But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23
Hello everyone. It is good to see you again this morning. We are nearing the end of our current sermon series on “The Fruit of the Spirit”. Counting today’s message, we have just 3 more weeks to go…
This week has been much warmer than last week. The sun has been shining, the skies have been clear, and spring is drawing near. The grass will soon be turning green again, flowers will start to bloom, trees will begin to blossom, and the earth will come alive once more. I am so excited! Each year God’s creation gives us a spectacular display of what it means to bear fruit.
This week we will highlight the 7th nutrient found in the fruit of the Spirit. It is the characteristic of faithfulness. May God speak to us clearly as we spend a few moments together in His word.
I. FAITHFULNESS DEFINED
The simple definition of faithfulness that we will use in this series is “dependable, loyal, and full of trust.” Faithfulness is a firm devotion to God, loyalty to friends, and dependability to carry out responsibilities. It is synonymous with steadfastness, constancy, or allegiance. Faithfulness involves carefulness in keeping what we are entrusted with. The Greek word for faithfulness is pistis.
Biblical faithfulness must begin with faith. Faith is the conviction that even now God is working and acting one’s behalf. It is the belief that God’s word is true and that everything it says about Him - His existence, His work, and His character - is accurate. Scripture defines faith as “the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Though this message is not about faith per se, we must understand that faith in God is a prerequisite for true, authentic faithfulness.
Faithfulness can be described as a commitment to a particular person, people, or purpose. Faithfulness carries the idea of exclusiveness, meaning that a faithful person will not entertain other lovers, options, or gods. Instead, they will demonstrate fidelity in their relationships and devotion to their responsibilities. Sadly, in our world today, the majority of people seem to be faithful only to themselves and their own self-interests.
II. FAITHFULNESS EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST
Jesus perfectly displayed all of the nutrients of the fruit of the Spirit, including faithfulness. In fact, more than 7 centuries before His miraculous birth the prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus’ faithfulness. He wrote that righteousness would be Jesus’ belt and faithfulness the sash around His waist (Isaiah 11:5). Jesus would be faithfully determined to do the Father’s will and fulfill His Messianic purpose.
Jesus was and continues to be faithful to His people. Christ is the faithful overseer of God’s house, and if we belong to Him this should give us courage and hope (Hebrews 3:6). He strengthens and protects His own, guarding them from the evil one, because He is faithful (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Even when we are faithless, Jesus remains faithful to us because He will not go back on His promises (2 Timothy 2:13). We can trust in the Lord’s unwavering faithfulness.
Jesus has been faithful, is faithful, and will be faithful when He comes again. In his apocalyptic vision of the Last Days, John saw Christ returning on a white horse and called Him “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11a). We can trust that He will glorify believers - in body, soul, and spirit - at His second coming because He is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24). We find encouragement and rest in Jesus’ faithfulness.
III. FAITHFULNESS COMMANDED
Scripture teaches us to be faithful. We are urged to bind love and faithfulness around our necks and write it on our hearts (Proverbs 3:3). There are numerous people in the Bible who practiced faithfulness and therefore serve as an example to others (Hebrews 11). In fact, Jesus declared that faithfulness was one of the more important components of the Law, and warned us not to neglect it (Matthew 23:23).
We should be faithful in our relationships, especially with our spouses (Hebrews 13:4). We should be faithful and honest in our dealings with others, at work and elsewhere (Ezekiel 18:9). We should be faithful in our walk with the LORD; steadfast in obedience. We should be faithful students of God’s word, knowing and exhorting sound doctrine and refuting those who contradict it (Titus 1:9).
God sees our faithfulness and promises to reward us for it. Those who are faithful will be richly blessed (Proverbs 28:20). If we are faithful stewards of things in this life, Christ will entrust us with even more when He comes again (Matthew 24:45-47). He will give the crown of life to those who are faithful even unto death (Revelation 2:10b). We should not practice faithfulness solely to receive awards, but it is encouraging to know that God will honor those who have proven faithful.
CONCLUSION
One of the many ways that God shows His faithfulness to Christians is in His willingness to forgive our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Another is His promise not to allow us to be tempted beyond our ability and to always provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). God’s faithfulness is demonstrated in a myriad of ways, and His faithfulness is everlasting (Psalm 136:26).
Just as God has shown Himself faithful to us time and time again, so also we as His children are called to be faithful - to both Him and to one another. In fact, when Jesus comes again this is what we long to hear Him say to us; “Well done my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Can I ask you honestly this morning… Would Jesus be inclined to say this about your life today?
Next Sunday we will talk about gentleness. I trust that you will be faithful in your attendance and will join us as we continue our study of the fruit of the Spirit. Have a great week.
