Topical Bible: Faithfulness: Associate With Those Who Exhibit

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Topical Encyclopedia

Faithfulness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the steadfastness and reliability of God and His expectations for His people. The concept of faithfulness encompasses loyalty, trustworthiness, and adherence to commitments, both in one's relationship with God and with others. The Scriptures encourage believers to associate with those who exhibit faithfulness, as such relationships can strengthen one's own walk with God and promote a community grounded in truth and integrity.

Biblical Foundation of Faithfulness

The Bible consistently portrays God as the ultimate example of faithfulness. In Deuteronomy 7:9 , it is written, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." God's unwavering faithfulness serves as a model for His followers, who are called to reflect His character in their lives.

Faithfulness in Relationships

The importance of faithfulness in human relationships is emphasized throughout Scripture. Proverbs 20:6 states, "Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?" This verse highlights the rarity and value of true faithfulness among people. Associating with those who demonstrate faithfulness can provide encouragement and accountability, fostering an environment where spiritual growth and mutual support thrive.

Encouragement to Associate with the Faithful

The Bible advises believers to seek out and maintain relationships with those who exhibit faithfulness. In 2 Timothy 2:22 , Paul instructs Timothy, "Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." This exhortation underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who are committed to living out their faith with integrity and devotion.

Examples of Faithful Individuals

Scripture provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified faithfulness, serving as role models for believers. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi, as seen in Ruth 1:16-17 , is a profound testament to her faithfulness: "But Ruth replied: 'Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.'"

Similarly, Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of persecution, is highlighted in Daniel 6:4 : "Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel regarding the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him."

The Role of Faithfulness in the Church

Faithfulness is also crucial within the context of the church. In 1 Corinthians 4:2 , Paul writes, "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." This requirement underscores the necessity for those in positions of leadership and service within the church to be reliable and trustworthy, ensuring that the body of Christ functions effectively and honors God.

Conclusion

The Bible's emphasis on faithfulness and the call to associate with those who exhibit this virtue highlights its significance in the life of a believer. By surrounding oneself with faithful individuals, Christians can be encouraged and strengthened in their own faith journey, fostering a community that reflects the character of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 101:6
My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walks in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Discipline and Advantage of Chastity.
... Scriptures, but with these very words we associate prayers to ... rank in virgins, the
second in those who are ... his innocence, and by the entire faithfulness of his ...
/.../of the discipline and advantage.htm

The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ...
... of sinners; but chiefly, because his faithfulness was pledged ... and upon the handmaids,
in those days, will I ... resurrection, that he meant to associate with them ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture i the resurrection of.htm

Christian Sympathy
... man may gain the approbation of those who are ... suffering-one while he told of God's
faithfulness, and the ... people, layer on layer, who never associate with each ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... among them, that they might not associate with them ... it is constituted a reprover
of those who, vowing ... the evidence of the Father's faithfulness in fulfilling ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... thereat, it showed me, that none could enter into life, but those that were ... the promises,
with a timid hope of salvation, he began to exhibit singular powers ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The First Theban Empire
... was for the king to appoint the heir-presumptive, and at once associate him with ...
is the hurler of javelins who makes feeble the hands of the foe; those whom he ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... the mouth of this other,' whose assertions he evidently wishes to exhibit as being ...
into bodies at the time of birth in this visible world: those souls, you say ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... Second, Others of his own receiving him, and making him welcome; those that reject
him, he also passes by; but those that receive him, he gives them power to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm