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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
A “Faithful” Christian
When John the apostle was inspired to write the book of Revelation, he wrote that God’s people were “called, and chosen, and faithful,” Revelation 17:14. In that warfare between God and the armies of Satan, God’s people require certain characteristics, including “faithfulness.” If we are to be faithful, it is necessary that we know what is meant by that term.
In defining this word, W. E. Vine uses such terms as “believing, trusting…reliable, trusted.” Strong also brings “can be relied upon..” and “worthy of trust” to the definition.
This is clarified by the Holy Spirit’s mandate that God’s stewards must be “found faithful,” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. We can see that God’s people, God’s allies are to be trusted, are reliable, will continue in their appointed tasks regardless of opposition or trials.
The term “faithful Christian” has seen many definitions by man in the past and even the present.
A Faithful Christian is/will Not:
If the term “faithful” were to be applied to our spouse we might think of things a faithful wife or husband would not do. Similarly, a faithful Christian will not be found in places where Christ would not go, will not use language Christ would not use.
In short terms, we would follow in “his steps” (1 Peter 2:21-23), not in paths charted by Satan. A faithful Christian will not be ruled more by a profession or a job than by Christ and His word. Money or hobbies will not be more important in his/her life than Christ and His church. The “works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21) will not characterize the days of a faithful Christian, nor will he/she either compromise or participate in practices that are questionable.
This faithful person will not be driving people away from Christ faster than others can bring them to Him. Family and friends will never occupy a place more prominent in life than our relationship with Christ. Keeping the “peace” will not be more important than keeping the faith.
A Faithful Christian is/will:
If we were to speak favorably about a faithful dog, car or a faithful friend or doctor, we would do so because of some positive qualities they possess.
Over and over the scriptures detail the qualities of a “faithful” Christian:
- “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” Matthew 6:33.
- “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me,” John 10:27.
- “Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching,” Hebrews 10:24-25.
- “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth,” Colossians 3:1-2.
- “Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
- “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world,” Philippians 2:15.
It is tempting to define one who is “faithful” merely in terms of one who does some things or does not do some things. In my experience, too often a Christian has been described as being “faithful” if he/she merely attends worship services “faithfully.”
However, one might be mightily “faithful” in attendance, yet lacking in the qualities and practices Jesus has given as prerequisites for being in His Kingdom:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity,” Matthew 7:21-23.
God Called Some “Faithful”
Would it not be wise to see the names of those whom God considers “faithful”?
- In the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), the five and two talent men are described as “faithful” because they did their work as they were instructed.
- In Galatians 3:9 Abraham is spoken of as being “faithful.”
- Paul described Tychichus as a “beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord,” Ephesians 6:21, Colossians 4:7.
- Peter speaks of Silas [or Silvanus] as being “.. a faithful brother unto you,” 1 Peter 5:12.
A passage often quoted from this pulpit is: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life,” Revelation 2:10. It’s time for each of us to lay our lives down beside the definition God gives for a “faithful Christian” and see how we really stand in the eyes of God.
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“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it,”
“Loyalty is a noble quality, so long as it is not blind and does not exclude the higher loyalty to truth and decency.”
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other,”
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