Faithfulness: A Journey of Joy and Commitment
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we are diving into the concept of faithfulness, a theme that is deeply rooted in both Scripture and our daily walk with God. We began by reflecting on the idea that we often overestimate what God wants to do in the next year and underestimate what He wants to do in the next ten years. This was evident in our own journey when we moved to Fremont to start Journey Church. It was a challenging time, filled with hard work and dealing with people in messy situations. But through it all, we learned the value of faithfulness, even when it felt like a consolation prize. Over time, I realized that God isn't looking for success; He is looking for faithfulness.
We then turned our focus to Jesus, the ultimate example of faithfulness. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished the race we are in. Jesus endured the cross and all its shame for the joy set before Him. This joy wasn't just a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated joy of fulfilling God's will. Jesus' faithfulness wasn't just about enduring hardship; it was about doing so with joy, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Next, we discussed the importance of joyful faithfulness. It's not enough to be faithful in a begrudging, Eeyore-like manner. God calls us to a joyful faithfulness, even in the midst of life's challenges. This joy comes from the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to remain faithful even when life is hard. We shared a story about a woman who couldn't wait for her domineering husband to die, highlighting that faithfulness without joy is not what God desires for us.
We then moved into a time of invitation, asking those who felt the need for Jesus in their lives to commit to Him. We prayed for those who raised their hands, asking Jesus to forgive their sins and lead their lives. This moment of commitment is crucial because it marks the beginning of a journey of faithfulness, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
We also celebrated Baptism Sunday, where several individuals publicly declared their faith in Jesus. Baptism is a step of obedience, a public demonstration of what God has already done inside them. It's a celebration of God's faithfulness and a commitment to live faithfully in return.
Finally, we wrapped up by emphasizing that God is faithful and He calls us to live faithfully. This faithfulness is not just about big, dramatic moments but about a long obedience in the same direction. It's about being dependable and trustworthy, even when life is hard. We looked at various Scriptures that highlight God's faithfulness and our call to reflect that faithfulness in our lives. We concluded with a prayer, asking God to help us live faithfully, not just today but in the days, weeks, and months to come.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faithfulness Over Success: In our journey, we often overestimate what God wants to do in the short term and underestimate what He wants to do in the long term. True faithfulness is about staying committed even when things don't go as planned. God isn't looking for success; He is looking for faithfulness. This realization helps us focus on being faithful in our daily walk with God, rather than chasing worldly success. [58:32]
2. Jesus as Our Example: Jesus is the ultimate example of faithfulness. He endured the cross and all its shame for the joy set before Him. This joy wasn't just a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated joy of fulfilling God's will. When faithfulness is hard, we should fix our eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished the race we are in. His example teaches us that true faithfulness is accompanied by joy, empowered by the Holy Spirit. [01:09:04]
3. Joyful Faithfulness: God calls us to a joyful faithfulness, not a begrudging, Eeyore-like faithfulness. Even in the midst of life's challenges, the Holy Spirit empowers us to remain faithful with joy. This kind of faithfulness is attractive and impactful, showing the world that our commitment to God is not just a duty but a delight. [01:10:05]
4. Commitment to Jesus: Committing to Jesus is the first step in a journey of faithfulness. When we ask Jesus to forgive our sins and lead our lives, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live faithfully. This commitment is crucial because it marks the beginning of a new life, one that is marked by faithfulness to God and His ways. [01:14:12]
5. Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Faithfulness is not just about big, dramatic moments but about a long obedience in the same direction. It's about being dependable and trustworthy, even when life is hard. This kind of faithfulness is rare but incredibly valuable, both to God and to those around us. [01:12:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:13] - Baptism Sunday Introduction
[27:19] - Jesus' Baptism as an Example
[30:42] - Tessa's Baptism
[32:38] - Rob's Baptism
[34:38] - Russ' Baptism
[36:24] - Prayer of Blessing
[40:44] - Introduction to Faithfulness
[42:17] - Definition of Faithfulness
[44:17] - God's Faithfulness in Scripture
[46:44] - God Calls Us to Live Faithfully
[48:50] - Faithfulness in the Bible
[51:26] - Faithfulness as a Fruit of the Spirit
[53:57] - Practical Faithfulness
[55:28] - The Marathon of Faithfulness
[58:32] - Our Journey to Fremont
[01:09:04] - Jesus as Our Example
[01:10:05] - Joyful Faithfulness
[01:12:19] - Long Obedience in the Same Direction
[01:14:12] - Commitment to Jesus
[01:16:40] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:2 - "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
