In our age of instant everything—instant texting, instant coffee, instant results—we've largely forgotten the power of the slow, steady work of faithfulness. We swipe when relationships get difficult, quit when jobs get challenging, and abandon commitments when they stop feeling convenient. We live in a culture that has trained us to expect immediate gratification and to move on the moment things require effort or sacrifice.

Matthew 25:14-15

Matthew 25:20-21

Matthew 25:24-28

I. FAITHFULNESS IS A CHOICE, NOT A FEELING

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."1 Corinthians 4:2 

Quoteable Statement: "Faithfulness isn't about feeling like it - it's about following through when you don't feel like it."

Everyone wants to be a beast, but they don't want to do what beasts do….

“It is required of a man that he be faithful, not successful.” Howard Hendricks, 

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." Luke 16:10  

Quoteable Statement: "God uses small tests to prepare us for big assignments. If you're not faithful with a borrowed car, why would He give you your own business?"

Illustrations:

• Joseph was faithful as a servant before becoming prime minister

• David was faithful with sheep before leading Israel

• Jesus was faithful to earthly parents as a carpenter before his heavenly mission

• God called me to preach…. Where I am invited, if possible, I will go… Small stages lead to bigger ones.

Three Areas Where Faithfulness Counts:

1. Time - Are you on time? Do you keep your word about schedules?

2. Money - Do you pay your bills? Return what you borrow? Give what you promise?

3. Relationships - Do you keep confidences? Show up when promised? Follow through on commitments?

Quoteable Statement: "Little acts of faithfulness are the building blocks of a trustworthy life."

 "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.'"Matthew 25:21 -

Quoteable Statement: "Faithfulness is the soil where God grows bigger opportunities."

The Faithfulness-Fruitfulness Cycle:

• Faithfulness builds trust

• Trust creates opportunities

• Opportunities produce influence

• Influence generates impact

Biblical Examples:

• Ruth's faithfulness to Naomi led to marriage with Boaz

• Daniel's faithfulness in exile led to positions of power

• Mary's faithfulness to God's call led to mothering the Messiah

Modern Application: Every person of great impact started with small acts of faithfulness

Quoteable Statement: "God isn't looking for your ability - He's looking for your availability and reliability."

Three Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. What small thing is God asking me to be faithful in right now?

Growth group….

1. Where have I been unfaithful that I need to make right?

2. What big thing might God be preparing me for through small acts of faithfulness?

Final Quoteable Statement: "Your faithfulness today determines your fruitfulness tomorrow. Don't despise small beginnings - God doesn't."
II. FAITHFULNESS STARTS IN THE SMALL THINGS (8 minutes)
III. FAITHFULNESS PRODUCES FRUITFULNESS (7 minutes)IV The Faithfulness Test