SERIES: STAY COVERED (Authority—God’s Covering for My Life)
The Importance of Authority, Part 1 May 19, 2010
Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:22, 23
Introduction: In the same way that a warm blanket can protect your life from
exposure to the harsh cold of winter, God’s authority is a warm blanket
protecting you from the harsh, life-threatening influences of Satan’s attacks.
How we understand and respond to authority has profound implications in
every area of life . . . at home, at work, at school, at church . . . in marriage,
as a parent, as a child, as an employee, or an employer, as a student, as a
teacher, and as a citizen. We are faced with the issue of authority in every
aspect of life.
I will never discover God’s purpose for my life until I place myself under His
delegated authority.
Two principles that govern the universe:
1. God’s authority—Romans 11:36.
2. Satanic rebellion—Revelation 12:4; Isaiah 14:12–15.
• I am operating under Satanic rebellion whenever I take for myself
what belongs to God (Gen. 2:16, 17).
• God puts me under authority so that I will learn obedience (Gen.
3:6).
• When I disobey God’s delegated authority, I am in fact rebelling
against God.
Two decisions that govern my life:
(Speaker wraps up in quilt, open right flap to reveal the word ‘‘trust’’)
1. Trust in God’s authority (Acts 4:12; John 3:16).
(Open left flap to reveal the word ‘‘obey’’)
2. Obey God’s authority (1 Sam. 15:13–23, especially verse 22).
God values my obedience more than my sacrifice.
It is possible for me to be right and still be in rebellion (Acts
23:1–5).
Conclusion: Simple disagreement does not warrant disobeying delegated authority.
As long as delegated authority is not requiring something unethical, unbiblical,
or immoral, I have a divine privilege and responsibility to submit to
that authority. When I do, I am covered.
If I disobey delegated authority, I ammoving out from under God’s protection
and am putting myself at risk to Satan’s deception along with everyone under
my authority.
SERIES: STAY COVERED (Authority—God’s Covering for My Life)
When Authority Fails, Part 2 May 26, 2010
Scripture: Genesis 9; 1 Samuel 24; Acts 4
Introduction: Anyone can respect and appreciate the importance of submitting
to God’s direct authority. After all, He’s perfect. He doesn’t make mistakes.
He always has our best in mind. But the Bible clearly teaches that God
has established delegated authority through which He works out His will in
our lives. We have names for them such as parents, teachers, pastors, bosses,
police, government officials, the IRS, etc. And from God’s standpoint, to rebel
against His delegated authority is the same as rebellion against Him. Now,
we can live with that as long as the delegated authority doesn’t mess up,
right? But they are human and they deal with the same fallen nature we all
have. So they will blow it. They will fail. And it is at this point that our
obedience and submission to authority is really put to the test. We mustn’t
forget the very purpose of authority, to learn obedience. So let’s look at three
principles from the Bible to help us learn how to obey God especially when
authority fails.
1. Cover those in authority (Gen. 9:20–27). There is a difference between
covering those in authority and condoning sin. We should never
‘‘wink’’ at sin. But neither are we to judge those in authority over us.
MAY 23, 2010 / 139
That is God’s job. To cover those in authority absolves you of the
judgment of sin and frees you to be part of God’s solution.
2. Obey God’s higher authority (Acts 4:18–20). When God’s delegated
authority conflicts with God’s direct authority, we must obey God’s
higher authority. Yet even then we must respond with a submissive
spirit.
A. Obedience is related to conduct—it is relative. Submission is
related to heart attitude: It is absolute.
B. God alone deserves unqualified obedience. Delegated authority
deserves qualified obedience.
C. We should submit to delegated authority from God. We should
disobey the order that offends god—Spiritual Authority by Watchman
Nee. I should only disobey delegated authority when it requires
me to do something immoral or unbiblical.
3. Respect God’s anointed authority (1 Sam. 24:1–20). Whenever I take
matters into my own hands to usurp an authority that has failed me,
I bring the curse of rebellion upon myself.
