Faithfulness: Our Response to God's Goodness
Summary
Today, we gathered to honor and worship the Lord, recognizing His goodness, faithfulness, and the many blessings He has poured into our lives. We reflected on the profound truth that God is not only faithful to us, but He also calls us to be good and faithful in return. This is not about achieving perfection, but about a heart of commitment, teachability, and stewardship over all that He has entrusted to us. Each of us is a trustee—of our lives, our children, our time, our gifts, our resources, and above all, the salvation and message of Christ. The question we must continually ask ourselves is: Are we being faithful with what God has placed in our hands?
Drawing from the parable in Matthew 25, we saw that God rewards those who are both good and faithful. Faithfulness is not just about loyalty, but about using what we have—no matter how small—for His glory and the benefit of others. Whether it is our time, talents, or treasures, God expects us to steward them wisely, diligently, and with a heart that seeks to honor Him. We are reminded that even the smallest act, when done faithfully, is precious in God’s sight.
We also considered the importance of being faithful to the church—the house of God. Jesus Himself was consumed with zeal for God’s house, and we are called to approach our participation in the church with the same passion and reverence. Our faithfulness in gathering, serving, and supporting one another is not only a blessing to the body but also a means by which God blesses us in return.
Ultimately, faithfulness is both a calling and a blessing. It positions us to receive greater responsibilities, deeper joy, and the commendation of our Master: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Even in times of trial, our faithfulness becomes a point of reference in prayer, inviting God’s intervention and favor. May we continually seek His grace to be found faithful in all things, knowing that He who calls us is Himself ever faithful.
Key Takeaways
- Faithfulness is Commitment, Not Perfection
God does not require us to be flawless, but He seeks hearts that are committed, teachable, and willing to grow. Faithfulness means standing with God and others even when things are difficult, just as God stands with us in our weaknesses. Our commitment is measured not by our own standards, but by God’s, and it is this steadfastness that He rewards. [21:38]
- Stewardship Over All God Entrusts
Everything we have—our lives, families, time, gifts, resources, and the message of salvation—are trusts from God. We are called to steward these with diligence and gratitude, recognizing that nothing truly belongs to us. Faithfulness in small things opens the door for God to entrust us with greater things and deeper joy. [24:16]
- Faithfulness in the Use of Time and Gifts
Time is a precious commodity, and how we use it reflects our faithfulness to God and others. Likewise, our natural and spiritual gifts are meant to serve the body and advance God’s kingdom, not to lie dormant. Using our time and talents wisely, with diligence and for God’s glory, is a mark of true stewardship. [37:39]
- Faithfulness to the Church and God’s House
Our attitude and involvement in the church matter deeply to God. Being consumed with zeal for God’s house means participating, serving, and honoring His presence among His people. Faithfulness in assembling together, supporting one another, and caring for the church is both a duty and a source of blessing. [53:24]
- Faithfulness as a Point of Reference in Prayer
In times of need, our record of faithfulness can become a powerful point of reference before God. Just as Hezekiah reminded God of his faithfulness and received mercy, so too can our commitment open doors for divine intervention. Faithfulness is not just for God’s sake, but for our own blessing, favor, and answered prayers. [58:25]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[12:59] - Opening Worship and Thanksgiving
[16:17] - Introduction: God’s Faithfulness and Our Response
[18:34] - The Call to Be Good and Faithful
[21:38] - God’s Standard of Faithfulness
[22:50] - Faithfulness with What God Has Entrusted
[24:16] - Identifying God’s Trusts: Life, Children, Ministry
[25:33] - The Importance of Prayer and Salvation
[26:46] - Faithfulness with Time
[28:12] - All We Have Is Given by God
[28:53] - The Parable of the Talents
[30:09] - The Reward for Good and Faithful Servants
[35:15] - The Danger of Laziness and Neglect
[37:39] - Making the Most of Our Time
[42:15] - Using Our Gifts and Talents for God
[47:53] - Faithfulness with Resources and Giving
[50:29] - Faithfulness to the Church
[53:24] - Zeal for God’s House
[56:23] - The Blessing of Assembling Together
[58:25] - Faithfulness as a Point of Reference in Prayer
[01:00:04] - Prayers for Faithfulness and God’s Help
[01:10:43] - Giving and Announcements
[01:12:19] - Soul Winning and Closing Prayers
[01:14:26] - Birthday Blessing and Final Benediction
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Faithfulness—Our Calling and Blessing
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### Bible Reading
Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV) – The Parable of the Talents
> 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ ... (read through verse 30)
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
> As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
> 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
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### Observation Questions
1. In the parable from Matthew 25, what did the master expect his servants to do with what he entrusted to them? What was the difference in how each servant responded? ([28:53])
2. According to 1 Peter 4:10, what is the purpose of the gifts God has given each believer? How are we supposed to use them? ([42:15])
3. What does Hebrews 10:25 say about gathering together as believers? Why is this emphasized in the passage? ([54:54])
4. In the sermon, what are some specific things mentioned that God has entrusted to us to be faithful with? ([24:16])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the master in Matthew 25 was so pleased with the servants who multiplied what they were given, and so harsh with the one who hid his talent? What does this reveal about God’s expectations for us? ([30:09])
2. The sermon says faithfulness is about commitment, not perfection. How does this understanding change the way we approach our relationship with God and others? ([21:38])
