Memory Verse:
“I have become its servant by the commission God gave me…” — Colossians 1:25
A. INTRODUCTION: The Clarion Call to Faithfulness
In a postmodern world saturated with relativism, distracted by digital noise, seduced by materialism, and intoxicated with the cult of self, the call to faithfulness in one’s Christian calling stands not only as a sacred duty but as a prophetic defiance against a culture that despises absolute truth and moral integrity.
We are constantly assailed by the tyranny of busyness, the subtle erosion of moral conviction, the spirit of offense, and the paralyzing fear of public opinion. These distractions dilute spiritual fervor, distort divine priorities, and derail destinies. Yet, in the midst of this cacophony, God still calls clearly, decisively, and persistently.
As the Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante rightly asserts:
“The postmodern world may have changed the questions, but the gospel remains the unchanging answer.”
To be faithful to one’s calling is to:
- Resist the seduction of the urgent for the sake of the eternal.
- Walk in fruitfulness through intimacy with Christ.
- Allow the seed of His Word to bear enduring fruit.
This morning, I submit to you under apostolic unction that the hour has come for the Church to arise—not merely to be gifted or popular, but to be found faithful.
THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF FAITHFULNESS – The Divine Process
The end result of being faithful is fruitfulness. But fruit does not appear instantly—it proceeds from a spiritual process:
1. Seed Sowing – The Word of God is planted in the heart (Luke 8:11).
2. Growing – Faith deepens through prayer, obedience, and trials (Colossians 2:6–7).
3. Maturity – Stability in doctrine and discernment (Ephesians 4:13–15).
4. Fruit Bearing – Manifestation of Christlikeness (John 15:8).
“The seed of God is His Word. If it abides in you, you will bear fruit.” – Paraphrased from 1 John 3:9
B. BODY
1. FAITHFUL IN THE TENT – Abraham’s Discernment: Genesis 18:1–10
Under the oaks of Mamre, Abraham stood at the entrance of his tent—spiritually alert, attentive, and expectant. He discerned the presence of God, not through dramatic signs, but in the simplicity of strangers.
“True faithfulness begins when the believer can discern God in the ordinary.” — John Chrysostom
- Verse 2– He “looked up” — showing spiritual awareness.
- Verses 6–8 – He “ran” to serve. His faithfulness was fervent, not lazy.
- Verse 10 – A promise was released: *“I will surely return… and Sarah shall have a son.”
Beloved people of God, our response is to:
1. Be spiritually alert in the ordinary routines of life. Treat your ordinary life as sacred ground; your home, your business, and your tent may be divine altars where God may visit unexpectedly.
2. Offer hospitality and generosity with spiritual intentionality—you might be entertaining angels unaware.
2. FAITHFUL IN TRIAL – Paul’s Commission: Colossians 1:15–28
Paul was not in a pulpit, but in prison. Yet, he writes with divine clarity and apostolic authority. His location changed, but his calling remained constant.
Paul teaches us that confinement does not cancel commission. The prison became his pulpit. His writings, birthed in adversity, now edify generations.
“The circumstances of life may change, but the calling of God is irrevocable.” — Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante
- Verse 24 – He rejoices in suffering—this is not resignation, but revelation.
- Verse 25 – “I became a servant…” — Faithfulness is rooted in servanthood.
- Verse 28 – His aim: To present every man mature in Christ.
Christian friends, our response is to:
1. Turn your personal pain into a pulpit—your scars can become sermons.
2. Write, speak, and serve even in seasons of restriction; confinement cannot cancel commission.
3. FAITHFUL AT HIS FEET – Mary’s Intimacy: Luke 10:38–42
While Martha busied herself, Mary chose proximity over performance. She discerned that fruitfulness begins with fellowship, not frenzy.
“Mary chose the better part—not because service is inferior, but because presence is primary.” — C.S. Lewis (paraphrased)
- Verse 40 – Martha is “distracted” — from the Greek perispao, meaning “pulled in many directions.”