Submitting to authority is not being submissive to a person, but
rather to the person’s God-given position.
Conclusion: If you have lived any length of time, some authority has failed
you. Maybe it was a parent, a husband, a pastor, or a boss. What have you
done with that hurt? Have you forgiven them? Have you released your right
to hold onto that offense? Maybe the reason you’re suspicious of those in
authority or don’t respect authority is because you have never forgiven that
authority figure who failed you in the past. Harboring a spirit of unforgiveness
short-circuits God’s covering in your life. Release that offense today and
restore God’s covering over your life.
SERIES: STAY COVERED (Authority—God’s Covering for My Life)
Authority and the Body of Christ—Part 3 June 2, 2010
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12–20
Introduction: Take this quiz with me as we learn how God’s authority works
its way out in the church.
1. The best expression of God’s authority is found in the relationship
between: (a) rulers and people, (b) parents and children, (c) masters
and servants, (d) Christ and His church. The answer is (d) Christ
and His church. Why is this so? Because Christ and His church is
the only relationship that is an organic whole. No healthy head
would ever do harm to its own body (1 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 4:15).
2. God has ordained the church to be: (a) an organization, (b) an organism,
(c) an institution, (d) a corporation. The correct answer is (b) an
organism. The church is a living organism. It is the body of Christ
(1 Cor. 12:12).
• The church functions not as a democracy but as a theocracy.
• The church in
democracy (Rev. 3:17).
•
not to meet the needs of the people, but to bring glory to Christ.
3. In our physical bodies some movements are conscious while others
are automatic. For example, the hand picks up a pencil in response
MAY 30, 2010 / 145
to a conscious command, but the heart beats automatically, not
waiting for any order. In the body of Christ, many of God’s people
will obey only conscious commands, thus hindering the unity and
function of Christ’s Church: True or False? The answer is true.
Sometimes God calls us to intentional obedient acts, but often it is
simply the impulse of the Holy Spirit that prompts us to respond
in certain ways (1 Cor. 12:18).
Doctors have a word for cells in the body that operate independently
. . . cancer. It has the same destructive effect on the body of
Christ. Cells in the body of Christ do not exist for themselves, but
for the good of the Body (Eph. 4:16). The reason many Christians
burn out is not because they are doing too much, but because they
are not doing what God has called them to do in the body of Christ.
4. The church is a place for worship and fellowship, but it is not a
place to learn Authority: True or False? The answer of course is
false. A church built on mutual fellowship without an understanding
of authority is like a body trying to function without a head. The
result would be confusion and chaos (1 Cor. 12:18).
5. In the body of Christ, the members that have multiple functions
are more valuable than those with singular Functions: True or
False? Again the answer is false. Every member, from the weakest
to the strongest, from the biggest to the smallest, from the most
presentable to the least presentable is a vital part of Christ’s body.
In fact, to reject or discredit a member of Christ’s body is the same
as rejecting Christ (1 Cor. 12:25, 26).
6. The function of each member of the body of Christ constitutes its
authority: True or False? This is absolutely true. When someone is
gifted, anointed, and appointed for a specific function in the body,
we should submit to that functional authority regardless of who we
are (1 Cor. 12:21).
7. When one member of the body refuses to accept the supply of the
other members, it creates poverty in that member, as well as in the
church: True or False? The answer is true. It is bald-faced pride to
presume that anyone could or should possess all the gifts. This
attitude creates division and as a result the body of Christ suffers
(1 Cor. 12:29, 30).
8. God uses authority to oppress and stifle the growth of the individual
member so that the greater body may benefit: True or False? This
is a false statement. The irony in the body of Christ is that when
you die to yourself and submit to God’s authority, you receive His
blessings.
9. Much of what I receive from god, I receive through the body of
Christ: True or False? I have found this to be absolutely true. That
is why Satan’s tactic is to try and isolate you from the church (1 Cor.
