The Fruit of Faithfulness

Galatians 5:22–23 KJV 1900

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

INTRODUCTION:  Faith produces Faithfulness! Being rooted in Christ should enable me to produce this fruit while Holy Spirit supplies the nutrients and strength to make this fruit evident in my everyday life.

Royal Wedding -

On July 29, 1981, one of the most highly publicized and glamorous weddings in history was celebrated—Britain’s Prince Charles wed Lady Diana. There was a worldwide audience of over 750 million people, and 2,500 people crowded the grand church where over twenty-one cameras were set up to record this exciting event. Their wedding was a modern fairy tale—a royal prince marries a lovely commoner in front of thousands of adoring subjects. They were the envy of the world—rich, young, handsome. People said theirs was a marriage made in Heaven. Sadly, their happiness was short-lived. The fairy tale soon became a nightmare of affairs and unfaithfulness.

Chappell, Paul. Fruit Grows Where the Stream Flows (Teacher Edition): Experiencing the Fruit of the Spirit in our Daily Lives (p. 123). Striving Together Publications. Kindle Edition.

INTRODUCTION:  Faith produces Faithfulness! Being rooted in Christ should enable me to produce this fruit while Holy Spirit supplies the nutrients and strength to make this fruit evident in my everyday life.

The Faithless disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane became the Faith Filled Apostles on the Day of Pentecost

William Carey - the missionary to India who say very few converts in his early ministry wrote to his friend this prayer request .... “Pray for us that we may be faithful to the end”

Every great servant of God has had one common trait - they were faithful

We can define being faithful as being full of faith. As we follow Christ and trust him with our live we show our faith. Because we have our faith placed in Him - we seek to consistently do the things that will bring him Glory and to magnify the Gospel to those around us.

1. Example in Faithfulness

During our time tonight we are going to look at three aspects of faithfulness, The Example, The Exhortation and the Examination. The question we should ask ourselves is “Are we living a life full of faith as we remain faithful to our Savior.”

Pray

1. Example in Faithfulness

As with each of the fruits of the spirit, it is helpful to look for examples of these fruits in action.

If your dream was to be an NBA basketball player you would quickly realize that you are not alone. There are many who have that desire and many are as good if not better than you are. What you will see is that it takes more than just talent. So what you would end up doing is looking at those who have achieved this dream and study how they made it to where they are.

If you want to be a successful business person, you will seek out and learn from those who are successful. This same goes for a pastor, mechanic....the list is endless.

The truth is, if you want to be successful at anything, you will seek out others who have already achieved it and learn from them.

For those of us who wish to be, not just successful, but faithful, we too must look to one who exhibits faithfulness so that we can learn what it looks like and how to bear this fruit in our lives.

a. God is Faithful

Robert Moffat Illustration....

During times of Discouragement

Hebrews 10:23 KJV 1900

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

We can hold to our faith even when things are difficult, because of the one our faith is in. this verse tells us that the one one how has promised to never leave us, the one that has promised to make all things work together for good, the one that has promised to uphold us by his right hand of strength and power - is faithful to keep his promises.

Life can be tough, the ministry can be discouraging. When it seems like things are going no where, when you have done all that you can think of and still nothing seems to be working out. We then can look to our savior and see that is not whether or not we are successful, for he is faithful, and what he requires out of us to be faithful.

Deuteronomy 7:9 KJV 1900

9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

The God that we serve will keep his covenants, will show mercy, will give grace and will sustain His people. Our God is faithful

Psalm 37:25 KJV 1900

25 I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.

psalm 37:

During Times of Distress

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV 1900

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Christ told us that this world would be full of trial, temptations and tribulations for those that follow him....

John 16:33 KJV 1900

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Our faithful Savior also tells us that we are not to go into these hopelessly, but understanding that He is in full control.

We can know that in the trials, in the temptations Christ in his faithfulness will give us the strength to endure, ensure that nothing comes at us that is more than we can take (because he is the one who goes with us into these trials) There is an end - a way out so that we do not have to admit defeat ensuring that there is a way to emerge from these trials victoriously.

During Times of Doubt

1 John 1:9 KJV 1900

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We all doubt from time to time. Can i truly trust that God has forgiven me? Have I sinned so much that God is done with me?

Sometimes we have moved so far away from God that his presence is not longer felt and hopelessness and doubt can take over.

