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I. THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY OF FAITHFULNESS
I Corinthians 4:17 “For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord.
I Timothy 3:11; II Timothy 2:2; Proverbs 28:20; Hebrews 3:2; Prov 20:6; Psalm 12:1
A. Defining Faithful
- One who can be relied on, accountable, steadfast in affection or allegiance, firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty.
- One who is a trustworthy person; one who shows himself faithful in business transactions, executions of commands or the discharge of official duties; conscientious, accountable.
Faithfulness is a quality of the divine nature. God is faithful. Deuteronomy 7:9; Isaiah 49:7; Lamentations 3:23; I Corinthians 1:9; 10:13; I Thessalonians 5:24; II Thessalonians 3:3; II Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 10:23; 11:11
B. Synonyms of Faithful
- Loyal: Implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.
- Constant: Stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment with strict obedience to promises or vows.
- Staunch: Suggests fortitude, resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.
- Steadfast: Implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance or conviction.
- Resolute: Implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.
- Commitment: The act of pledging oneself, engaging in a work without thought of quitting or straying off course.
C. God is Faithful and Demands Faithfulness
Deuteronomy 7:9; Isaiah 49:7; Lamentations 3:23; I Corinthians 1:9; 10:13; I Thessalonians 5:24; II Thessalonians 3:3; II Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 10:23; 11:11, I Peter 4:19; I John 1:9
II. THE ABSOLUTE BOTTOM LINE FOR LEADERSHIP = FAITHFULNESS
A. God Chooses Leaders on the Basis of Faithfulness
Matthew 24:45; 25:21-23; Luke12:42; 19:17; I Timothy 1:12; I Samuel 2:35; 3:20; Nehemiah 9:8; 13:13.
B. Godly Men of the New Testament Chose Leaders on the Basis of Faithfulness
I Corinthians 4:17; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 1:7; 4:7-9; I Peter 5:12; I Timothy 3:11; Titus 1:6
- Paul chose Timothy because of his faithfulness, I Corinthians 4:17
- Paul chose Tychicus who was a faithful minister, Ephesians 6:21
- Paul chose Epaphras, a faithful minister, Colossians 1:17
- Paul chose Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, Colossians 4:9
- Peter chose Silvanus “our faithful brother”, I Peter 5:12.
III. THE THREE TESTS OF FAITHFULNESS
- The Test of Faithfulness in Small Things, Luke 16:10-13.
Least = smallest, least in management of affairs, insignificant, without notice.
[Question to discuss: What are some “small things” where a man’s faithfulness can be proved? If necessary, use the following questions to stir up ideas.]
- Does he keep his word to his family and his children?
- Does he faithfully tithe?
- Does he give in addition to his tithe?
- Does he “swear to his own hurt”?
- Is he quick to volunteer when help is needed?
- Do his neighbors consider him an honest and dependable man?
- Does he give his employer all his energy at work or does he slack off when alone?
- Etc……
B. The Test of Faithfulness in Another man’s House and Goals, Luke 16:12; I Corinthians 4:2
A man who is willing to give wholeheartedly of himself to see another man succeed is a man worth following.
Every true leader has proven himself faithful in serving another man’s dream.
1. Moses, Exodus 3:1; Numbers 12:7; Hebrews 3:2
For 40 years Moses faithfully cared for his father-in-law’s sheep before God entrusted him with the care of His people.
2. David, I Samuel 16:11; 17:15; 22:14
David cared for his father’s sheep. He wasn’t considered important enough to bring in to meet with Sa457uel with his brothers, yet he still remained faithful at a position that was unnoticed.7 recognized David’s service to him.
C. The Test of Faithfulness in Natural Things, Luke 16:11; Daniel 6:4; Colossians 3:22; Ephesians 6:6-9
- In money, Luke 16:11
A man who is undisciplined in money cannot be trusted. - In obeying the laws of the land, Daniel 6:4
- In serving an employer, Colossians 3:22; Ephesians 6:6-9.
Faithfulness in natural things must be done “to the Lord” and not to curry the favor of men.
Faithfulness will not always be noticed by those we serve, but the faithfulness lived before God will be rewarded.
IV. THE PROGRESS OF A FAITHFUL LEADER
A. Ability – Your Talents, Matthew 25:15
God honors the man who uses his abilities to their fullest with more ability.
Don’t serve half-heartedly while waiting for someone to recognize your potential. Serve with all your strength and push the limit of your potential and God will expand your potential.
B. Responsibility – Your delegated Authority, Mark 13:34
As you faithfully carry out the assignments given you by those in authority over you, they will grant more authority. It is always God’s authority delegated to you; never your authority taken on by right.
C. Accountability – Your Trustworthiness, Luke 16:2
D. Authority – Your maturity, Luke 19:7
