…the faithful in Christ Jesus
Summary: When it comes to the Scriptures, the meaning of words is important. Understanding what it means to be faithful in Christ Jesus is a foundational step to understanding our roles as Christians.
In “God’s Coffee Mug” we talked about what it means to be “holy” to God. As Paul uses the word, to be holy is to be set apart by God. God’s holy people are considered special, but why? Paul answers that question in today’s portion of verse one.
God’s holy people are “faithful in Christ Jesus.” “Faithful in Christ Jesus” sounds simple enough, but what does that mean?
The simplest understanding of this phrase might also be the most literal. A faithful person is “full of faith,” as in “full of faith in Christ Jesus.” But “faithful” also means “reliable.” Someone who is a faithful believer in the Lord is not just counted as a believer because they show up on Sunday. We need to be a believer every day of the week as well.
In John’s Gospel, he compares the truth about Jesus Christ to “light.” He writes, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5) The interesting thing about light is that it shines on everything; the good and the bad. Light illuminates things for what they are, where they are, and what they are doing.
Christianity is a religion with a very low bar for acceptance. If you say you believe in Jesus as your savior, you’re in. There is no test to take for acceptance. Individual churches might have a slightly higher threshold to cross, but it is usually not that high. If you show up on Sunday, you are considered “faithful.”
But what kind of person does Paul consider “faithful?” What is he thinking of when he addresses his letter to “God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus?” This is the question that is on Paul’s mind as he writes his letter to the Ephesians. Being a believer in Jesus means something. Paul’s letter tells us what it means.
The challenge of Christianity is that the measure of a Christian’s faith is invisible. It is known by God, of course, but the rest of us have to depend on senses that are not measurable. As we learn to “see” spiritually (John 9:35-41), we become aware of people’s invisible qualities. First in ourselves and then in others. The more we see with our spiritual eyes, the more we understand what it means to be “faithful in Christ Jesus.”
Application: Be aware that there is more to being “faithful” than just showing up one day a week.
Food for Thought: When it comes to believing in Christ, how do you define the word “faithful?”
I think someone who is faithful is someone who can be depended upon. It is someone who is committed to the cause of Christ. They have a devotion to Christ. I think it reveals someone who doesn’t just have intellectual assent, but someone who trusts “in” Christ. The word “in” is important. James 2: 19 tells us that even demons believe that God is – they understand who God is, but they do not trust “in” Christ. They are not devoted followers of Christ.
In Matthew 25: 21, 23, we have Jesus through a parable, telling us that the faithful servant has a life of faithfulness. Because they have been faithful in a few things, they are entrusted with more. They also experience the Master saying, “well done, good and faithful servant.”
We are not just to be faithful to a pursuit, but to a Person. Love for that person drives them in every facet of their lives (2 Corinthians 5: 14, Matthew 25: 34 – 40).
Rich,
Well said! I love the distinctions you draw for us. The difference between claiming to trust in Jesus and actually trusting in him is a great summation of faith.
I also appreciate the reference to 2 Corinthians 5:14 where Paul writes, “Christ’s love compels us…” The image that comes to my mind by the word “compelled” is that those who are aware of the depth of Christ’s love for them cannot help but respond in kind.
I define being faithful in Christ as a relationship. Christ paid our debt and He is faithful to forgive us, love us, and in seeking a personal relationship with us. Faithfulness on our part is in trusting Him, loving Him, and seeking a personal relationship with Him.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
Thanks Chris!
The word “relationship” is a good one. It describes a connection between living souls. We can “relate” to a picture or a situation, but we can only have a “relationship” with another person.
Every aspect of faithful should be applied. Faithful – full of faith, as Jeff said
Faithful – faith in Christ Jesus, as Rich stated
Faithful – to trust
– to love
– to pursue, as Chris said
Faithful – worship only Jesus, just as being unfaithful in marriage is adultery so also is worshipping idols unfaithful to our God
Faithful – consistent or reliable
Angela,
Nicely said! The marriage relationship is especially appropriate! 🙂
01-31-2023, When it comes to believing in Christ, how do you define the word “faithful?”
It is important to ask myself, “ How does God define the word faithful? ”
The Bible speaks of faithfulness as an attribute of God, and as a gift of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 8:10, Jesus speaks of the great faith of a Roman Centurion.
Matthew 8:26, Jesus speaks of the little faith of His disciples.
BEING FAITHFUL IS TO BE A WAY OF LIFE FOR BELIEVERS:
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Faithful is also used in the sense of “believing,” as in the case of the Christians in Ephesus and Colossae. Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:2
Faithful is the act of surrendering all concerns for all things of this world to God. Becoming empty vessels, available to be “fully filled” 100 percent with Holy Spirit, and living our lives the way God wants us to live. We will be in tune with the guidance of Holy Spirit , fulfill the work of God, His purpose in our lives, and our faith will be made visible to all He minister to through us.
Being faithful is what we work toward, knowing we will never fully achieve until we bow down before Jesus.
Beautifully written, Ron!
I like how you flipped the question to reflect God’s point of view, too.
🙂
All Good Stuff. I appreciate all the comments your question drew out.
Ron