Rev. Johnson V.
31st January 2010 

Galatians 5:22 (KJV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith….”

Faith is a popular concept. Many people name their business and even their children ‘faith’. Many sermons have been preached on it. Yet, not enough can be said about faith. It is the very essence of our relationship with God, for the Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please Him. Faith is the fruit or result of God’s Spirit living inside us.

There is a difference between the terms ‘faith’ and ‘belief’.  Belief is a passive term, while faith is active. The Bible suggests that we must do something with our faith, we must function on our faith in God and put our knowledge of God to work. Faith in us, propels us to action.

There are 4 levels or kinds of faith

1. Common faith – Each person has a measure of faith. Romans chapter 12 and verse 3 shows us that every individual has a measure of faith inside of them. God has placed a quantity of faith in each of us from the day we are born. What we do with our inherent faith and how we use it, is a choice we make. Romans 1:18 indicates that we are responsible for the choices we make.
2. Saving faith - When common faith is applied to believing God at His Word, it becomes saving faith. Whatever we choose to put our faith in, we will receive our rewards accordingly. Some people put their faith in their self-esteem, in their abilities. They become go-getters, and they receive their rewards accordingly. When we put our faith in the Word of God, we will have results for today and for eternity. Hebrews 4:2 confirms that when the Word of God is mixed with our common faith, it becomes saving faith. According to Romans 4:3, we are considered righteous (without sin – right before God), when we believe Him and His Word. 
3. Fruit of Spirit faith – As a believer, once we are saved, we will grow in our faith. The faith of a relationship with God is different from the faith in order to function for God . The fruit of faith, builds our commitment and responsibility towards Him. Luke 17:5-10. The fruit of faith accomplishes 2 things in us – it brings us the comfort of the trust in God and the fear of our responsibilities before God , it makes us accountable to God. We are called to respect and fear God. He is the King of Kings and we will need proper faith and wisdom to serve Him in reverence that is due Him. This kind of faith comes through the reading and study of the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
4. Gift of God – 1 Corinthians 12:9 – it is the ability that God gives to believe something which is naturally difficult. God gives it to us to accomplish a particular purpose. It is a supernatural faith that on our own we are not capable of.