Action Faith

How many can you do? Push-ups, Pull-ups, Sit-ups

How many push-up can you do? How many sit-ups can you do? How many pull-ups can you do?

Pick someone to do the push up, sit ups and pull ups. If they complete the task they said they can do give $5. Offer a clap as well.

Christians today make a lot of claims about their faith. The question is does their work match what they say? Through out the Bible, old and new testaments salvation has always been through faith. Lets look at a couple examples.

It is super easy to say we can do something. Then the time comes to do it, it is completely different. I was in a bench press contest. I was able to bench 345 pounds. I said I could do 345 pounds. During the contest I was only able to push 275 pounds. I lost. I was humiliated. The next day in the gym, I ended my work out with 345 pounds for reps.

Habakkuk 2:4 KJV 1900

4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: But the just shall live by his faith.

In our Christian walk we can say a lot of spiritual things. When it comes time to deliver, we are not always able to though.

Does your Christian walk match your Christian talk? James 2:14-17

Does your Christian walk match your Christian talk? James 2:14-17

Does your Christian walk match your Christian talk? James 2:14-17

Boot Camp is a place where a lot of decisions are made. It is when we get home, that the choices we made at camp meet the reality we intend to live in.

If you went to Boot Camp, what decision(s) did you make concerning God?

Genesis 15:6 KJV 1900

6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

All this to say, our faith in God should be seen not just heard. We have talked about this passage before. Last week I was asked to teach out of James so as I read the book, this part stood out. There is a lot in James to teach about, but I was reminded of this topic most.

Looking at the outline of James, would you consider James to practical book for your life?

Salvation by faith in the NT

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Introductory Exhortations, Admonitions, and Advice on Various Topics (Jas 1:2–27)

Introductory Exhortations, Admonitions, and Advice on Various Topics (Jas 1:2–27)

• 1:2–4—Joy in the midst of trials

• 1:5–8—The need of an expectant faith

• 1:9–11—Proper boasting

• 1:12–18—Enduring testing, being tempted, and the source of everything good

• 1:19–21—Receptivity to the Word

• 1:22–25—Putting it into practice

• 1:26–27—A summary reminder regarding vain vs. virtuous religion

Second Round of Exhortations, Admonitions, and Advice on the Topics of Favoritism, Love, and an Engaged Faith (Jas 2:1–26)

• 2:1–7—Avoid the sin of favoritism

• 2:1–4—Admonition against favoritism

• 2:5–7—Pointed comments regarding the poor who are rich in faith in contrast to the exploitive rich

• 2:8–13—Obeying the royal law of love and behaving in light of God’s judgment

• 2:8–9—Follow the law of love, not favoritism

• 2:10–13—Observations regarding the standard of judgment and the final judgment

• 2:14–17—Mere profession vs. an engaged faith

• 2:14—Genuine faith is more than mere profession

• 2:15–16—A hypothetical illustration about a needy believer

• 2:17—A summary application: faith without works is dead

• 2:18–26—Putting faith into action

• 2:18–19—Answers to an anticipated objection

• 2:20–25—Faith and works as attested from the Scriptures in the examples of Abraham and Rahab

• 2:26—A concluding comment: works are the necessary expression of a living faith

Third Round of Exhortations, Admonitions, and Advice on the Tongue and Wisdom (Jas 3:1–18)

• 3:1–6—Preparatory comments related to the tongue

• 3:1—Teachers are held to a higher level of accountability

• 3:2—Stumbling vs. integrity

• 3:3–6—Illustrations and application regarding horse bits, a rudder, fire, and the tongue

• 3:7–12—The nature of the tongue

• 3:7–8—The tongue is untamable and lethal

• 3:9–10—Inconsistent and unpredictable

• 3:11–12—Reflects its true source

• 3:13–18—Wisdom in action

• 3:13–16—Wisdom must be demonstrated

• 3:17–18—The qualities of the wisdom from above spelled out

Fourth Round of Exhortations, Admonitions, and Advice on Practical Daily Living (Jas 4:1–5:6)

• 4:1–10—Avoiding conflicts within, “friendship” with the world at large, and responding to God wholeheartedly

• 4:1–3—The source of conflicts amidst the members of the body

• 4:4–6—The danger of friendship with the world

• 4:7–10—Responding to God with earnestness

• 4:11–17—Admonitions against harsh judgments and presumptuousness

• 4:11–12—Guarding the tongue and avoiding harsh judgments

• 4:13–17—Avoiding the sin of presumption

• 5:1–6—Condemnation of exploitive rich landowners

• 5:1–3—The fleeting value of ill-gotten wealth in the light of the coming judgment

• 5:4–6—An admonition regarding divine retribution

Fifth Round of Exhortations, Admonitions, and Advice Regarding Community Life (Jas 5:7–20)

• 5:7–11—A call to patience amidst suffering

• 5:7–8—An injunction to patience, an illustration, and application

• 5:9—An injunction against contemptuous behavior

• 5:10–11—Further illustrations of patience, suffering, and steadfastness

• 5:12—Admonition about integrity in speech

• 5:13–18—Prayer and confession

• 5:13–16—Responding to the vicissitudes of life in prayer, praise, and confession

• 5:17–18—The example of Elijah, illustrating effectiveness in prayer

• 5:19–20—A closing comment on restoring an errant believer

Salvation by faith in the NT

Salvation by faith in the NT

Look at

James 2:14–17 KJV 1900

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Romans 1:16–17 KJV 1900

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

The argument can begin. You mean we have to work to get to heaven? No. But, if you are saved and truly touched by the Spirit of God you will want to serve. Look at this;

Ephesians 2:8–10 KJV 1900

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Grace saves you through faith. Salvation is a gift, that means we cannot earn it. It is not your works that saves you. It is the gift of God. With our salvation God is saying He is going to work through us, and our works are good for the kingdom. Our good works show lost people your faith is genuine.

ephesians 2:8-10

Acts 9:36–43 KJV 1900

36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

acts 9:36-43

This story is not recorded had not Dorcus done many good works. She would have died and the people would have said she spoke so kindly…oh well she is dead, time to dig a hole

If you died today, what would be said about you?

