Collected Writings On ... Exploring Biblical Faithfulness

By Hayes Press

This book takes a look at what is involved in biblical faithfulness.

CHAPTER ONE: FAITHFULNESS

CHAPTER TWO: A TRUSTWORTHY AND FAITHFUL GOD

CHAPTER THREE: FAITHFULNESS IN ACTION - THE 'OTHER MARY'

CHAPTER FOUR: UNSWERVING DEVOTION

CHAPTER FIVE: MAINTAINING FIRST LOVE FAITHFULNESS

CHAPTER SIX: THE PARABLES OF THE FAITHFUL AND UNFAITHFUL SERVANTS

CHAPTER SEVEN: FAITHFULNESS IN A VERY LITTLE

CHAPTER EIGHT: FAITHFULNESS IN ACTION - DANIEL

CHAPTER NINE: SUCCESS VS FAITHFULNESS

CHAPTER TEN: FAITHFULNESS IN ACTION - JESUS THE WITNESS

CHAPTER ELEVEN: FAITHFUL AMIDST UNFAITHFULNESS

CHAPTER TWELVE: FAITHFULNESS IN ACTION - MOSES

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: FAITHFULNESS IN ACTION - JESUS THE SERVANT

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: GADDING ABOUT?

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: FAITHFUL STEWARDS

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: GUARDING THE PLOT

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: FAITHFUL TO THE PATTERN

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hayes Press
• Release date: Nov 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781540189509

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE: FAITHFULNESS (JIM SEDDON)

FAITHFULNESS IS ONE of the great attributes of God, an integral part of His divine nature. Israel were assured, Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God; the faithful God ... (Deut.7:9). David the Psalmist could say: Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, is in the heavens; Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the skies (Ps.36:5). The prophet Jeremiah also testifies to the faithfulness of God: It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness (Lam.3:22,23).

Whether translated from Hebrew or Greek, the word faithful bears the thought of being trustworthy, steadfast, permanent, quiet, firm and stable. These qualities characterize all notable servants of God, among whom Daniel stands out in the Old Testament as being among the most faithful. Through jealousy a plot was set against this dear man of God of whom we read: ... they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him (Dan.6:4).

So his enemies contrived to cause the royal statute of King Darius to conflict with the law of Daniel’s God. Daniel’s faithfulness shines out in that when he ... knew that the writing was signed, he went down into his house; (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem;) and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime (Dan.6:10). God honoured the faithfulness of His servant, so that even Darius bore testimony saying, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee; and He did.

Paul’s Example

The New Testament is also full of testimony to faithful men and women of God, among whom Paul’s example shines out. Writing to Timothy he said: I thank him that enabled me, even Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to his service (1 Tim.1:12).

No servant of Christ was more faithful than Paul in striving to fulfil the charge allotted to him. It is summed up in his words to Timothy: ... the time of my departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give to me at that day: and not only to me, but also to all them that have loved his appearing (2 Tim.4:6-8).

Faithfulness is one of the qualities of ‘the fruit of the Spirit’ in Galatians 5:22; each of the cluster is capable of growth, certain conditions being vital to development. In the production of steel, iron is extracted from the ore. This is done through the intense heat of the furnace; then, to give the strength steel is noted for, carbon is added to the molten iron. Before it leaves the smelting works for the making of tools etc., the tensile strength of the metal must undergo immense stresses to test its breaking point, thus proving its strength. So also faithfulness is often put into the furnace of life’s experience, but that in itself is not enough; there must be added to it the all-sufficient grace of God (2 Tim.2:1).

Divine Esteem

To what extent does God esteem faithfulness? In Matthew chapter 25 we read of the man who delivered unto his servants their stewardship, to each according to his ability. To one he gave five talents, to another he gave two talents. When the time came to account to their lord, his commendation was exactly the same, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ (v.23). The word of the Lord to the saints in the Church in Smyrna was ‘Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life’ (Rev.2:10). Whilst our faithfulness may not be put to such a test, nevertheless the Lord still proves it today.

Paul’s faithfulness was constantly tried, as with the frustration and agony of the thorn in the flesh which he longed to be rid of, believing no doubt that it was a hindrance to his service for the Master. After much pleading, the answer given to him from the Lord was, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor.12:9). But the greatest example of faithfulness is the Lord Jesus Himself. From boyhood through to manhood He was constantly tested, a test which was intensified as the Cross drew even nearer. His intention was clear, ... the cup which the Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? (John 18:11) and drink it He did, to the very last drop.

What of the Lord’s disciples today? The words of Paul to the Corinthians are just as relevant as we approach the twenty-first century as they were in the first. No matter where we may be, whatever the circumstances the Lord’s exhortation and encouragement is: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not void in the Lord (15:58 RV margin).

May it be true of us as it was of the wise woman of Abel, who cried down from the city wall to Joab saying, I am of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel (2 Sam.20:19). The Lord’s promise is, A faithful man (or woman) shall abound with blessing (Prov.28:20).

CHAPTER TWO: A TRUSTWORTHY AND FAITHFUL GOD (DAVID WEBSTER)

PROMISES

Although God is under no obligation to make promises to us, He not only does, but He is absolutely faithful in keeping His word. Joshua, having experienced a lifetime of fulfilled promises, confidently asserted, "You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all