The Fruit of the Holy Spirit- Faithfulness

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22,23.

Faithfulness:

Read-Psalm 89:33; Lamentations 3:23; Luke 16:10-12; Galatians 5:22,23; Hebrews 3:1,2; Rev 2:10.

Introduction:-
* Faithfulness is love's measure: 1Corinthians 13:8.-lasting & it never fails.
* Makes faith a living reality in one's life- the 'constancy'.
* To do with staying true to one's trust, to one's commitment to others and oneself and above all to God.
* Today there is a great need for trustworthy people in all fields and at every level of leadership.

The Characteristics:-
Faithfulness is a divine attribute.
It is described as:                              Manfested in:
1. Everlasting: Ps.119:90.                 - counsels:Is.25:1
2. Established:Ps.89:2.                    - covenant-keeping:Deut.7:9.
3. Unfailing:Ps.89:33.                       - forgiving sins:1Jn1:9.
4. Infinite:Ps.36:5                              - testimonies:Ps119:138.
5. great:Lam.3:23.                            - Judgements:Jer.51:29.
6. Incomparable:Ps.89:8.                   - Promises:1Kings 8:20.
                                                          - endurance:Rev.2:10.

Needed to fulfill the following:
1. God's service: Mt.24:45;1Cor.4:2.
2. declaring God's word: Jer.23:38;11cor.4:2;2Tim.2:2.
3. Bearing witness: Prov.14:5.
4. Keeping secrets: Prov.11:13.
5. Helping others: 3Jn 5.
6. doing work: 2chron.34:12;Col.3:23.
7. Position of trust:: Neh.13:13;Eph.6:5-9.
8. Reproving others: Prov.27:6.
9. conveying messages: Prov.25:13.
10. Smallest things: Lk.16:10-12.

* Expression of your faithfulness to God in the following:
* Wives to be faithful to husbands: 1Tim.3:11.
* Children to be fiathful to parents: titus 1:6.

The Rewards or Benefits of faithfulnes:
1. Preservation by God: Ps.31:23; Dan.6:4, vs20-22.
2. Guidance with His watchful eye: Ps.101:6.
3. exaltation and honor: Mt.25:21.
4. Hospitality accepted: Ac.16:15.
5. Blessings:Gal.3:9.
6. Privilege of service(appointment to):1Tim.1:12.
7. Knowledge of God's word:2Tim.2:2.
8. Grace and peace multiplies:eph.1:1.
9. Riches given:Lk.16:10-12.

Examples:
* Abraham: Gal.3:9. * Isaiah: Is.39:1-8.
* Abraham's servant: Gen.24:32,33. * Jeremaiah: Jer.26:1-15.
* Joseph: Gen.39:22,23.                 * Daniel: Dan.8:10.
* Moses: Num.12:7.                    * John the Baptist: Lk.3:7.
* David: 2 Sam.22:22-25.                * Lord Jesus: Heb.3:11,12.
* Elijah: 1Kings 19:10,14.                * Peter: Ac:4:8-12.
* Paul: Ac.17:16,17.

Questions for reflection:
- Do you keep your promises?
- do you pray your bills? Do you honr your appointments?
- do you stay on course with your commitments?
- Is your word your bond? Do you go the second mile?

"But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." 2 Thes.3: 3. Amen!