Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness (Part 2)

We previously began investigating faithfulness, considered a manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. We understand that to be faithful is to be full of faith, trusting on God and not ourselves.

It will do a Christian well to dwell upon the "giants of faith" that may be found in the Bible. Hebrews 11 is full of examples of men and women who overcame amazing odds thanks only to their faith in God. Many left their homes, their old gods, and all of their possessions because of their faith in God, and none were disappointed. Many faced physical hardship and suffering for God, but considered it worthwhile. And above all, the Christian should marvel at Hebrews 11:39-40:

And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise, God having provided some better thing concerning us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Elijah standing up to the priests of Baal; the constant torment of Jeremiah regarding the word of the Lord; Abraham willing to sacrifice his only son to God-- all of these and countless others who had extraordinary faith in God received less than what we have been given without even asking-- the immediate hope of Heaven by the salvation given to us through the blood of Jesus Christ! If all of these people in the Old Testament can have faith in God without having received the promise, why ought we not have even more faith in God than they, since the promise has been given to us? Do we not have more evidence of God's love for us, and a stronger foundation for our hope of salvation?

We see, then, that if we truly are going to live a life pleasing to God, it is absolutely essential that we have faith in Him and in His promises. It also follows that if we are to be men and women of such great faith, we ought to be found faithful not only in matters pertaining to our Lord but also in our commitments and words to one another. How can we really be full of faith toward God if we are not dependable persons ourselves? Trust in God should lead us to be trustworthy and dependable people. As the Lord has said, "He who is faithful in much, much more shall be given him; but to the one who is faithful in little, even what he has shall be taken from him" (Matthew 25:29). In the parable of the talents, we have every reason to believe that the third servant recognized who his master was and what his master intended for him-- yet, since he was not dependable in using that which God gave him, he not only lost what he had, but also was condemned to the outer darkness (Matthew 25:14-30). Dependability, therefore, is not an option. We are stewards of what God has given us, and for our stewardship we will be called into account (1 Corinthians 4:2). It is required for stewards to be faithful!

The blood of Jesus Christ has been shed for our sins, and if we believe in Him and display obedient faith He has promised us eternity with Him in Heaven. All that would be lacking is your faith in Him and His promises, and to be a dependable steward of all the gifts which God has given you.

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 1:20-21).

Ethan R. Longhenry
evangelist@norwalkchurch.org

Things to Consider Regarding the Assembly

1. Have I considered how to stir up my fellow Christians to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)?

2. Will I listen to the announcements? Will I strive to participate in various activities? Will I pray for those needing prayer (James 5:14-16)?

3. Will I sing so as to speak to my fellow Christians in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to build up their faith (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16)?

4. Will I actively participate in the congregational prayers and confirm my agreement with "Amen" (1 Corinthians 14:14-16)?

5. Will I remember the Lord's death in the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-28)?

6. Will I pay attention to the lesson, test to see what things are so, and be willing to apply the message to myself first and strive to be a better servant of God (Acts 17:11, 2 Corinthians 13:5)?

7. Have I prepared to give as God has blessed me (2 Corinthians 8:8-15)?

Ethan R. Longhenry
evangelist@norwalkchurch.org

The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio

Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies!

Our location:

386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits)
Norwalk, Ohio 44857

Our assemblies:

Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am
Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm

Our Bible studies:

Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am
Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm

For More Information

If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org.

Please click here to return to the 2008 archive of Good News for Norwalk, or click here to return to the main page of Good News for Norwalk. Thanks!