Are You Faithful?

The message was brought July 28, 2025 by Rev. Jason Parks.

I Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Yellowstone’s biggest draw is all the geysers.  Of them, Old Faithful is the most popular.  Why?  Well, because it’s faithful.  There is only a plus/minus 10-minute variation in between the expected time of eruptions. This has been the case in the 150+ years of keeping records on it.  It has shown itself to be faithful.

So, I ask you a question.  Are you faithful?  We need to be.  Faith is a core belief in Christianity.  You need faith to be saved.  It continues throughout life until we leave this world.  When we do, will we have been faithful?   Verse 2 tells us Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Paul describes himself as a minister and steward.  To be a minister is to be a servant.  To be a slave. This was common the days Paul lived. It wasn’t all like we tend to think of it. Some slaves were educated, some trained to be doctors.  Here it means the lowest slave. Paul describes himself as the lowest slave. He always refused to elevate himself. He was a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, his slave.  This is not reserved for certain Christians like a preacher or pastor. It’s for all of us, everyone. We all owe our lives to Him. 

A steward is a house manager. They were responsible for almost everything. Paul said he was responsible to get the word of God out to all others. We’re all stewards of the gospel. Have you been a good steward, a good servant? Have you been doing what the Master has asked of you?

What does it mean to be faithful?  It’s loyalty and allegiance.  It’s being steadfast. Does this describe you? We all fall short. But we’re not as faithful as we should be. This is not to be approached as a duty. Think of it in terms of being, not doing. Does being faithful come out as a natural flow. Will those who come behind us find us faithful?

There are some things to be faithful to. (a) Faithful to family. It is a great responsibility to be the kind of spouse and parent we are called to be. (b) Faithful to God’s Word. We are to hide it in our heart. We are to delight in it and meditate on it. Surveys show most don’t regularly read the Bible. When reading, it must be applied to life. Some don’t think it’s still relevant. We all should study God’s Word. (c) Faithful to the church. Hebrews 10:25 says Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Are you faithful to church?  Is church a priority among your other things in life? Do you have a desire to gather with your church family? This is what we all need. Be a help. Be an encouragement. This is a community. Be here.  (d) Be faithful to Jesus Christ, our Savior. How? All the things mentioned previously are a place to start. We need to live for His honor. I remember my Camp Jacob days. One thing, a Bible verse from there, still sticks with me. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (I Cor 10:31) Everything we do should be for His glory.  Strive to be more like Jesus. Examine yourself. Do we grow and become more and more like Him? This is sanctification and it’s a gradual process.  If you’re trending away from Christ, you have a problem. Sometimes it’s hard. Distractions can be overwhelming. We can lose focus. Don’t let them impact your faithfulness to God. Be faithful to pray. We cannot do this by ourselves. We must rely on God.  It may be that we simply need to make changes in our lives. Busyness can be self-inflicted. We’re not designed to go 24/7. We need rest. Overscheduling impacts faithfulness.

What motivates us to be faithful?  God is faithful to us. Faithful to go to the cross. No greater act of love and faithfulness ever shown. “Preach” the gospel to yourself everyday. Don’t take it for granted. He saved us; he bought us. We are not our own. Paul said we’ve been bought by a price. Being bought we are slaves and servants to the Lord. Be faithful because He is!  God is faithful to forgive us. We are not perfect. I John 1:9 says  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  I’m glad HE IS FAITHFUL!  God helps us when we’re tempted. Paul tells us God always makes a way to escape the temptation.  Through his power, we have help during times of temptation.  God is faithful to strengthen and protect us. When we see others being faithful, it encourages us. That’s a great reason for us to be faithful.  God gives us strength to do it. He protects us as we go.

We can’t meet God’s standard. The 10 Commandments teach us that. Humans strive to “do” something. This leads to discouragement. We can’t live up to the standard. Only God can.  Every other religion says do, do, do.  Christianity looks at the cross and says “DONE!”  The work was done at Calvary. We receive Christ through faith in the work of the cross.  Now we’re to be faithful to honor him.  It is a privilege to be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.  So, I ask you again.  Are you faithful?