The Seventh Part of the Fruit of the Spirit FAITHFULNESS

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law [we don’t do works to gain them; we study and the Holy Spirit changes us]

Faithfulness means being full of faith, strong or firm in one’s belief, loyal, constant in the performance of duties or services, true to one’s work, reliable and dependable. Wow! That’s a mouthful!

There is only One Who has always been and will always be totally faithful to us, and that is God. Because of His perfect character, He can only be faithful. God will get us through easy times and difficult times. We can and should always rely on Him!

Lamentations 3:22-23 The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness.

God can be faithful to us because the Lord Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins on the cross. Jesus was judged for our sins. Sin is no longer an issue. God’s faithfulness does not depend on what we do or don’t do. Isn’t that a relief? He has set up His plan so that He is free to be faithful to us. It goes back to the cross!

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God is faithful to believers and unbelievers. We are kept alive and have all that we have because of God’s faithfulness to us. He gives us everything that we need for our physical life and for our spiritual life. We just have to make choices. God does not force anything on us. The issue for every unbeliever is, “What do you think of the Lord Jesus Christ?” The issue for the believer is to be filled with the Holy Spirit and learn, believe, and use Bible doctrine. Of course God wants everyone to become believers and to know His faithfulness.

Acts 16:31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved….” 1 John 1:9 If we acknowledge our sins, He is faithful and righteous, with the result that He forgives us our sins [ known sins] and cleanses us from all unrighteousness [unknown sins].

God’s faithfulness is shown when our faith is being tested. God will not allow us to be tested or tempted beyond what we can handle. He always provides the doctrine, or the opportunity to get the doctrine necessary to pass each test before it comes. Therefore, Bible doctrine is our way of escape from each test, and that doctrine is provided by the faithfulness of God. DON’T QUIT ON GOD!

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may endure it.

Even when we totally fail, God is faithful to us. If we don’t get back on the right track through the misery we bring on ourselves, He will discipline us! He knows what we need in that department! GOD NEVER QUITS ON US!

(Paul wrote this while he was in prison, not a great place to be.) Psalm 119:65-68 Thou hast dealt well with Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word. Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Thy commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Thy word. Thou art good and doest good; teach me Thy statutes.

We can see how God has been faithful to us over and over and over! Think of how many times you dug a pit for yourself and the grace and faithfulness of God pulled you out. Think of how many times you were worried about something and the grace and faithfulness of God helped you through your worry! We can always trust in God to help us again and again and again!

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God.

God has made many, many, many promises to us. The Bible is full of promises. God is faithful in keeping His promises. We need to learn these promises, believe them, and trust in God! If we do this, we will be relaxed and have the faith rest God wants us to have!

This scripture warns us about missing out on this faith and rest that God gives. Hebrews 4:1 Therefore, let us fear lest, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it.

Jesus is our best Friend and He has taught us through His word, Bible doctrine, how to be faithful friends. We have learned that a true friend can be trusted. He won’t tell stories about his friends whether the stories be true or false. A true friend is reliable. He can be counted on to do what he says he will do. A true friend will be encouraging. He will not judge. A true friend has faithfulness.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity [there to help in times of trouble]. Proverbs 17:9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.

Like all the other parts of the fruit of the Spirit, faithfulness grows in us because of the power of the Holy Spirit. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, learning Bible doctrine, believing and using it, we will gradually see changes in the way we act. This is because of the power of the Holy Spirit. We have faithfulness because of the faithfulness of God!

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The Seventh Part of the Fruit of the Spirit       Faithfulness References used:           Robert R.McLaughlin Bible Ministries   www.gbible.org           Lesson: 8-14-05           Tree of Life: 8-07-05           Book: The Faithfulness of God

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