August 6, 2017

You Can Count on Me

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Developing Spiritual Character Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23, Matthew 25:14–30

Developing Spiritual Character:

You Can Count On Me:

Galatians 5:22-23 & Matthew 25:14-30

Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6)

(To download and print blank sermon notes to complete while you listen, click HERE.)

Why Is Faithfulness Important?

  1. God Models faithfulness

For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.” (Psalm 33:4)

  1. God Rewards faithfulness (Matthew 25:14-30)

We are called to be faithful:

  • In our Relationships
  • With our Resources
  1. Faithfulness makes life So Much Easier

Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.” (Proverbs 25:19)

The greatest ability is Dependability

Characteristics of Faithfulness

  1. Keep your Word

Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.” (Proverbs 25:14)

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:37)

# 1 cause of resentment in relationships: Broken Promises

Can other people count on me to honor my word?

  1. Use your Talents

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” (1 Peter 4:10)

Faithfulness depends on what we do with what we have

  1. Make the most of your time

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15–16)

When I waste my time, I waste my Life

God understands your schedule! 

  1. Stand by your friends

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

“A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”

  1. Be faithful in the Little Things

One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” (Luke 16:10)

The “little things” produce BIG results!

  1. Manage your money well

If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” (Luke 16:11)

“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”  Billy Graham

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Luke 12:34)

How we handle our finances determines to a large extent what God can do in my life

  1. Be faithful in your Work

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23–24)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Christians should have the reputation of being the most dependable people at work!

  1. Commit yourself to a church family

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:4–5)

As a Christian, I am part of the body of Christ!

Church membership is a commitment, under God to other Christians:

  • To become a Participant not merely a Spectator
  • To become a Contributor not merely a Consumer

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Who Can Count On You?

Making It Personal:

  • In what ways are you living faithfully by seeking first the Kingdom of God? What needs to change?
  • Which characteristics of faithfulness mentioned above do you most live out right now? Which characteristics do you most need to grow in?
  • What specific step can you take to live more consistently as a man or woman of faithfulness over the next 30 days?

 

other sermons in this series

Aug 13

2017

Being Meek Without Being Weak

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Galatians 5:23–24, Matthew 11:29 Series: Developing Spiritual Character

Jul 30

2017

Living the Good Life

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23, Mark 10:17–18 Series: Developing Spiritual Character

Jul 16

2017

Try a Little Kindness

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23, Ephesians 4:32 Series: Developing Spiritual Character