Good Ground: Faithfulness (NewDay '23)

Scripture References: Galatians 5:22-23; Psalm 33:4-5; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Deuteronomy 7:9

Intro: Welcome. As summer ends, perhaps you feel it wasn't all you hoped or needed. This also concludes our "Good Ground" sermon series on the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5). Have we seen fruit produced? Today, we focus on faithfulness. Hearing testimonies from our youth camp (Kai sharing faith, Jack experiencing God's personal word and presence) reminds us God is real and active. His faithfulness is the root from which our own faithfulness grows.

Key Points:

1. Faithfulness: A Fruit of the Spirit: Contrasting the "works of the flesh," Paul lists faithfulness as a key characteristic the Holy Spirit produces in believers growing in Christ-likeness. We become trustworthy and dependable like Jesus.
2. God's Unchanging Faithfulness: The foundation is God's own character. "He is faithful in all He does" (Ps 33:4). His faithfulness is constant through highs and lows, provision and need, celebration and loss, because it's who He is (Deut 7:9). It doesn't depend on our circumstances.
3. God's Faithful Promises to Us: Scripture assures us:
   • He faithfully called us into fellowship with Jesus (1 Cor 1:9).
   • He is faithful not to let us be tempted beyond what we can bear, providing escape (1 Cor 10:13).
   • He is faithful to complete His sanctifying work in us (1 Thess 5:24). We can declare these truths over fear and anxiety.
4. Becoming Faithful People: As we experience God's faithfulness, the Spirit cultivates faithfulness in us.
   • Through Repentance (Catalina's Testimony): Faithfully confessing sin when convicted leads to experiencing His faithful forgiveness, freedom, and joy. Daily repentance keeps us close.
   • Through Trials (Karis' Testimony): Remembering God's faithfulness in past highs and lows helps us trust Him in current struggles. His faithfulness remains even if outcomes aren't what we expect. Low times become opportunities to see His faithfulness profoundly.
5. The Goal: "Well Done" (Matt 25:21): We desire to be people God can rely on, entrusted with His work, ultimately hearing, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Conclusion: The Spirit produces faithfulness in us as we are rooted in God's own unwavering faithfulness. Recognizing His dependable character and promises empowers us to become trustworthy people who reflect Him, enduring through trials and walking in repentance and joy.

Call to Action: Remember God's faithfulness – from the camp testimonies and in your own life. Store these memories as anchors for difficult times. When tempted or struggling, declare God's faithful promises over your situation (1 Cor 1:9, 10:13, 1 Thess 5:24). Practice daily repentance. Trust the Faithful One to make you faithful.

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Good Ground: Faithfulness (Psalm 33:4-5)
with Travis Aicklen & many others