Real Faith

A disciple is someone who listens and obeys

What does real faith do?

Real Faith Listens

James 1:19-21 “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”

James says essentially, “In light of all of what we’ve previously talked about, do this”

So, in light of all that we’ve talked about over the last three weeks, we are supposed to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

Not an easy verse.

We are talking about 2 subjects here.

People

You are supposed to listen to other people.

Actually listen, don’t just form a better argument in your head while someone else is talking.

Listen and love people.

You like to be listened to, so listen to other people.

God

More than anything else, you are supposed to listen to God.

vs. 21, “receive the word that is planted” is a Christian term.

“Word” is the same as in 1:18, it’s connected to the idea that Christ is given to you, and so you are supposed to listen to the Word (Christ) that is given to you.

So, you’re supposed to listen to God in your life.

Doing what the world does (arguing for the sake of arguing, not being patient), won’t do anything for you, it’s actually damaging.

Not only will people not like you as much, but it’s not the way God wants you to live.

Real Faith Obeys

James 1:22-25 “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”

Real faith doesn’t just sit in your head or your heart, it transforms every part of you.

You can’t follow Christ without obeying God,

If you claim to have given your life to Christ, but don’t do what He tells you to do in the Bible, or to live your life in a way that reflects Christ, than you aren’t actually following Him

James says it would be like someone who looks in a mirror and then forgets his own face.

Your faith, like your face, is your identity, forgetting either of them is inconceivable.

But, if you follow after God, you will be blessed.

Real Faith Cares

James 1:26-27 “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

James here talks about a pure faith and a worthless faith

He gives to examples

If you don’t care about people by controlling your tongue, you have sinned

Care for people by controlling what you say. Don’t be a jerk to people, love them.

Care for the poor, the needy, and the oppressed.

That’s pure faith

It’s what God has done from the beginning.

Actions don’t save you, Christ does

But, if you put your faith in Christ, that means we should act.

Questions.

How long would you last in the zombie apocalypse?

Read vs. 22: What do you think it looks like to be a doer of the Word for you?

Which of these (listening, obeying, or caring) is hardest for you? Why?

What can you do this week to listen, obey, or care better?