The Faithful Few 1 Peter 3:20-21 (1 Peter 3:20b-21), “…the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Faithful Christians have always been a small minority. (Matthew 22:14) [Parable of Wedding feast, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Can let it discourage us. Can let it motivate us. Faithful are a small but potent group in God’s scheme of things. Salt of the earth; Light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14), “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 " You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” There is something to be said for the faithful few. 1 Peter 3:20-21

A Few Words About the Faithful Few They have preserved Humanity 1 Peter 3:20; Genesis 18; 15:13-16 The few (8 souls) of Noah’s family (1 Peter 3:20), “when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.” As few as ten could have saved Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis. 18:32) [Abraham speaking with God, 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, 10], “Then he said, ‘Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?’ And He said, ‘I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.’” Can keep a nation’s iniquity from being full (Genesis 15:13-16), [Regarding the Amorites in Canaan], “Then He [God] said to Abram: "Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. 16 But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete."

A Few Words About the Faithful Few They have preserved Humanity 1 Peter 3:20; Genesis 18; 15:13-16 They rely on God’s Wisdom and Strength 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 17:11 Why is it that not many wise, strong and noble of this world are called? (1 Corinthians 1:26), “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” Few are willing to rely upon God Instead they rely upon the world’s wisdom; physical strength; Social standing; numbers. The truly wise, strong and noble rely upon God’s way! (Acts 17:11), “These were more fair- minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

A Few Words About the Faithful Few They have preserved Humanity 1 Peter 3:20; Genesis 18; 15:13-16 They rely on God’s Wisdom and Strength 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 17:11 They have found the Way of Life Matthew 7:13-14 (Matthew 7:13-14), “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Why do so few find it? So many things keep the way hidden from men Some are self-deluded Some are deceived by False teachers Some are led astray by their own lusts It is a difficult accomplishment to mind the things of God IV. The Are the Worthy (Rev. 3:4) A. These were a minority within a minority. B. They will walk with Lord in white. Conclusion: A. Don’t be ashamed to be one of a few. B. Remember what can be said for being one of a few.

A Few Words About the Faithful Few They have preserved Humanity 1 Peter 3:20; Genesis 18; 15:13-16 They rely on God’s Wisdom and Strength 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 17:11 They have found the Way of Life Matthew 7:13-14 They are the Worthy Ones Revelation 3:4 (Revelation 3:4), [Sardis, otherwise known as a dead church], “You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.” These were a minority within a minority. They will walk with Lord in white.

Don’t be ashamed to be one of the few! Conclusion Don’t be ashamed to be one of a few. Remember what can be said for being one of a few. God is on their Side! (Romans 8:31-32), “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Don’t be ashamed to be one of the few!