I Want To Be Faithful
“I Want To Be Faithful”
by Pastor Kent Munsey
January 5, 2020
“Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?”
Proverbs 20:6, NKJV
“Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.’ So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.’ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.” - Acts 1:21-26, NIV
More than anything, we should want to be found faithful. Psalm 101:6 says that the Lord’s eyes will be on the faithful so that they may dwell with him. The Lord is looking for faithful people to be in a relationship with him. Jesus says that when we are faithful, then we will abound with blessings (Proverbs 28:20).
In Acts 1, the disciples select Matthias to be a new apostle in Judas’ place. An apostle is not just another title. In fact, in the New Testament church, it is the highest level of authority. There are specific qualifications to serve as an apostle.
The chosen one had to be there for the baptism of Jesus, his ministry on earth, his death, his resurrection, and finally, his ascension. The chosen one had to be an eyewitness to these events, so he could testify that they were true. Matthias demonstrates what it means to be faithful.
1. Be Faithful to God
Matthias was faithful first and foremost to the word of God. God spoke to him and said, “Follow me.” Matthias trusted God’s word. He followed from the baptism, all the way up to the resurrection. Matthias was not recognized or noticed. Mathias was one of the seventy or the five-hundred that were sent out, and he was not in the inner circle. But he was faithful, even when he wasn’t acknowledged.
2. Be Faithful to Others
There are no lone rangers in the Christian faith. The qualification for the apostle was first, to be faithful to Jesus and his word. Then, secondly, the apostle had to be faithful to the others that were faithful.
Through conflict and disappointment, choose to be faithful to others. Grow in mercy, love, and grace, loving people through hardships and conflicts. Be faithful with the faithful even when sometimes they are not so faithful.
3. Be a Faithful Witness
The qualifications for being faithful are not to be an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher, but to be a witness to an event that happened: when we were faithless, God came to us. Our testimony bears witness to this.
Our witness needs to be consistent in easy times and difficult times, in season and out of season. Brian Houston says the one with experience will always win the debate over one with just an argument. The blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony witness to the work of Jesus.
We feed on God’s faithfulness, mercy, and grace. The Lord is our example. We go out to be faithful friends, faithful family members, and faithful at work. We are called, and so we overcome.
Reflection/Discussion Questions:
How can you increase your faithfulness this coming year and over this coming decade?
In what way can you be a witness to the work of God in your life this week?
How can you be more faithful to God’s word this year?
How do you feel called to be more faithful to others (the relationships and commitments in your life)?
How can you encourage others around you to be faithful?