In what ways can we ensure our faithfulness to God as described here? Faithfulness Begins with God’s Reviving Touch “Psalm 80:18 — ‘Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name.’” • True faithfulness is impossible until the Lord first “revives” the heart. • His sovereign initiative stirs the will so we “will not turn away.” • Our ongoing loyalty rests on continuing, daily dependence on His life-giving grace (Philippians 2:13). Responding Actively to His Revival Once awakened, we cooperate with God through deliberate practices: • Confession and turning: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” (1 John 1:9). • Crying out in prayer: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble” (Psalm 50:15). • Pursuing obedience: “Be doers of the word” (James 1:22). • Bearing fruit that proves repentance (Matthew 3:8). Anchored in Scripture • Store the Word within: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). • Meditate day and night (Joshua 1:8). • Let Scripture correct every competing idea (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Abiding in Christ Daily • Jesus commands: “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you” (John 15:4). • Practical abiding includes: – Continual trust in His finished work. – Immediate repentance when convicted. – Yielding to the Spirit’s promptings (Galatians 5:16). Guardrails of Fellowship • Gather consistently: “Let us not neglect meeting together” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Invite accountability from mature believers (Proverbs 27:17). • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper to remember the cost of redemption (1 Corinthians 11:26). Vigilance Against Drift • Examine yourself regularly (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Reject idols of heart and culture (1 John 5:21). • Flee relationships or habits that compromise devotion (2 Timothy 2:22). Overflow of Calling on His Name • Worship keeps affection centered on Him (Psalm 95:1-3). • Witness flows naturally from revived hearts (Acts 1:8). • Serving others demonstrates steadfast love (1 Peter 4:10-11). Result: Persevering Faithfulness “Then we will not turn away from You.” Live in His reviving power, and steadfast devotion becomes both our duty and delight, securing faithfulness to God in every season. |
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