Laws Publishing

EXHORTATION TO FAITHFULNESS

JIM LAWS

Paul, in listing qualities of the Christian life, makes this statement, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (A.S.V. has faithfulness) against such there is no law" (Gal. 5:22-23). Paul uses an important term, among many, the concept of which should be constantly incorporated into the life of the Christian, that being, faithfulness. Faith, as it is used here, describes the quality of "fidelity" or faithfulness (pistis - faith - Arndt-Gingrich, p. 668). Generally speaking, the term refers to the conviction of the truth of something, belief (Thayer, p. 512). Specifically, Thayer makes mention of its use in this passage by saying that it means "fidelity, faithfulness, i.e., the character of one who can be relied on (Thayer, p. 514). A. T. Robertson, in his Word Pictures in the New Testament, makes the point that by the time Paul gets to verse 22, he changes the figure from "works" (v. 19) to "fruit." He says, "It is a beautiful tree of fruit that Paul pictures here with nine luscious fruits on it." One of these important fruits of the Christian life would be faithfulness. Even though it is to be implemented into the Christians character on a daily basis, still, as the wise man in Proverbs said, it is a virtue that is hard to find (Prov. 20:6). The Psalmist, also, makes mention of the fact that at times faithfulness upon the part of others is scarce. Psalm 12:1 states, "Help Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men." In describing a desperate situation his plea for deliverance includes reference to the fact that there are few faithful left. Faithfulness is required of us to be pleasing in the sight of God. John, in encouraging suffering saints, gives the exhortation, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). John's exhortation emphasizes the fact that Satan will persecute the church in his efforts to make many turn back from following the Lord. Notice, that he admonishes them to be "faithful unto death," that is, be faithful, even though it may cost you your life (Mark 8:34-35). In doing this one will receive "a crown of life," that is, a crown of victory. Therefore, God promises the crown of life to faithful Christians, who persevere under trial. Such faithfulness will result in the ultimate enjoyment of life with Christ in glory (see James 1:12).

WE GROW IN FAITHFULNESS WHEN WE REALIZE THAT GOD IS FAITHFUL

In reminding the children of Israel of their responsibilities to God, Moses teaches them the fact of God and his faithfulness toward them. He states, "Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations" (Deut. 7:9). His point is that throughout all time, God has remained true to His commitment made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is a faithful God. Man's duty and privilege is, also, summed up well in the passage, as man is to love God and keep his commandments. The student of the Bible will find that loving God always find expression in doing God's will. This steadfastness, that is so much of the character of God, is shown to us in the New Testament, as well. Consider the Hebrew writers admonition, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Heb. 13:5). Amid the writer's lesson on contentment, causing us to remember where our priorities should be, he gives us this promise of God and His faithful nature, "I will never leave thee." In the original language there are five negatives that are put together to emphasize the certainty of God's faithfulness toward his people. To recapture something of the emphasis the writer gives to this point, a more literal rendering would be, "by no means will I leave nor by no means will I forsake thee." Matthew Henry in his commentary translated it this way, "I will never, no, never leave thee, no, never forsake thee." The five negatives strengthen each other in emphasizing the point of God's faithfulness. The promise received by the Hebrew writer regarding God and his nature becomes the sum and substance of all divine promises: God can be trusted.

What dos this means for us? (1) With the knowledge and understanding that God is faithful, then I know that he will complete His great work of Salvation that he has begun. Due to the problem of sin man needs the savior. Though man's life began in innocence, it did not remain that way, as all freely chose sin. However, God's great plan for human redemption has become a reality in that Christ died for all, making salvation possible for all who obey him (Heb. 5:8-9). Man can have faith and confidence in God's divine plan to save them from sin, when man turns to God out of an obedient faith (James 2:24, 26). (2) With the knowledge and understanding that God is faithful, then I know that he will protect me against the evil one (2 Thess. 3:3). God has not only made his saving grace available to man, but he continues to help man overcome sin and temptation. (3) With the knowledge and understanding that God is faithful, then I know that he will not allow me to be tempted beyond that I am are able to bear (1 Cor. 10:13). (4) Human beings can not be trusted, however, God is faithful to his promises. Even when others are determined to do us wrong, we may always go to Him. It is reassuring to know, as Paul did, that God never fails us.

WE GROW IN FAITHFULNESS WHEN WE REALIZE THAT JESUS IS FAITHFUL

Though one has no real reason for saying it, however, if one should say that he simply can not understand the faithfulness of God, or that he has a problem translating that quality into his own life, then he needs to remember that Jesus is the perfect example of faithfulness. Notice how that is the case.

