Living Out Authentic Faith Through Action and Mercy
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. I hope you're doing well today. My name is Randy Miller, and I am the executive pastor here at Eaglesview Church. Our lead pastor, Bart Howe, is recovering from minor surgery, so I have the privilege of speaking to you today. As we gather, let's remember the significance of Memorial Day, a time to honor those who have given their lives for our freedom, and ultimately, to honor Jesus Christ, who gave His life for our eternal freedom.
Today, we continue our journey through the book of James, a book that challenges us to live out our faith authentically. James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote this letter to Jewish believers, emphasizing that our faith should be evident in our actions. As we dive into the text, we are reminded that life is a continuous test of our character and faith. Whether it's in our personal relationships, our work, or our daily interactions, we are constantly being tested.
James begins by reminding us that we are God's prized possession, the apex of His creation. Despite our flaws and imperfections, we are loved and valued by God. This foundational truth sets the stage for the tests of authentic faith that James outlines. He emphasizes that merely listening to God's word is not enough; we must also do what it says. If we fail to act on God's word, we are only fooling ourselves.
One of the key tests of authentic faith is how we control our tongue. James warns that if we claim to be religious but do not control our speech, our religion is worthless. Our words should reflect the transformational power of Jesus in our lives. Another test is how we care for the marginalized. Jesus ministered to those on the fringes of society, and we are called to do the same. Our concern and actions for the marginalized should mirror the activity of Jesus.
James also addresses the issue of favoritism. He challenges us not to judge others based on their appearance or social status. Favoritism is a sin, and it contradicts the royal law of loving our neighbor as ourselves. James uses the example of a rich person and a poor person entering a meeting. If we give special attention to the rich and neglect the poor, we are guided by evil motives. Authentic faith requires us to show compassion and mercy to all, regardless of their status.
Furthermore, James speaks about the corruption of the world and how it affects our faith. He reminds us that all sin is equally condemnable before God. Whether we commit one sin or many, we are separated from God. However, through the law of freedom, which is the person and blood of Jesus Christ, we are set free. This freedom should compel us to show mercy to others, just as we have received mercy from God.
As we reflect on these tests of authentic faith, we are reminded of the importance of living out our faith in practical ways. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 25 emphasize that our actions towards others, especially the least of these, are a reflection of our faith. When we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned, we are serving Jesus Himself.
In conclusion, James challenges us to examine our lives and ensure that our faith is genuine. We must ask ourselves if we judge others based on their appearance, if we show the same mercy we have received, and if we are reaching out to the marginalized. Our faith should be evident in our actions, and we should strive to be a church that reflects the love and compassion of Jesus to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Authentic Faith Requires Action: Merely listening to God's word is not enough; we must also do what it says. If we fail to act on God's word, we are only fooling ourselves. Our faith should be evident in our actions, reflecting the transformational power of Jesus in our lives. This is a call to live out our faith in practical ways, demonstrating our commitment to God's teachings. [36:58]
2. Control of the Tongue: One of the key tests of authentic faith is how we control our tongue. James warns that if we claim to be religious but do not control our speech, our religion is worthless. Our words should reflect the transformational power of Jesus in our lives. This means speaking with kindness, truth, and love, avoiding gossip, slander, and harmful speech. [39:06]
3. Caring for the Marginalized: Authentic faith is demonstrated by our concern and actions for the marginalized. Jesus ministered to those on the fringes of society, and we are called to do the same. Our care for the marginalized should mirror the activity of Jesus, showing compassion and mercy to those who can do nothing for us in return. [39:55]
4. Avoiding Favoritism: James challenges us not to judge others based on their appearance or social status. Favoritism is a sin, and it contradicts the royal law of loving our neighbor as ourselves. We must show compassion and mercy to all, regardless of their status, reflecting the inclusive love of Jesus. [49:54]
5. Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment: James reminds us that all sin is equally condemnable before God, but through the law of freedom, which is the person and blood of Jesus Christ, we are set free. This freedom should compel us to show mercy to others, just as we have received mercy from God. Mercy smiles in the face of judgment, and we are called to live out this principle in our interactions with others. [01:07:44]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:32] - Memorial Day Reflection
[27:13] - Life as a Continuous Test
[31:53] - The Transformation of Faith
[36:58] - Authentic Faith Requires Action
[39:06] - Control of the Tongue
