How am I showing my faith?
Yesterday
We LOOKED at James’ illustration in v15-17 to prove his point about a faith without works is dead, thus it is by itself, and it cannot save.
Today
We want to LOOK at a hypothetical conversation in v18 to glean even more about genuine faith vs. dead faith.
Open GODcha to the Book of James.
NOTE:
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Or, you can use your hardbound Bibles and follow along.
You can print off this post and put in a Notebook!
Begin With Prayer
Oh Lord, as we come to Your Word today, show us if there is anything that would hinder us from hearing You speak to us, and may we deal with it. Please give us clarity of mind and help us to understand genuine faith shows what the change on the inside. Oh may we examine our faith. Thank you!
LOOK at What God Says
Go to GODcha.
What is our starting point?
Always READ God’s Word
Read James 1:14-20, asking the 5W’s and H.
Now focus on James 2:18.
What is the hypothetical conversation?
What may someone say?
How is faith seen?
Let’s check out the Cross References about ‘showing your faith’.
Truth Explains Truth
CR-Cross References-Word Search Tutorial >
Remember to Listen!
1. How does Jesus tell us that faith is seen?
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Mat 5:16)
LISTEN…
How do others see me?
Do they see my faith by the things I do and the things I say?
How is my faith seen:
-in the midst of my trials;
-when tempted;
-in obedience to His Word;
-regarding partiality and the Royal Law?
Respond to God…LIVE it out!
2. In Luk 23:33-43, who genuinely believed?
How do you know? What were his works?
The thief on the cross believed, admitting he was a sinner.
He:
–Refused to mock Jesus;
–Rebuked the other thief;
-Acknowledged a ‘fear of God‘ and ‘his sin‘ – saying he was receiving what he deserved for his deeds;
-Asked Jesus to ‘remember me‘ – revealing his belief in life after death with Jesus;
-Jesus affirmed his changed heart – saying he would be with Him in Paradise.
Oh, I so love this!
May I suggest: You might want to note these points in your Notes (here, and in Luke and even in your hardbound Bibles.)
LISTEN…
Why do I refuse to mock Jesus?
When have I rebuked others for mocking Jesus?
Do others know I fear God?
Am I willing to acknowledge my sins?
Do I share with others my belief in life after death with Jesus?
Have I asked Jesus to remember me?
When did my heart change, agreeing with God that I am a sinner, crying out for mercy in repentance?
When did I genuinely believe?
Respond to God…LIVE it out!
3. In Mat 25:31-46, what work was shown?
The Context: This is when the Son of Man comes to separate the nations.
-The sheep He will put to His right hand (right hand, always meant a blessing), these will go into the Kingdom.
-The goats He will put to the left, these will be shut out of the Kingdom.
Jesus said: I was hungry, and you gave Me food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in; you put clothing on Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.
Understand: They are separated by how they treat the Jews during the tribulation.
We see: Those who enter the Kingdom are those who show love and mercy. (In this text, it is specifically to the Jews.)
Do you remember the 1st paragraph of this Chapter about mercy?
1. Our final judgment will be according to our deeds that prove our faith.
2. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
THINK: Can a man/woman have a genuine faith and not show mercy?
LISTEN…
How do I show love and mercy to the Jews; to others?
Who have I taken in, or visited lately?
When was the last time I reached out to a stranger in need? How did I meet their needs?
Respond to God…LIVE it out!
4. According to Peter, what should be seen?
God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness, granting believers by His promises to become partakers of His divine nature.
We have qualities that are seen and increase.
Applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. (2Pe 1:3-8)
LISTEN…
What is being seen and increasing in my life?
Is moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love increasing and being seen in my life?
Respond to God…LIVE it out!
What Can We Take Away
Sum It Up!
We LEARN:
Faith must be seen.
The challenge James presents is that no one can show their faith without works.
The light that shines out of a believer is his good works that men see.
The thief on the cross showed his works.
We must show love and mercy enter the kingdom.
We have qualities that are seen and increase.
That’s It For Today!
Ponder and chew on the implanted Word that God just spoke to you.
What stirred your heart today?
Is there anything you need to do?
Remember our soap and scrub brush is (1Jo 1:9).
Record What God Has Taught You
As we bring this day to a close, journal your discovery and communion with the Lord in your Notes – save them forever!
Video Tutorial> Notes Tutorial >
Turn What You LEARNED Into a Prayer
Perhaps…
DEAR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN, thank you for Your Word that is a sure Word. Thank you for loving us and showing us Your mercy, and in turn may we show love and mercy to others.I pray we all have experienced a point in time when we like the thief on the cross had a change of heart – admitting that we are sinners, thus, crying out for mercy to You in repentance. May we realize the gift of faith by grace is nothing we deserve or could ever possibly earn! Father, may we all recognize that we can’t possibly say we believe if there is no evidence of a changed life! We thank you for giving us the gift of faith. For giving us everything that pertains to life and godliness. Thank you for granting us to become partakers of Your divine nature. How incredibly awesome! May others see Your divine nature within . May we be diligent to supply these qualities and may they increase so we will NOT be unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. May your nature shine before men in such a way that they may see our good works, and glorify You Father, witnessing Your transforming power in our lives. Amen!
Rest tomorrow and worship God!
Meet you in a couple of days to: LOOK at another kind of faith, demonic faith.
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