Faith in the Word

Intro

Ill: In the 1800's a philosopher told a parable of a community of ducks waddling off to duck church to hear the duck preacher. That particular morning, the duck preacher spoke eloquently about their God-given ability to fly. "With these wings," said the duck preacher, "there is nowhere you cannot go; there is no God-given task you cannot accomplish. With these wings you can soar into the presence of God." Shouts of "Amen!" quacked throughout the duck congregation. At the conclusion of the service, the ducks left, commenting on what a wonderful message they had heard--as they waddled back home. Proclaiming the call to fly had done nothing to change the ducks.

This fable hits painfully close to home in today's churches. Unfortunately, many people attend church, sing the songs, hear a biblical message, leave the service, and return home the same way they left, with no apparent change in their lives. Why is this the case?

According to Scripture it is because of our self-deception. This is one of the biggest problems in the church today is we have deceived our self. For example, many people have...

People have deceived themselves into a false salvation.

Jesus said, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”

People have deceived themselves concerning their Spiritual Maturity.

They think they are spiritual when they are not. It is a mark of maturity when a person faces himself honestly, knows himself, and admits his needs.

The Apostle john wrote to Laodicea who was a bunch of immature Christians. He said, “You say, I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” ().

Spiritual reality results from the proper relationship to God through His Word.

In these verses, James stated that we have three responsibilities toward God’s Word,