The Church and Faithfulness 2 Timothy 2:11-13
2 Timothy 2:11-13 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: (12) If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: (13) If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
A. I want to testify to the faithfulness of the Lord to His children. The person and purposes of God never vary. GOD IS FAITHFUL!
1. God Is Faithful To His Person – Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
2. God Is Faithful To His People – Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
a) God Is Faithful In His Preservation – 1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
John 10:28-30 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.
b) God Is Faithful In His Protection – Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
c) God Is Faithful In His Provision – Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
3. God Is Faithful To His Promises – 2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
4. God Is Faithful To His Purposes – Job 23:13-15 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him. Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.
5. God Is Faithful Perpetually – Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hallelujah, what a Savior!)
If God is this faithful to His person, promises, purposes, and people—is it not a valid request that His people be found faithful to him?
B. God is looking for faithful people. Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
1. Faithfulness is greater than talent – you may be the greatest singer in the world, but if you are not here to sing, you are useless!
2. Faithfulness is greater that giving – you may be the greatest giver in the world, but if you are not here to give, you are useless!
3. Faithfulness is greater than ability – you may be the greatest teacher in the world, but if you are not here to teach, you are useless!
4. Faithfulness is greater than soul winning ability – you may be the greatest soul winner in the world, but if you are not witnessing, you are useless!
5. The list could go on indefinitely, but I believe you understand the importance of faithfulness.
Hebrews 10:22-23 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
C. In Matthew 25:14-27, the phrase “Well done, good and faithful servant” is used twice while the phrase “Thou wicked and slothful servant” is used once.
1. Faithful is a commandment, not an option.
2. Faithfulness is a blessing, not a cursing.
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
SOME THINGS WE NEED TO BE FAITHFUL TO:
1. Faithful To The Lord John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
a. Faithful Out Of Love
b. Faithful Out Of Fear
c. Faithful Out Of Debt
2. Faithful To Your Family 1 Tim. 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
a. Husbands To Their Wives
b. Wives To Their Husbands
c. Parents To Their Children
d. Children To Their Parents
3. Faithful To Your Church Ps 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary:
a. Faithful To Attend
b. Faithful To Give
c. Faithful To Labor
d. Faithful To Exhort And Edify
4. Faithful To Your Fellow Man Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…Prv 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
a. Faithful In Example
b. Faithful In Prayer
c. Faithful In Witness
5. Faithful To Your Country 1 Peter 2:17 “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”
a. Faithful To Be A Good Citizen
b. Faithful To Be A Good Intercessor
c. Faithful To Be A Good Voter
Conclusion: Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? (May the Lord help us to be faithful in these last days!)
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.