Sermon by Ben Giselbach (www.PlainSimpleFaith.com)
August 2012
Faithfulness
(Gal. 5:22-23)
Introduction
A. Christians are to “walk according to the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16; Rom. 8:4), and not merely avoid the
“works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21).
1. Avoiding sin comes naturally to those who live by the Spirit (cf. Gal. 5:25; Rom. 8:5-8).
B. Those who walk according to the Spirit will invariably bear the “fruits” of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-24).
C. Consider the 7th fruit of the Spirit: “faithfulness” (Gal. 5:22).
1. This does not directly refer to belief or faith in God.
2. Definition: steadfastness; thorough performance of responsibility; loyal; constant devotion;
steady in allegiance & affection
3. Faithfulness is unique in that it gives value to the other eight fruits of the Spirit:
a. Love should not be occasional.
b. Joy should not be limited.
c. Peacefulness should not be pursued only when convenient.
d. Patience should not be exercised by appointment.
e. Kindness should not be based on merit.
f. Goodness should not be conditional.
g. Gentleness should not be temporary.
h. Self-control should not be dependent upon mood.
D. Why is faithfulness important?
I. God Is Faithful to Us
A. God the Father is faithful.
1. An attribute of God (Psa. 89; Deut. 7:9)
2. Protects us (cf. 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Thess. 3:3)
3. Sanctifies us (1 Thess. 5:23-24)
B. God the Son is faithful.
1. Faithfully fulfilled his mission (Phil. 2:8; cf. John 4:34)
2. Serves as our high priest (Heb. 2:17-18)
3. Understands our weaknesses (Heb. 4:14-15)
4. Supplies man with grace and mercy (Heb. 4:16)
C. We must imitate God (Eph. 5:1).
1. We are made in His image (Gen. 1:27)
2. We are children of God (1 John 3:2)
3. We must imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1)
II. We Must Be Faithful
A. To Christ
1. (1 John 1:7; 2:28-29)
B. To His Church
1. Ask, “What kind of church would my congregation be if everyone were like me?”
2. Your faithfulness is obvious to those in your church family.
3. (Heb. 10:24-25)
C. To Our Families
1. Fathers (Eph. 5:23-25)
2. Mothers (Titus 2:3-5)
3. Children (Eph. 6:1-3)
D. To Our Neighbors
Sermon by Ben Giselbach (www.PlainSimpleFaith.com)
1. (Matt. 22:39)
2. (Matt. 28:19-20)
E. To Ourselves
1. It is spiritual suicide to neglect your soul.
2. The faithful will be given the “crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
Conclusion
A. Are you walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16)?
1. (1 Thess. 5:19)
B. Are you faithfully exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit?
August 2012