Faith in Action: Evidence of True Salvation
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded that the evidence of my salvation is not just in my faith, but also in my works. The speaker emphasized that faith without works is dead, and that the evidence of my faith should be seen in how I serve others. He challenged me to put into action what James says in the Bible and begin to serve, to find a way to bless the body of Christ so that the evidence of my salvation will be seen in the way I serve others. He also reminded me that God's grace is still present even when I mess up, and that I am considered righteous before God through the confession of my mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and through the service of my life towards others.
The speaker also emphasized that the evidence of saving faith goes beyond mere church attendance or listening to Christian music. He pointed out that the evidence of a life that has changed through faith is someone that has the evidence of the Spirit of God in them, and that a consistent, changing and growing life in Christ is the first piece of evidence that Christ is inside of an individual. He also pointed out that the second piece of evidence that shows your salvation is what you do on behalf of others to the glory of God.
Key Takeaways:
- The evidence of my salvation is seen in how I serve others. This is a call to action to serve and bless the body of Christ. ([01:16:20])
- God's grace is still present even when I mess up, and I am considered righteous before God through the confession of my mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and through the service of my life towards others. ([01:17:09])
- The evidence of a life that has changed through faith is someone that has the evidence of the Spirit of God in them, and that a consistent, changing and growing life in Christ is the first piece of evidence that Christ is inside of an individual. ([53:47])
- The second piece of evidence that shows your salvation is what you do on behalf of others to the glory of God. ([58:33])
- The speaker challenges the notion that good deeds or works are what gets you to heaven, emphasizing instead that it is by God's grace and salvation that we are saved. ([56:34])
Study Guide
Takeaways from the sermon:
1. Genuine love for God and others should lead to action and service. If we truly have God's love in our hearts, service becomes the motive and the after effect that comes with it. This is a clear evidence of our faith and salvation. #!!35:32!!#
2. The evidence of saving faith goes beyond mere church attendance or listening to Christian music. It is seen in a life that shows the fruit of the Holy Spirit and a consistent growth in Christ. This growth is not stagnant but is a continuous process of becoming better each year. #!!39:16!!#
3. Another evidence of our faith and salvation is what we do on behalf of others to the glory of God. Our faith should not be just words but should be accompanied by works. #!!40:36!!#
Bible Reading:
1. James Chapter 2
2. Galatians Chapter 5 (Fruit of the Spirit)
Observation Questions:
1. What does James Chapter 2 say about faith and works?
2. How does Galatians Chapter 5 describe the fruit of the Spirit?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does James Chapter 2 relate to the idea that our faith should lead to action and service?
2. How can we apply the concept of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians Chapter 5 to our daily lives?
Application Questions:
1. How have you shown your faith through action and service in the past week?
2. Can you identify a time when you experienced growth in one of the fruits of the Spirit? How did that growth impact your faith?
3. What is one way you can serve others this week to the glory of God?
4. How can you ensure that your faith is not just words but is accompanied by works?
5. Can you share a specific instance when your faith led you to do something for others?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Daily Worship
Worship is not confined to Sundays or church gatherings, but it is a daily offering of our lives to God. It is a continuous act of love, reverence, and surrender to our Creator. It is in this daily act of worship that we truly come alive and experience the fullness of God's love and mercy ([26:34]).
Psalm 59:16 - "But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble."
Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine? What are some practical ways you can express your love and reverence for God throughout your day?
Day 2: The Call to Serve
Our faith is not just about believing, but also about serving. Serving others is a tangible expression of our love for God and a demonstration of our faith in action. It is through serving that we become the hands and feet of Jesus, impacting the world around us with His love and grace ([01:16:20]).
Galatians 5:13 - "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
Reflection: How can you serve others in your community this week? What are some ways you can use your gifts and talents to bless others?
Day 3: Trusting God's Guidance
God is our guide and He leads us step by step. Even when His leading doesn't make sense, we are called to trust Him and follow His guidance. It is in this act of trust that we experience His faithfulness and provision ([28:16]).
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God's guidance? How can you cultivate a deeper trust in His leading?
Day 4: The Power of Praise
Praise is a powerful weapon that shifts our focus from our circumstances to God's greatness. It is an act of faith that declares God's goodness and faithfulness despite our circumstances. It is through praise that we experience God's presence and power in our lives ([13:11]).
Psalm 34:1 - "I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips."
Reflection: What are some reasons you have to praise God today? How can you cultivate a lifestyle of praise?
Day 5: The Importance of Community
We are not meant to do life alone, but in community with others. Being part of a community provides us with support, encouragement, and accountability. It is in community that we grow, serve, and experience God's love in tangible ways ([30:23]).
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your community this week? What are some ways you can encourage and support others in your community?
Quotes
1. "James is challenging the church in this chapter. In chapter 2, you read, we read how he's challenged the church in regards to favoritism. We talked about how James calls favoritism evil. It's an evil mindset." - 32:04
2. "You cannot have genuine love or say you have genuine love if you show favoritism. However, if you follow the law, the law of the Lord, you shall love your neighbor, then you're doing well. Because when we consider love, love is more than just a mere emotion or feeling." - 34:48
3. "Sometimes you've got to dance to the darkness. Sing to the fire. Praise him like it don't make sense. Sometimes you've got to shout down the giant worship from a lion's bed." - 03:56
4. "Even when the leading doesn't make sense, we're going to follow you. And we're going to trust you when we follow you. So Holy Spirit, teach us to trust you in your leading and your guidance, knowing Lord that you have already prepared away through." - 28:16
5. "And I will sing you in the morning. And I will learn to walk in your ways. And step by step, you'll lead me. And I will follow you all of my days." - 24:50
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