The Power of Faithfulness

Pastor Mark Schwarzbauer PhDFamily Worship Center

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

Reality Check: Thoughts and actions have consequences… you are exactly

where you have chosen to be over the last year. You can deny your responsibility

and become the victim or take responsibility and become the victor.

If you want to be in a better place in life one year from now, you must make better

choices, think better thoughts and live better actions.

Part One: The Amazing Rewards of Faithfulness

In 2014 God is calling you to

reap the rewards of faithfulness!

What does it mean to be “faithful”?

• Trustworthy, Loyal, consistent, steadfast, dependable. A “faithful” person is someone you can put your “Full Faith” in and absolutely depend upon.• Synonyms include: True, devoted,

unswerving, dedicated, constant.

The Power of Faithfulness… In Finances• In finances… commit to spend less than

you make.• Only a fool spends everything he makes

(Proverbs 21:20)… (So start saving).• Unfaithful can destroy you in one spending

binge.• Being Faithful Financially can bring you

into 2015 better financially than ever.

The Power of Faithfulness… In Finances• Commit to (re) reading “The Money

Map” and being a wise steward in 2014.• The widows mite (two pennies) at just

2.75% simple interest compounded annually would be worth in today’s dollars $3.7 sextillion.

• Million, Billion, Trillion, Quadrillion, Sextillion.

The Power of Faithfulness… In Relationships

• Faithfulness brings confidence, growth, peace and joy.

• If you are married be faithful to your partner… Trustworthy, Loyal, consistent, steadfast, dependable, true, devoted, unswerving, dedicated, constant and sexually faithful.

• If single be committed to no sex before marriage, keeping yourself pure.

The Power of Faithfulness… In Business

• Promotion and blessing come from the Lord- Psalm 75:6-7• In 2014 do ALL THINGS for

Christ… be the best you can be. Colossians 3:17.

The Power of Faithfulness… In Health

• Faithfulness to a healthy lifestyle brings physical wellness, positive emotions, strength, stamina and more.• Be committed to a healthy lifestyle

in 2014. (Consider The Daniel Plan)

God Wants toREWARD Your Faithfulness• Hebrews 11:6… But without

faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”• Are you ready to be rewarded?

Part Two: The Great

Faithfulness of God

Lamentations 3:22-23 22Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

Revelation 19:11

“11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True,”

II Timothy 2:11-13 11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him,We shall also live with Him.12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

II Timothy 2:11-13 11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him,We shall also live with Him.12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

II Timothy 2:11-13 11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him,We shall also live with Him.12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

Since you and I are to become like

Christ we must be faithful no matter

what others are like.

Part Three: Your High Call of Faithfulness

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

“Servants” of God from the Greek ὑπηρέτης (hypērétēs)

• Literally “under rower” serving aboard ship.• Classical Greek referred to servants

of Zeus.• Carries the essence of “serving a

higher purpose.”

“Servants” of God from the Greek ὑπηρέτης (hypērétēs)

• hypērétēs differs from a doúlos in that the hyperetes is FREE and NOT BOND and therefore receives due rewards for his/her work.

“Servants” of God ὑπηρέτης (hypērétēs)

• Distinct from diákonos or therápōn, hypērétēs carries the emphasis of learning what is to be done from the superior, and doing it with no prejudice to personal dignity or worth.

• Taking directions right from God and His Word.

• Doing what God wants no matter what the personal cost- completely faithful.

Stewards of the mysteries of God

•Responsible to manage initiating others into God’s mystery of faith.

•This is Your higher purpose.

I Corinthians 4:1-2 1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Commitment Card… With God’s help as I start 2014 I commit myself to be…

• …Faithful to God in daily devotions and attending church.• …Faithful to my family and other relationships, keeping sex

only in marriage.• …Faithful in my work doing all things diligently for Christ.• …Faithful in my health taking care of the temple of the Holy

Spirit.• …Faithful in my finances, being a wise steward of what God

blesses me with.

• Signed ____________