Faith Seminar

Faith That Works: Lessons from Noah, James, and Jesus

Bible Passage: Ge 6:9–7:24, Jas 2:14–26, Lk 17:5–6

Faith is only as valid as its object. You could have tremendous faith in very thin ice and drown.… You could have very little faith in very thick ice and be perfectly secure. —Stuart Briscoe

Stuart Briscoe

Summary:

There are not two ways of salvation. Salvation was by faith in Christ in the Old (Testament) exactly as in the New, and it always will be. Saving Faith, 251

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Welsh Preacher and Writer)

Salvation comes by faith, but knowledge of the Bible by works.

Charles Simeon (Leader of the Evangelical Revival)

12  None can trust in the merits of Christ, till he has utterly renounced his own. John Wesley Salvation by Faith (1738)

John Wesley (Founder of the Methodist Movement)

This sermon explores the concept of genuine faith illustrated through Noah's obedience in the face of impending judgment, James' reminder that faith without works is dead, and Jesus' teaching on the power of even a small amount of faith.

Application: This message provides encouragement for believers to examine the authenticity of their faith and prompts a call to action, enabling them to live out that faith in practical ways amidst contemporary challenges.

Teaching: Genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent; it manifests itself in actions that align with God's commands. It is characterized by obedience, as seen in Noah's response to God's warning, and works that reflect one's faith, as highlighted by James.

Faith is both God’s gift and man’s act. The Lord is the author of our faith, but we ourselves believe. Strong Faith, Volume 23, Sermon #1367 - Romans 4:20

Charles Spurgeon

Faith is nothing but believing what God promises or says. Whatever remarkable thing we read of happening in the Old or New Testament, we read that it was done by faith—not by works, not by a general faith, but by faith directed to the matter in hand.

Martin Luther (Founder of the German Reformation)

Faith in Action: Lessons from the Lives of the Faithful

Bible Passage: Genesis 6:9-7:24, James 2:14-26, Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40

Summary: This sermon focuses on the theme of active faith as demonstrated through the lives of biblical figures, examining both their struggles and triumphs.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to examine their own faith and works, challenging them to live out their beliefs actively in their daily lives, confronting personal doubts, trials, and the call to obedience even in difficult circumstances.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that true faith is evidenced by action, as seen in the lives of the faithful in scripture, linking belief with tangible expressions through obedience and perseverance.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme culminates in the person of Christ, who embodies perfect faith and obedience, calling believers to trust Him and act in faith as He did, exemplifying living faith that works.

Big Idea: True faith in Christ compels us to act, just as it did for those who lived out their trust in God throughout scripture.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the narrative of Noah in Genesis to explore the cultural context of his obedience amidst disbelief. In Logos, you can examine commentaries that address James 2's relationship of faith and works, noting key Greek terms for deeper insights. Additionally, look into the understanding of faith in Hebrews 11, particularly how it connects to the assurance of things hoped for.

1. Noah: Navigating Faith Amidst Doubt

Genesis 6:9-7:10

You could explore how Noah’s faith in following God's instructions saved him and his family. His trust amidst widespread disbelief emphasizes that true faith compels us to listen and obey, even if the world around us thinks differently. Reflect on how God’s promise of salvation through faith is fulfilled in Christ, urging believers to act on His instructions today, facing societal pressures with courage and conviction.

2. Noah: Enduring the Deluge

Genesis 7:11-24

Perhaps examine how Noah’s continued obedience during the flood shows that active faith involves endurance during trials. God's faithfulness to His covenant is a precursor to Christ’s saving work. Encourage the audience to persevere through their own life’s floods, maintaining trust in Jesus, our Ark of Salvation, who bears us through life's storms.

3. James: Justifying Faith by Works

James 2:14-26

Consider emphasizing that faith without works is dead. James challenges believers to show faith through action, similar to how Rahab, with limited knowledge, acted on faith and was saved. Tie this to Christ’s work, prompting listeners to integrate faith and deeds, transforming their inner beliefs into outward expressions of love and service.

4. Luke: Mustard Seed Might

Luke 17:5-6

Maybe explore the concept of mustard seed faith — small yet powerful. Jesus teaches that genuine faith, even if seemingly insignificant, can accomplish extraordinary things. Encourage believers to trust in God’s power through Christ, reminding them that faith can grow and multiply, achieving what seems impossible when rooted in Him.

5. Hebrews: Heroes of Faith

Hebrews 11:1-40

Conclude by surveying the “Hall of Faith” to illustrate varied expressions of faithfulness that point to Christ as the ultimate example. Each story demonstrates action aligned with belief. Inspire the congregation to emulate these figures, with Christ's perfect obedience inspiring their own journey of faith, urging them to live boldly and faithfully.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout the Scriptures, faith finds its ultimate fulfilment in Christ. Noah's righteousness foreshadows Christ's perfect sacrifice and obedience, while James' exhortation to active faith culminates in Jesus' call to practice faith in the face of adversity, promising divine support.

Big Idea: Authentic faith expresses itself through obedience to God and works of love, showing that true belief transforms heart and action, regardless of circumstances.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving deeper into the historical context of Noah’s story in Genesis. Use Logos to explore commentaries that address the cultural implications of obedience during Noah's time. Additionally, engage with James’ discussion on faith and works, focusing on the nuances between faith as belief versus active faith. You might also want to investigate the Greek terms used in James and Luke for 'faith' to glean additional insights.

