'Faithful sayings' for when you're not sure exactly what to say

While coming up with a list of the instances of the phrase "this is a faithful saying" (or "trustworthy saying") in the New Testament, I couldn't come up with much in terms of a clever talk. They're unrelated for the most part. Each saying is faithful in its own regard -- maybe this would make for better for a series of lessons on each saying, with supporting verses for each.

Nonetheless, I felt that this was God's leading to share Paul's uses of the phrase, without having to parcel them out into the new year. I'm grateful for having a fellowship of believers that can take Scripture at face value and simply receive it, without there having to be an entertaining tie-in or "ah-ha" moment (house churches for the win!). They even called me out: "I thought you said there were six!" So we read one from Revelation. And, in writing this blog post, I found if you look in the Greek you can throw a seventh one in there from Revelation -- straight from our Lord's mouth.


Whether "faithful saying" was said in order to draw attention, emphasize a certain point, or have the readers/hearers memorize and repeat, we can't be sure. Some even point to these as parts of an Early Church "creed," but I wouldn't go that far! They are what they are, and we would do well to pause and reflect on each one. Bonus points if you memorize them. We'd do even better to have these on the tips of our tongues as we share the Gospel.

Presented below, without further commentary, are the "faithful sayings" of the New Testament. (Did any of them speak to you? Comment below.)

Paul:

“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.” (I Timothy 1:15)

“This is a faithful saying: If a man desire the office of a bishop [overseer], he desireth a good work.” (I Timothy 3:1)

“Bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.” (I Timothy 4:8-9)

“This is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, 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.” (II Timothy 2:11-13)

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” (Titus 3:8)

Jesus (via John):

“... "Behold, I make all things new ... Write, for these words are true and faithful." (Revelation 21:5)

"'... These words are faithful and true.' And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. 'Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.'" (Revelation 22:6-7)