FAITHFULNESS BORN AND BORNE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Scripture Passage: Galatians 5: 22-26; Deut 32:3-4 
 
Defining Faithfulness (pistis) in secular antiquity referred to a guarantee (warranty). In Scripture, faith is God's warranty, certifying that the revelation He inbirthed will come to pass (His way).
•The reception of the believer by Christ, is presented in these words, “Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matt 25)
•It is often a character trait of dependability and trustworthiness, but it also has the aspect of ‘the long haul’.
 
The Faithfulness of God
•God reveals himself to Moses as being abundant in faithfulness (Ex 34:6; Deut 32:8)
•Jacob acknowledges God’s faithfulness (Gen 48:15)
•“Israel is laid waste, his seed is no more” (Pharaoh Merenptah 1207 BCE; Is 11)
•In the midst of judgement and mercy Jeremiah reflects on God’s faithfulness
    (Lam 3:22-23)

Modelling Faithfulness
•“…just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.” (Heb 3:1-2; Num 12:6-8)
•Catering problems (Num 11)
•Confusion with gifts of the Spirit  (vv. 24-30)
•Criticism from his own family about his marriage (Num 12)
•Discouragement from 10 spies (Num 13)
•Grumbling and rebellion (Num 14:1-9)
•Death threats (Num 14:10)
•Mutiny of key tribal leaders (Num 16)
 
Faithfulness as seen in Jesus and Paul
•Refused the easy way out
•Jesus’ speaks of faithfulness that is to be seen in his followers (Matt 25; Jn 10; Lk 16:10-13)
•Rev 19:11 ‘Faithful and True’
•Paul was cautious in matters relating to money (Rom 16; 1 Cor 16; 2 Cor 8-9)
•Slaves were asked to be faithful (Titus 2:10)
 
Private Orchard on Public Display
•Our being impacts our doing
•‘a long obedience in the same direction’, Eugene Peterson
•We are called to be faithful in our
•Relationship with God
•Relationship with ourselves and others
•Homes
Workplace/Business
 
Take Away: Consider what aspects of your life are entangling or possible entanglements for your road run in being a faithful follower