The word pistis as a Fruit of the Spirit has a different meaning. It’s often translated in Galatians 5 as “faithfulness” (NIV, NKJV, NASB). It’s not just being faithful and true, but faith that grows over time.

inward faith

“This reflects the nature of our Heavenly Father. He is dependable. He is patient toward us no matter how often we fail Him. He is committed to us: true to His great plan of redemption!”[2]

We reflect His faithfulness.

We must grow in faithfulness, in our commitment, in steadfastness, in our steady walk with Him.
Do you believe in God?
Are you faithful to Him?
Faithfulness commits to trust Him through time.

outward faith

“It is a faithfulness shown not merely toward God, but toward others as well.”[3]

Throughout the years, I have had multiple opportunities to oversee workers and volunteers in the church realm. When it is time to promote people to leadership what criteria do you use? The first quality I always look for is faithfulness.

How can you serve the church if you’re unfaithful to her with your time or money?

If we remember that God is dependable, patient, and committed, then we can be dependable, patient, and committed to His people.

Do you believe in the church?

Do you have faith that God will use the church?

Faithfulness commits to trust and believe in the church over time.

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notes:

Joseph Castleberry, “Faith, Miracles, and Gifts of Healing in a Post-Modern Age,” in Pentecostal Gifts in a Postmodern Era, ed. James K. Bridges (Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 2004), 71.
David Lim, “Spiritual Gifts,” in Systematic Theology, ed. Stanley M. Horton (Springfield, MO: Logion Press, 2002), 481-482.
Stanley M. Horton, What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit, Rev. ed. (Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 2005), 179.