John tells us that if, in those moments of doubt, if we will confess (agree with God) which includes repentance - a change of mind that leads to a change of heart. That he is faithful and Just to forgive us and cleanse us.

Maybe you know a Christian that has been ruled by doubt. Are they good enough, are they doing enough. Maybe they have struggled with being excepted because of a painful past. Maybe that person may be you tonight....

Assure them, and yourself, that our faithful God is there extending his hand in forgiveness ready to remove all of those doubts through the outpouring of his Grace and Mercy!!!

b. God’s Word is Faithful

Just as we can trust in the faithfulness of the character of God, that same trust is extended to His Word.

It is Eternal

Psalm 119:89 KJV 1900

89 LAMED. For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.

The word of God is settled in the eternal halls of heaven itself. Just as God is eternal and will be forever - His word is eternal.

This is why the same words that were applicable to the christians of the 1st century are also applicable to the 21st century christians and if the Lord tarry, will be applicable to the 41st century Believers.

It is Enduring

2 Timothy 2:13 KJV 1900

13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

The word of God can and has endured every attack the enemy has thrown at it. From the Gnostics of the early church who tried to pervert the word of God to make it more about the pursuit of knowledge and less about a relationship with the God of the universe, to the atheists and agnostics of today who seek to disprove the accounts of scripture and magnify the wisdom of man - The word of God has endured.

It is Effectual

Isaiah 55:11 KJV 1900

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, But it shall accomplish that which I please, And it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

The word of God will accomplish all that it says. Every promise can be counted on, every premise can be relied upon and every prophecy can be looked upon as factual and one day coming to pass.

The reason too many christians are living powerless lives is because their bibles are collecting dust on their shelves. You show me a Christian who does not read and apply the word of God, I will show you a Christian who is living a powerless life devoid of the true Joy of Christ. But on the other hand - you show me a Believer whose bible is worn from use, whose pages are stained with tears of repentance, show margins are full of notes and devotional thoughts that the Spirit has communicated with them during their times in the word - and I will show you a Christian living a fruit filled life, filled with the Joy and peace of heaven.

His word is Faithful - Are you faithfully reading it?

2. Exhortation to be Faithful

1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV 1900

2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

After studying our example in faithfulness, it is natural for us to be encouraged to follow His example and through the Spirit that indwells us, to bear the fruit of Faithfulness.

We are not commanded to be talented - We are commanded to be faithful. We are not commanded to be successful, we are commanded to be faithful. God is faithful to work through us as we submit to Him, regardless of our talent. God is faithful to bring about His will and to work in the lives of those who we present the Gospel to, the success of which is not dependent upon us.

The requirement that you and I have is to be faithful, living lives full of faith and trust in Him. Then through our faithfulness, watch God work in our lives and the livers of those around us. Let’s look at 4 different areas where we should be faithful.

a. Faithful to your Workplace

Colossians 3:23 KJV 1900

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Christians should be the greatest asset to a company. Their work ethic should be beyond reproach. Like Joseph whose faithfulness, even in terrible circumstances, was evident to the unbelieving Egyptians and was entrusted to all that Potiphar had, and then put in charge of the prison he was being kept in, then lastly second in command of all of Egypt, You and I show be the type of believer others can trust in.

b. Faithful to your Family

Ephesians 5:25–26 KJV 1900

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

There are times when it seems like it would be easier to pick up stakes and move along. Being faithful to our spouses seams to be a thing of the past and for the world, it has become common simply to give up and walk away.

today we look couples who have been married 10, 20 or even 50 years and think this is a great accomplishment. This should be the norm!

However, the average length of a marriage is only 11 years. with 50% of all marriages ending in Divorce.

And a study done among Christians shows that the divorce rate in the church is directly related to their faithfulness.

----Nominal Christians are 20% more likely to get divorced than an unbelieving couple (Those Claiming Christ, might go to church, might not - Is it raining?)

----Conservative Christian couples are 10% more likely to go through a divorce (Regular Church Attenders)

----But Active Conservative Couples are 35% less likely to go through a divorce (these are those who serve, the backbone of churches)

We are called to be faithful to the vows that we have made. Just as God is faithful to his promises of love, regardless of whether we return the love, or seek to live to glorify him, we should remain faithful to those He has placed in our lives!

c. Faithful to your Stewardship

Luke 16:10–12 KJV 1900

10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?

