FAITHFULNESS

Rev. Jim Davis, The Church Triumphant of Columbus

KEY VERSE ~ LAMENTATIONS 3:22

“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.” (KJV)

FOCUS ~ The book of Revelation tells us that that “they that are with Him” are “the called, the chosen, and the faithful.” This is very important to God! We sing a song that says, “He’s been faithful to me.” Since He has been faithful to us, and He doesn’t treat us like people treat us, we should not treat Him as a person, but as the King of Kings … He is so deserving, and so often, we are not.

The definition of FAITHFUL is steadfast in affection or allegiance: firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty.

God is faithful to His people (Lamentations 3:22, 23).

In the midst of despair, Jeremiah clung to God’s faithfulness. In this scripture, Jeremiah saw one ray of hope in all the sin and sorrow surrounding him: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Jeremiah knew from personal experience about God’s faithfulness. He had promised that punishment would follow disobedience, and it did. God also had promised future restoration and blessing, and Jeremiah knew that He would keep that promise, too. Trusting in God’s faithfulness day by day makes us confident in His great promises for the future.
God willingly responds with help when we ask. Perhaps there is some sin in your life that you thought God would not forgive. God’s steadfast love and mercy are greater than any sin, and He promises forgiveness. (2 Peter 3:9) “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (KJV)

We must be faithful to God (1 Kings 19:10).

In this passage, Elijah thought he was the only person left who was still faithful to God. He had seen both the king’s court and the priesthood become corrupt. After experiencing great victory at Mount Carmel, he had to run for his life. Lonely and discouraged, he forgot that others had remained faithful during the nation’s wickedness.
When you are tempted to think that you are the only one remaining faithful to God, don’t stop to feel sorry for yourself. Self-pity will dilute the good you are doing. Be assured that others are faithfully obeying God and fulfilling their duties. All who remain faithful to the end will share in God’s eternal reward. Be encouraged, stay in the church, and remain faithful to God and His calling.

Faithfulness should be characteristic of God’s people (Mark 9:50).

Jesus used salt to illustrate three qualities that should be found in His people:

We should remember God’s faithfulness, just as salt used with a sacrifice recalled God’s covenant with his people.
We should make a difference in the “flavor” of the world we live in, just as salt changes meat’s flavor. Let the world see Christ in us!
We should counteract the moral decay in society, just as salt preserves food from decay. When we lose this desire to “salt” the earth with the love and message of God, we become useless to Him.

We must be faithful to the house of God (Hebrews 10:25).

We should desire to be in consistent fellowship with other believers. This practice strengthens us and nourishes out spirit.
In the house of God, the Word is preached and our faith is strengthened.
In today’s wicked world, it is a place of solace. There is joy in experiencing worship and prayer in the house of God.

Additional scriptures to study

Leviticus 2:13

Matthew 5:13

Psalms 122:1