KINGDOM CHARACTER: Faithfulness

Faith (Trust in [Jesus]) - Galatians 2:16 “and yet because we know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we ourselves have believed in Christ Jesus. This was so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified.”

Faithfulness - Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

FAITHFULNESS

Trustworthiness, Reliability, Consistency (related to Conviction) [one characterized by belief and trust…I know (believe) therefore I do]

God sets the standard!

Romans 3:3–4 “What then? If some were unfaithful, will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Absolutely not! Let God be true, even though everyone is a liar, as it is written: That you may be justified in your words and triumph when you judge.”

Lamentations 3:23 “They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!”

To which we (his people) are called.

Romans 1:17 “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.”

Habakkuk 2:4 “Look, his ego is inflated; he is without integrity. But the righteous one will live by his faith.”

FAITHFUL FAITHFULNESS

The Parable of the Talents [Jesus]

[THE COMMISSION (A Stewardship)] Matthew 25:14–15 ““For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately”

[THE ACTIONS (The Stewarding)] Matthew 25:16–18 “the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. In the same way the man with two earned two more. But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.”

[THE RECKONING 1] Matthew 25:19–21 ““After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents.’ “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’”

[THE RECKONING 2] Matthew 25:22–23 ““The man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I’ve earned two more talents.’ “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’”

[BOTH servants described as “good and faithful” demonstrate a person who is reliable because of his loyalty and good character.]

[THE RECKONING 3] Matthew 25:24–28 ““The man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ “His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned. “ ‘So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents.”

[THE CONCLUSION] Matthew 25:29–30 “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. And throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”

How important is evidence of faithfulness?…of fruitfulness? IT IS ETERNALLY IMPORTANT.

CONCL—

FAITHFULNESS…a warning & an encouragement [A Faithful Reminder]

Matthew 23:23 ““Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, and yet you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. These things should have been done without neglecting the others.”

2 Timothy 2:2 “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” [men = humanity; people…not just males]

INVITATION:

Salvation

Relationships

Faithfulness

Galatians 5:23 CSB

gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.

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