Hebrews 3:1-6

Introduction:

1. In a world of infidelity, faithfulness is worthy of high esteem.

2. We all know the value of faithfulness in relationships as well as the heartache a breach of faith brings.

3. Since God is faithful in all things, it naturally follows that the influence of His Spirit in our lives produces faithfulness.

Discussion:

I. Faithfulness Defined

A. “Steadfast in affection or loyalty…full of faith” (Webster)

B. “The character of one who can be relied on (Thayer)

C. The state of being “Trustworthy, reliable, dependable” (Mounce)

D. The Greek term used here may indicate either one’s trust/faith or their trustworthiness/faithfulness.

E. The context of Galatians 5:22 indicates the latter.

II. The Faithfulness of God

A. Faithfulness is a key descriptor of God (Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalms 86:15; 119:89-90; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 10:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Hebrews 10:23).

B. Jesus displayed the faithfulness of God in walking the earth as God with us (John 1:18; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3; 2:17; 3:1-6; 13:8).

III. The Faithfulness of God’s People

A. Once again, we are to imitate God’s faithfulness (Ephesians 5:1).

B. His stewards are expected to be faithful (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

C. Faithfulness will certainly be rewarded (Matthew 25:20-23, 31-40; Romans 2:6-7; Revelation 2:10).

D. Faithlessness will certainly be punished (Matthew 25:24-30, 41-46; Romans 2:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10).

E. His faithfulness provides the confidence we need to be faithful (1 Corinthians 10:12-13; 2 Timothy 1:8-12; Hebrews 6:13-20; 11:17-19).

F. This was the catalyst of all those “heroes of faith” we read about in Hebrews 11.

Conclusion:

1. If we are living by the Spirit of God, we will incorporate His faithfulness into our lives.

2. Without a doubt, sometimes it is difficult, but seeing those faithful servants of God faithfully endure should motivate us (Hebrews 12:1).

3. The key is to fix our eyes on Jesus and know He asks nothing from us which He has not already done for us (Hebrews 12:2-4).

4. Are we producing the faithfulness of God in our lives?