1. Gal. 5:22-23

2. FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: FAITHFULNESS I. FAITHFULNESS DEFINED A. Faith (Strong 4102): Persuasion, conviction of truth, constancy, assurance, fidelity. B. “Faith” is used different ways (contextual definitions): 1. Objective Faith, The Message (Gal. 1:11, 23; Rom. 1:16-17). 2. Subjective Faith, What we personally believe (Rom. 1:16-17; 10:17). - The trustworthy life demanded of Christians (Titus 2:9-10; Rev. 2:13). - Not permitted to Truth (cp. Rom. 14)

3. FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: FAITHFULNESS II. GOD IS FAITHFUL A. The Basis For Trusting Him (Rom. 3:3-4). 1. Helps us endure temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). 3. Gives confidence in forgiveness (1Jn 1:9). 2. Helps us endure persecution (1 Pet. 4:19). 4. Gives us confidence in ALL His promises (Heb. 10:23; 1 Thess. 5:23-24). B. Exemplified In Jesus. 1. Faithful to God (Heb. 3:1-2, 6-7). 2. As High Priest (Heb. 2:17-18). 3. As Witness (Rev. 1:5; 2:18, 23; 19:11-12). C. Exemplified In The Gospel (1 Tim. 1:15; 3:1; 4:9).

4. FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: FAITHFULNESS III. WE MUST BE FAITHFUL A. In Our Relationship With God (Heb. 11:6; Lk. 18:8; 1 Pet. 5:8-10). B. In Our Responsibility To Teach & Lead Others (2 Tim. 2:2; Titus 1:9; Eph. 6:4). C. In Our Responsibility To Submit To Others (1 Cor. 16:15f-16; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13; Titus 2:10).

5. FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: FAITHFULNESS CONCLUSION: 1) Faithfulness is trustworthiness, reliability. 2) Is God’s faithful character the foundation & center of your life? 3) Are you faithful, reliable, trustworthy… In physical things? In spiritual things? Will God Say This To You? “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Mt 25:21)