Faithfulness in Small Things | Pastor Mercedes Lopez-Miranda | March 5, 2023

Introduction

The speaker introduces the topic of faithfulness as a component of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and explains why it is important to grow in both the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit.

• Roberto started a series on the fruit of the Holy Spirit last year, covering love, joy, and peace before he passed away.

• The speaker was prompted by God to continue the series and today's topic is faithfulness.

• It is important to desire growth in both gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit to be a mature Christian.

• The church's vision statement includes being grounded in both gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Importance of Faithfulness

The speaker discusses how faithfulness is similar to grace and how it results from living life God's way. He also talks about how receiving God's faithfulness empowers us to extend that same faithfulness to others.

• Faithfulness is similar to grace because when we are faithful people, it's easier for us to act with grace towards ourselves and others.

• Living life God's way results in producing the fruit of the Holy Spirit, including faithfulness.

• Receiving God's faithfulness is an essential first step towards extending that same faithfulness to others.

• The empowerment of the Holy Spirit enables us to receive and extend God's faithfulness.

Gifts vs Fruit

The speaker emphasizes that it is essential for Christians to embrace both gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit. He warns against only moving in one or the other.

• There are two major themes in scripture: gifts of the Holy Spirit and fruit of the Holy Spirit.

• Embracing both gifts and fruit is essential for Christians; only moving in one or another can be dangerous or incomplete.

• Moving only in gifts of the Holy Spirit without fruit can be dangerous, while moving only in fruit of the Holy Spirit without gifts can lead to a lack of power.

• Christians should desire growth in both gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Definition of Faithfulness

The speaker discusses how the original Greek word for faithfulness has been debated but many Bible scholars believe it refers to being trustworthy and reliable.

• The translation and meaning of the original Greek word for faithfulness has been highly debated.

• Many Bible scholars believe that faithfulness refers to being trustworthy and reliable.

• Being faithful means being someone who can be counted on to keep their promises and commitments.

• Christians should strive to be faithful in all areas of their lives.

Understanding Faithfulness

In this section, the speaker introduces Derek Prince, a theologian and author who wrote about faithfulness. The speaker explains that faith and faithfulness are both correct translations of the original word in scripture, and that they are incomplete without each other.

Faith and Faithfulness

• Derek Prince's interpretation of faithfulness helped the speaker understand the fruit of faithfulness.

• The word "faith" includes "faithfulness," and "faithfulness" is impossible without "faith."

• The face side of the coin is learning to depend on God in every situation and circumstance.

• The classical verse for faith is Hebrews 11:1, which describes it as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

• The fruit of faith is based on an attitude of confidence and trust in God that allows us to stay grounded in difficult circumstances.

Paul's Model of Faith

• Paul modeled both faith and faithfulness, even while suffering in a Roman prison awaiting execution.

• Second Timothy 1:12 shows Paul's conviction that he knew whom he believed in, was convinced that God could guard what he had entrusted to Him until the end.

Conclusion

In this section, the speaker concludes by encouraging listeners to grow in trusting and committing themselves to God no matter what happens. He reminds them that God's faithfulness is both who He is and what He does.

Staying Grounded

• Even when facing grief, disappointment, or trials, staying grounded through trust in God can help us weather any storm.

• Paul's example shows that even in the most difficult circumstances, we can have faith and trust in God to guard what we have entrusted to Him.

• The speaker encourages listeners to remember that God's faithfulness is both who He is and what He does.

The Importance of Faithful Friends

In this section, the speaker talks about the importance of being a faithful friend and how it is described in the Bible.

Being a Faithful Friend

• The speaker expresses his desire to be someone who refreshes the lives of others and stays by their side even in difficult situations.

• He encourages listeners to persistently seek out friends in need and provide companionship.

• The media often portrays faithfulness as an obstacle to achieving happiness and self-fulfillment, but as disciples of Jesus Christ, we need to be different. We need to be faithful every day with everyone as an expression of our faith in God.

Understanding Faithfulness

In this section, the speaker discusses what faithfulness is and why it is important for Christians.

Manifesting Our Faith Through Service

• The objective is for listeners to leave with a deeper understanding of what faithfulness is and an unwavering determination to become more faithful.

• The speaker expresses his desire to be faithful not only to God but also to everyone around him in every circumstance.

• A faithful person is led by a desire to manifest their faith in God by letting Him work through them in service to others. It's not about ourselves; it's about what God wants us to do in service to others.

Becoming a Faithful Person

In this section, the speaker talks about how rare it is to find a faithful person and encourages listeners to strive towards becoming one.

Striving Towards Faithfulness

• The speaker quotes Proverbs 26, which asks the question, "Who can find a faithful man?" Implying that it is rare to find a faithful person.

• A faithful person is someone who is led by their desire to manifest their faith in God through service to others. The reward of faithfulness is knowing that we are delighting God's heart by our faithfulness in serving others.

• The speaker encourages listeners to answer the question of who can find a faithful man with humility and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit continue forming a faithful heart in them.

Faithfulness: The Fruit of the Holy Spirit

In this section, the speaker discusses what faithfulness means and how it is demonstrated in our lives. She emphasizes that faithfulness involves sacrifice and requires practice to grow.

What is Faithfulness?

• Faithfulness means being dependable and someone in which God can depend on.