2. Psalm 40:10-11 - "I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me."
3. 2 Timothy 2:13 - "If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 12:2, what motivated Jesus to endure the cross? How does this relate to the concept of faithfulness?
2. In Psalm 40:10-11, how does David describe his response to God's faithfulness? What does he ask from God in return?
3. What does 2 Timothy 2:13 reveal about God's nature, especially in relation to our faithfulness or lack thereof?
4. The sermon mentioned that God is not looking for success but for faithfulness. How was this illustrated through the pastor's personal story of starting Journey Church? ([58:32])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' example of enduring the cross with joy (Hebrews 12:2) challenge our understanding of faithfulness in difficult times? ([01:09:04])
2. What does David's declaration of God's faithfulness in Psalm 40:10-11 teach us about the importance of publicly acknowledging God's work in our lives?
3. How does the assurance of God's unchanging faithfulness in 2 Timothy 2:13 provide comfort and encouragement in our own journey of faithfulness?
4. The sermon emphasized the idea of "joyful faithfulness." How can the Holy Spirit empower us to remain joyful and faithful even in challenging circumstances? ([01:10:05])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like giving up on a commitment. How can Jesus' example of enduring the cross with joy inspire you to remain faithful in similar situations? ([01:09:04])
2. David openly spoke of God's faithfulness in Psalm 40:10-11. How can you make a habit of publicly acknowledging God's faithfulness in your own life? What specific steps can you take this week to share God's faithfulness with others?
3. Considering 2 Timothy 2:13, how can you remind yourself of God's unwavering faithfulness when you feel faithless or discouraged? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in those moments?
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of "joyful faithfulness." Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with joy and help you remain faithful in this situation? ([01:10:05])
5. The pastor shared a story about a woman who was faithful but lacked joy in her marriage. How can you ensure that your faithfulness in relationships and commitments is accompanied by joy? ([01:10:39])
6. Reflect on the idea of "long obedience in the same direction." What is one area of your life where you need to practice this kind of faithfulness? How can you take a step towards this long-term commitment this week? ([01:12:19])
7. The sermon concluded with a call to commit to Jesus and live faithfully. If you haven't already, what steps can you take to make this commitment? If you have, how can you deepen your commitment to live faithfully in your daily walk with God? ([01:14:12])
Devotional
### Day 1: Faithfulness Over Success
True faithfulness is about staying committed even when things don't go as planned. God isn't looking for success; He is looking for faithfulness. This realization helps us focus on being faithful in our daily walk with God, rather than chasing worldly success. Often, we overestimate what God wants to do in the short term and underestimate what He wants to do in the long term. This perspective shift can help us remain steadfast, knowing that God's plans unfold over time and require our consistent faithfulness.
Reflecting on the journey of starting Journey Church in Fremont, it was a challenging time filled with hard work and dealing with messy situations. However, through it all, the value of faithfulness became evident. Even when it felt like a consolation prize, staying committed to God's calling proved to be more important than immediate success. This teaches us that faithfulness is a long-term commitment, not just a short-term goal. [58:32]
Bible Passage:
"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a situation in your life where you have been focusing on success rather than faithfulness. How can you shift your perspective to prioritize faithfulness in that area today?