1 Corinthians 1:21 KJV 1900

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Would you go to heaven for sure? ; ; ;

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Philippians 3:8–9 KJV 1900

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Are you ashamed to proclaim Jesus Christ? If so Christ will not claim you to the Father.

If you have accepted Christ and your different than before, then rest in His salvation.

Compare

Salvation through faith alone

James 2:15 KJV 1900

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

What is “destitute”? poor James 2:15

James 2:14 KJV 1900

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

james 2:14

Luke 3:11 KJV 1900

11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV 1900

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

John the Baptist is answering a question. The question is “what must we do?” His answer, if you have two give one, if you have an abundant help the one with nothing. So this has always been the case.

james 2:

James 2:16 KJV 1900

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

1 John 3:18–19 KJV 1900

18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ

1 John 3:18 KJV 1900

18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

1 john 3:18

Ever eat at school and see a kid with no food?

John 3:14–16 KJV 1900

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

What do you do?

According and what should you do?

Being “lifted up” is a reference to Jesus Christ’s death on the cross; The necessity of outward confession, as evidence of personal faith in Jesus Christ.

John is encouraging people to show love in action not words.

Being “lifted up” is a reference to Jesus Christ’s death on the cross;

Romans 10:9–10 KJV 1900

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The necessity of outward confession, as evidence of personal faith in Jesus Christ.

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The necessity of outward confession, as evidence of personal faith in Jesus Christ.

The necessity of outward confession, as evidence of personal faith in Jesus Christ.

believe

James is saying in this section, that you are here to make a “REAL LIFE ON EARTH DIFFERENCE”. You come to me in need preaching Jesus, and not helping my need in the flesh, then don’t expect me to believe you have this wonderful savior. The Savior I have does not leave me in need. I have to help to others. I help others and I have. Others have helped me. One time my A/C went out and I thought it was going to bankrupt me to get it fixed. A good Christian came to help me and got it working. Then he reached in his pocket and said his wife and him talked about it and gave me a $100 to help with the repairs. That is what Jesus does. He is faithful, the question is this, Are you faithful to represent Him well?

Salvation is for all who believe

Romans 10:4 KJV 1900

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Jesus Christ is the “end of the law”, in the sense that he brings it to its goal and fulfilment, and accomplishes its intentions

Jesus Christ is the “end of the law”, in the sense that he brings it to its goal and fulfilment, and accomplishes its intentions.

New life

Galatians 2:20 KJV 1900

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Saving faith shows itself in action

Colossians 1:21–23 KJV 1900

21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

“if indeed you remain in the faith”

Colossians 1:23 KJV 1900

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 1

if indeed you remain in the faith Paul seems to be acknowledging that the Colossians are at a crossroads. He charges them to continue trusting in Christ and living out the gospel message. However, they must refuse to observe the rules and traditions of false teachings, which threaten to lead them in a different direction. They must remember that faith in Christ is not simply a way of entering God’s kingdom—it is the way of life within the kingdom

Paul seems to be acknowledging that the Colossians are at a crossroads. He charges them to continue trusting in Christ and living out the gospel message. However, they must refuse to observe the rules and traditions of false teachings, which threaten to lead them in a different direction. They must remember that faith in Christ is not simply a way of entering God’s kingdom—it is the way of life within the kingdom

Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Who can do 5 push-ups?Who can do 15 push-ups?Who can do 25 Push-ups?How many push-ups can you do?PROVE IT!!!We all like to talk a great game. Just because we say something, does that mean it is always right? I tell a story about 16 years ago of me lifting 1000 ponds for 2 1/2 reps. Why would I tell that story? Because it is believable. It is believable because there are people here that you know who have seen me lift 850-900ish pounds for reps. I have video of me lifting 655 pounds for reps. So now at an older age it is believable. Notice I do not say I can still lift 1000 pounds. Ever have a story that someone has to say they not only did what you did but did it better than you did? Then you call them on it because you want to get to better to discover they cant do what they said they could. Today I want to talk about that in regards to our faith. Last two weeks I have said what kind of a Christian are you if you do not even know what you are supposed to do as a Christian? Sunday morning Pastor Lamb talked about the cards, passing them out and inviting people to church. This system was created due to people not knowing how to explain what they say they believe. So, we make it easier to get the word out. I want to make it easier as well when you pass the cards out, do it. What if your friend starts to ask you questions? Making it easier to me is using the cards in conjunction with you growing understanding of the Bible. Lets look at .

Saving faith shows itself in action

James 2:14–17 KJV 1900

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

James 2:14 KJV 1900

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

New life

Galatians 2:20 KJV 1900

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Justification and peace with God

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Forgiveness

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Victory over death

John 11:25–27 KJV 1900

25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Adoption into God’s family

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The gift of the Holy Spirit

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Jesus Christ in the heart

Ephesians 3:17 KJV 1900

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Protection through God’s power

1 Peter 1:5 KJV 1900

5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Access to God

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Sanctification

Acts 26:17–18 KJV 1900

17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

New life

Galatians 2:20 KJV 1900

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Eternal life

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