My internet is back up and running this morning 👏🏼, so we are a day late.
I had hoped to post this before my departure on July 2nd for my 33-day cross-country trek honoring Gold Star Families. During that trip, I saw an abundance of patriotism and, yes, there were a few IDGAD person(s) who would disrespect the occasion. Two observations: first, the patriots greatly outnumbered the naysayers, and second, those same patriots all seemed grounded in a personal faith.
STUDY
In 1 Corinthians 4, the Apostle Paul drops some fatherly, pastoral wisdom on the church at Corinth. He begins by saying that he and we (those truly born again) are all servants of Christ, and all servants of Christ must be found to be (judgment implied) faithful. We are the guardians of the (v.1) mysteries of God. If we are to be entrusted with such a great responsibility, we have no less of a duty to be true and faithful to the nation where God has placed us, if that nation does not willfully sin against God.
COUNTRY, Love of: Judg. 5:1–31; 2 Sam. 10:12; Neh. 1:1–11; Neh. 2:1–20 chapters 3–6.; Psa. 137:1–6…
James Swanson and Orville Nave, New Nave’s Topical Bible (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, 1994).
Patriotism. A passionate allegiance to one’s nation or community, together with a devotion to its institutions, a fervent loyalty to its values, a profound sense of attachment to its symbols and people, and a concern for its future welfare. The Christian ethical tradition displays a mixed stance toward patriotism. Some Christians have been characterized by a keen sense of patriotism, sometimes on the basis of a belief that the nation or society to which they belong has a special role in the work of God in history. Others have seen patriotism as undercutting the disciple’s primary loyalty to Christ and undermining the universal or international character of the church. Some have even equated patriotism with idolatry.
Stanley J. Grenz and Jay T. Smith, Pocket Dictionary of Ethics, The IVP Pocket Reference Series (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 85.
PATRIOTISM. Deut. 26:1–11; Judg. 5:1–31; Psa. 51:18; Psa. 85:1–13; Psa. 122:6, 7; Psa. 128:5, 6; Psa. 137:1–6; Isa. 62:1; Jer. 8:11, 21, 22; Jer. 9:1, 2; Lam. 5:1–22 Instances of: Moses, Heb. 11:24–26. Deborah, Judg. 4; 5. The tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, Judg. 5:18–20. Eli, 1 Sam. 4:17, 18. Phinehas’ wife, 1 Sam. 4:19–22. Joab, 2 Sam. 10:12. Uriah, 2 Sam. 11:11. Hadad, 1 Kin. 11:21, 22. The lepers of Samaria, 2 Kin. 7:9. Nehemiah, Neh. 1:2, 4–11; 2:3. Wanting in: The tribes of Reuben, Asher, and Dan, Judg. 5:15–17. Inhabitants of Meroz, Judg. 5:23; of Succoth and Penuel, Judg. 8:4–17
James Swanson and Orville Nave, New Nave’s Topical Bible (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, 1994).
Patriotism. A passionate allegiance to one’s nation or community, together with a devotion to its institutions, a fervent loyalty to its values, a profound sense of attachment to its symbols and people, and a concern for its future welfare. The Christian ethical tradition displays a mixed stance toward patriotism. Some Christians have been characterized by a keen sense of patriotism, sometimes on the basis of a belief that the nation or society to which they belong has a special role in the work of God in history. Others have seen patriotism as undercutting the disciple’s primary loyalty to Christ and undermining the universal or international character of the church. Some have even equated patriotism with idolatry
Stanley J. Grenz and Jay T. Smith, Pocket Dictionary of Ethics, The IVP Pocket Reference Series (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 85.
FAITHFUL—as a designation of Christians, means full of faith, trustful, and not simply trustworthy (Acts 10:45; 16:1; 2 Cor. 6:15; Col. 1:2; 1 Tim. 4:3, 12; 5:16; 6:2; Titus 1:6; Eph. 1:1; 1 Cor. 4:17, etc.). It is used also of God’s word or covenant as true and to be trusted (Ps. 119:86, 138; Isa. 25:1; 1 Tim. 1:15; Rev. 21:5; 22:6, etc.).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary and Treasury of Biblical History, Biography, Geography, Doctrine, and Literature (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1893), 251.
FAITHFUL. After what hath been said under the foregoing article of faith, I shall not think it necessary to add much on the subject of faithfulness. The sense of it is very obvious. I only beg to observe, that it appears from Scripture the Lord delights to be known to his people, in his covenant engagements, by this distinguishing perfection. That sweet passage delivered to the church by Moses, is a most decided proof of it: “Know, therefore, that the Lord thy God, he is God; the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.” (Deut. 7:9. See also 1 Sam. 2:35. Ps. 89:37. 1 Cor. 1:9. 1 Thess. 5:24. Rev. 1:5. 19:11.)
Robert Hawker, The Poor Man’s Concordance and Dictionary to the Sacred Scriptures (London: Ebenezer Palmer, 1828), 242.
Faithfulness. In the Old Testament, God’s faithfulness and covenant love are closely related (Deut. 7:9; Pss. 25:10; 85:10). The most profound example of his faithfulness is the bond between God and the people of the northern kingdom of Israel. In spite of their unfaithfulness, God reminds them that he is betrothed to them in faithfulness (Hos. 2:20).