### Day 2: Jesus as Our Example
Jesus is the ultimate example of faithfulness. He endured the cross and all its shame for the joy set before Him. This joy wasn't just a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated joy of fulfilling God's will. When faithfulness is hard, we should fix our eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished the race we are in. His example teaches us that true faithfulness is accompanied by joy, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus' journey to the cross was marked by immense suffering and hardship, yet He remained faithful to God's plan. His faithfulness was not just about enduring pain but doing so with a sense of joy that came from knowing He was fulfilling God's will. This teaches us that our faithfulness should also be marked by joy, even in the face of difficulties. By looking to Jesus, we can find the strength and joy to remain faithful in our own lives. [01:09:04]
Bible Passage:
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, ESV)
Reflection:
In what ways can you fix your eyes on Jesus to find joy in your faithfulness, especially during challenging times?
### Day 3: Joyful Faithfulness
God calls us to a joyful faithfulness, not a begrudging, Eeyore-like faithfulness. Even in the midst of life's challenges, the Holy Spirit empowers us to remain faithful with joy. This kind of faithfulness is attractive and impactful, showing the world that our commitment to God is not just a duty but a delight.
Joyful faithfulness is about maintaining a positive and joyful attitude even when life is tough. It's easy to be faithful when things are going well, but true faithfulness shines when we can remain joyful despite our circumstances. The Holy Spirit empowers us to have this kind of faithfulness, making our commitment to God a source of joy rather than a burden. This joy is contagious and can inspire others to seek the same kind of relationship with God. [01:10:05]
Bible Passage:
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." (Philippians 4:4, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you remain joyfully faithful in this situation?
### Day 4: Commitment to Jesus
Committing to Jesus is the first step in a journey of faithfulness. When we ask Jesus to forgive our sins and lead our lives, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live faithfully. This commitment is crucial because it marks the beginning of a new life, one that is marked by faithfulness to God and His ways.
This moment of commitment is not just a one-time event but the start of a lifelong journey. By committing to Jesus, we open ourselves up to the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, who helps us live out our faith daily. This commitment is a declaration that we are choosing to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings, no matter the cost. It's a transformative decision that sets the foundation for a life of faithfulness. [01:14:12]
Bible Passage:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on your commitment to Jesus. How can you renew this commitment today and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in living faithfully?
### Day 5: Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Faithfulness is not just about big, dramatic moments but about a long obedience in the same direction. It's about being dependable and trustworthy, even when life is hard. This kind of faithfulness is rare but incredibly valuable, both to God and to those around us.
Long-term faithfulness requires consistency and perseverance. It's about making daily choices to follow God and live according to His will, even when it's difficult. This kind of faithfulness builds character and trust, both in our relationship with God and with others. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and requires a steadfast commitment to God's ways. By focusing on long-term obedience, we can develop a deep and enduring faith that stands the test of time. [01:12:19]
Bible Passage:
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify one area of your life where you need to practice long-term obedience. What steps can you take today to remain faithful in that area, even when it's challenging?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God isn't looking for success. I stumbled upon a quote a couple, I think it was a couple months ago, by Mother Teresa, and she said this, she says, I do not pray for success, I ask for faithfulness. I do not pray for success. No, I ask for faithfulness. Can I tell you, I really do believe, the more I've studied this, the more I've looked at what Scripture has to say, the more that I've reflected and meditated on this, I really believe that at the end of the day, what God wants from you and for me, is that we would live faithfully." [01:01:14]
2. "We overestimate what God wants to do in the next year, and we underestimate what God wants to do in the next 10 years. And this was totally our story. Like, we came, we got to Fremont, and we're handing out bottles of water everywhere, and knocking on doors, and inviting people to cookouts at our house, and we're getting into this, and can I tell you, it was it was W-O-R-K. It was work. And the people that we were dealing with, they weren't as mature as you guys in this room. They were living messy lives. Truth be told, we all have messy lives, right?" [58:32]
