If We Don’t Display the Fruit of the Spirit, Are We Still Believers?
Galations 5 tells us about the difference between walking in the flesh and in the Spirit. It also tells us about the works of the flesh (what are evident when one is walking in the flesh), and the fruit of the Spirit (what are evident when one is walking in the Spirit).
The question has been asked though, if we are NOT displaying the fruit of the Spirit, are we still believers (according to the Bible)?
The answer to that question is found right there in the same Galations 5. It is a simple question asked in our group, but it has profound implications.
Who Is a Believer?
First of all, before we begin to answer the question, we must clarify who is a believer? Is it anyone who says they are Christians or Hebrew Israelites, or Messianics (or whatever we call ourselves) that are affiliated with the Mashiach?
So let us see what the Holy Bible says it means to believe.
English: believe
G4100
πιστεύω
pisteuō
pist-yoo’-o
From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ): – believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.
If you look carefully, contrary to what is popularly held, it is not a simple “believe in the mind.” It is actually a belief that triggers a corresponding trust and commitment.
Definition of a believer
So a believer is one who walks in complete trust and commitment to the Messiah.
It is not one who is a part time believer, who may be religious on a 1st day or a 7th day, and then worldly the next. It is one who gives a full-time commitment.
This almost totally mirrors our previous post entitled: Are you a Saint?
So now we have that clear, let us start by walking through Galations 5 as it takes us to the answer.
Difference Between walking in the Flesh And Spirit
First, the disctinction between walking in the Spirit and walking in the flesh.
Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Walk in the spirit = not drawn into lust of the flesh.
Walk in the Spirit and the flesh is defeated.
Works of the Flesh
Then it goes on to tell us what the works of the flesh are. The works of the flesh are executed if we fulfil or are drawn into the lusts of the flesh:
Gal 5:19 — Gal 5:21
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of YHWH.
Fruit of the Spirit
Then it goes on to tell us about the fruit of the Spirit.
Gal 5:22 — Gal 5:23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Believers are only those who show the fruit of the Spirit
Now, Verse 24 is very critical. It actually answers the question as to whether believers can be those who do not display the fruit of the Spirit.
It goes on to tell us that BELIEVERS are ONLY THOSE WHO SHOW THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT!
Galatians 5:24
And they that are Mashiach’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
See that? Those that are Messiah’s….believers, have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts.
That means those that are his do not do the works of the flesh (live in sin). Those that are Messiah’s would crucify the flesh and thereby walk in the Spirit, displaying traits against which there is no law.
In other words, sinful persons are not believers. So we Christians, Hebrew Israelites, Messianics…whatever we call ourselves…as long as we are not portraying the fruit of the Spirit, we are not believers.
That is why…
Rom 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of YHWH dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.
Not displaying the fruit of the Spirit? You must be born again.
Must see also: Are you a saint? Find out why it is important that we know.
