Timeless Truths: What Follows You - Faithfulness #2

"Some Assembly Required" series.

Series Theme Verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of our relationship with God.

The fruit of the Spirit is not evidence of our God-gifts.

·      This is not the “produce section” in your local store.

·      There is no choice among the listed attributes.

·      All the attributes listed are part of the single fruit.

Brief Recap of Part 1

1. Faithfulness is the fruit of faith.

a.    Walk by faith.

b.   Live by faith

c.    Stand by faith.

d.   Pray by faith.

e.    Sanctificationby faith.

f.     Salvation by faith.

People of faith are faithful people.

2. Faithfulness is fragile.

Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith… some will abandon the faith.
1Timothy 1:19c, 4:1b

Part 2 begins here.

3. Faithfulness to the finish is focused.

What distracts me?

Crowd. What others are doing around us and by those who are “supporting” us.

Climate. “Everyone else is doing it.” Conforming instead of changing.

Competition. Not being distracted, even by the good that others are doing.

FOCUS ON GOD

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Hebrews 12:2

Be faithful, even to the point fo death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 2:10c

Christ came and died so we can start and finish the race.

4. Faithfulness leads to fulfillment.

Fulfillment is the result of finding our purpose and doing that.

The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward allhe has made.
Psalm 145:13c

A faithful man will be richly blessed.
Proverbs 28:20

5. Faithfulness determines the future for those who follow.

God gives us clear instructions.

But we have to choose to accept and followthem.

And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s.
1 Corinthians 11:1[Living Bible]

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21

Who is following you?

What message are you sending to relatives, friends, and neighbors?

All the disciples but Judas were faithful to the end of their lives.

Next week: How to Lose Control

Special thanks to Dr. Keith Newman for the primary teachings used in this post. I invite you to his blog, which he's titled, Curious Sojourner.

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