Faithfulness

Introduction. Read: Rev. 2:8-11. In His letter to Smyrna in Revelation, the Lord declared, “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” (Rev. 2:10; NKJV). This call to faithfulness is one all believers should heed, because the New Testament says much on this important subject.

I. Faithfulness is Part of the “Fruit of the Spirit.”

A.      The “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians. (Gal. 5:22-25).  

B.      If we are spiritually-minded, if we are filled with and led by the Spirit through God’s word, we must show faithfulness.

II. Faithfulness to a Master.

A.      To understand faithfulness we must consider in relation to servitude.

1.      We must see ourselves as servants obeying a master.

2.      We must see ourselves as stewards entrusted with his goods.

B.      Paul said, “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2).

1.      If we hope for eternal life we must be faithful stewards.

C.      Jesus said the “faithful and wise steward” is one who is waiting, faithfully doing his Master’s will when He returns (Matt. 24:45-46; Luke 12:42-43).

III. Faithfulness in the Parables of Jesus. Jesus taught the importance of faithfulness in several parables.

A.      In the Parable of the Talents He described the servant who faithfully used his master’s goods (Matt. 25:14-30).

1.      The master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matt. 25:21, 23).

B.      In the Parable of the Unjust Steward the Lord shows why faithfulness in this life is important (Luke 16:1-12).

1.      Jesus explained:

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? (Luke 16:10-12).

2.      How we use earthly things entrusted to us determines whether heavenly things will be entrusted to us.

3.      We must faithfully use our lives for God’s purposes.

IV. Members of the Lord’s Church are to be Faithful.

A. An elder is one with, “Faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination” (Titus 1:6)

1. As examples to the flock, their homes are examples of how to raise children faithful to the Lord.

B. Wives of elders and deacons are “faithful in all things” (1 Tim. 3:11).

C. Paul told Timothy, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).

D. All members are to be faithful. We should not imagine that faithfulness is only expected of leadership.

1. Paul’s letter to Ephesus was to, “The saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 1:1).

2. His letter to the Colossians was, “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse” (Col. 1:2).

3. In describing those who are with the Lamb, John was told, “He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Rev. 17:14).

a. If we are on the Lord’s side we must be faithful.

V. Ways Faithfulness is Demonstrated. There are many ways we demonstrate faithfulness

A.      Through faithfully assembling with God’s people in study and worship.

B.      Through care of the sick and troubled.

C.      Through teaching others.

D.      Through giving ourselves to prayer and Bible study.

E.       Through tenaciously resisting temptation

F.       Through diligently imitating Christ.

1.      Do such signs of faithfulness characterize our lives?

VI. Examples of Faithfulness. Several individuals in Scripture were called faithful.

A.      When Lydia obeyed the gospel she asked Paul, “...If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay” (Acts 16:15).

B.      Timothy was Paul’s “faithful son in the Lord” (1 Cor. 4:17).

C.      Epaphras was, “A faithful minister of Christ” (Col. 1:7).

D.      Tychicus was a, “ Faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord” (Col. 4:7).

E.       Onesimus, the slave Paul converted, was, “A faithful and beloved brother” (Col. 4:9).

F.       Moses was, “Faithful in all His house as a servant” (Heb. 3:5).

G.      Each of these fulfilled the tasks of service and obedience to the Lord given to them. As a result they are said to have been “faithful” to their commission and to their Master.

1.      Could someone look at us and describe us in this way?

Conclusion. Read: 1 Thess. 5:23-24 God is faithful—we must be faithful in return. May each of us work to be faithful to God’s commands through Christ in the New Testament! This doesn’t mean we won’t stumble, but let’s always strive to do what God says. We must obey as quickly as possible. We may struggle, but when we do let’s get up quickly and start again in faithful service to the Lord.