3. The pastor mentioned that even small acts of faithfulness are precious to God. Why do you think God values faithfulness in “small things” so highly? ([36:18])
4. How does being faithful to the church and gathering together impact our spiritual growth and the health of the church community? ([53:24])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to ask, “Am I being faithful with what God has placed in my hands?” Take a moment to identify one area of your life (time, gifts, resources, relationships, etc.) where you feel you could grow in faithfulness. What is one step you can take this week to be more faithful in that area? ([24:16])
2. Think about your use of time. Are there specific activities or habits that are not helping you honor God or serve others? What is one practical change you could make to use your time more wisely for God’s purposes? ([37:39])
3. The sermon emphasized using our gifts to serve others. Is there a gift or talent you have that you are not currently using for God’s glory or to bless others? What would it look like to start using that gift in the church or community? ([42:15])
4. When you come to church or gather with other believers, what is your attitude? Are you engaged and looking for ways to serve, or do you tend to be passive? What is one way you can be more intentional about participating and supporting the church family? ([53:24])
5. The pastor said that faithfulness can become a point of reference in prayer, just like Hezekiah reminded God of his faithfulness. Can you think of a time when your faithfulness (or lack of it) affected your confidence in prayer? How might growing in faithfulness change the way you pray? ([58:25])
6. The message reminded us that faithfulness is not about being flawless, but about being committed and teachable. Is there an area where you have been discouraged by your imperfections? How can you shift your focus from perfection to commitment and growth? ([21:38])
7. The sermon called us to be faithful in sharing the message of salvation. Who is one person in your life you could pray for or reach out to this week with the hope of Christ? ([25:33])
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Close in prayer, asking God for the grace to be found faithful in all things, and to help each other grow in faithfulness as a group and as a church.
Devotional
Day 1: Faithfulness with What God Has Entrusted to Us
God calls each of us to be faithful stewards of everything He has entrusted to our care—our lives, our children, our gifts, our time, our resources, and the message of salvation. Nothing we have is truly our own; all is given by God for His purposes. When we recognize that we are trustees, not owners, we begin to live with a sense of responsibility and gratitude, seeking to honor God in how we use every blessing and opportunity. Faithfulness is not about perfection, but about commitment and a willingness to serve God wholeheartedly in every area of life. [28:12]
Matthew 25:21 (ESV)
"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’"
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life—be it your time, a relationship, or a resource—that you have been treating as your own rather than as something entrusted to you by God? How can you begin to honor God with it today?
Day 2: Using Our Time Wisely for God’s Glory
Time is one of the most precious gifts God has given us, and He calls us to use it wisely, making the most of every opportunity to glorify Him. Each day is a gift, not to be wasted or taken for granted, but to be lived intentionally and with purpose. When we put God first in our schedules and choices, we align our lives with His will and open ourselves to His guidance and blessing. Let us ask God to teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom and use our time for things that truly matter. [39:55]
Psalm 90:12 (ESV)
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Reflection: Look at your plans for today—what is one way you can intentionally set aside time to seek God or serve others, making your day count for His kingdom?
Day 3: Faithfully Using Our Gifts and Talents
Every believer has received gifts and talents from God, both natural and spiritual, and we are called to use them in service to others and for the advancement of God’s kingdom. These gifts are not meant to lie dormant or be used solely for personal gain, but to bless the body of Christ and bring glory to God. When we employ our abilities as good stewards of God’s manifold grace, we participate in His work and experience the joy of making a difference in the lives of others. [44:55]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace."
Reflection: What is one gift or talent God has given you that you have not been using for His glory? How can you take a step this week to serve someone with it?
Day 4: Zeal and Faithfulness for God’s House
God desires that we approach His house—the church—with reverence, zeal, and a heart to serve. Jesus Himself was consumed with zeal for the house of God, ensuring that it was a place of prayer, honor, and order. Our attitude and involvement in the life of the church matter deeply to God; when we are faithful in gathering, serving, and building up His house, we position ourselves to experience His presence and blessing. Let us not be passive or distracted, but fully engaged and committed to the well-being and mission of God’s church. [53:24]
John 2:17 (ESV)
"His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for your house will consume me.'"
Reflection: When you come to church or gather with other believers, what is your focus? What is one way you can show greater zeal and faithfulness to God’s house this week?
Day 5: The Blessing and Reward of Faithfulness
God is faithful to us, and He promises to reward our faithfulness both in this life and in eternity. Even when we face challenges, our steadfast commitment to God becomes a point of reference in prayer and a reason for God to show us favor and mercy. Faithfulness is not just about duty, but about relationship—knowing that as we remain faithful to God, He will wipe away our tears, open doors, and bless us beyond what we can imagine. Let us pray for the grace to be found faithful, trusting that God will honor and reward our commitment to Him. [58:25]
1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)
"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge or prayer request in your life. How can you bring your record of faithfulness before God in prayer today, asking Him to honor His promises and come through for you?
Quotes
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