12:21).
10. Most people want god to speak to them directly, but his preferred
way to speak to us is through delegated authority: True or False?
Have you discovered this to be true? I have. I often hear people say,
‘‘God never speaks to me like he does you.’’ What they really are
saying is, ‘‘I’m not willing to listen to what God is saying to me
through my parents, my pastor, my mentors, and His Word.’’
Conclusion: There is no more perfect pattern to witness how spiritual authority
works than the relationship between Christ, the head, and the church, His
body. Find your place in the body of Christ.
SERIES: STAY COVERED (Authority—God’s Covering for My Life)
Dealing Practically with Rebellion, Part 4 June 9, 2010
Scripture: Romans 9:11–21; 2 Corinthians 10:4–6
Introduction: Rebellion begins in the heart, the seat of our affections. But
then it quickly moves into the mind, and then finally works its way into our
behavior and lifestyle. We’ve already addressed the ‘‘heart’’ of the issue. Let’s
learn how rebellion affects our thinking and how to win the battle for our
minds.
Rebellion finds its expression through:
A. Human Reasoning (Rom. 9:11–22). The apostle Paul isn’t trying
to establish a reasonable response to the apparent conflict we see
between God’s sovereignty and man’s free will. Rather, he is
challenging us to move beyond our understanding to a place of
humble worship before a God whose reasoning far exceeds ourability to understand. People who have trouble with the ‘‘unreasonableness’’
of God have never submitted to His authority in
their hearts.
When I am tempted to reason rather than obey, I need to:
forget who I am and remember who He is.
forget my reasoning and remember His Word (Rom. 11:33, 34).
B. Human Arguments (2 Cor. 10:3–5). The walled fortresses and
high towers of our minds are intellectual strongholds of willful
ignorance, prejudice, superstition, tradition, and idolatry. They
are not changed easily. I must take captive every thought and
make it obedient to Christ.
When I am tempted by stinkin’ thinkin’, I need to:
take captive every thought.
obey Christ with every thought.
Replace destructive thought patterns with constructive ones.
For example, ‘‘I am a failure’’ to ‘‘I can do all things through
Christ.’’ God will only renew a mind that is governed by a surrendered
will.
‘‘My faith has found a resting place, not in device or creed. I
trust the ever-living One, His wounds for me shall plead. I need
no other argument, I need no other plea. It is enough that Jesus
died, and that He died for me.’’ —Lidie H. Edmunds
Conclusion: In the final analysis, analysis is not final . . . God is. He is a
mystery. And His ways are mysterious. The ‘‘unreasonableness’’ of God is
not to cause you to worry, but to lead you to worship. God doesn’t want to
argue with you, He is simply there to be worshiped, loved, and adored.
Why Do People Stray? June 16, 2010
Scripture: James 5:19, 20
Introduction: The hardest person to reach, according to surveys, is the person
who has drifted away from the Lord and is out of fellowship with God’s
people.
1. The reality of straying people (v. 19). Christians can stumble in many
ways (James 3:2). Christians can stray or wander from the truth. We
are not perfect.
2. The reasons people stray (v. 19). People stray because of sin (1:14,
15), bitterness towards others, falling out of good habits, doubts, or
trials that cause them to think God has failed them.
3. The response of Christians (vv. 19, 20). A healthy Christian is used
by God to turn the straying person back to the truth. In so doing, a
person may be saved from premature death and the committing of
needless sins.
Conclusion: We participate with God in a noble work with eternal dividends
when we are used to bring the straying Christian back to Christ and His
people.
SERIES: HOW TO PRAY FOR THE PRESIDENT
Praying for Us As Citizens, Part 1 June 23, 2010
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1–4
Introduction: Paul exhorts us in this passage to pray for our government
leaders. No leader of our government needs prayer more than the President
of the
of the
George Washington, our first President, said, ‘‘It is impossible to rightly
govern the world without God and the Bible.’’
But what if that President holds different beliefs and convictions then we do?
We need to remember that in this passage Paul is calling for prayer for Nero,
a pagan king who persecuted the church.
So how do we pray for our President? It begins with praying for us as citizens.
1. We would honor our President (Ex. 22:28; Eccl. 10:20; 1 Pet. 2:17).
A. We would not be bitter towards him.
B. We would not be disrespectful of him.
2. We would submit to our government (
2:13, 14).
3. We would seek the welfare of our nation (Jer. 29:5–7).
4. We would live lives of righteousness (Prov. 11:11).
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5. We would thank God for our country and its leaders (1 Thess. 5:18;
1 Tim. 2:1).
A. We live in a country where we have the privilege of voting.
B. We live in a country where there is a peaceful transition of power.
C. We live in a country where we are free to worship.
Conclusion: Before we can pray for the President, we need to be sure that we
are living God-honoring lives as citizens of the
SERIES: HOW TO PRAY FOR THE PRESIDENT
Praying for the President, Part 2 June 30, 2010
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1–4
Introduction: Thomas Jefferson, our third president, knew his need for prayer.
He once said,
I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our
fathers, as
flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our
infancy with His providence and our riper years with His wisdom and power,
and to whose goodness I ask you to join in supplications with me that He
will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper
their measures that whatsoever they do shall result in your good, and shall
secure to you the peace, friendship, and approbation of all nations.
How can we pray for our president?
1. Pray for his protection (Ps. 20:9; 91:1–16). The world we live in is
dangerous as it faces threats from multiple enemies. As the leader
of our nation, the president becomes a major target.
2. Pray for his family.
A. Pray for the wife of the president.
i. She would live a virtuous life (Prov. 12:4; 31:10–31).
ii. She would show respect toward her husband (Eph. 5:33).
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B. Pray for the children of the president.
i They would honor their parents (Eph. 6:1–3).
ii. They would live wisely (Prov. 15:20).
C. Pray for his marriage.
i. He would remain faithful to his wife (2 Sam. 11; Prov. 5:15–
20). He faces many temptations because of his position and
power. He must remain true to his wife.
ii. He would love his wife (Eph. 5:25, 28).
3. Pray that he would govern with wisdom (1 Kin. 3:9–12; Prov. 3:13;
4:5).
4. Ask that God would keep him humble (Is. 66:1, 2; James 4:6–10).
Conclusion: Next week we will look at the last six ways to pray for the
president.
SERIES: HOW TO PRAY FOR THE PRESIDENT
Praying for the President
Part 3 July 7,2010
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1–4
Introduction: Abraham Lincoln describing his need for divine guidance as
president said,
‘‘I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction
that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me,
seemed insufficient for the day.’’
We are learning how to pray for our President. In the last message we looked
at the first four ways to pray for the President.
5. Pray for those advising the President.
A. God would thwart the counsel of the unwise (2 Sam. 15:31;
16:15—17:23 key verse is 23).
B. God would remove those who are unwise from his circle (Prov.
25:5).
C. The President would surround himself with wise counselors
(Prov. 11:14; 24:6).
D. God would raise up a ‘‘Daniel’’ in his circle of influence (Dan.
2:48, 49).
6. Pray for his spiritual life.
A. If he is not a Christian, pray for his salvation (1 Tim. 2:3, 4;
2 Pet. 3:9).
B. If he professes to be a believer:
He would be true to his faith. That it would not be a mere
intellectual belief (James 2:19), a convenient faith to promote
his career (1 Sam. 13:1–15) or a ‘‘Christless’’ faith (John 10:9;
Acts 4:12).
C. He would submit to Christ’s Lordship.
By listening to Christ (John 10:14–16).
By obeying Him (Matt. 7:21–23).
D. He would read and apply God’s Word (Josh. 1:8–9; 2 Tim. 3:16,
17).
