Title: Faithfulness

Series: Fruit of the Spirit

Icebreaker: As this semester of Belong Groups comes to a close, do you have a favorite memory from your group this semester? Maybe a favorite lesson topic, a favorite event you did together, etc. Or share something you look forward to when the new semester begins!

This Sunday our Bishop delivered another dynamic message as he continued his latest sermon series, Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5 outlines characteristics that we know as "fruit" that the Holy Spirit helps to develop within us as we grow to be more like Christ. This week's focus is faithfulness. Many of us hear the word faith and think of belief, which is not too far off. But dig deeper, how does what you believe impact the way you live? Many people say they believe in many things, but their lifestyle doesn't add up. To be faithful is more than just believing in God, it's reflecting his character in our day to day lives.

Matthew 7:16

I. Three Types of Faith (Romans 8:28)

a. According to Romans 12:3 we are all given a 'measure of faith' as determined by God. This measure of faith is the faith we all live by, the faith that leads us to salvation in Christ, and maintains our relationship with God. We don't create this faith, but we can grow in it over time.

b. Then there is the gift of faith, also given by God not earned or crafted on our own. This gift comes upon certain people at certain times to believe God for the impossible or improbable.

c. Lastly, and our focus for this sermon series, is the fruit of faith or faithfulness. We know that the fruit of the Spirit deals with our character, so the fruit of faithfulness must be cultivated. To be considered faithful first means to be dependent on God, the one who proves his faithfulness to us over and over. To be found faithful also means to be dependable, reflecting this characteristic of God in our own lives.

Discussion:

How has God proven himself to you? Can you think of one instance, or has He proven himself over time? How does this translate to the way we show up for God and others, how do we prove ourselves faithful in the workplace, with friends, etc.?

II. Faith and Faithfulness (Luke 16:10-11)

a. Can God depend on you to do what he desires (James 2:23)? Can others depend on you to do what you say you will? To be faithful is to be steady and reliable, which is only ever proven with time and trials.

b. Faithfulness is a matter of commitment. God demonstrates this for us in the ways he shows up for those he is in covenant with. He also demonstrates how this commitment grows over time. He shows himself faithful to us in small things so that we will depend on Him for more as we continue walking with Him.

c. Our faithfulness grows in the same way, small steps to prove that we're dependable over time, so we can later be trusted with more. We can test our own faithfulness by simply examining our patterns of behavior. For instance, do we keep the promises we make? Do we show up late for appointments? Do we pay our bills on time? These seem like very basic and practical things, but they all bear witness to our faith.

d. God is always on time and always does exactly what he says he will do, so when we fail to do the same we are not displaying the character of Christ. The good news is it's not too late to change. We can ask God to help change our ways, to help us reflect his true nature with the way we live.

Thank you for being a Belong Host this semester! Your commitment has been a blessing and we pray you enjoy this holiday season.

If you know anyone who would be interested in hosting a Belong Group next semester please contact your district pastor.

UPCOMING EVENTS + REMINDERS:

Spanish Services at City Church: Spanish services are now in full swing at City Church! Every Sunday you can worship with us in the chapel at 10 AM, alongside our English service. We look forward to seeing you there!

GriefShare: Grief is one of life’s most difficult journeys, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you, or someone you know, has lost a loved one you can begin your journey from mourning to joy through GriefShare at City Church. Meetings are held on Saturdays at 9:00 AM in the District Pastors’ Office. For more information please visit citychurchnola.life/GriefShare.

Wednesday Morning Prayer: You can participate in corporate prayer every Wednesday morning at 7 AM on Facebook. Join us each week as we continue to pray for our church, our city, and our nation.

City Life TV: You can watch our Bishop deliver thoughtful messages throughout the week. Tune in to WHNO, channel 20, Saturdays at 10:00 PM.

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email you would normally receive, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and spirit-filled group!