Fruit of the Spirit - Faithfulness

Good morning & Welcome!

As we begin, these next few weeks we will be wrapping up the teaching on the FRUIT of the Spirit... let’s be reminded about the three different clusters we find; love, joy, peace (God); patience, kindness, goodness (others); faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (me). Interesting… God first; others second; me third!

Again, let us not forget that these virtues are produced as we yield our lives to the HS. You now how the secret sauce is made? You know how we are becoming all that we are called to become? Because God is at work! Check out these two passages in Philippians...

Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you...

Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began a good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

And it is so very important…what God is going to us on the inside.

He’s making us more and more faithful.

Faithfulness is doing what you promised to do.

Faithfulness is being true to your word.

Faithfulness is being someone you can count on.

Being faithful means you can be trusted; you are loyal; you are devoted; you are reliable.

A synonym for faithfulness is the word FIDELITY. The character of one who can be relied upon.

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. Same Greek word used for faithfulness in the Bible.

Read an article a few weeks ago that said, “Many are on a career path, but few are on a character path.”

Hebrews 11 Tell us of examples of great faith throughout the Bible

Abel

Enoch

Noah

Abraham

Moses

Hebrews 12:1–3 (NLT)

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

2We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

3Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

Sometimes I think we get wrapped up in thinking about the BIG things like Moses & Abraham.

But God wants us to faithful in the little things.

Luke 16:10–12 (NLT)

10“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

11And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?

12And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?

Jesus is amazed at 2 points throughout the scriptures - both times is was referencing a person’s faith. Centurion’s strong faith &

God rewards those who are faithful in the little things.