How use use the resources that God has entrusted to us is a measure of our faithfulness to Him. Our Time, Talents and Treasure are all given by God for the work of the Gospel.

--Our Money follows our heart. If we are burdened for the lost, concerned about the ministry of the word and desire to see Christ proclaimed, our checkbook will show it. If on the other hand, our desire is for comfort, pleasure and building our own little kingdoms, it will show that too.

Our talents

--How we use our talents will tell us what our ambition is. Many times we will use them to magnify ourself. A person who has been blessed with musical abilities can choose to use it to become famous and rich, or can use it to proclaim the love of Christ and be blessed for it. Whether the talents you have been given are musical, oratorical, Medical, mechanical, electrical .....or any other, it can be used for the world, or for the Lord. The benefits of using them for the world are temporary at best.

But when we use our talents to serve the Lord and advance His kingdom, the blessings are eternal and the dividends are seen in the souls saved and lives transformed through the Gospel of Christ.

—We are all given the same amount of time in a day. 24 hours, 1440 minutes, 86,400 seconds. our of that time we spend 6-8 hours (on average) sleeping to get the rest we need to spend the other 18.

1 study in the Washington post is pretty eye opening

On average this is how a typical person from Georgia spends their waking hours....

45 minute - personal grooming

34 minutes - house work

7 hours 36 minutes - Work

52 minutes commuting

5 hours in leisure

12 minutes in religious activities (prayer, bible reading)

how are you spending your time?

d. Faithful to your Church Attendance

Hebrews 10:25 KJV 1900

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

We will do what is important to us. That is how we set our priorities. If sports, hunting, fishing or hobbies are important to us, they will climb in our list of priorities. If moving up the ladder is important, we will make it our priority.

If Church is important - we will make it the priority. Let me ask you a question. What is your list of priorities? What is your top 5? Work, sure we have to pay the bills. Family time? absolutely. Where does church rank? is it important enough to plan your week around?

Here is the truth. If Sunday School and learning God’s word is important - you will be here for it and seldom miss it. If worshipping together with your church family is important - then you will be at the Sunday services. If missions is important to you, you will be and the conferences. if Revival is on your list - you wont miss a single evening of it. We will wrap our schedules around our priorities - What is yours?

3. Examination of Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 4:2–5 KJV 1900

2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

1 cor 4:

There is coming a day when we will give an account to how we lived our christian lives. When we stand before the judgement seat of Christ and faithfulness is tried in the fire of the holiness of Christ - how much will come out as purified precious material, that I believe will be used to fashion the crowns of our rewards with and then cast right back at the feet of the savior, and how much will burn up as the chaff and stubble.

Regarding this, just a couple of thoughts to finish our time together this evening.

a. We all have different opportunities

Matthew 25:14–21 KJV 1900

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 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.

Matt 25:4-21

Notice, each one of the servants were given a different amount and told to use it to further the Lord’s business. Those who used it to build His Kingdom heard well done.

“In this story, one servant squanders his talent and displeases his master, but the other two servants double their talents and are justly rewarded. “

This parable teaches that unequal gifts, if used with equal faithfulness, will be equally rewarded.

b. We will be examined according to our faithfulness

Matthew 25:19 KJV 1900

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

Revelation 2:10 KJV 1900

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

As I have said, the day is coming when we will be held accountable to how we lived our lives. There is a reckoning. Christ did not save us so we could sit in a pew and relax. There is no retirement in the kingdom. Each of us, no matter where you are in your Christian walk as the responsibility to live a life of faithfulness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Your rewards in eternity depend on how faithful you were in this life. There are no do-overs. You get one life, one shot. And none of us know the hour or the day when the opportunity will be over. Whether through our death, or through the rapture of the saints, there will be a day when we stand before the Judgement seat of Christ and give an account. Are you doing everything you can to be ready.

I dont want to hear “Good Enough”

I don’t want to hear, “well you started out well when you were younger, but then you checked out as you grew older”

I want to hear “Well done my Good and Faithful Servant”. My desire is to spend and be spent for Christ. To finish my course, keeping the faith and bearing the fruit of faithfulness in my life.

CONCLUSION: We must purpose to serve God faithfully in the opportunities He has given us and expect your faith to be rewarded in heaven.

Matthew 25:21 KJV 1900

21 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.