The Church and Faithfulness - Part 2 - Thankfulness and Faithfulness

Temple Baptist Church - 11-1-2026

Proverbs 20:6

Introduction:

A. Last week we saw the faithfulness of God. Because God is faithful, we should also be faithful. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, a time of reflection upon the goodness of God!  We have so much to be thankful for and true thankfulness should turn into faithfulness to the One who is faithful to us!

 

B. This morning, I will use a “stand alone” verse out of the Book of Proverbs.

 

Proverbs 20:6  Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

 

C.  The search is on this morning! God is looking for faithful people.  “But a faithful man who can find?” This tells me that faithfulness was a rare commodity in 3,000 years ago!  Solomon lived around 1,000 BC. Self-centeredness and, therefore, selfishness is rampant today as everyone does his or her thing with little regard to others.  I want to be found faithful.  How about you?

 

D. Faithfulness is a command of God.

 

1. Faithfulness is greater than talent – you may be the greatest singer in the world, but if you are not here to sing, you are useless!

 

2. Faithfulness is greater that giving - you may be the greatest giver in the world, but if you are not here to give, you are useless!

 

3. Faithfulness is greater than ability – you may be the greatest teacher in the world, but if you are not here to teach, you are useless!

 

4. Faithfulness is greater than soul winning ability – you may be the greatest soul winner in the world, but if you are not witnessing, you are useless!

 

5. The list could go on indefinitely, but I believe you understand the importance of faithfulness.

 

Hebrews 10:22-23  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

 

E.  In Matthew 25:14-27, the phrase “Well done, good and faithful servant” is used twice while the phrase “Thou wicked and slothful servant” is used once. 

 

1. Faithful is a commandment, not an option. 

 

2. Faithfulness is a blessing, not a curse.

 

F. Here is my short list of areas of our faithfulness:

 

1. Faithful To The Lord. Faithfulness is actually a requirement, not a choice! 1 Corinthians 4:1-2  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  (2)  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

 

a. Faithful Out Of Love. But, because of God’s love for us, we should be faithful to Him. 

 

b. Faithful Out Of Fear. Because God rewards those who are faithful and takes away from those who are not faithful to Him.

 

c. Faithful Out Of Debt. I don’t know about others, but I owe a debt that I can never repay.

 

2. Faithful To Your Family. The first and most important of institutions is the family.  As goes the family, so goes the church and the nation.  Satan hates the family!

 

a. Husbands To Their Wives. God give you a good wife? Take care of her!

 

b. Wives To Their Husbands. God give you a good husband? Take care of him!

 

c. Parents To Their Children. God give you children? Take care of them!

 

d. Children To Their Parents.

 

3. Faithful To Your Church. The falling away is in full swing so do not become a part of it.

 

a. Faithful To Attend. There are fewer and fewer in our day who are faithful to the church.

 

b. Faithful To Give. Bills, your pastor, and missionaries do not get paid in “I Owe You.”

 

c. Faithful To Labor. One person can do ten jobs but ten people can do them more easily.

 

d. Faithful To Exhort And Edify. We all, from the pulpit to the back pew, need each other.

 

4. Faithful To Your Fellow Man. You are the only Bible that most people will ever read.  Make sure you are the Right Verson!

 

a.  Faithful In Example. Light and Salt.

 

b. Faithful In Prayer. Find someone that is lost and pray for their salvation.

 

c. Faithful In Witness. Find someone that is lost and share the gospel with them.

 

5. Faithful To Your Country.  When America needs us the most, we often believe through actions that we need it least.

 

a. Faithful To Be A Good Citizen. Obey the laws of our land. Our liberty is in law.

 

b. Faithful To Be A Good Intercessor. Pray for those in authority over us.

 

c. Faithful To Be A Good Voter. Get out to vote Tuesday!  It is both your right and your duty.

 

Conclusion:  Proverbs 20:6  Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?  (May the Lord help us to be faithful in these last days!)