• A faithful person is willing to go the extra mile for others, even when it's not recognized or known by anyone else.

• Faithfulness involves sacrificing our own interests for the good of others.

Cultivating Faithfulness

• Like all other attributes of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, faithfulness takes practice to grow.

• It requires cultivating and begins with small things.

• Luke 16:10 states that he who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.

Importance of Small Things

• Many people underestimate the importance of small things as a training ground for bigger opportunities.

• We should not wait for larger opportunities to show our skills and responsibility but rather faithfully handle the little things that come our way.

Personal Example

• The speaker shares a personal example from over 25 years ago where she felt nudged by God to sew her husband's pants hem despite having just sat down to read.

• This experience taught her about being faithful in small things and working hard on being faithful in marriage, home, and everywhere she went.

Advice from Dr. F B Mayer

• Dr. F B Mayer advised a young preacher not to waste time waiting for large opportunities but rather faithfully handle the little things that are always claiming attention.

Conclusion

Faithfulness involves sacrifice and requires practice to grow. It starts with small things and is a training ground for bigger opportunities. We should not wait for larger opportunities to show our skills and responsibility but rather faithfully handle the little things that come our way.

Faithfulness in the Small Things

The speaker shares two stories that illustrate the importance of being faithful in small things. In the first story, a woman disqualifies herself from serving in ministry because she is unwilling to be faithful in a smaller role. In the second story, an elderly blind woman uses her limited resources to share the gospel with children and ends up converting many young people.

Importance of Faithfulness

• Being faithful in small things is crucial for character development and promotion in God's kingdom.

• Even small beginnings or humble offerings can be used by God for His glory when done with faithfulness and a desire to honor Him.

Story of Elderly Blind Woman

• An elderly blind woman who couldn't read or write wanted to share the gospel with others.

• She asked a missionary for a French Bible with John 3:16 underlined so she could share it easily.

• She would stand outside a school during children's release time and ask if any students could read French.

• She would then have them read John 3:16 and explain the gospel to them.

• Through her faithfulness, she converted many young people, some of whom became pastors.

D.L. Moody's Conversion Story

The speaker shares about D.L. Moody, a preacher from Massachusetts who impacted missions and urban evangelism. He tells his own conversion story as an example of how God can use anyone for His purposes.

D.L. Moody's Conversion Story

• D.L. Moody was born in Northfield, Massachusetts and moved to Boston at age 17.

• He attended a Sunday school class where the teacher asked if anyone wanted to accept Christ.

• Moody raised his hand and the teacher took him aside and explained the gospel to him.

• Moody accepted Christ that day and went on to become a great preacher who impacted many lives.

Faithfulness: A Small Action with Great Impact

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in our daily lives and how it can have a great impact on others.

The Power of Faithfulness

• DL Moody's life was impacted by a faithful Sunday school teacher who visited him at his job site to give him encouragement from the word of God.

• No matter what role we play in the church, whether an usher or a Sunday school teacher, we should do it with faithfulness and honor God.

• Faithfulness is an exercise of faith that produces much fruit. Everything that God does through us is blessed by Him.

The Benefits of Faithfulness

• Our faithfulness is a testimony that God is real. Paul and Silas' faithfulness towards God led their jailer to Christ.

• Our faithfulness builds relationships and families. As we continue to be faithful to one another, God will continue building up marriages and renewing relationships.

Conclusion

• We are important in the sense that our behavior and actions are examples of faithfulness. Even when it seems like nothing is happening, we should continue to be faithful because God will show Himself faithful even in those circumstances.

Cultivating Faithfulness

In this section, the speaker discusses how to cultivate faithfulness in our lives.

Prayer and Spending Time in the Word

• Pray every morning for God to help us become more faithful to Him and others.

• Spend time in the word by reading stories of faithful people and meditating on verses about God's faithfulness.

Serving Others and Being Honest

• Serve others even when we don't feel like it, as it is a call for all members of the congregation.

• Be honest and trustworthy in our relationships, especially with those we love. Never break their trust.

Examples of Faithfulness and Unfaithfulness

• The story of Noah illustrates both unfaithfulness (his son Ham disrespecting him) and faithfulness (his other sons covering his nakedness).

• Gossip and slander are expressions of unfaithfulness that can destroy relationships. We should restrain from talking behind someone's back or using social media to speak about perceived faults of others.

Cultivating Faithfulness

The speaker talks about the importance of being faithful and how to cultivate faithfulness in oneself and others.

Importance of Faithfulness

• Being faithful with our words and protecting others is important.

• Teaching children to be faithful at home is crucial.

• Faithfulness is an expression of the faith we have in God.

Cultivating Faithfulness

• Spending time with people who are faithful can help us learn to be faithful.

• We need to mature in both faith and faithfulness.

• Meditating on God's faithfulness, examining ourselves, and imitating those who are faithful can help us cultivate faithfulness.

Reading from Lamentations 3:23-24

• The reading emphasizes that God's great love and compassion make Him faithful every day.

Prayer for Faithfulness

The speaker leads a prayer asking God to make us a faithful people.

Prayer for Faithfulness

• The speaker prays that each person leaves with a new determination to honor God with their faith and express it through faithfulness.

• They thank God for His examples of how to be faithful, His own faithfulness, and sending Jesus so we could receive eternal life.

• The prayer ends with gratitude for God's great faithfulness.