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Are You Full of Faith?
Are you faithful? Most often when asked if some Christian is “faithful,” answers will relate to their assembling patterns with the saints in a locality. That evaluation is understandable because that is observable. And, we might respond that someone is “kinda faithful.” But is that the determining factor in being “faithful?” “Faithful” is a word that literally means “full of faith.” That certainly adds a different perspective to the question. If what is meant by “faithful” is “full of faith,” the answer will probably be quite different.
Similarly, “awful" came originally from the idea of being “full of awe" as opposed to irreverence but has evolved into another thought of what is terrible to us. Also, the word “sinful” means “full of sin” as opposed to “sinless”. And the word “careful” means “full of care,” which can be good or bad (Philippians 4:6, KJV and Matthew 6:25 where the same word appears but is translated by take “no thought”).
The Greek word "pistos" conveys the thought of being "full of faith" as opposed to "faithless.” In John 20:27, Jesus said to Thomas, “Be not faithless but believing,” or, literally, “be not faithless but full of faith.” The Greek word “pistos" can convey three thoughts -- of actively believing or trusting; of being trustworthy; and of faithfulness, or constancy in service. In all three instances the word appropriately conveys what we think of as "full of faith". Webster defines it as, "1. full of faith; believing; strong or firm in one's faith, especially religious faith. 2. Firmly adhering to duty of true fidelity; loyal; true to allegiance; constant in performance of duties or services…” No man is "trustworthy" and "reliable" unless he is full of faith - saturated with believing truth, putting trust in God, and living a life which adheres to fidelity – totally loyal to the Lord.
The very meaning of “pistos” sets the standard. When we draw nigh to God, we are to come with “full assurance of faith” (really believing) and we are to ask “in faith” without any doubting (Hebrews 10:22; James 1:4-6). As stewards of worldly treasures committed to our care we must be faithful or eternal treasures will not be entrusted to us (Luke 16:10-12). And, throughout the struggles of life, we must remain steadfast (Hebrews 10:35-39). Just as Judah was told that “the just will live by faith;” that is, they would survive Babylonian captivity by their constancy (footnote in ASV of Habakkuk 2:4), so we conquer the world by our faith and loyalty (1 John 5:4; Hebrews 10:38-39).
Now we are ready to answer the question – “Are you really FULL of faith?” -- Jim R. Everett
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