AM Scripture Reading: Galatians 5.22-26

Brent T. Willey

Being Faithful

Proverbs 20.6 & Revelation 2.10

Introduction:

1. How is “faithful” used in the Bible?
   1. Hebrew: emuwnah- “firmness, fidelity or steadiness; reliability” (1 Sam. 26.23; Psa. 119.90; 119.86)
   2. Greek: pistos- “faithful, to be trusted, reliable” (1 Cor. 1.9; 1 Tim. 1.15; 2 Tim. 2.2)
   3. It is a part of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5.22).
2. The two primary texts: Proverbs 20.6 & Revelation 2.10

“WHO CAN FIND A FAITHFUL MAN?”

1. Proverbs 20.6: “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?”
   1. Proclaimed “goodness” – (Luke 18.10-12; Matt. 6.1-5)
   2. Sincere “faith” – (Matt. 8.10)
2. “But who can find a faithful man?”
   1. Faithful in word- (James 5.12)
   2. Faithful in prayer- (1 Thess. 5.17)
   3. Faithful in worship- (John 4.23; Heb. 10.24-25)
   4. Faithful in home life- (Eph. 5.22 – 6.4)
   5. Faithful in work- (1 Tim. 5.8)

“BE FAITHFUL UNTIL (UNTO) DEATH”

1. Revelation 2.10: “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
2. Translating the phrase pistos achi thanatou.
   1. “Faithful until death” (NKJ, NAS).
   2. “Faithful unto death” (ESV, KJV, RSV, ASV-01), which seems to suggest: “even to the point of death” (NIV), or “even if it means death” (TEV).
3. A twofold spiritual application:
   1. Faithful, as long as we live. (Phil. 1.21; 3.13-14; cf., Matt. 6.33; Luke 2.25-38; 1 John 3.18)
   2. Faithful to the point of death! (Matt. 10.28; Rom. 12.1)

Conclusion: There is absolutely nothing more important in this life than being faithful to the Lord!