Jesus Christ--Lord Over You?

Matthew 7:21-27 James 2:14-26 Galatians 5:22-26

Introduction:

Earlier this morning, we discussed that God's power demands our trust and faith. Without this faith, our lives will never have the peace God intended, nor can we produce the fruit that God intended. Now that we have knowledge of God's power, James encourages us to apply that knowledge through our actions.

I. Faith is the foundation upon which we build good works (Matthew 7:21-27).

A. Good people will not go to heaven if they have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

1. The “good person” who never accepts Jesus Christ is like the fool who builds his house upon sand.

2. Good works are pointless unless they have a solid foundation.

3. God cannot see our good works if they are obscured by our unpardoned sin.

B. Those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ have a solid foundation.

1. Their good works will stand through the storms.

2. They have received pardon through the blood of Jesus Christ, and are no longer guilty in God’s eyes.

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. I Corinthians 3:11

4. If you have a foundation, you are safe.

II. Faith is evidenced by our actions (James 2:14-26)

A. Our faith should produce a response to the gospel.

1. “With the heart man believes unto righteousness…”

2. “…and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10

3. Believing in God does not automatically guarantee salvation (v. 19).

B. Our faith should produce a response when people are in need.

1. Do you respond in sympathy or action?

2. Is your “faith” that God will protect you overridden by your fear for your personal wellbeing?

3. Will faith in an airplane fly you to Hawaii?

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

Proverbs 3:27-28

C. Our faith should produce spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-26).

1. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith

D. Our faith should produce a response when God asks compliance to his will.

1. Abraham had faith that God’s will was best.

2. That faith was made known by his action, placing his only son on the altar.

3. It cannot be called “faith” if you are not willing to perform the action!!!

4. “I have faith that God will provide, BUT I just can’t give up _______.”

5. “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24

III. Do your actions match your faith?

A. Everyone here most likely has a very strong belief in Christ.

1. But do your actions show that?

2. Do your actions uphold your own moral standards?

3. Do your actions uphold God’s expectations of someone who has “Faith” in him?

B. James goes on to describe what is expected of a Christian.

1. Faith obeys the word (1:22-24).

2. Faith removes discrimination (2:1-4).

3. Faith is uplifting (3:9-10).

4. Faith is wise (3:13).

5. Faith is humble (4:10)

6. Faith is dependant on God (4:15).

7. What you say, and what you do must match!

Conclusion

Perhaps this morning you have decided to make Christ Lord of your life. This commitment includes action. It is not a commitment to be made in emotion alone, but to be made in sincerity and a desire to be more like Christ. The road is narrow, and the path is straight, but the end is worth the means. Maybe you realize that you are in need of salvation. Will you come and submit your life to Christ, to follow him in good deeds in the days to come?