Hello everyone. It is good to see you again this morning. We are nearing the end of our current sermon series on “The Fruit of the Spirit”. Counting today’s message, we have just 3 more weeks to go…
This week has been much warmer than last week. The sun has been shining, the skies have been clear, and spring is drawing near. The grass will soon be turning green again, flowers will start to bloom, trees will begin to blossom, and the earth will come alive once more. I am so excited! Each year God’s creation gives us a spectacular display of what it means to bear fruit.
This week we will highlight the 7th nutrient found in the fruit of the Spirit. It is the characteristic of faithfulness. May God speak to us clearly as we spend a few moments together in His word.
I. FAITHFULNESS DEFINED
The simple definition of faithfulness that we will use in this series is “dependable, loyal, and full of trust.” Faithfulness is a firm devotion to God, loyalty to friends, and dependability to carry out responsibilities. It is synonymous with steadfastness, constancy, or allegiance. Faithfulness involves carefulness in keeping what we are entrusted with. The Greek word for faithfulness is pistis.
Biblical faithfulness must begin with faith. Faith is the conviction that even now God is working and acting one’s behalf. It is the belief that God’s word is true and that everything it says about Him - His existence, His work, and His character - is accurate. Scripture defines faith as “the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Though this message is not about faith per se, we must understand that faith in God is a prerequisite for true, authentic faithfulness.
Faithfulness can be described as a commitment to a particular person, people, or purpose. Faithfulness carries the idea of exclusiveness, meaning that a faithful person will not entertain other lovers, options, or gods. Instead, they will demonstrate fidelity in their relationships and devotion to their responsibilities. Sadly, in our world today, the majority of people seem to be faithful only to themselves and their own self-interests.
II. FAITHFULNESS EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST
Jesus perfectly displayed all of the nutrients of the fruit of the Spirit, including faithfulness. In fact, more than 7 centuries before His miraculous birth the prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus’ faithfulness. He wrote that righteousness would be Jesus’ belt and faithfulness the sash around His waist (Isaiah 11:5). Jesus would be faithfully determined to do the Father’s will and fulfill His Messianic purpose.
Jesus was and continues to be faithful to His people. Christ is the faithful overseer of God’s house, and if we belong to Him this should give us courage and hope (Hebrews 3:6). He strengthens and protects His own, guarding them from the evil one, because He is faithful (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Even when we are faithless, Jesus remains faithful to us because He will not go back on His promises (2 Timothy 2:13). We can trust in the Lord’s unwavering faithfulness.
Jesus has been faithful, is faithful, and will be faithful when He comes again. In his apocalyptic vision of the Last Days, John saw Christ returning on a white horse and called Him “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11a). We can trust that He will glorify believers - in body, soul, and spirit - at His second coming because He is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24). We find encouragement and rest in Jesus’ faithfulness.
III. FAITHFULNESS COMMANDED
Scripture teaches us to be faithful. We are urged to bind love and faithfulness around our necks and write it on our hearts (Proverbs 3:3). There are numerous people in the Bible who practiced faithfulness and therefore serve as an example to others (Hebrews 11). In fact, Jesus declared that faithfulness was one of the more important components of the Law, and warned us not to neglect it (Matthew 23:23).
We should be faithful in our relationships, especially with our spouses (Hebrews 13:4). We should be faithful and honest in our dealings with others, at work and elsewhere (Ezekiel 18:9). We should be faithful in our walk with the LORD; steadfast in obedience. We should be faithful students of God’s word, knowing and exhorting sound doctrine and refuting those who contradict it (Titus 1:9).
God sees our faithfulness and promises to reward us for it. Those who are faithful will be richly blessed (Proverbs 28:20). If we are faithful stewards of things in this life, Christ will entrust us with even more when He comes again (Matthew 24:45-47). He will give the crown of life to those who are faithful even unto death (Revelation 2:10b). We should not practice faithfulness solely to receive awards, but it is encouraging to know that God will honor those who have proven faithful.
CONCLUSION
One of the many ways that God shows His faithfulness to Christians is in His willingness to forgive our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Another is His promise not to allow us to be tempted beyond our ability and to always provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). God’s faithfulness is demonstrated in a myriad of ways, and His faithfulness is everlasting (Psalm 136:26).
Just as God has shown Himself faithful to us time and time again, so also we as His children are called to be faithful - to both Him and to one another. In fact, when Jesus comes again this is what we long to hear Him say to us; “Well done my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Can I ask you honestly this morning… Would Jesus be inclined to say this about your life today?
Next Sunday we will talk about gentleness. I trust that you will be faithful in your attendance and will join us as we continue our study of the fruit of the Spirit. Have a great week.