E. He would fear God (Ps. 33:18; Prov. 9:10).
F. He would rely upon God’s strength (Ps. 27:1–3; 33:16, 17).
7. Pray that he will do what will protect the peace and well-being of
our nation (1 Tim. 2:1–4;
A. That he will understand the nature and mindset of those who
would seek to bring our nation down.
B. That he would take the necessary steps to protect our nation
from attack and danger while not diminishing the freedoms of
its citizens.
8. Pray that he will stand for morality (Ps. 82:2–4; Prov. 31:8, 9; Micah
6:8).
9. Pray that he will govern with righteousness and justice (Prov. 29:4,
14).
10. Pray that he will be surrounded by love and faithfulness (Prov. 3:3,
4; 20:28).
Conclusion: It is more important now than ever that we pray for our president.
Let the prayer begin.
SERIES: FAITH IS THE VICTORY
Faith in the Face of a Giant July 14, 2010
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1–54, especially v. 45
Introduction: Don’t you love the fresh-faced enthusiasm and confidence of a
kid who has just joined the little league baseball team? He hasn’t even played
his first game but he wants to sleep in his uniform. Though inexperienced,
he believes there’s no ball that can get by him. David was like that. He was
the youngest of his brothers, the runt, the shepherd with a few sheep, yet he
was called a man after God’s own heart. Against all odds, David had faith,
even to face a giant. David was sent to give food to his brothers as they fought
against the Philistines. As he approached the battle scene, he saw the Israelites
standing opposite to the Philistines with a dried up riverbank between. The
Philistine champion, Goliath, about 9 feet 9 inches tall, taunted and challenged
the Israelites to send a champion to fight. How do we react to giants
in our lives? We need:
1. Simple Faith (v. 26). There is never a thought in David’s mind that
this Philistine wouldn’t be defeated. He only asked about what good
would come to the one who killed Goliath. Where did David get this
mindset? He was probably raised hearing stories of God’s victory:
the parting of the Red Sea, or
It never occurred to David that this pagan could possibly defeat the
soldiers of God. We should teach our children that God cannot be
defeated. We must believe it as well.
2. Living Faith (v. 32). Faith matters not only at church, but when your
bills are due and you have no money, when a loved one dies, or when
you’re persecuted at work; faith through life’s circumstances is living
faith. David’s faith was born from defending his sheep against a lion
and a bear, so David knew God would also fight Goliath through him
(vv. 34–37). Without everyday use of our talents and abilities for God,
we cannot face big projects or obstacles. Many of us disobey, refusing
to be baptized or to tithe. We will never grow if we consistently refuse
to live out our faith.
3. Crisis Faith (vv. 45–47). God gives us the ability to stand when no
one else will during a moment of crisis. David was granted this type
of faith as he faced Goliath, saying, ‘‘You come to me with a sword,
with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of
the LORD of hosts’’ (v. 45). ‘‘LORD of hosts’’ can be translated, ‘‘The
Lord of our extremity.’’ When we’ve reached the end of our human
abilities, we come to the Lord of hosts, asking for His strength.
Overcoming, overwhelming faith bears forth in the moment of crisis
from the foundation of simple, living faith. What giant are you facing?
A financial giant? A hurting relationship? An addiction? Whatever it
is, take these practical steps from David’s example.
A. Your encouragement cannot come from the defeated. As David
faced the Philistines, he saw the Israelites afraid (v. 24), but they
were no help. If you have a drug or alcohol problem, get away
from other addicts. If you have relationship problems, don’t hang
around divorced people who tell you how great it is. Seek encouragement
from victorious Christians.
B. Remember your past victories. The enemy is quick to oppose us,
and we tend to be quick to tremble in fear. David called on his
past victories for confidence (vv. 34–37). We need to remember
times when God has answered our prayers, when He has pulled
us from hard situations, when He has provided.
