FAITHFULNESS The Fruit of the Spirit – Part 7

‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self- control.’ Galatians 5:22-23a NIV

1.The Root – the Faithfulness of God

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Corrie Ten Boom

‘But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us - by me and Silas and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.”

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.’ 2 Corinthians 1:18-20a NIV

“Whenever you read your Bible, and see a great promise, do not hesitate to claim it.” Spurgeon

2.The Fruit of Faithfulness

a)Be faithful in friendship

Faithful friends put their friends first

‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ John 15:13 NIV

Faithful friends listen

‘Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,’ James 1:19b NIV

Faithful friends give advice when asked

‘Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.’ Proverbs 27:9 NIV

b)Be faithful in marriage

‘“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”’ Matthew 5:27-28 NIV

c)Be faithful to God

‘Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.’ 1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV

‘“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”’ Luke 22:31-32 NIV