Topical Bible: Being Reliable

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Definition and Importance
Being reliable refers to the quality of being trustworthy and dependable in one's actions and commitments. In the biblical context, reliability is a virtue that reflects God's own faithfulness and is expected of His followers. It involves consistency, integrity, and the fulfillment of promises and responsibilities.

Biblical Foundation
The concept of reliability is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is described as faithful and unchanging. In Deuteronomy 7:9, it is written, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." God's reliability serves as the ultimate standard for human behavior.

Old Testament Examples
In the Old Testament, figures such as Abraham and Moses exemplify reliability through their obedience and steadfastness in following God's commands. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) demonstrates his trust in God's promises, while Moses' leadership in guiding the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3-14) showcases his commitment to God's mission.

New Testament Teachings
The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of being reliable. Jesus Christ, in His teachings and parables, often highlighted the value of faithfulness. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the servants who wisely managed their master's resources were commended for their reliability. Jesus states, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21).

The Apostle Paul also underscores the necessity of reliability in the life of a believer. In 1 Corinthians 4:2, he writes, "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." Paul himself is an example of reliability, as he consistently preached the Gospel despite facing numerous hardships (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

Practical Application
Being reliable involves living a life of integrity and consistency in both personal and communal relationships. It requires honesty, keeping one's word, and fulfilling obligations. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This highlights the importance of truthfulness as a component of reliability.

In the context of the church, reliability is crucial for building trust and unity among believers. Ephesians 4:25 encourages believers to "put away falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This mutual reliability strengthens the body of Christ and reflects God's faithfulness to the world.

Challenges and Encouragement
While striving to be reliable, believers may face challenges such as external pressures, personal weaknesses, and the temptation to compromise. However, Scripture provides encouragement and guidance. Philippians 4:13 assures, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength," reminding believers that they can rely on God's power to uphold their commitments.

Ultimately, being reliable is a reflection of one's relationship with God and a testimony to His faithfulness. As believers grow in their walk with Christ, they are called to emulate His reliability, thereby glorifying God and serving as a witness to others.

Topical Bible Verses

2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
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Hebrews 1:3
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
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Hebrews 1:2-3
Has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
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Acts 2:22
You men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the middle of you, as you yourselves also know:
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John 1:3
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
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Library

Of the Baptism of Infants when There is Some Doubt of their Being ...
... the baptism of infants when there is some doubt of their being already baptized.
Item, it seemed good that whenever there were not found reliable witnesses who ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon lxxii greek lxxv of.htm

What True Philosophy Is, and Whence So Called.
... then it follows that the gnosis, which is the knowledge and apprehension of things
present, future, and past, which is sure and reliable, as being imparted and ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vii what true philosophy is.htm

The Excellence and Utility of Faith.
... may be gone through according to the rules for ball; so also is it the case that
teaching is reliable when faith on the part of those who hear, being, so to ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi the excellence and utility.htm

The Old Man and the New.
... If our self-knowledge were perfect, the testimony of our spiritual experience would
be as reliable as that of the Scripture. But this not being so, not even ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xii the old man and.htm

Faith in General.
... dogmatism, but shall diligently seek to give an exposition of the being of faith,
which, eradicating error, will point out the only safe and reliable path. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiv faith in general.htm

Speaks of the Manner in which God Communicates with the Soul by ...
... often felt great alarm and was at times overcome with confusion, being unable to ...
all that passed in her soul, hence my account is thoroughly true and reliable. ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter viii speaks of the.htm

Demonstration Defined.
... of being decompounded; but those of understanding are simple, rational, and primary.
But those produced from them are compound, but no less clear and reliable, ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iii demonstration defined.htm

Seeking and Finding
... extends to anyone except the chosen disciples. They evidently consider
all reliable testimony as being fantastic and fanatical. ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 11 seeking and finding.htm

Potami??na.
... that account that she was a slave, and that her master, not being able to ... written
early in the fifth century) is, in the main at least, reliable, except where ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/chapter v potamiaena.htm

Note
... that her choice lay between two sinful courses of life, no right way being open
to ... one either hears next that he is dead, or can get no reliable information at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wilson-carmichael/things as they are/note.htm