What does a Faithful Christian look like?
When Life is not fair, Faith pistis keeps you connected to our God…
Pistis translated 248 times as Faith or Faithfulness or proof meaning:
a conviction about God and His Word, an assurance or guarantee.
Root word is peithō meaning: to persuade, to induce people by words to believe/ to trust.
Hebrews 11:1, 6 NASB
1 Now faith pistis is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.
6 And without faith pistis it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe pisteuō that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.
What does a Faithful Christian look like?
Jesus:
Philippians 2:7, 8 NASB
7 but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.
The ________________________ Christian life looks like: humility & obedience.
Josheph:
Genesis 39:2-6
2 And the Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. 3 Now his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did prosper in his hand. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and put him in charge of all that he owned. 5 It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph; so the Lord’s blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field. 6 So he left Joseph in charge of everything that he owned; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
When Life is not fair, Faith pistis keeps you connected to our God… Humbly & Obediently
Gen 50:15-21 15 NRSV
15 Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?” 16 So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, 17 ‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? 20 Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. 21 So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.
When Life is not fair, Faith pistis keeps you connected to our God… Humbly & Obediently
Takeaway:
1) Let your struggles be a catalyst to greater faith. They are meant to refine you
2) Let Humility & Obedience be the hall-mark of your faith.