Thankful Because He's Faithful

2015-11-22 
Pastor Jonathan Falwell  

Memory verse:
2 Thessalonians 3:3
“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”

Wow what a promise! Today, we all need to be reminded of the faithfulness of God. Especially in light of the tragedies of this present age. We see heartache and hurt all around us, people searching for meaning, searching for hope. That hope is found in Christ and Christ alone.

Today, we are simply taking some time to worship, to celebrate, to be thankful…for all that God is to you and me. We will never truly understand how amazing our God is this side of Heaven, but it’s important to be grateful still. I just want to take a few moments today to focus on this verse…His faithfulness, He establishes us, He guards us. What a great truth!

1. He is faithful
“But the Lord is faithful…”

There is no question, no doubt about the faithfulness of God. In fact, there are approximately 277 references in the Bible to God making a covenant to man and in every case, He is faithful.

Deut. 7:9
Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; 

2. He will establish you
(stā-rē’-zō = to make stable, place firmly, set fast, to fix in place)

God’s promise is to “fix us in place” because of His faithfulness. In a world that is constantly batting us around, God holds us firmly in His grip.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

3. He will guard you 
…and guard you from the evil one.

In a world that is so full of evil, so full of danger, so full of temptation…our God is faithful to protect us no matter what. He does this through His love for us and the forgiveness He offers.

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.