James 2 - Examples of Faith - 6/3/07

As we discussed in our lesson last Lord's Day evening faith is based on our reception of th Word of God.  
Romans 10: 17.  James chapter 2 teaches a wonderful lesson on faith and gives some interesting
examples of people who reflected dynamic, working faiths.

1)  Abraham  (20-24) of course a wonderful example of a man of faith.  His was a working, dynamic faith.
      a.  Genesis 22
            1.  A considerable distance - not close to the area for the sacrifice.  It was a journey.
            2.  effort involved - cut wood - a physical test and faithful response.  Isaac carried the wood. 
            3.  mental test - the thought of what he (Abraham) had to do as he made the journey.   
                  a.  Hebrews 11: 17-19
            4.  often overlooked point - Isaac reflected his faith by his obedience to his father,  Abraham.
                  a.  Ephesians 6: 1;  Colossians 3: 20 - Abraham was a good father
                  b.  whether we're a parent or an older person setting an example for the young, they need to see
                        our faith.  Titus 2: 6
                  c.  a child should reflect his parents good example and act accordingly 
                  Leviticus  19: 13;  Exodus 20: 12;  Proverbs 13: 1;  Proverbs 23: 24;  Proverbs 29: 3;   Proverbs 15: 5
             d.  Isaac could have overcome his Abraham at the sacrificial site, but didn't.  He obeyed.
                  1.  probably 12-15 years old? - old enough and strong enough to carry the wood.
        b.  Abraham reflected his faith by his works!

2)  Rahab (25-26) 
      a.  Joshua 2
         1.  James says she was a woman of faith
             2.  an interesting example given - God's Word never says anything good about harlotry, but even a
                   person with her background could develop a dynamic faith.
             3.  she believed what she heard what the Jehovah did for the children of Israel in crossing the Red Sea, etc.
             4.  the spies told her what to do to save she and her household, and she did just that!
      b.  Rahab reflected her faith by her works!

3) A Faith That's Dead (14-17)
     a.  a mental affirmation of faith - the kind of faith many people have
       b. but not relected in deeds!
       c. this is not a saving faith!
 
4)  A Faith (Belief) That Even Demons Have (18 - 19)
     a.  of course this faith won't save!
     b. Matthew 8: 28 - 29;  Mark 3: 11 - 12;  Luke 8: 31 - all these verses show belief in Jesus as Deity, in judgment
            and eternal condemnation

Conclusion - We can mentally affirm our belief and even feel emotion, but it HAS to be reflected in deeds!
                           How important is faith?  Hebrews 11: 6 - you can't please God without it;  Ephesians 2: 8 -
                           you can't be saved without it;  2 Corinthians 5: 7 - we are to walk in it.  Let's all have a dynamic,
                           working faith!