Faithfulness, to God

The proper response to God by his covenant people; seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects God's own faithfulness to the covenant. Encouraged in all believers, it is especially important in leaders.

Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people

God's covenant with his people requires faithfulness

1 Kings 2:3–4 See also Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 5:32–33, Deuteronomy 10:12–13, Deuteronomy 29:9; Isaiah 1:26

And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn, and so that the LORD may fulfill His promise to me: ‘If your descendants take heed to walk faithfully before Me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’

Faithfulness to God seen as marital fidelity

Hosea 2:20 See also Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 2:2; Ezekiel 16:8; Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 5:22–25

And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD.”

Faithfulness to God reflects God's faithfulness

Deuteronomy 7:9 See also 1 Samuel 2:35; 1 Corinthians 10:12–13; Hebrews 4:14–16, Hebrews 10:23; 1 Peter 4:19

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Faithfulness is seen as steadfast commitment to God

In unwavering devotion

Micah 4:5 See also Joshua 24:14–15; Luke 9:62; Revelation 2:10

Though all the nations may walk in the name of their gods, yet we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.

In obedience

Deuteronomy 11:13; Ezekiel 18:9

In service

1 Samuel 12:24; 2 Chronicles 19:9, 2 Chronicles 34:10–12 parallel 2 Kings 22:4–7; Ezekiel 44:15, Ezekiel 48:11; 1 Timothy 1:12

In giving

2 Chronicles 31:12 Faithfulness to God is expressed in giving to him for the benefit of others; 2 Corinthians 8:1–5

Faithfulness is especially important in leaders

1 Corinthians 4:1–2; 3 John 1:3 See also Exodus 18:21; 1 Timothy 4:13–16, 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:13–14, 2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 4:1–2

So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.

Encouragements to faithfulness

The call to faithfulness

1 Corinthians 15:58 See also Proverbs 3:5–6; Isaiah 26:4; John 14:1; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 6:13

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

God watches over the faithful

Psalm 97:10 See also Psalm 31:23, Psalm 37:28, Psalm 86:2; Proverbs 2:8

Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

God rewards faithfulness

1 Samuel 26:23; Matthew 25:21 parallel Luke 19:17 See also Psalm 101:6; Proverbs 28:20; Matthew 24:45–47 parallel Luke 12:42–44; 2 Timothy 4:6–8; Revelation 17:14, Revelation 20:4

May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed.

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

Lack of faithfulness

Hosea 4:1 See also Psalm 12:1, Psalm 78:8, Psalm 78:37; Hosea 1:2, Hosea 5:7, Hosea 9:1

Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land!