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“This is a Faithful Saying”
"This Is A Faithful Saying”
David Sproule
Five times in his letters, Paul used the expression, “This is a faithful saying,” and all of them are found in his letters to Timothy and Titus. Of course, all Scripture is comprised of the “faithful sayings” of God, but let us see what we can learn from these five truths that Paul identifies as “faithful.”
The first “faithful saying” focuses on the purpose of the coming of Christ. “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Tim. 1:15). Didn’t Timothy already know that? Of course, he did! But we all need to be reminded regularly that Christ came into this world, not for Himself, but to save sinners like me!
The second “faithful saying” focuses on the paramount work of elders. “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Tim. 3:1). Being an elder is not a high position of honor and nobility. It is not a promotion for successful deacons. It is a position of service, as those who aspire to this “good work” set the work and needs of the church above themselves, indicative of their deep sense of dedication to the Lord.
The third “faithful saying” focuses on the PROFITABLENESS OF SELF-DISCIPLINE. While it is true that “bodily exercise profits a little,” Christians must “exercise/discipline” themselves “toward godliness. For…godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance” (1 Tim. 4:7-9). We have many goals in life, but to which one are we constantly and rigorously training in order to reach? May we discipline ourselves toward godliness!
The fourth “faithful saying” focuses on the PROMISES OF GOD. “This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself” (2 Tim. 2:11-13). If we are faithful to Him, we shall “live with Him” here and “reign with Him” in eternity. But, if we are not faithful, He is still faithful and will bring upon us His just consequences. His promises are greater than we deserve!
The fifth “faithful saying” focuses on the PRACTICE OF DAILY CHRISTIAN LIVING. “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works” (Tit. 3:8). We are busy people. God tells us to be busy and to take the lead in engaging in “good works,” which He has detailed for us in Scripture and which should characterize His children.
God’s faithful sayings should propel us to faithfulness.
