Characteristics of Faithful Christians
Introduction. Revelation
2:10 offers these familiar words to the saints in the church in Smyrna:
“Do not fear any of those things
which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you
into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be
faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (NKJV).
While these words directly apply to
the persecution these brethren were about to suffer, indirectly it teaches the
importance of faithfulness in order for us to be pleasing to God. The idea
taught in the world that a Christian can be unfaithful and be acceptable to God
is not taught in the Bible.
We may recognize
this, but sometimes we may not understand what faithfulness is. What does it
mean to be faithful? How will it look in the lives of men and women who are faithful
Christians? This morning let’s look at some characteristics of faithful
Christians.
I.
Regarding Their Behavior Toward God
A. “Nourished
in the Words of Faith” (1 Timothy 4:6). Paul urges Timothy to be a good servant
“nourished” in the word. Nourishment is different than snack food.
Nourishment is what sustains us.
1. Illustration:
During the Civil War Atlanta was the major supply-line to the Confederacy. When
Sherman took Atlanta it was a major factor in the outcome of the war.
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Faithful Christians Feed Upon God’s Word
B. “Constant
prayer was offered to God” (Acts 12:5). After the execution of James, and Peter
was imprisoned, this text tells us the church offered “constant prayer.”
1. Illustration:
Sometimes the greatest help we can be to someone is simply to listen to him or her.
God does more than simply listen, but He is always there ready to listen.
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Faithful Christians are Constant in Prayer
C. “Present
your bodies a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). I don’t believe that it is true
to say that every act of human life is worship to God, but it is true to say
that we can worship God throughout our lives—not just during times of assembly
as a church.
1. We
do this by meditation on His grandeur, inquiry into His will, showing respect
for His authority, and demonstrating obedience to His instruction.
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Faithful Christians are Regular in Worship
II.
Regarding Their Behavior Toward Others
A. “For
a whole year they assembled with the church” (Acts 11:26). While Paul and
Barnabas were in Antioch they were committed in their relationship and
responsibility to the local church there. Faithful Christians aren’t “free
agents.” They may encourage brethren in other places but they don’t just float
with no commitment, accountability, and responsibility.
1. Illustration:
An orphan who is adopted must be willing to accept and adapt to a relationship
with other siblings in a home to which he is adopted.
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Faithful Christians Assemble Regularly with a Sound Local
Church
B. “...Went
everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). It is a remarkable thing that
Scripture teaches after the death of Stephen and the persecution that was begun
by Saul, faithful Christians “went everywhere preaching the word.”
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Faithful Christians Teach Others
We do this both by word (actually
talking to others about the gospel) and by example (living in such a way that
we shine as lights to the world around us).
C. “Distributed
to each as anyone had need” (Acts 4:35). When the church in Jerusalem
encountered those who were in need among them they sold their goods and laid
the proceeds at the apostles feet, and they “distributed to each as anyone had
need.”
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Faithful Christians Care About Those in Need
This care is both material and
spiritual. Man has needs in both of these areas that must be addressed.
D. “He who
sows bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6-11). The faithful Christian recognizes the
responsibility he has to give in support of the work of a local church.
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Faithful Christians Give Unselfishly
E. “If anyone
does not provide for his own...” (1 Tim. 5:8). When Paul tells Timothy the
circumstances under which the church may assume the care of widows, he points
out that such care must come from the family first.
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Faithful Christians Treat Their Families Right
Faithful
Christians provide for their families but they also serve their families as
devoted fathers and mother, parents and children, brothers and sisters.
III.
Regarding Their Attitudes.
A. “Direct
your hearts into the love of God” (2 Thess. 3:5). Paul prays for the
Thessalonians that God will “direct” their hearts “into the love of God and
into the patience of Christ.”
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Faithful Christians Cultivate a Loving Disposition
B. “A servant
of the Lord must not... ” (2 Tim. 2:24-26). Paul tells Timothy that as a servant
of the Lord patience and humility must characterize all that we do.
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Faithful Christians Cultivate Patience and Humility
IV.
Regarding Their Lifestyle
A. “Glorify
God in your body and spirit” (1 Cor. 6:20). How we use our body either
glorifies God or brings shame to His name. Christians use what God has given us
to serve and glorify Him.
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Faithful Christians Use Their Abilities to Glorify God
B. “Possess
his own vessel in sanctification and honor” (1 Thess. 4:3-7). Part of this
involves control over how we use our body and what we allow it to do.
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Faithful Christians are Moral
Christians should not engage in
sexual immorality, drunkenness, or vulgar language. We don’t live like that!
C. “Let your
‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’” (Matt. 5:33-37). Jesus taught that our honesty is not
determined by oath or contract. If we say “yes” or “no”—that is enough.
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Faithful Christians are Honest
D. “Submit
yourself to every ordinance of man” (1 Pet. 2:13-17). Christians should not
speed, or violate driving regulations. Christians should not cheat on their
taxes. Christians should not disregard laws that are passed.
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Faithful Christians are Law-Abiding