3. "God is not calling us to an Eeyore faithfulness. I'm being faithful, I'm doing what God told me to do. I don't like it very much but here we go. Listen, I know in the journey, faithfulness, there are dark times, there are dark seasons. I'm not trying to cover that up but I'm just saying that in the midst of our faithfulness, that the Holy Spirit would empower us with a joy to be faithful even when life isn't easy and when life is hard." [01:11:12]
4. "God is faithful and he wants his followers to live faithfully. For followers of Jesus faithfulness is believing that God is who he says that he is and then continuing in that belief despite all of the ups and downs of life. Again, it is steadfastness. It is constancy. It is allegiance. God is faithful and he wants you to be faithful. And he wants you to be faithful to him. He wants you to be faithful to the people that he's placed in your life." [46:44]
5. "Faithfulness is a long obedience in the same direction. It's not just being faithful when the crowds are cheering and the music is playing. It's not just being faithful when you feel like it, when you feel the adrenaline, and everything, you know, all the muscles in your body and systems in your body are cooperating. Faithfulness is that I am going to be trustworthy and dependable even when it hurts. It is a long obedience in the same direction." [56:29]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I've come full circle, I'm at a point now, success, I don't have a platform, those things aren't as meaningful to me. If on the way home today, I got hit by a Mack truck and now Carrie's at a funeral home trying to figure out what's going to get etched on my stone, can I tell you, with all the sincerity in the world, I would be humbled and blown away if I knew that she chose to put the word faithful on my tombstone. I'd much rather prefer that word to any other word that she could think of. That I was faithful to my God, that I was faithful to my wife, that I was faithful to my family, that I was faithful to my church, that I was faithful with the things that God entrusted to me." [01:02:21]
2. "Faithfulness is hard when you find yourself in a marriage that is strained. Faithfulness is hard when your kids have walked away from God. Faithfulness is hard when you're just facing one health challenge after another, and you just can't seem to take steps forward. Faithfulness is hard when unexpected bills just keep piling up and you can't get through it. Faithfulness is hard when you're doing the stuff and no one seems to be appreciating you. No one seems to be thanking you. Like, you're keeping the house afloat, and it seems like nobody could care less about all the work that you're putting into your home. Or maybe into your volunteer experience at church. No one has patted you on the back and thanked you for your efforts. See, faithfulness is easy when life is easy. Faithfulness is hard when life gets hard." [01:07:24]
3. "We just live in a time where it is so hard for individuals to make commitments and to be faithful to one another. Many a man claims to have unfailing love. But a faithful man who can find? So one of the things we see about faithfulness is that when you start looking for this in the Bible you're going to find it all over the scriptures. This idea of faithfulness. Right? Followers of Jesus in Ephesus. Paul is writing a letter to those in Ephesus and he starts out the letter by saying Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God to the saints in Ephesus the faithful in Christ Jesus." [48:50]
4. "When I look at your life, if I see as a follower of Jesus that your life is reflecting back the faithfulness of God toward you, that you are reflecting that faithfulness back, then I know that you're genuine. Now for a lot of us, we kind of go, ooh, that one stings, right? Because maybe in our lives we realize we're not being as faithful as we'd like. God wants to produce this characteristic in our life. So practically, what does faithfulness look like? Eugene Peterson calls it a long obedience in the same direction. I really like that. Faithfulness is a long obedience in the same direction." [53:57]
5. "We see in Scripture that as a baby Jesus was dedicated at the temple by his parents Mary and Joseph. But when he was 30 years old before he even healed anyone or performed any miracles before his really public ministry took place He went to the Jordan River where he was baptized by his cousin John And it wasn't because Jesus was trying to wash away sins Jesus never sinned Jesus was perfect in every way Jesus did this as an example for you and I And in fact after Jesus' ministry After his time of even his death and his resurrection Right before he ascended to the Father He gathered his disciples And he said so here's the plan I want you to go and make disciples Of all nations And then the first thing he says after that Is baptizing them In the name of the Father The Son And the Holy Spirit right And so when we baptize people We're just doing what Jesus told us to do." [27:19]
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