Characteristics of Faithful Christians

Introduction.  Revelation 2:10 offers these familiar words to the saints in the church in Smyrna:

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (NKJV).

While these words directly apply to the persecution these brethren were about to suffer, indirectly it teaches the importance of faithfulness in order for us to be pleasing to God. The idea taught in the world that a Christian can be unfaithful and be acceptable to God is not taught in the Bible.

We may recognize this, but sometimes we may not understand what faithfulness is. What does it mean to be faithful? How will it look in the lives of men and women who are faithful Christians? This morning let’s look at some characteristics of faithful Christians.

I. Regarding Their Behavior Toward God

A. “Nourished in the Words of Faith” (1 Timothy 4:6). Paul urges Timothy to be a good servant “nourished” in the word. Nourishment is different than snack food. Nourishment is what sustains us.

1.       Illustration: During the Civil War Atlanta was the major supply-line to the Confederacy. When Sherman took Atlanta it was a major factor in the outcome of the war.

•         Faithful Christians Feed Upon God’s Word

B. “Constant prayer was offered to God” (Acts 12:5). After the execution of James, and Peter was imprisoned, this text tells us the church offered “constant prayer.”

1.      Illustration: Sometimes the greatest help we can be to someone is simply to listen to him or her. God does more than simply listen, but He is always there ready to listen.

•         Faithful Christians are Constant in Prayer

C. “Present your bodies a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). I don’t believe that it is true to say that every act of human life is worship to God, but it is true to say that we can worship God throughout our lives—not just during times of assembly as a church.

1.       We do this by meditation on His grandeur, inquiry into His will, showing respect for His authority, and demonstrating obedience to His instruction.

•         Faithful Christians are Regular in Worship

II. Regarding Their Behavior Toward Others

A.      “For a whole year they assembled with the church” (Acts 11:26). While Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch they were committed in their relationship and responsibility to the local church there. Faithful Christians aren’t “free agents.” They may encourage brethren in other places but they don’t just float with no commitment, accountability, and responsibility.

1.       Illustration: An orphan who is adopted must be willing to accept and adapt to a relationship with other siblings in a home to which he is adopted.

•         Faithful Christians Assemble Regularly with a Sound Local Church

B. “...Went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). It is a remarkable thing that Scripture teaches after the death of Stephen and the persecution that was begun by Saul, faithful Christians “went everywhere preaching the word.”

•         Faithful Christians Teach Others

We do this both by word (actually talking to others about the gospel) and by example (living in such a way that we shine as lights to the world around us).

C. “Distributed to each as anyone had need” (Acts 4:35). When the church in Jerusalem encountered those who were in need among them they sold their goods and laid the proceeds at the apostles feet, and they “distributed to each as anyone had need.”

•         Faithful Christians Care About Those in Need

This care is both material and spiritual. Man has needs in both of these areas that must be addressed.

D. “He who sows bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6-11). The faithful Christian recognizes the responsibility he has to give in support of the work of a local church.

•         Faithful Christians Give Unselfishly

E. “If anyone does not provide for his own...” (1 Tim. 5:8). When Paul tells Timothy the circumstances under which the church may assume the care of widows, he points out that such care must come from the family first.

•         Faithful Christians Treat Their Families Right

Faithful Christians provide for their families but they also serve their families as devoted fathers and mother, parents and children, brothers and sisters.

III. Regarding Their Attitudes.

A. “Direct your hearts into the love of God” (2 Thess. 3:5). Paul prays for the Thessalonians that God will “direct” their hearts “into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.”

•         Faithful Christians Cultivate a Loving Disposition

B. “A servant of the Lord must not... ” (2 Tim. 2:24-26). Paul tells Timothy that as a servant of the Lord patience and humility must characterize all that we do.

•         Faithful Christians Cultivate Patience and Humility

IV. Regarding Their Lifestyle

A. “Glorify God in your body and spirit” (1 Cor. 6:20). How we use our body either glorifies God or brings shame to His name. Christians use what God has given us to serve and glorify Him.

•         Faithful Christians Use Their Abilities to Glorify God

B. “Possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor” (1 Thess. 4:3-7). Part of this involves control over how we use our body and what we allow it to do.

•         Faithful Christians are Moral

Christians should not engage in sexual immorality, drunkenness, or vulgar language. We don’t live like that!

C. “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’” (Matt. 5:33-37). Jesus taught that our honesty is not determined by oath or contract. If we say “yes” or “no”—that is enough.

•         Faithful Christians are Honest

D. “Submit yourself to every ordinance of man” (1 Pet. 2:13-17). Christians should not speed, or violate driving regulations. Christians should not cheat on their taxes. Christians should not disregard laws that are passed.

•         Faithful Christians are Law-Abiding