February 20, 2010
Lesson 8
The Fruit of the Spirit
Is Faithfulness
Surveying the Source
Matt. 25:1–13; Luke 16:10; 1 Thess. 5:23, 24; 2 Tim. 3:1–5; Hebrews 11.
Plotting the Course
The students will:
►Be able to explain the difference between faith and faithfulness.
►Share with the class a real-life example of faithfulness from their own life or
Teacher’s
Guide
from the live of someone they know.
►Decide to do something in the upcoming week as an expression of their
faithfulness.
Preparing to Lead
Galatians 5:22 tells us that one of the
fruit of the Spirit is faith (KJV). The New
King James Version uses the word faithfulness. Faithfulness is the works of faith.
It is faith in action. In the book of James,
this outward display of faith is called
works. “Show me your faith without your
works, and I will show you my faith by
my works” (verse 2:18, NKJV).
Jesus tells us in John 15:5, “ ‘Those
who abide in me and I in them bear much
fruit, because apart from me you can do
nothing’ ” (NRSV). The fruit Christ is
speaking of is the fruit of His Spirit (Gal.
5:22, 23). So the fruit of faith (or works)
has something to do with being in Christ,
and Christ being in us. Without Christ, all
of our doing is nothing. Faithfulness is
only possible with the presence of Christ
in the life of the believer, and it is the
evidence of our loyalty to Him.
Getting Started
Materials
small lighter or matches;
small birthday candle that
will not blow out; pack of
seeds; small plant
A. Bring a lighter and a small birthday
candle to class (one that will not blow
out). At the start of class, light the candle,
and have several individuals attempt to
blow it out. Say: “Like the burning candle, a faithful believer will remain steadfast in the Lord. In spite of the challenges
and trials of life, his or her flame will not
go out.” (Alternative: Light a large candle, but do not try to blow it out. Use it as
an object lesson with the same message
as above. After sharing this lesson with
the class, blow out the candle.)
B. Bring a small pack of seeds and a
small plant to class. First show the pack
of seeds, and discuss the process of planting a seed in good soil, watering it, giving it sunlight, etc. Then show the small
plant, discussing the health and well being of a plant that is faithfully cared for.
Say: “Faithfulness is like caring for a
plant. Our faith is nurtured by our faithfulness—by good works.”
Have members of the class give examples of faithfulness or good works (for
example: making good choices, a life of
obedience to the Word of God, consistent
Bible study and prayer, ministry, serving
others in a variety of helpful ways, etc.).
Copyright 2010
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®
19
Delving Into the Word
A. Have class members divide into
pairs or small groups. Assign each group
one of the following Bible passages to
read and discuss together. Each group
should find in the passage an example of
faithfulness, unfaithfulness, or both. After
several minutes, have each group share
their conclusions with class members,
telling why they believe their example is
one of faithfulness or of unfaithfulness.
1. Numbers 13:25–28; 13:30–33;
14:6–10: Joshua and Caleb displayed
faithfulness in their courage and in their
confidence that God had the power to
help them defeat Jericho even though it
seemed like the odds were against them.
2. 1 Samuel 16:11–13: David was a
faithful servant of the Lord even as a
shepherd. Though he had a humble position in his family and in his life, God had
a great plan for him.
3. Esther 5:1–8; 7:1–6, 10: Esther displayed faithfulness by looking out for the
interest of others. She used her position
and her influence to save the lives of her
people.
4. Acts 9:36–42: Tabitha (Dorcus) was
faithful in serving others. She used her
skills to help people in need. Because of
her faithfulness, she was raised from the
dead.
B. Assign the following Bible verses to
different members of the class. Have each
member take a turn reading his or her
verses and telling the class the characteristics or attributes that the verses mention. Then have someone in the class give
examples of those characteristics in action. These can be hypothetical or reallife experiences. At the end of the exercise, explain that these attributes in the
life of the Christian are all expressions of
faithfulness. Ask the class to think of
other characteristics of faithfulness that
are not mentioned in any of the verses.
●Romans 12:18 (peace); ●James 1:2–4
(patience); ●Luke 3:7–11 (giving);
●Ephesians 4:32 (kind, tenderhearted,
forgiving).
Discussing the Ideas
1. What are some of the ways you can
maintain faithfulness?
2. How can you encourage another person to remain faithful?
3. The Bible tells us that we cannot be
saved by our works. Is it possible to be a
faithful believer without works? Why or
why not?
4. Was the thief on the cross a faithful
person? Explain your answer. What does
his experience tell us about the works of
faith?
5. What are some of the things that can
diminish faith in the life of the believer?
6. How would you explain the expression “by beholding we become
changed?”
Closing the Activity
Have each class member do the reproducible activity on page 38. If you have
time, allow some the members to share
their work. Close with prayer, asking
God to help each member of your class
develop faithfulness.
Tresa Beard, Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A.
Copyright 2010
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®
20
INSTRUCTIONS: Write synonyms for the following words on the first line.
Write antonyms on the second line. After you have completed the list, go
back to the top and draw a line through all of the antonyms. Then read
through the list of synonyms one at a time. Close your eyes and imagine
yourself doing something to display the word or words listed. Try to picture
things in you own experience as you use your imagination. Determine in
your heart to put these things into practice on a daily basis.
Lesson 8
Attributes of Faithfulness
Synonym
Antonym
1. Praise
____________
____________
2. Joyful
____________
____________
3. Forgiving
____________
____________
4. Generous
____________
____________
5. Peaceable
____________
____________
6. Contentment
____________
____________
7. Helpful
____________
____________
8. Service
____________
____________
9. Longsuffering
____________
____________
10. Self-control
____________
____________
Copyright 2010 General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®
38