Read: Jas. 2:19-26
Read: Ro. 4:1-5
There are some who misunderstand these verses. I have had folks try to prove that the Bible is contradictory in this area. But the problem is our understanding of "Genuine Faith". This morning I would like for us to re-examine these Scriptures and consider our faith. To answer the question, is our faith genuine?
I. Easy-Believism.
A. Faith in God widespread, but shallow.
1. How many of you believe in God?
2. Many Americans redefine "God" in non- traditional ways. (ie. Buddah, Allah, Higher Power, etc.)
3. For many, faith in yourself means just that - you are your own God.
4. This is more widespread than we can imagine...even among the Christian realm.
B. Millions of Christians have faith, but aren't actively involved in God's plan to reach this world for Christ.
1. That plan is in and through the local church.
2. Many today claim to have accepted Jesus as Savior, but do not obey His Word.
(LUKE 6:46) "AND WHY CALL YE ME, LORD, LORD, AND DO NOT THE THINGS WHICH I SAY?"
3. Is it genuine faith?
a. Maybe.
b. But also possible to go through motions, never really understand.
C. Genuine Faith is evidenced by:
1. A living relationship with Jesus.
2. Changes for the better in your life. (becoming more like Christ)
3. Obedience to His commands.
II. From Faith to Faith.
(ROM 1:17) "FOR THEREIN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD REVEALED FROM FAITH TO FAITH: AS IT IS WRITTEN, THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."
A. Faith is like a river.
1. It begins and then continues to flow toward its destination.
2. The source and the beginning of faith is when trust the finished work of Christ on Calvary.
3. God accepts us the moment we believe.
4. We continue in Faith until we reach our desination...then "we shall see Him as He is." cf 1 Jn. 3:2b
5. No more need for faith.
(HEB 11:1) "NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN."
B. Understanding Justification.
(ROM 5:1) "THEREFORE BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST:"
1. Paul uses this word in a legal sense - we are acquitted.
2. Jesus took our sins upon Himself and paid the penalty by His death on Calvary.
3. Note: Jas. 2:23-26
a. God accepted Abraham immediately, before he did anything.
b. Abraham's deeds, like offering up Isaac, came later.
c. Once Abraham put his trust in God, he entered into a spiritual relationship with the Lord.
d. It is the same with us.
1) We don't clean up our life first.
2) We believe God accepts us as He said in His Word.
3) "Not of works lest any man should boast." cf Ep. 8:9
III. Genuine faith works.
A. Salvation doesn't stop with a beginning.
1. James realizes genuine faith will produce something.
2. After Abraham believed, he proved he had faith when he offered up his son, Isaac.
B. Faith that doesn't work, isn't real.
1. For James, justification is not acquittal but evidence.
2. Faith must be more than words.
3. Jesus agrees:
(MAT 7:21) "NOT EVERY ONE THAT SAITH UNTO ME, LORD, LORD, SHALL ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; BUT HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN."
IV. Evidence of our Faith.
A. When our faith in invalid.
1. There is a lack of interest in spiritual matters.
2. Folks won't come to church. Excuses.
3. Not interested in becoming part of God's plan to reach this world.
4. Thinking that our lives are more important than obedience to His Word.
5. The works of the flesh.
(GAL 5:19-21) "NOW THE WORKS OF THE FLESH ARE MANIFEST, WHICH ARE THESE; ADULTERY, FORNICATION, UNCLEANNESS, LASCIVIOUSNESS, {20} IDOLATRY, WITCHCRAFT, HATRED, VARIANCE, EMULATIONS, WRATH, STRIFE, SEDITIONS, HERESIES, {21} ENVYINGS, MURDERS, DRUNKENNESS, REVELLINGS, AND SUCH LIKE: OF THE WHICH I TELL YOU BEFORE, AS I HAVE ALSO TOLD YOU IN TIME PAST, THAT THEY WHICH DO SUCH THINGS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD."
B. When our faith stands the test.
1. Personal relationship with God.
a. Religious acts not enough.
b. Obedience to Jesus required.
2. The Fruit of the Spirit is present.
(GAL 5:22-23) "BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, {23} MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE: AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW."
3. Time for self-examination.
a. There is a renewed emphasis today on taking care of ourselves.
b. We are instructed on our diet and the importance of exercise.
c. Regular examinations to discover early if there is a problem.
d. Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth and told them to do the same thing 'spiritually'.
(2 COR 13:5) "EXAMINE YOURSELVES, WHETHER YE BE IN THE FAITH; PROVE YOUR OWN SELVES. KNOW YE NOT YOUR OWN SELVES, HOW THAT JESUS CHRIST IS IN YOU, EXCEPT YE BE REPROBATES?"
We are quick to judge genuineness of others. It is time for us to see if we are in the faith. Not some casual, ho-hum religious activity, but are we living the faith. Is our faith genuine faith? If not, why not come and trust Christ today. Have we failed to exhibit a consistent walk of faith in our lives? Come today.