1. Noah's Notable Obedience

Ge 6:9-12

You could explore how Noah's righteousness was not just a personal trait, but a deliberate obedience to God amidst a corrupt world. This part of the sermon can highlight the characteristics of Noah’s faith and how it led to tangible actions that set him apart. Perhaps suggest that like Noah, we should strive for obedience in our daily lives, knowing that genuine faith requires more than belief—it requires following God’s commands even when it's challenging.

2. Noah's Necessary Preparation

Ge 6:13-7:5

Perhaps consider discussing how Noah’s preparation of the ark, despite seemingly insurmountable odds and potential ridicule, shows his unwavering trust in God. This section can draw a parallel to how believers today must also prepare and act in faith against the current societal norms. Emphasize the necessity of perseverance and trust in God’s plan, as active faith involves taking steps in obedience, relying on God to guide and provide.

3. Noah's New Beginning

Ge 7:6-24

Maybe use this point to illustrate the fulfillment of God's promise and how Noah's faith preserved his family through the flood. Highlight the power of obedient faith to bring salvation and transformation, suggesting that true faith trusts in God's promises even when the outcome is unseen. Reflect on how Christians can trust in Christ, our ark of salvation, to carry us through life's floods as we remain faithful.

4. James' Justifying Works

Jas 2:14-19

Consider highlighting James' argument that faith without works is dead, showing that works are evidence of a living faith. Use practical examples to illustrate how faith should visibly change how we live and interact with others. Perhaps encourage the congregation to examine their own lives for evidence of their faith through acts of love and mercy, reinforcing that genuine faith compels us to serve others.

5. James' Living Faith

Jas 2:20-26

This point can include discussing how faith was perfected by works, using Abraham and Rahab as examples of active faith that prompted action. Emphasize that genuine faith transforms belief into action, and that true faith is demonstrable and visible to others. Invite the audience to consider their own acts of faith, motivating them to renew their commitment to live out their beliefs actively and visibly.

6. Jesus' Mustard Seed Faith

Lk 17:5-6

You might reflect on the disciples' request for increased faith, where Jesus points out that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish great things when aligned with God’s will. Encourage the congregation to not be discouraged by the perceived size of their faith, but to depend on Christ, whose power takes root in any amount of genuine belief. This faith, even if small, is transformative and capable of overcoming obstacles.

Faith That Endures: Lessons from the Lives of the Faithful

Bible Passage: Ge 6:9–7:24, Jas 2:14–26, Lk 17:5–6, Heb 11:1–40

Summary: This sermon explores the theme of enduring faith as depicted in various Scripture passages, highlighting the stories of Noah, examples from James about faith and works, the power of faith as illustrated by Jesus, and the examples of the faithful in Hebrews.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to strengthen their faith through actions, not just belief. It offers practical steps for exercising faith in both personal trials and broader life challenges, demonstrating that genuine faith manifests in consistent behaviors aligned with God's will.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that true faith is not passive but is demonstrated through actions, perseverance, and reliance on God. It emphasizes the importance of enduring faith in acquiring the promises of God and living out one's beliefs.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of faith. He is the one who empowers believers to have faith like Noah, to act upon their beliefs as emphasized in James, to have faith that moves mountains as illustrated in Luke, and to embody the faithful witness that Hebrews extols. He is the perfecter of faith that enables us to endure.

Big Idea: Genuine faith is demonstrated through our actions, perseverance in trials, and reliance on Christ, ultimately leading to a life that bears witness to God's faithfulness and goodness.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider using Logos to dive deeper into the theological implications of faith in James 2. Examine the relationship between faith and works, particularly with historical context from the early church. Additionally, explore the typology of Noah in Genesis and its connection to the New Testament understanding of faith in Christ, as well as the examples listed in Hebrews 11, perhaps focusing on how they can be applied in a contemporary context.

1. Noah's Navigating Obedience

Ge 6:9–7:10

Perhaps you could lay out how Noah's faith was demonstrated through obedience and action, even when the world around him was faithless. Highlight how his faith was not passive but lived out through building the ark, illustrating the sermon's big idea that genuine faith is evidenced by action. This point could be used to encourage believers to take tangible steps of faith in their lives, relying on Christ who grants strength to act according to God's will.

2. Faith's Vital Validation

Jas 2:14–17

You could emphasize that faith without works is dead, as James declares. Show how true faith must be accompanied by action, just as action completes faith. Discuss the integration of faith and works in the life of a believer, and encourage the congregation to live out their faith tangibly. Explore how Christ empowers us to embody a living faith that blesses others and aligns with God's purposes.

3. Mustard Seed Momentum

Lk 17:5–6

Perhaps use this passage to illustrate Jesus' teaching on the power of even small faith when it is placed in Him. Discuss the importance of growing in faith, and how even 'mustard seed' faith can lead to incredible outcomes when we trust in Christ’s power. Encourage believers to cultivate and exercise their faith consistently, knowing that Christ is the foundation of our faith and our source of strength.

4. Heroes of Hopeful Hearts

Heb 11:1–7

Maybe you could introduce the heroes of faith, starting with Abel and Enoch, highlighting how faith was integral to their righteous actions. Draw connections between their stories and Noah’s, showing how enduring faith enables righteous living. Use their testimonies to inspire the congregation to rely on Christ, the ultimate hero of faith, who perfects and strengthens our own faith journey.