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Dimension 4) Three Signs Of A Trustworthy Person

1) They Obey God

“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’” (Matthew 5:33 ESV)

As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. If you want to know if someone is trustworthy, focus less on what they say and more on how they live. Rather than making empty promises, a trustworthy person shows up consistently and lives with integrity, just like Jesus, who perfectly lived out the truth He preached.

2) They Trust God

“But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.” (Matthew 5:34-35 ESV)

Trustworthy people know that God is the only one we can fully depend on. Wealth, world leaders, and cultural trends are constantly changing, so putting our trust in these things is unstable and short-sighted. Instead, trustworthy people surrender their plans and future to God, the One who never changes and holds all things together.

3) They Reflect God

“And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:36-37 ESV)

When your words match your actions, you stand out in a world full of empty talk and broken promises. This “upside-down” way of living is a theme throughout the Sermon on the Mount. Trustworthy people reflect the character of Jesus. His words had power, and His actions changed the world!

Big Idea: A trustworthy person doesn't just talk about doing the right thing; they live it out by obeying God, trusting Him fully, and reflecting His character. True trustworthiness starts with a heart that belongs to Jesus and results in a life that looks like His.

Let’s Think About This:

Question 1) Why do you think Jesus says that we shouldn’t make oaths or big promises? What does it tell us about how important honesty and consistency are?

Question 2) What are some things people your age tend to put their trust in besides God? Why do those things often end up disappointing us?

Question 3) Can you think of someone you know who reflects God in how they speak and live? What makes them stand out, and how can you start becoming that kind of person?