Introduction

Good morning, church family! It's wonderful to see all your shining faces today. We're going to dive into a topic that’s near and dear to my heart – God's faithfulness to us, the characteristics of a faithful believer, and the benefits of being faithful.

We're going to be hanging out in Hebrews 1 today. Before we get there, I want to share a quote with you from C.S. Lewis. He once said, "Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods." Ain't that the truth? Sometimes our circumstances change, our feelings change, but God never does. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever!

God's Faithfulness to Us

God's faithfulness is a characteristic of God that is not only foundational to our faith, but also deeply personal and intimate. God's faithfulness is His unwavering commitment to us, His steadfast love that never ceases, and His promises that never fail. It is His reliability, His trustworthiness, and His steadfastness in all circumstances.

Seen in His relationship with His people: Throughout the Bible, we see God making covenants with His people, promises that He will never break. From the covenant with Noah, where God promised never again to destroy the earth by a flood, to the covenant with Abraham, where God promised to make him a great nation, to the new covenant in Jesus Christ, where God promises forgiveness of sins and eternal life - God has always been faithful to His promises. He is a covenant-keeping God, and His faithfulness is unchanging.

Seen in His provision: In the wilderness, God provided manna and quail for the Israelites. In the midst of famine, God provided for Ruth and Naomi. In the midst of stormy seas, God provided safety for Paul. And in our lives today, God continues to provide for our needs. Whether it's physical needs like food and shelter, or spiritual needs like grace and forgiveness, God faithfully provides for His children.

Seen in His presence: God promised Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5). This promise is not just for Joshua, but for all of God's people. In the midst of trials, in the midst of loneliness, in the midst of suffering, God is with us. He is a faithful companion who never leaves our side.

Seen in His protection: When the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army, God parted the waters and led them to safety. When Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, God shut the mouths of the lions. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, God was with them and protected them. And in our lives today, God continues to protect us from harm.

Seen in His patience: Despite our sin and rebellion, God is patient with us. He does not treat us as our sins deserve, but is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness when we confess our sins to Him.

God's faithfulness to us is evident: It is a faithfulness that is not dependent on our faithfulness to Him. Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13). God's faithfulness is not just a theological concept, but a lived reality. It is the bedrock of our faith, the foundation of our hope, and the source of our comfort.

The Characteristics of a Faithful Believer

The characteristics of a faithful believer are manifold, and they are beautifully reflected in the life of Jesus Christ, who is the perfect model of faithfulness ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO