HOW TO HAVE REAL FAITH
Developing a Faith That Works
James 2:14-26
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead.” (James 2:17)
I. WHO IS RIGHT – JAMES OR PAUL?
Paul (Gal. 2:16) & James (Jas. 2:24)
Problem: “Legalism” — “Laxity”
“WORKS” Jewish laws — Christian lifestyle
Focus: “Root of salvation” — “Fruit of salvation”
(internal/unseen) — (external/seen)
Purpose: How to know — How to show
I’m a Christian — I’m a Christian
“For it is BY GRACE you have been saved THROUGH FAITH … FOR a life of GOOD WORKS which [God] has already prepared for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10 (GNT)
II. WHAT IS REAL FAITH?
1. REAL FAITH IS NOT JUST SOMETHING YOU SAY.
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man CLAIMS to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such “faith” save him? (vs. 14)
“Not everybody who says to me `Lord, Lord’ is going to enter into the kingdom of heaven…” Matthew 7:21-23
2. REAL FAITH IS NOT JUST SOMETHING YOU FEEL.
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to [him], `Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about [his] physical needs, what good is it?” (vs. 15-16)
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” 1 John 3:17. Also see (3:14-16; 4:7-20).
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by Action[s], is dead.” James 2:17 (NIV)
3. REAL FAITH IS NOT JUST SOMETHING YOU THINK.
“But someone will say, `You have faith – I have deeds.’ SHOW ME your faith without deeds, and I will SHOW YOU my faith by what I do.” James 2:18
“Any time a person becomes a Christian he becomes a new person inside; the old things have passed away. All things become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
4. REAL FAITH IS NOT JUST SOMETHING YOU BELIEVE.
“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder!” James 2:19 (NIV)
5. REAL FAITH IS SOMETHING YOU DO!
Illustrations: Two very different people.
* Abraham (vs. 20-24)
* Rahab (vs. 25)
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…” 2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV; NIV)