Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The emphasis on Faith in the Scriptures

a) Consistent

b) Constructive

c) Corrective

2. The emphasis on Faithfulness

a) Natural

b) Needed

REVIEW OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Galatians 5:22

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Longsuffering

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

THE PLACE OF FAITH

1. A working definition of Faith

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”   Hebrews 11:1

a) Foundational

b) Evidential

2. The Just shall live by faith

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”   Romans 1:17

a) Justified by faith

b) Living by faith in every age

THE EXPECTATION OF FAITHFULNESS

1. The Teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.”   Matthew 24:45-47

a) A faithful and wise servant

b) A work entrusted

c) Faithfulness practised

d) The blessing of commendation

2. The Lord Jesus as an Example of Faithfulness

“Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”   Hebrews 2:17-18

a) A merciful and faithful High Priest

b) To make propitiation for the sins of the people

c) He suffered, being tested (“tempted”)

d) He is able to aid others who are tested

3. The Teaching of the Apostle Paul

“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”   1 Corinthians 4:1-2

a) Servants of Christ

b) Stewards of the mysteries of God

c) Requirement: Faithfulness

THE FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESS

1. Examples of faithfulness

a) Tychichus

“A beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord”   Ephesians 6:21

i) Beloved brother

ii) Faithful minister

b) Timothy

“My beloved and faithful son”   1 Corinthians 4:17

i) Beloved son

ii) Faithful son

2. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit

a) Receiving of the Spirit   (Galatians 3:2)

b) Begun in the Spirit   (Galatians 3:3)

c) Supply of the Spirit   (Galatians 3:5)

d) Walk in the Spirit   (Galatians 5:16)

e) Led by the Spirit   (Galatians 5:18)

f) Live in the Spirit   (Galatians 5:25)

CONCLUSION

1. Be challenged to be faithful

2. Be filled with the Spirit so that faithfulness may be achieved

“Be filled with the Spirit”   Ephesians 5:18

3. Look forward to the commendation of the Lord

“Well done, good and faithful servant”   Matthew 25:23