B.A.S.I.C. Training

As Faithful As…Sometimes we use the word “faithful” for

what is really only marginally reliable.

Such as Old Faithful.

Which has neverbeen all thatfaithful.

What does faithfulness really mean?What does faithfulness really mean?Constant dependabilityConstant dependabilityUnfailing loyaltyUnfailing loyaltyAbsolute adherence to the causeAbsolute adherence to the causeSteadfast and staunch fidelitySteadfast and staunch fidelity

How often do we see the opposites?How often do we see the opposites?Running at the first sign of troubleRunning at the first sign of troubleUnwillingness to stand up for what is rightUnwillingness to stand up for what is rightHypocrisyHypocrisyCompromise of principlesCompromise of principles

Do we have a good idea of what real faithfulness is?

Let’s explore that idea from the BibleBy looking first at the faithfulness of God.By looking at how fickle mankind can be.By considering God’s demand for us to be

faithful

The Faithfulness of God

Exodus 34:5-6 – Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with (Moses) and proclaimed His name, the Lord. And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness….”

Almighty God defines faithfulness by His own faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 32:4

He is the Rock, his works are perfect,        and all his ways are just.        A faithful God who does no wrong,        upright and just is he.

Faithfulness is defined by the perfection of God. Flawlessness. Justice. Righteousness. Uprightness.

Psalm 36:5 -- Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,        your faithfulness to the skies.

There is no limit to God’s faithfulnessHe is never

Hebrews 13:8 -- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Jesus revealed God’s faithfulness to us by remaining faithful on this earth.

He is unchanging. He is dependable.He is trustworthy.

The Faithfulness of Mankind

Genuine faithfulness is hard to find on the earth.

Psalm 12:1 -- Help, LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.

Where did they go? Where do they always go?

Proverbs 20:6 -- Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?

Matthew 23:23 -- "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

Even those in religious leadership can prove to be unfaithful.

Not everything that seems like faithfulness truly is.

Just being “religious” is not the same as being faithful.

True faithfulness learns from God, searches for what is righteous and holds to it no matter what.

Yet there are some examples of faithfulness worthy of imitation

Hebrews 3:5-6 -- Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

A Never-Ending Faithfulness

Revelation 2:10 -- Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

The reward is for faithfulness to the point of death

Matthew 24:45 --  "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?

The faithful servant is the one the Master finds doing what he should be doing when He returns.

Matthew 25 – The parable of the Talents

Who were the faithful servants?The ones who used the skills they had to

do the work the Lord had left them to do.The ones who increased the kingdom of

their Master.

Who was the faithless servant? The one who buried his talent and refused to serve the master.

We must maintain our faithfulness one step at a time. It is part of the fruit of the Spirit.

What is the Marine motto? Semper Fi.

Always Faithful!

What is the Christian motto?

Always Faithful!