1 Corinthians 4:2
Matthew 25:14-23
Galatians 5:22-23 – Fruit of Spirit = ‘Faithfulness’
- Faithful to our Faith (Behavior & Conduct)
Hebrews 10:23 ‘Let us hold fast the confession/profession of our hope/faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful’ (NKJ).
NLT Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise (NLT).
Great article – Hope for life – Nonprofit Counseling and equipping ministry
https://www.hopeforlifeonline.com/departing-from-the-faith-the-top-13-reasons-people-leave-christianity/
3. those who lack sufficient concern about the deadly reality of sin and its consequences.
4. those who do not give or receive correction well.
10. those who want to loved by the world & who love the things of the world.
13. those who have bad experiences in church.
Question: How can we measure our faithfulness to our ‘faith?’
Galatians 5:16-23
Extreme: Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev 2:10 NKJ)
Transition: Let me move on to my second piece to which I believe we should be faithful.
II. The Place / Authority of Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16 ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work’. (NKJ)
We say that ‘The Bile is our only rule for faith and practice.’
Deuteronomy 4:2 “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you’.
Revelation 22:18-19,
Transition: Thirdly, we should be faithful in the…
III. Administration of our gifts/talents
Hebrews 3:5
Hebrews 3:5 ‘And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward’, (NKJ)
Hebrews 3:5 ‘Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later’. (NLT)
Moses an ‘attendant’ to ‘discharge the duties committed to him by God’.
Luke 12:42-44 ‘And the Lord replied, (to the question of His return)
“A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 43 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 44 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. (Luk 12:42 NLT)
Matthew 25:21, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant…’
Transition: So the text is specifically addressing the need to be faithful stewards of
IV. Resources / Stewardship (giving)
Christian Stewardship refers to the responsibility that Christians have in maintaining and using wisely the gifts that God has bestowed. God wishes human beings to be his collaborators in the work of creation, redemption, and sanctification.
Conclusion: Colossians 1:2
Wealth & Justice
James 5:1-6 Introduction: James 5:1–6 is a strong prophetic warning about wealth, injustice, and God’s coming judgment. James speaks particularly to wealthy people who gained riches by oppressing others and living selfishly. Below is a clear breakdown of the passage. “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.”…
Here Comes the Judge
James 4:11–17 Introduction: I am old enough to remember a funk song popularized in1968 by comedian Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham through his comedy sketches and a funk song of the same name, often cited as an early influence on hip hop. Key details: ———————————————————-Predominant Theme of Section: Pride Puts Us in God’s Place James 4:11–17 — Humility Before…
Setting The Example
1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (NKJV) Introduction: Leadership Usually comes Without someone knowing that they are leading. Paul writes this letter to Timothy, a young pastor leading the church at Ephesus. Timothy…
Get a Little Closer
Getting Closer to God (James 4:1–10) 1. Recognize What Pulls You Away (vv. 1–3) James says the real problem isn’t external — it’s internal. “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” Key idea: Unchecked desires create distance from God. When our hearts are ruled by…
Godly Wisdom
James 3:13-18 James 3:13–18 is all about what real wisdom looks like—and how you can tell if it’s from God or not. Here’s the big picture 👇 James starts by saying wisdom isn’t proved by sounding smart or winning arguments. It’s proved by a good life, specifically by humility and gentle behavior. If someone claims…
Godly Wisdom
James 3:13-18 James 3:13–18 is all about what real wisdom looks like—and how you can tell if it’s from God or not. Here’s the big picture 👇 James starts by saying wisdom isn’t proved by sounding smart or winning arguments. It’s proved by a good life—specifically by humility and gentle behavior. If someone claims to…
The Tongue
James 3 Introduction: Oh, the tongue! The tongue is a bodily organ humans use to form words. Thus, James applies the tongue as a metaphor for speech. He informs Bible readers that “no one can tame the tongue” (James 3:8, NLT). This statement is part of James’ teaching on the challenging problem of controlling our…
All God’s Favorites
James 2:1-14 Introduction: Today, James takes us to a touchy subject. Let’s visit the topic of favouritism and prejudice. Question: So, is there any difference between favouritism and prejudice? Favouritism is partiality or bias. To show favouritism is to give unfair . preference to one person over others with equal claims. It is similar to…
The Double-Minded
James 1:5-8 Introduction: I’d like to speak to you today aboutFaith, Expectations & Stability. Read text: James 5:1-8 Wisdom in the Proverbs: Proverbs 1:7 ‘The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (NKJ) NKJ Proverbs 2:6 ‘For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and…