- Verse 42 – Mary is affirmed by Jesus—what she has chosen will “not be taken away.”
Beloved people of God, our response is to:
1. Prioritize undistracted devotion time with God each day—faithfulness at His feet fuels faithfulness in the field. Sit before you serve.
2. Regularly retreat from ministry busyness to rediscover intimacy—being with Jesus equips you better than busyness ever could.
Do not confuse activity with intimacy. The feet of Jesus is the secret place of power. Intimacy always precedes productivity. Faithfulness at His feet yields fruit that cannot wither. It is not in movement, but in abiding, that ministry is born.
People of God, here is the difference:
- Abraham discerned the presence of God and responded swiftly.
- Martha served, but missed the deeper encounter.
“Activity is not always productivity. Faithfulness begins at His feet.” — John Stott
In the Kingdom of God, being precedes doing, and abiding precedes achieving. We must learn to discern before we serve, or we risk laboring without revelation.
C. APPLICATION: TEN MAJOR THINGS THAT WILL FRUSTRATE YOU FROM BEING FAITHFUL
1. Comparison and Envy:
“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” – Galatians 5:26
Comparison corrupts contentment. When you envy another’s ministry, gifts, influence, or results, you lose sight of your own unique divine assignment.
2. Lack of Intimacy with God:
“Apart from Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
Without a deep, consistent relationship with Jesus, ministry becomes mechanical and calling becomes burdensome.
3. Unresolved Offense and Bitterness:
“See to it that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.” – Hebrews 12:15
Offense is a prison of the soul. Many are stuck because they’ve not healed from past betrayals.
4. Fear of Man and the Pressure to Please:
“The fear of man brings a snare…” – Proverbs 29:25
If you crave applause more than approval from heaven, you will soften truth and abandon your prophetic edge.
5. Non-Submission to Apostolic Authority:
“Obey your leaders and submit to them…” – Hebrews 13:17
Refusing apostolic covering leads to isolation, deception, and spiritual stagnation.
6. Living an Unaccountable Christian Life:
“Woe to the one who is alone when he falls…” – Ecclesiastes 4:10
Lack of accountability leads to moral failure and unchecked ego.
7. Self-Elevation and Lack of Humility:
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6
Pride disguises itself as confidence but ultimately leads to a fall.
8. Disconnection from Purpose and Vision:
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” – Proverbs 29:18
When you forget why you were called, fatigue and frustration follow.
9. The Seduction of Materialism:
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil…”– 1 Timothy 6:10
Many have traded divine calling for comfort, possessions, or status.
10. Spiritual Laziness and Procrastination:
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God…” – 2 Timothy 2:15
Faithfulness requires diligence, prayer, discipline, and perseverance.
Final Exhortation:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” – 1 Corinthians 15:58
Beloved, your calling is too precious to be sabotaged by pride, materialism, offense, or compromise. God is not looking for the most visible, but the most faithful.
D. CONCLUSION: Will You Be Found Faithful?
To be faithful is not to be flawless, but to be rooted, resolute, and resolutely yielded.
Three sacred questions:
1. Are you faithful in the tent of your daily, unseen life?
2. Are you faithful in the trial, when the heavens are silent?
3. Are you faithful at His feet, choosing presence before performance?
The promise is sure:
“Those who are faithful over little, shall be made rulers over much.” — Matthew 25:21
THE HARVEST OF FAITHFULNESS:
- Abraham’s tent bore Isaac.
- Paul’s pen bore doctrine.
- Mary’s silence bore spiritual depth.
All three were in different spaces, yet bore eternal fruit because they were faithful to their calling.
“God is not looking for the most visible, but the most faithful.” – John Stott
Until the seed of His Word becomes fruit for the nations, let us walk in the steps of:
- Abraham (Faithful in his tent),
- Paul (Faithful in trial),
- Mary (Faithful at the Master’s feet).
“I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness.” — Colossians 1:25
Let us Pray.