Faithfulness.
What does it Mean to be Faithfull?
Faithfulness means to be Devoted, Honest, Trustworthy, Dependable and Loyal.
Key scriptures:
1Thessalonians 5:24, Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it [fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping you].
2Thessalonians 3:3, Yet the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen [you] and set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil [one].
Meaning of these words which will help us understand more about Faithfulness.
a] Devoted – Loving or Loyal, given over to the display, study and discussion.
b] Honest – Free of Deceit, Truthful and Sincere.
c] Trustworthy – Able to be relied on as honest or truthful.
d] Dependable – Trustworthy and Reliable
e] Loyal – Giving or Showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution.
What is Faithfulness?
- Faithfulness means to be a keeper.
1Samuel 16:11 Then [he] said to Jesse, Are all your sons here? [Jesse] said, there is yet the youngest; he is tending the sheep. Samuel said to Jesse, send for him; for we will not sit down to eat until he is here. This is talking about David in the sheep of his father.
John 17:12 While I was with them, I kept and preserved them in Your Name [in the knowledge and worship of You]. Those You have given Me I guarded and protected, and not one of them has perished or is lost except the son of perdition [Judas Iscariot–the one who is now doomed to destruction, destined to be lost], that the Scripture might be fulfilled. [Ps. 41:9; John 6:70.]. This is talking about Jesus Christ who was also a faithful keeper.
2 Timothy 1:12 And this is why I am suffering as I do. Still, I am not ashamed, for I know (perceive, have knowledge of, and am acquainted with) Him Whom I have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on), and I am [positively] persuaded that He is able to guard and keep that which has been entrusted to me and which I have committed [to Him] until that day. This is talking about apostle Paul.
- Faithfulness means to look after things not for things.
- Faithfulness means to be a trader. Luke 19:11-26
Three Areas where we are tested.
- we are tested in the least someone has today.
- we are tested in money.
- we are tested in a way we handle another man’s riches.
let us look at these scriptures. Nehemiah 9:7-8, 1Timothy 3:8-10, Colossians 4:11 and Luke 16:10-13.
Rewards of Faithfulness.
Daniel 6:4 Then the presidents and satraps sought to find occasion [to bring accusation] against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no occasion or fault, for he was faithful, nor was there any error or fault found in him.
- Protection
- Blessings
Characteristics of Biblical Faithfulness.
a] Faithful people can be trusted by those they serve.
Proverbs 11:13 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden.
b] Faithful people are loyal, they don’t steal, abuse or cheat using their given position of influence. Proverbs A wicked messenger falls into evil, but a faithful ambassador brings healing.
c] Faithful people are Truthful and Honest. Proverbs 14:5 ”A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness breathes out falsehoods”.
d] Faithful people bring refreshments to their masters.
Proverbs 25:13 Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the life of his masters.
e] Faithful people know how to answer.
Isaiah 50:4“The Lord God has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to hear as the learned.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Examples of Faithful Men in the bible.
Nehemiah 7:12, 1Samuel 22:14, Hebrews 3:1-2, 1Timothy 3:8-10, Philippians 2:19-23, 1Corinthians 4:17.
How do we handle the little things He has given to us.
a} Recognize and appreciate the little things we have. 1 Samuel 17:17-20.
b} Keeping your eyes on the small things while moving to the big things.
How do we handle Someone’s Property.
a] Leave his/her place better.
b] Be a trusted burden bearer to those who depend on you for support.
c] You must know your Limitations and not abuse the opportunity given to you.
Boasters of Faithfulness.
- Walk in the fear of the lord.
- Be individualistic – be yourself. 1Thessalonians 4:11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.
- Focus on your own assignment for a time.
- Serve heartly – 1Chronicles 28:9 As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.
- Serve Joyfully. Psalms 100:1-2.
