Introduction: Are you faithful? Can our Lord depend on you? If you were the only one in your neighborhood, Church, or family, what kind would it be? Perhaps one of the greatest compliments to being a Christian is being called FAITHFUL! Let’s face it. We live in a time when moral values (LGBTQ) are thrown out the window in our culture. Boys and girls, along with men and women are seriously mixed up to their “gender”, “purpose”, and “identity”, which is undermining the family as well as the Church. Furthermore, the level of work ethic for the upcoming generation is a genuine concern. So how important is being called “FAITHFUL” to you? Will Jesus say, “Well Done”?
1. Tychicus (Eph 6:21,22) – “But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.”
Tychicus was called “beloved”. The word is ἀγαπητός, which means loved. People -CHRISTians- loved him. Could it be that they loved him because he was dependable? Paul explained that he was a “faithful” servant. First, he loved and served Jesus because of His great love for him (us). By the way, it is that “love” that Jesus has got for us that motivates us to love Him and serve Him thru His Church.
2. Paul wrote, (2Cor 5:14,15) – “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”
The word “constraineth” is συνέχω: It means to hold together, to hold fast. In other words, the LOVE of Christ holds us together and motivates us to be FAITHFUL. This LOVE is diametrically opposed to the world’s love. It changes us, our “want to’s”!
Conclusion: Be FAITHFUL! (1Cor 4:2) – “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” Our Lord’s last message to the Churches…. Be FAITHFUL! (Rev 2:10) – “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Pastor Randy Reese
