Reflecting True Faith

Introduction

James writes, be doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving yourself. Now my brothers and sisters thats a real sobering thought!

How many of us came to church, to hear a sermon and then walk out unchanged? Can I tell you its like looking in a mirror seeing dirt on your face and then walk away without washing the dirt off your face.

i need to tell you we can not be just spectators when it comes to our faith.

We must engage We must act We must reflect the truth we claim to believe.

Can you imagine a man who stands before a mirror adjusting his tie smoothing his hair and yet he walks away unchanged. That is the picture James is painting for us this morning. The word of God is that mirror and it reveals not just our outward appearance but the very condition of our hearts.

Can I tell you it shows us our flaws, our shortcomings, and oh yea it even shows our potential growth.

Hold on Hold on can I let you in on something else I talking to you yea you

Listen it’s not enough to just look in the mirror and see You must respond You must take some ACTION.

And yet while we live in this world of uncertainty we must be a people who not only hears the word but we must live the word.

We are called to move beyond superficial faith and becoming active practitioners of the word.

this requires the believer to move beyond passive listening to active obedience, defining truth through tangible actions.

And so if you are ready to look into the mirror can I share a few things to give attention to.

The Peril Of Passive Hearing

James the half brother of Jesus was addressing a group of believers who were scattered and facing trials. They were in the midst of a spiritual struggle, much like we are today.

These early Christians were grappling with persecution doubt and the temptation to abandon their faith was there. James knew that mere words wouldn’t sustain them, they needed a faith that acted.

Just like a soldier prepares for battle they needed to be equipped with more than just knowledge they needed to be doers.

James pushes that hearing the word is simple not enough. It like a soldier who hears the orders but never goes to the battlefield somebody might call him AWOL from duty

James makes the call clear faith must be lived out daily, it’s not just about what we know it’s about what we do with the knowledge we have.

i know what you know but what are you doing with what you know are you sharing Jesus

The Power Of Principled Handling

James is saying true faith is active not passive. It’s a faith that produces fruit in our lives.

James warns us about self deception

Be doers of the word and not just hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

let me help you with this right here

How many of ya’ll have convinced yourself that you are doing good because you attend church and you read your bible.

Let me tell you its a dangerous game

Its just like a person can be lost in a crowd.

We can be lost in our complacency

there should be some evidence of your faith and true faith manifest its self in action.

James gives us a practical example.

Carrying for Ophans and Widows

can I tell you a tree with no fruit is dead

ask yourself are you merly playing the part of a christian or are you genuinely living out your faith

our faith should be bright visible, vibrant and victorious

The n Proof of Practical Holiness

I know yall dont like to hear the word holiness James calls for us to live a life truly undefiled a religion validated by actions controlling our tongue caring for the lease of thee

So what are you doing can you call and encourage somebody volunteer some time or can you simple be a bright light in this dark work.

I need to tell you it’s so much you can do