The Israelites were expected to respond in faithfulness to God because he had acted faithfully to them through the covenant. David and other godly people chose to walk the faithful way—the way of truth (Ps. 119:30). Just as God is both faithful and loving, those who believe in God need to exhibit faithfulness and steadfast love in their lives (Prov. 3:3).
In the New Testament, God also acts in faithfulness: He provides for both good and evil people (Matt. 5:45); he rewards those who do his good will (Matt. 6:4, 6, 18); he provides a way out for believers in the midst of temptation (1 Cor. 10:13); he remains faithful as he fulfills his promises (2 Cor. 1:18–19). Paul reminds us that even when we are faithless, God remains faithful because he cannot disown himself (2 Tim. 2:13). John declares that Jesus is the faithful and true witness (Rev. 3:14), the Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11). God remains faithful to New Testament believers, both fulfilling and promising to fulfill the promises of the Old Testament.
Christians, like the Israelites, are to respond to God in faithfulness. Trustworthy servants must prove themselves to be faithful (1 Cor. 4:2). Epaphrus and Tychicus are identified as faithful ministers of Christ (Col. 1:7; 4:7). Paul remains faithful to God in spite of tremendous pressures (1 Tim. 1:12). Timothy is to select teachers who will exhibit faithfulness, one of the outstanding characteristics of Christians. The Spirit of God enables Christians to remain faithful to both God and other believers (Gal. 5:22).
Louis Goldberg, “Faithfulness,” in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, electronic ed., Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), 239–240.
Faithfulness. Maintaining faith or allegiance; showing a strong sense of duty or conscientiousness. In biblical Hebrew, “faith” and “faithfulness” are grammatically related. Although both concepts are important in the OT, there is no English word exactly equivalent to the Hebrew terms. The most relevant Hebrew verbal root (related to our word “amen”) carries such meanings as “strengthen,” “support,” or “hold up.” In a physical sense it is used of pillars that provide support for doors (2 Kgs 18:16). Moses used the word when he disclaimed any role as supporter of the Israelites (Nm 11:12). God, however, is an eternally firm support for his people (Dt 7:9; Is 49:7).
With that notion of firm support as the bedrock for faith, words such as “firmness,” “constancy,” or “trustworthiness” best convey the related concept of faithfulness. Trustworthiness, or steadfastness of character, is ascribed to the object of one’s trust. To be unfaithful is to be unworthy of confidence or belief. In the OT a synonym for “faithfulness” is “truth.” Since God is consistently true he is the logical object of human trust (Ps 71:22; Is 61:8). When used of God in the OT, the word “faithfulness” frequently refers to his unwavering commitment to his promises.
Human Faithfulness. Faith and faithfulness are logically and linguistically one in the OT and NT. That is, the major words for faith in both Testaments also connote the concept of “faithfulness.” This indicates that faith is more than momentary assent to the truth of God. It is commitment to that truth, and it manifests itself in continued obedience. Abraham’s life in this regard is instructive. He assented to, relied upon, and acted in conformity to the revealed Word of God. He received God’s revelation as true (i.e., demonstrating faith), and his subsequent actions proved his faithfulness. He left home and country, settled in a strange land, and offered up his son Isaac as God commanded. His willingness to sacrifice his only son is an unparalleled expression of faithfulness in the OT. It is no surprise, therefore, that Abraham is commended for his steadfastness and is set forth in the NT as one whose behavior should be imitated by Christians (Gal 3:6–9; Heb 11:8–10). Faithfulness, then, must not be viewed as an isolated act. Rather it is an attitude that should characterize the entire life of those who say they have faith in God. Although by definition all unbelievers are characterized by unfaithfulness, God’s children are called to manifest faithfulness as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22; cf. Eph 2:8).
God’s Faithfulness. In spite of Israel’s faithlessness (Dt 32:20; cf. Rom 3:3), God showed himself to be absolutely reliable. His faithfulness is great (Lam 3:23). He is loyal to his covenant and will always manifest his steadfast love to his people (Ps 136). The pinnacle of faithfulness in the Bible is seen in the work of Jesus Christ, who showed himself faithful to his Father (Heb 3:2) and in his witness (Rv 1:5). God calls men and women to be faithful by following Christ, relying on him for all things (Hab 2:4; cf. Rom 1:17).
Stuart D. Sacks, “Faithfulness,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 764–765.
God crowns faithfulness
(J.R. Miller, “The Shining Light”)
“She has done what she could!” Mark 14:8
“It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2
It is not great things that God requires of us — unless our mission is to do great things. He only asks that we be faithful in the duties that come to our hand in our commonplace days. That means:
1. that we do all our work as well as we can;
2. that we serve well in all of our varied relationships of life;
3. that we stand heroically in our lot, resisting temptation and continuing true and loyal to God;
4. that we fulfill our mission in all ways according to the grace given unto us, using every gift and talent for the glory of God and the good of others.
The world crowns success.
God crowns faithfulness.
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23
ARTICLES
A month of fidelity, not pride. 06/1/26
Today on Breakpoint, Professor Robert George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, reflects on the American experiment and our opportunity to contribute to it.
It has been 250 years since our founding fathers declared that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. With this declaration, they began a profound experiment; an experiment in ordered liberty and Republican government.
CONTINUED @
Restoring the Republic through Everyday Faithfulness
America’s Christian Roots: Hope for Recovery in the Providential Republic
SERMON
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