Introduction: What is the proper response of a disciple to the Lord? God's grace is a fact; faith is the proper response (Eph. 2:8,9). But faith cannot be dead, barren and silent; such is the faith of demons (Jas. 2:19). The faith that accepts and depends on God responds with living works. We call this "faithfulness." Define: "to be trusted; reliable."

I. God is faithful: 1 Cor. 10: 13; 2 Cor. 1: 18; 2 Tim. 2:13; Heb. 10:23; Heb. 11:11 (Sarah's response); 1 Pet. 4:19; 1 Jn. 1:9.

II. Christ Is faithful: 2 Thess. 3:3; Heb. 2:17; 3:2; Rev. 1:5; 3:14; 19:11.

III. The Word Is faithful: I Tim. 1:15; 3:1; 4:9,10; 2 Tim. 2:11; Tit. 1:9; 3:8; Rev. 22:6.

IV. These facts call for a proper response from me: faithfulness.

A. Texts.

1. Mt. 24:45-51 - faithful servant.

2. Mt. 25:21,23 - basis of judgment.

3. Acts 16:15 - response of a new convert.

4. Rev. 2:10 - continues "unto death."

B. Application:

1. New converts.

a. Don't be satisfied as a "babe in Christ."

b. 1 Pet. 2:2.

c. Study, attend, grow, serve Christ and others.

2. Bible class teachers.

a. Live a life consistent with teaching.

b. Be on time and ready for students; lessons prepared.

c. When absent, see that substitute is available.

d. Remember: "reliable, trustworthy" both in Scriptures and life.

3. Song leaders.

a. Adequate preparation; equal to task and responsibility.

b. Give thought to work before hour of worship.

c. Help others to grow and develop.

4. Elders.

a. A life-long use of talents, "watching on behalf of souls."

b. Work under the "Chief Shepherd."

c. "Reliable, trustworthy" to members and to Christ.

d. Be a servant and not a "lord over" God's heritage.

5. Preachers.

a. No greater obligation than that to Christ to "preach the word."

b. Keep priorities straight in life.

c. Do nothing by partiality.

d. Keep life in keeping with doctrine.

6. Disciples.

a. Make own application as to husbands, wives, children.

b. Eccl. 9:10; 1 Cor. 15:58; Col. 3:23.

Conclusion: In all walks of life, let us attempt to be as faithful as God, Christ, the Word. Be faithful if all others are faithless.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 15, p. 454
August 7, 1986