The fruit of the Spirit is…faith
William MacDonald teaches that the fruit of the Spirit called faith is best understood as faithfulness—steadfast loyalty and dependability in our relationship with God and others, even unto death.
In this teaching sermon, William MacDonald explores the fruit of the Spirit known as faith, emphasizing its meaning as faithfulness rather than mere saving faith. He highlights the importance of dependability, loyalty, and integrity in the Christian walk, illustrated by everyday examples and the ultimate witness of martyrs. Listeners are encouraged to cultivate steadfastness in their commitments to God and others, understanding the eternal reward promised for such faithfulness.
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“The fruit of the Spirit is…faith…” (Gal. 5:22)
This fruit of the Spirit is generally understood as being faithfulness. It is not the faith that saves, or the trust we exercise in God day by day (although it may include that). Rather it is our fidelity and dependability in our dealings with the Lord and with one another. Someone has defined it as being “true to oneself, to one’s nature, to any promise given, to any trust committed.”
When we say that a man’s word is his bond, we mean that in dealing with him, no written contract is necessary. If he has agreed to do something, he can be depended on to do it.
The faithful man keeps appointments on time, pays his bills on schedule, attends the meetings of the local fellowship regularly, performs tasks assigned to him without having to be constantly reminded. He is unswervingly true to his marriage vows and unfailing in the discharge of his family responsibilities. He is conscientious in setting money aside for the work of the Lord and careful also in his stewardship of time and talents.
Faithfulness means being true to one’s word, even at great personal cost. The faithful man “swears to his own hurt, and does not change” (Psa. 15:4c NASB). In other words, he does not cancel one supper engagement when he receives another that promises a better menu or more congenial company. He does not renege on a work assignment to go on a recreational trip (unless he first arranges for a satisfactory substitute). He sells his house at the agreed price even if someone later offers him $10,000 more.
The ultimate in faithfulness is being willing to die rather than renounce one’s loyalty to Christ. When the king demanded that a faithful Christian retract his confession of Christ, the man replied, “The heart thought it; the mouth spoke it; the hand subscribed it; and if need be, by God’s grace the blood shall seal it.” When Polycarp was offered life in exchange for a denial of the Lord, he chose rather to be burned at the stake, saying, “These eighty-six years have I served my Lord. He never did me any harm, and I cannot deny my Lord and Master now.”
The martyrs were faithful unto death, and will receive a crown of life (Rev. 2:10).
Sermon Outline
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I. Understanding the Fruit of the Spirit as Faithfulness
- Faith as faithfulness, not just saving faith
- Definition of faithfulness as dependability and loyalty
- Faithfulness in daily Christian living
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II. Characteristics of a Faithful Person
- Keeping appointments and commitments
- Being true to promises and trust
- Faithfulness in family, church, and stewardship
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III. The Cost of Faithfulness
- Faithfulness even at personal cost
- Examples of integrity in everyday decisions
- Ultimate faithfulness unto death
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IV. The Reward of Faithfulness
- Martyrs as examples of ultimate faithfulness
- The crown of life promised in Revelation
- Encouragement to remain steadfast
Key Quotes
“The faithful man keeps appointments on time, pays his bills on schedule, attends the meetings of the local fellowship regularly, performs tasks assigned to him without having to be constantly reminded.” — William MacDonald
“Faithfulness means being true to one’s word, even at great personal cost.” — William MacDonald
“The martyrs were faithful unto death, and will receive a crown of life.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Be diligent in keeping your commitments to God, family, and church without needing reminders.
- Practice integrity by honoring your word even when it is inconvenient or costly.
- Draw inspiration from the martyrs’ faithfulness to remain steadfast in your loyalty to Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'fruit of the Spirit' mean in this context?
It refers to the qualities produced in a believer's life by the Holy Spirit, with faithfulness being one of these key traits.
Is the 'faith' mentioned here the same as saving faith?
No, this sermon emphasizes faith as faithfulness—steadfast loyalty and dependability—rather than the initial trust that brings salvation.
Why is faithfulness important in the Christian life?
Faithfulness reflects our reliability and loyalty to God and others, demonstrating true spiritual maturity and honoring our commitments.
How can Christians cultivate faithfulness?
By consistently honoring their promises, fulfilling responsibilities, and prioritizing loyalty to Christ even when it is costly.
What is the ultimate example of faithfulness?
Martyrs who remained loyal to Christ unto death, exemplifying the highest form of faithfulness.