Christian Growth Seminar The Fruit of the Spirit Faithfulness

Fruit of the Spirit love joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness self-control Galatians 5:22-23 FEELINGS OF THE HEART RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS RELATIONSHIP TO GOD AND THE WORD

a. The Greek word is pistis. Faithfulness The Bible Definition of Faithfulness  Introduction 1. The 7th quality listed as the fruit of the Spirit is "faithfulness"... a. The Greek word is pistis. b. It often refers to a belief in respect to God and Christ. c. The term also describes the quality of "fidelity, faithfulness." 1) “The character of one who can be relied on..." (Thayer) 2) “Faithful, to be trusted, reliable..." (Vine) d. William Barclay calls it "the virtue of reliability"

2. This virtue, unfortunately, is not too common... Faithfulness The Bible Definition of Faithfulness  Introduction 2. This virtue, unfortunately, is not too common... a. Solomon declared it a virtue hard to find. Prov. 20:6 b. The Psalmist noted the lack of "faithfulness." Ps. 12:1-2 c. Yet, faithfulness is essential to gain the crown of life. Rev. 2:10

3. To encourage the development of this virtue, let us... Faithfulness The Bible Definition of Faithfulness  Introduction 3. To encourage the development of this virtue, let us... a. Look to Jesus and God as examples of faithfulness. b. Examine a few areas in which we need greater faithfulness.

I. The Faithfulness of Jesus The Bible Definition of Faithfulness I. The Faithfulness of Jesus A. Jesus was faithful in fulfilling His role as the Son of God. 1. Just as Moses was faithful as a servant. Heb. 3:1-2 2. Jesus faithfully carried out the work given Him. Jn. 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8:29; 17:4

I. The Faithfulness of Jesus The Bible Definition of Faithfulness I. The Faithfulness of Jesus B. He is also faithful as our high priest. Heb. 2:17-18 1. He understands our weaknesses. Heb. 4:14-15 2. He richly gives grace and mercy. Heb. 4:16

II. The Faithfulness of God The Bible Definition of Faithfulness II. The Faithfulness of God The Bible speaks often of God’s faithfulness He is a faithful creator. (1 Peter 4:19) He is faithful to forgive. (1 John 1:9) He is faithful concerning His promises. (Hebrews 10:23) He is faithful when we are tempted. (1 Corinthians 10:13) He is faithful at the appearing of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1: 8-9)

II. The Faithfulness of God The Bible Definition of Faithfulness II. The Faithfulness of God A. God has always been a God of faithfulness. Deut. 7:9 B. He is faithful to His children today. a. Limits our temptations to what we can bear. 1Cor. 10:13 b. Completes His work of salvation in us. 1 Thess. 5:23-24 Note: To fully benefit from the faithfulness of Jesus and God, we must be faithful as well. Rev. 2:10-11; 25-26; 3:11-12

II. The Faithfulness of God (2 Thessalonians 3:3) The Bible Definition of Faithfulness II. The Faithfulness of God (2 Thessalonians 3:3) “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” I. God is faithful-(trustful Greek) His righteousness. His Holiness His omnipotence His immutability His truth His wisdom His love.

II. The Faithfulness of God (1 Thessalonians 3:3) The Bible Definition of Faithfulness II. The Faithfulness of God (1 Thessalonians 3:3) “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” II. He will strengthen you He strengthens through human experience. He strengthens the mind. He increases faith.

II. The Faithfulness of God (1 Thessalonians 3:3) The Bible Definition of Faithfulness II. The Faithfulness of God (1 Thessalonians 3:3) “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” III. He will protect you from the evil one Military term-garrison

II. Areas In Which We Need Greater Faithfulness The Bible Definition of Faithfulness II. Areas In Which We Need Greater Faithfulness A. We need to be more faithful to God and Christ. 1. By using "talents" (abilities and opportunities). Mt 25:21 2. By not imitating the one talent man. Mt 25:24-26 a. Like Moses at the burning bush, we make excuses. b. God can provide a way for us to be faithful. 3. We begin by being faithful in small things... a. As indicated in Jesus' comments in Luke 16:10. b. If we aren’t reliable with small tasks, how can God rely on us to do big things for Him? Jer. 12:5

II. Areas In Which We Need Greater Faithfulness The Bible Definition of Faithfulness II. Areas In Which We Need Greater Faithfulness B. We need to be more faithful to the Church... 1. God’s family needs faithful people (reliable, loyal). 2. Lack of faithfulness can be seen in several ways: a. Forsaking the assembly. Heb. 10:24-25 b. Lack of participation in the family life of the church. 1) Neglecting opportunities to learn and grow together. 2) Leaving it to others to do the work of the church. 3) Not concerned about the welfare of brethren.

II. Areas In Which We Need Greater Faithfulness The Bible Definition of Faithfulness II. Areas In Which We Need Greater Faithfulness B. We need to be more faithful to the Church... 1. God’s family needs faithful people (reliable, loyal). 2. Lack of faithfulness can be seen in several ways: c. We cannot take such unfaithfulness lightly. 1) Will be of less value to those who need us. Prov. 25:19 2) Can harm the work of the Lord. Prov. 18:9; Mt 12:30

II. Areas In Which We Need Greater Faithfulness The Bible Definition of Faithfulness II. Areas In Which We Need Greater Faithfulness B. We need to be more faithful to the Church... 1. God’s family needs faithful people (reliable, loyal). 2. Lack of faithfulness can be seen in several ways: 3. Do you need to have more faithfulness to the church? a. Ask yourself: "If everyone were as faithful as I am, what kind of church would this be?"

II. Areas In Which We Need Greater Faithfulness The Bible Definition of Faithfulness II. Areas In Which We Need Greater Faithfulness C. We need to be more faithful to our families... 1. Fathers more faithful in their spiritual roles. Eph. 6:4 2. Mothers more faithful in their family duties. Titus 2:3-5 3. Husbands and wives faithful to one another. Eph. 5:22-33 4. Children need to be faithful. Eph. 6:1-3

Christians who are led by the Spirit of God will produce the Faithfulness The Bible Definition of Faithfulness Conclusion Christians who are led by the Spirit of God will produce the fruit of the Spirit, including the fruit of faithfulness, the virtue of reliability. “The Lord preserves the faithful" Ps. 31:23