The Bride of Christ Lesson 2b (The Bridegroom: Faithful)

Today we will continue looking at the second characteristic of the Bridegroom.    

Last week we learned that the Bridegroom is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us, heal/restore the backslidden, and keep and sustain us through temptation. 

Characteristic Number 2: The Bridegroom is Faithful 

Fourth, He is faithful to keep His Word.  

Numbers 23:19, God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He spoken, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?  

James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no change or shadow of turning.  

James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse]. (EMPC) 

God’s shadow always remains the same.   He is always looking and walking toward us.  He never turns around or to the side.  He is the source of all light, and He never changes. The is in no variation in the light He casts over our lives.   

“Unlike the "shifting shadows" that are caused by the sun, moon, and stars, God "does not change." With him there is no variation at all. The shadows cast by the sun are minimal at noon, but just before sunset they stretch out for yards across the landscape. God is not like that. He does not change.”i 

Deuteronomy 7:9, Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and mercy with them who love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.  

Hebrews 10:23, Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  

2 Corinthians 1:20, For all the promises of God in Him are “Yes,” and in Him “Amen,” to the glory of God through us.  

If God promised, we can take it to the bank! His promises [Words] are faithful. This means we can count on God and His Word.  Psalm 33:4, For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. (NLT)  

Fifth, He is faithful to complete His plans in/through us.  

Isaiah 25:1, O Lord, You are my God.  I will exalt You, I will praise Your name,  
for You have done wonderful things; Your plans formed of old are faithfulness and truth.  

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, May the very God of peace sanctify you completely. And I pray to God that your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it.  

Jeremiah 29:10-11, For thus says the Lord: When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  

Philippians 1:6, And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (ESV)  

“Genuine spiritual progress is built upon what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do. God’s faithfulness means he will be with believers until Jesus returns (the day of Jesus Christ.”ii 

The work which His goodness began,  

The arm of His strength will complete;  

 His promise is Yea and Amen,  

 And never was forfeited yet.  

 —Augustus M. Toplady  

Sixth, He is faithful to be with us.   

Matthew 28:20, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.  

“Then the Savior added a promise of His presence with His disciples until the consummation of the age. They would not go forth alone or unaided. In all their service and travel, they would know the companionship of the Son of God.”iii 

Hebrews 13:5, Let your lives be without love of money, and be content with the things you have. For He has said: “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”  

Psalms 23:4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,  
I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  

“The image of "shepherd" arouses emotions of care, provision, and protection. A good shepherd is personally concerned with the welfare of his sheep....  

The shepherd's care is symbolized by the "rod" and the "staff." A shepherd carried a rod to club wild animals and a staff to keep the sheep in control. These two represent God's constant vigilance over his own and bring "comfort" because of his personal presence and involvement with his sheep.”iv 

Questions for reflection:   

  1. 1. Do I really believe the promises of God are for me?  If not, why? 

  1. 2. What work has God begun in or through me that I see His hand still working on? 

  1. 3. Am I resting in the knowledge that my Shepherd is always caring for, providing for and protecting me? 


Note: All Scripture references are from the MEV unless otherwise specified.    

Works Cited:

i Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament Copyright 2004. 

ii The ESV Global Study Bible®, ESV Bible® Copyright © 2012 by Crossway. All rights reserved.

iii Believer's Bible Commentary Copyright © 1989, 1990, 1992, 1995, 2016 by William MacDonald. 

iv Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament Copyright 2004.

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