Faithful God In An Unreliable World
In a world filled with uncertainties, natural disasters, airplane crashes, scams, and betrayals of trust, is there anything we can rely on? Yes! Among the broken promises, letdowns, and disappointments, there’s a profound truth that offers hope and stability: the unwavering trustworthiness of God.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthian church, faced accusations of unreliability and unfaithfulness. He had changed his travel plans, and some used this to question his integrity and even the validity of his teachings. In response, Paul doesn’t just defend himself; he points to something far greater—the absolute faithfulness of God Himself.
Paul’s defense begins with affirming his integrity, not for his sake, but for the sake of those he serves. He emphasizes that his conduct has been marked by “holiness and godly sincerity,” powered not by human wisdom but by the grace of God (2 Cor. 1:12). This is a crucial point: true integrity and holiness don’t come from our efforts or attempts to appear good. They flow from our love for God and reliance on His grace.
But Paul quickly shifts the focus from himself to God. He declares, “But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no'” (2 Cor. 1:18). Here’s the heart of it: while humans may be inconsistent—depending on the moment or the evidence—God never is. Every promise of God finds its “Yes” in Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 1:20).
Think about that. Every promise God has ever made—from crushing evil to forgiving sins, defeating death, and granting eternal life—finds its fulfillment in Jesus. When we wonder if God will really work all things for our good, if He’ll truly complete the work He began in us, or if He’ll make all things new, the answer is a resounding “Yes” in Christ. Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension are the definitive words.
This stands in stark contrast to the world’s constant “No.” Humanity has been saying “No” to God since the Garden of Eden—rejecting His Word, doubting His goodness, and even crucifying His Son. Consider that watershed day when the world shouted its resounding “No” to God’s salvation and His with the words, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
One watershed day, the world shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” That was humanity’s resounding “No” to God’s salvation and His Son and nailed Him to a cross.
Yet God still said “Yes” to us. Three days after we said “No,” God the Father said “Yes.” Jesus’ resurrection is God’s eternal “Yes” to humanity and His promised forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life for all who believe.
Even better, the certainty of God’s promises doesn’t depend on our faithfulness but on His. Paul explains that God Himself establishes us in Christ, anoints us, and seals us with His Spirit as a guarantee. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—secures our relationship with God and removes all doubt and fear (2 Cor. 1:21-22).
This assurance isn’t meant to make us complacent but to free us to live authentically in God’s love. When we truly grasp that we are forgiven, loved, indwelled by God’s Living Spirit, and 100% secure in Christ, it can transform how we live. We no longer must be driven by fear or the need to earn God’s favor. Instead, we’re motivated by love and gratitude, which leads to a more genuine expression of faith.
Paul’s approach to ministry reflects this grace-centered perspective. He explains that he delayed his visit to Corinth not out of fickleness or a lack of love but as an act of love, wanting to spare them from a harsh confrontation (2 Cor. 1:23). His goal, and the goal of all spiritual leaders, should be to work for the joy of those they serve, not to lord authority over them (2 Cor. 1:24).
Finding greater joy in the Father and the Son will help you stand firm in Him. Delighting in God is more likely than rules or wrath to help you stand firm in Him.
This principle extends beyond church leadership to all our relationships. Whether as parents, spouses, or friends, our aim should be to help others find joy in their relationship with God, not to control their behavior through shame or manipulation. True life change comes from delighting in God, not external pressure to conform.
Reflecting on this message, we might ask ourselves:
1. Where am I struggling to trust God’s faithfulness?
2. How might my relationships change if I focused more on helping others find joy in God rather than trying to control their behavior?
3. How can I live more godly out of God’s grace rather than striving to appear holy through my own efforts?
As we do, we’ll discover a deeper joy and the freedom to love others as we have been loved.