FAITHFUL TO FRUITFUL AUGUST 29, 2021


SCRIPTURE
The Lord passed before (Moses) and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” Exodus 34:6-7, ESV


INTRO

God has never experienced a second of unfaithfulness. His faithfulness eclipses our ability to be faithful.

This is seen in the lives of Hosea and Gomer, the Children of Israel approaching the Promised Land, the Prodigal Son, and countless others throughout church history.

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. Psalm 36:5

What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Romans 3:3

If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is. 2 Timothy 2:13

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The One sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. Revelation 19:11

“Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

Maintaining faithfulness in our lives requires a work of the Spirit and the work of self.



CURRENT CULTURE

Western culture promotes feelings over commitments and responsibilities.

In a world of instability, God has called us to be stable.

Culture is increasingly hostile to Christians, Christian values, and Christian beliefs.


KEY AREAS REQUIRING FAITHFULNESS

Disclaimer: There are times one needs to step away from certain relationships.

1/ Responsibilities

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4, NIV

A faithful man will abound with blessings. Proverbs 28:20, NIV

Our Marketplace
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21, NIV

“The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes.” Luther

Our Ministry
God has given each of you a gift from His variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve on another. 1 Peter 4:10, NLT

Our Money
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Luke 16:10

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV


2/ Relationships

Our Marriage
Faithfulness in marriage goes beyond sexual fidelity. It involves emotional investment.

Drink water from your own well—share your love only with your wife. Proverbs 5:15

Every fruitful marriage has years of unseen faithfulness.

Our Minors
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him. Psalm 127:3, NLT

Our Mates
A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17, ESV

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NLT

Faithful friendships encourage godliness and possess empathy.

Our Maker
I will search for faithful people to be My companions. Psalm 101:6, NLT

If dictated by feelings, faithfulness will become unfaithfulness.

Remember Eleazar of Maccabees



FAITHFULNESS LEADS TO FRUITFULNESS

“Tomorrow’s fruitfulness is found in today’s faithfulness.” Jarrett Stevens

Prior to their reaping, Abraham & and Sarah had to sow. But “Sarah considered Him faithful who had made the promise.”
Hebrews 11:11

The fruit of faithfulness requires fight (Vineyards of South France).