C. You cannot trust someone else’s army. Someone else’s strategy
may not work for you. Samuel tried to give David his armor. It
wouldn’t work. He wouldn’t use spear or javelin, but preferred a
simple shepherd’s sling. God wants to take your history, your
abilities, and your talents and add His power to accomplish His
purposes.
D. The threats of the enemy are just threats. God granted David
success in the face of the enemy’s mockery! Greater is He that is
in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Conclusion: We must become people after God’s heart through simple, living
faith, faith which will not fail in crisis. Practically, we must gain encouragement
from the victorious, remembering our victories, allowing God to use
our genuine selves, despite circumstances or obstacles.
SERIES: FAITH IS THE VICTORY
Feeble Faith Meets Strong Savior July 21, 2010
Scripture: Mark 9:14–29, especially verses 23–27
Introduction:
mental disorder—more than the combined number of people with cancer,
heart disease, and lung disorders.’’ For many, that mental disorder is anxiety,
worry, a fretful heart. The man in today’s story was in the grips of an understandable
anxiety attack, for his son was in crisis. Our greatest worries are
often over those we love the most. Perhaps the only good thing we can say
about worry is that it sometimes drives us to the Lord. In our story today, it
brought this father to Jesus, but once there, his unbelief threatened his receiving
of the Lord’s help. While worry may sometimes drive us to the Lord, it
can so dominate our prayers that we have trouble claiming God’s answers by
faith. Perhaps this father’s case may help us understand our own. Let us note
the case carefully and observe . . .
1. The Suspected Difficulty
The father may have thought . . .
A. The disciples were incompetent. Despite their bravado, they
seemed unable to help. Sometimes other people, despite good
intentions, can’t relieve our need. Sometimes even our Christian
friends in the church appear to be powerless to help.
B. The problem was hopeless. The boy’s disease was fitful, mysterious,
and terribly violent. We sometimes forget that the Lord delights
to work impossibilities.
C. The Savior was powerless. The man half hinted at this when he
said, ‘‘Master, if you can do anything.’’ The people of Isaiah’s day
grew discouraged in their exile, wondering if God saw their problems
or cared about their cause (Is. 40:25). Anxiety whispers demonically
in our ear, ‘‘God doesn’t care. The Savior is powerless.’’
2. The Tearful Discovery
‘‘He said with tears . . .’’
A. His small faith discovered his unbelief. Sometimes we have just
enough faith to realize how weak our belief really is. That isn’t a
great faith, but it’s enough to start with. If we have just enough
faith to recognize its own weakness, we have a place to start. God
has a foothold in our hearts. Sometimes in rock climbing, all you
need is the smallest crevice for a foothold or a tiny crack for
inserting a finger.
B. He was distressed at the sight of his own unbelief. Worry and
anxiety is tantamount to unbelief, and unbelief is a great sin. It
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kept the children of
Unbelief doubts:
• The power of omnipotence.
• The value of biblical promises.
• The efficacy of Christ’s blood.
• The prevalence of Christ’s pleas on our behalf.
• The very truth of Scripture.
C. He turned his thoughts in that direction, no longer saying, ‘‘Lord,
help my child!’’ but, ‘‘Lord, help my unbelief!’’
3. The Intelligent Appeal
The poor father cried to Jesus . . .
A. On the basis of faith. ‘‘Lord, I believe.’’ Can you come to Christ
today with even a small amount of faith? Isaiah 42:3 says, ‘‘A
bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not
quench.’’
B. With confession of sin. ‘‘My unbelief.’’ Chronic anxiety represents
the sin of unbelief, a serious sin needing repentance.
C. To One who knows how to help in this matter. ‘‘Help!’’ And Jesus
did help. And Jesus does help. And Jesus will help.
Conclusion: If you’re worried about a loved one or about some other life difficulty,
come to Jesus with any case, and in every case. Come with your
little faith, for in this matter He can help as no other can.