Jesus was faithful in his role as the Son of God. In his discussion of the greatness of Christ, the Hebrew writer turns his attention to the fact that Christ deserves more honor than Moses. (Heb. 3:1-2). While involved in this discussion, he makes the statement that Jesus was faithful to God who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in serving all of God's people (v. 2). Jesus did all that God required of him. This is seen by what Christ said, as well as, by what he did. Notice, in the Garden by the very shadow of the cross Jesus prayed alone and said, "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42). Paul relates the work of Jesus and its great significance by contrasting what was lost in Adam with how much more is gained through Christ. Romans 5:19 states, "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."

Jesus faithfully carried out all the work God had given him to do. The Bible writers refer to this matter throughout the scriptures, however, notice just one in the book of John. John makes clear that Jesus was determined to do the will of God, that is, he was faithful. John 4:34 states, "Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." Clearly teaching that the will of Jesus and the will of God are in perfect harmony with each other, Jesus taught, "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." John 6:38 teaches, "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." Jesus made clear to his listeners that he always did what pleased God and that God was with him (John 8:28).

Jesus is a faithful high priest. The Hebrew writer once again describes the faithfulness of Christ, this time with regard to his work as our high priest (Heb. 2:17-18). In the second chapter of Hebrews we have the marvelous discussion of what might be termed, Jesus: the perfect man (Heb. 2:5-18). Jesus became one of us, flesh and blood (v. 14); he died to destroy the devil, who had power over death (v. 14); he also died to rescue us from the fear of death (v. 15); Jesus came to help us, therefore, he became one of us and could serve God as our merciful and faithful high priest, and he sacrificed himself for our forgiveness (v. 17). Because Jesus suffered and was tempted (though without yielding to sin), he is the perfect source of help and strength for all that suffer and are tempted (v. 18). Therefore, he understands our weaknesses (Heb. 4:14-15), and we may now receive the grace and mercy that is needed (Heb. 4:16).

WE NEED TO GROW IN FAITHFULNESS

Now that it has been established just how important faithfulness is, seeing that it is an intrinsic quality in the character of both God and Christ, each of us needs to learn the areas of our lives whereby we may grow in faithfulness. First, we need to be more faithful in the way we use our talents (Matt. 25:21). In the parable of the talents, where the master gave different talents (various amounts of money) to his servants according to their "several ability," (Matt. 25:15) so God has given to each of us abilities and skills that need to be developed and used in the service of the Lord. However, all too often we are like Moses at the burning bush, we bury our talents, rather than use and develop them. We fail to realize that with our excuse-making God can find a way to get the jobs done that need to be done. If we cannot be faithful in small things, then we can not be trusted to be faithful, when the going gets rough (Jer. 12:5).

Second, we need to be more faithful to the church. The family of God is always in need of those who are faithful and reliable, those who are trustworthy and loyal. The lack of dependability and, consequently, a lack of faithfulness can be seen in every congregation. Within each congregation of the Lord's church there are those who are guilty of forsaking the assembly (Heb. 10:25). There are always those who fail to participate in the work of the church, even though each work opportunity is important; they foster growth and greater levels of dedication. There are among us, who are not concerned with the condition of the poor, nor do they actively participate in the evangelistic work of the local congregation. These matters are serious, when it comes to living life acceptably before God, and they demonstrate the weakness of many.

Third, there is a need to grow in faithfulness toward the truth that one reads from the word of God, the Bible. The fact that the Bible, specifically the New Testament, is a complete guide for man to follow is plainly taught in its pages (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:1-3; Jude 3). To modify God's word in any fashion is an indictment upon its divine author, God, the Holy Spirit (Rev. 22:18-19; Gal. 1:8-9). Such attempts are, in effect, saying that God did not do a complete and perfect job and that the student himself can make improvements on God's work. It is a blasphemous and presumptuous position to take, and, yet, it seems that by some, the Bible may be revised without compunction. We must remember that it is truth and only the truth that accords with godliness (Titus 1:1); that truth sanctifies people and not error (John17:17, 19); that people purify their souls through obeying the truth and not the latest theological fad (1 Peter 1:22), and that it is the truth and only the truth that abides forever (2 John 2).

Fourth, we need to be more faithful to ourselves. We need to recognize, not only the fact that it is a command to repent and be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16), but it is, also, a command to be faithful. In giving the great commission of preaching the gospel to the world Jesus told his disciples to "observe all things" (Matt. 28:19-20). Remember, that it was Jesus through John who exhorted the church at Ephesus to be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10). A failure here will result in developing an evil heart of unbelief (Heb. 3:12). If one is not careful, he will become hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:13). We become partakers of Christ only, if we hold the beginning of our confidence to the end (Heb. 3:14). Therefore, Paul's exhortation to the church at Corinth must surely be our own, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58).

HOME