The Proof of Faith

James 2:21-26

Introduction.

  1. When we put forth effort to do something, we expect results.

    1. When the medicine you’ve been prescribed doesn’t work, you want something else.

    2. When a business man tries something and it is unprofitable, he tries something else.

    3. Sometimes we think faith works the same way—if it is dormant, we might think has no value.

  2. Real faith, however, produces wonderful results. Examples:

    1. Abraham, as we discussed last week.

    2. Rahab whose works of faith saved her from destruction in Jericho.

  3. Our faith must have something outward, a result, for it to be meaningful.

Body.

  1. The Obedience of Faith.

    1. Faith is extremely important; always interlaced with works.

    2. Faith has no value without works—must be made manifest.

    3. Paul opens Romans by talking about the “obedience of faith” (Rom. 1:1-5).

      1. Paul bookends this letter with this praise (Rom. 16:25-27).

      2. This is how the Gentile world knows about God—our faith’s obedience.

    4. No one can come to God except through faith that expresses itself by obeying the gospel.

    5. This principle is seen in the character of Abraham who obeyed by faith (Heb. 11:8).

    6. We understand the need to show our faith when we obey the gospel, but what about continually showing our faith?

    7. Unless your faith continues to produce a life of obedience, you will no longer be His.

    8. Israelites told they would be servants of Him all their days (Deut. 5:33).

    9. Must obey God continually.

    10. “We know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3-5).

    11. God expects us to have a faith that produces obedience!

  2. The Fruits of Faith.

    1. Faith in our hearts will strengthen the inner man.

      1. Without a strong inner self, the trials of life will overtake you.

      2. Like a tree rotting away on the inside, we may appear strong, but are decaying inwardly like the church in Sardis (Rev. 3:1).

      3. So many Christians are like this, blaming it on various things, but the truth is they were spiritually weak.

      4. We need to exercise power, and there is power in prayer!

      5. Trust in God for the strength we need (Prov. 3:5-6).

      6. David proved his faith going up before Goliath, since he took care of the lion and bear (1 Sam. 17:37).

      7. Be determined to seek ways to live without sin constantly.

      8. Let us take time to be holy.

    2. Faith in our hearts will produce a concern for spreading the gospel into all the world.

      1. Strong spiritual giants throughout history always have a zeal to evangelize!

      2. Word of God is like a seed—how much fruit will be produced if seed is not planted?

      3. We cannot expect the church to grow without planting God’s Word in people’s hearts.

      4. So many are out there waiting for the seed to be planted and watered.

      5. The harvest is plentiful, the laborers are few (Matt. 9:37).

      6. Does Jesus really want the gospel to go throughout the world? (Mt 28:19f; Mk 16:15f).

      7. Whole world is the field in which to plant the seed (Matt. 13 – Parable of Sower).

      8. Real faith expresses itself with righteous action and concern.

      9. Biblical faith will reach out to fulfill biblical purposes.

Conclusion.

  1. Faith must have proof—expressed in works of righteousness, things that accompany salvation (Heb. 6:9-12).

  2. Privately and personally strengthening the inner man.

  3. Do what we can for the whole world to benefit from the gospel of Christ.

  4. This faith will benefit mankind, bring us to everlasting life.