SERIES: FAITH IS THE VICTORY
Is Your Faith Genuine? July 28, 2010
Scripture: James 2:14–20, especially verse 17
Introduction: Kent Hughes writes about a cartoon in The New Yorker that
showed a large sign out in front of a church which read: ‘‘The Lite Church:
24% Fewer Commitments, Home of the 7.5% tithe, fifteen-minute sermons,
forty-five-minute worship services. We have only eight commandments—
your choice. We use just three spiritual laws. Everything you’ve wanted in a
church . . . and less!’’ Unfortunately that cartoon paints an accurate picture.
Many people today are looking for a ‘‘lite church,’’ a ‘‘lite faith,’’ and a ‘‘lite
commitment.’’ In the passage we’re studying today, James asks each of us a
question, ‘‘Is your faith genuine?’’ How can we know if we have real faith or
‘‘lite faith’’?
1. The Argument Stated (v. 14). In verse 14, James writes, ‘‘If someone says
he has faith.’’ James doesn’t say this individual actually does have faith,
but simply that this person claims to have faith. The verb translated here
‘‘to claim,’’ or ‘‘to say’’ is in the present tense, which suggests this person
is continually asserting his faith, constantly saying, ‘‘I have faith. I have
faith,’’ but his words are hollow. No outward evidence supports his claim.
So James is referring to the profession of faith, not to the possession of
faith. The faith that James denounces is a mere creedal confession, not a
faith that entails wholehearted acceptance. James has nothing against faith.
In fact, throughout his letter he shows us he is a great supporter of faith
(1:3, 6; 2:1, 5), but he wants it to be genuine, wholehearted faith. James
would agree with those who say that we aren’t saved by faith plus works,
but we are saved by a faith that works. It must have follow-through. If
there is a root, it will eventually bear fruit; no fruit means no root. Where
works do not exist, neither does faith (see v. 18).
2. The Principle Illustrated (vv. 15, 16, 19). James goes on to illustrate the
logical absurdity of faith without works. The ‘‘brother’’ or ‘‘sister’’ is probably
a believer, maybe a needy person in the congregation. James attacks
those who only speak kind words to this needy soul. Isn’t it enough to be
kind? No! The needy person’s body is still cold; his stomach is still empty.
To make it personal, there are those in this community needing our help.
The test for us is how we react to them. Do we simply smile and say, ‘‘I
hope it gets better,’’ or do we cook them dinner, keep their children, or
help them move into their new apartment? Genuine conversion leads to
genuine compassion. James gives a further example of false faith in verse
19. His reference to the demons makes a graphic point. No demon is an
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atheist. They believe in God, they exercise ‘‘faith,’’ yet we know they are
spiritually dead; we know they are not saved nor have the kind of faith God
requires. A kind of belief exists which is not true faith. The man in verse
14 had intellectual faith. Demons not only have this, but they are in full
agreement emotionally with the truth of who God is. But they lack the type
of faith that ‘‘trusts in’’ or ‘‘relies upon’’ God. Saving faith involves all
three components: knowledge, agreement, and trust. That is, the mind,
emotions, and will. A belief that does not work is no better than that which
the demons have.
3. The Conclusion Drawn (vv. 17, 20). What is James’ conclusion? Faith that
does not evidence itself outwardly is not genuine faith. Faith, by itself, is
dead. If it produces no works, it is lifeless and ineffective to justification.
Faith alone without works is as dead as a body without breath. If you put
a monitor on someone who professes to have faith but displays no outward
evidence, the monitor will show a flat line. That person can talk all they
want, but they do not have genuine faith. Without the outward evidence of
deeds, a mere profession of faith is simply that: a profession without
possession, an impostor posing as a believer. Could that be you?
Conclusion: A line from a Rich Mullins song says, ‘‘Faith without works is
like a screen door on a submarine.’’ It’s worthless and it sinks. Do you claim
to have faith? Does your life really show it? A workless faith is a worthless
faith. We must ask ourselves, ‘‘If I were arrested for being a Christian, would
there be enough evidence to convict me?’’
