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HOPE Covenant Sermons

Faithfulness

March 30, 2014 Speaker: Series: God's Transforming Power

Topic: Transformation Verse: Galatians 5:16–5:25

GOD’S TRANSFORMING POWER
”Faithfulness”
Pastor Duane Cross | 03.30.2014

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:16-25 (NLT)

Faithfulness: Seeing with the eyes of faith, which leads to obedient living.

7 Faithfulness Challenges:

1) We are called to be faithful in our walk with God.

“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth. ”
3 John 2,3 (NLT)

2) We are called to be faithful in prayer.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV)

3) We are called to be faithful in our marriage.
“I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord.” Hosea 2:19-20 (NLT)

4) We are called to be faithful in raising our kids..

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)

5) We are called to be faithful in serving.

“Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for others.” 3 John 5 (NLT)

6) We are called to be faithful in giving.

“But just as you excel in everything - in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us - I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT)

7) We are called to be faithful in witness.

“I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.” Psalms 40:10 (NLT)

GOING DEEPER QUESTIONS

These questions are designed to help you go deeper with the sermon during your week - to take a closer look at the Scripture and find fresh ways to live out the main points of
the sermon. Going Deeper questions also are used in all of our Grow Groups at Hope.

Scripture Reading

Galatians 5:16-25; 3 John 2,3; Romans 12:12; Hosea 2:19-20; Proverbs 22:6;

3 John 5; 2 Corinthians 8:7; Psalm 40:10

Getting Started

When you think of God’s faithfulness, what comes to mind?

When you think of a disciple’s faithfulness, what comes to mind?

What do you think if means to “see within the eyes of faith?”

A Closer Look

Pastor Duane gave 7 challenges to faithful living. Read each text and comment on being called to be faithful in:

- Our walk with God (3 John 2,3)
- Prayer (Romans 12:12)
- Our marriages (Hosea 2:19-20)
- Raising our children (Proverbs 22:6)
- Serving (3 John 5)
- Giving (2 Corinthians 8:7)
- Witness (Psalm 40:10)

Digging Deeper

Of the 7 challenges to be faithful, which is the easiest for you? Which is the most challenging for you?

As God speaks to you, how is he challenging you to go deeper in your faithfulness?

Share with your group a faithfulness commitment you are making and how you desire to be held accountable.

 

More in God's Transforming Power

April 6, 2014

Self-Control

March 23, 2014

Kindness

March 16, 2014

Patience