Fruit Of Faithfulness

FOCAL VERSES:

Fruits of the Spirit

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

Abiding in the Vine

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5 ESV

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. John 15:8-10 ESV

I. Faithfulness

God is Faithful

Your faithfulness endures to all generations… Psalms 119:90 ESV

The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. Psalms 145:17 NIV

Jesus is faithful

Jesus lived and is an example of faithfulness. “I watch to see what the Father is doing. He shows me everything He is doing. I do what I see the Father doing.” John 5:17,19-20 (paraphrased) Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby – p.78

(17) My Father is working until now, and I am working… (19-20) The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. John 5:17,19-20 ESV

Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. Isaiah 11:5

I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True. Revelation 19:11

We are called to be Faithful

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3 NIV

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

If we abide in the vine, we are receiving all we need to produce faithfulness in our lives.

We are going to look at some aspects of God’s faithfulness, see how Jesus lived out that faithfulness, and talk about how our faithfulness can reflect the nature and character of God. Finally, we look at some faithful people in the Bible.

1. Faithful to keep His promises. His word is truth.

Know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and mercy to a thousand generations with those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9 ESV

I will not take from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. Psalms 89:33-34 ESV

Many prophecies have been told and fulfilled, showing God’s word is true.

What promises/prophecies has God revealed that were fulfilled?

Promise of a Savior –

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6 ESV

Approximately 2,500 prophecies appear in the pages of the Bible, about 2,000 of which have already been fulfilled. (Hugh Ross, reasons.org) Over 350 prophecies were fulfilled in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

What promises/prophecies can we expect to be fulfilled in the future?

There are many prophecies of the end times and the return of Christ. We can trust these prophecies because God keeps his promises; His word is true.

Jesus

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

What promises/prophecies did Jesus reveal that were fulfilled?

Promise of Comforter – Fulfilled

(16-17) I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper/Comforter, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (23) If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (26) TheHelper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:16-17,23,26 ESV