[39:55] - Caring for the Marginalized
[41:36] - Holiness and Transformation
[45:10] - Historical Context of James
[46:10] - Avoiding Favoritism
[49:54] - Mutual Inclusivity
[52:05] - Practical Examples of Respect
[57:43] - Prejudging Others
[01:02:43] - The Fourth Test of Authentic Faith
[01:07:44] - Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
[01:11:13] - Reflective Questions for the Week
[01:14:36] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 1:18-27
2. James 2:1-13
3. Matthew 25:31-40
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 1:22, what are we fooling ourselves about if we only listen to God's word but do not act on it? [36:58]
2. What does James say about controlling our tongue in James 1:26, and why is it important? [38:04]
3. How does James describe the treatment of the rich and the poor in James 2:2-4, and what does he say this reveals about our motives? [49:54]
4. In Matthew 25:35-36, what actions does Jesus say are done for Him when they are done for "the least of these"?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James emphasize that merely listening to God's word is not enough? How does this relate to the concept of authentic faith? [36:58]
2. How does controlling our tongue reflect the transformational power of Jesus in our lives, according to James 1:26? [38:04]
3. What does James mean when he says that favoritism contradicts the royal law of loving our neighbor as ourselves in James 2:8-9? [46:10]
4. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:31-40 about serving "the least of these" connect to the tests of authentic faith outlined by James?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily actions. Are there areas where you are merely listening to God's word but not acting on it? What specific steps can you take to change this? [36:58]
2. Think about your speech over the past week. Were there moments when you failed to control your tongue? How can you be more mindful of your words and ensure they reflect the transformational power of Jesus? [38:04]
3. Consider your interactions with people from different social statuses. Have you shown favoritism, either consciously or unconsciously? How can you practice more inclusive and compassionate behavior in your daily life? [46:10]
4. Identify a marginalized group or individual in your community. What practical steps can you take this week to show them the love and compassion of Jesus? [39:55]
5. Reflect on a time when you judged someone based on their appearance or social status. How can you change your perspective to see them as God's prized possession? [49:54]
6. How can you incorporate acts of mercy into your daily routine, remembering that mercy triumphs over judgment? What specific actions can you take to show mercy to others? [01:07:44]
7. Jesus said that serving "the least of these" is equivalent to serving Him. Who are the "least of these" in your life, and how can you serve them in a way that honors Jesus? [01:08:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
Our faith should be evident in our actions, reflecting the transformational power of Jesus in our lives. Authentic faith is not just about hearing God's word but also about doing what it says. This means living out our faith in practical ways, demonstrating our commitment to God's teachings. When we act on God's word, we show that our faith is genuine and that we are not merely fooling ourselves. This call to action challenges us to examine our daily lives and ensure that our faith is visible through our deeds. [36:58]
James 1:22-24 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like."
Reflection: Think of one specific way you can put your faith into action today. How can you demonstrate your commitment to God's teachings in a practical way?
Day 2: Control of the Tongue
One of the key tests of authentic faith is how we control our tongue. James warns that if we claim to be religious but do not control our speech, our religion is worthless. Our words should reflect the transformational power of Jesus in our lives. This means speaking with kindness, truth, and love, avoiding gossip, slander, and harmful speech. By controlling our tongue, we show that our faith is genuine and that we are committed to living out the teachings of Jesus in our daily interactions. [39:06]
James 3:5-6 (ESV): "So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent conversations. Is there someone you need to apologize to for unkind words? How can you commit to speaking with kindness and love today?
Day 3: Caring for the Marginalized
Authentic faith is demonstrated by our concern and actions for the marginalized. Jesus ministered to those on the fringes of society, and we are called to do the same. Our care for the marginalized should mirror the activity of Jesus, showing compassion and mercy to those who can do nothing for us in return. This means reaching out to the poor, the sick, and the oppressed, and offering them the love and support that Jesus would. By caring for the marginalized, we show that our faith is genuine and that we are committed to following the example of Jesus. [39:55]
Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Reflection: Identify one marginalized person or group in your community. How can you show them compassion and mercy this week?
Day 4: Avoiding Favoritism
James challenges us not to judge others based on their appearance or social status. Favoritism is a sin, and it contradicts the royal law of loving our neighbor as ourselves. We must show compassion and mercy to all, regardless of their status, reflecting the inclusive love of Jesus. This means treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their wealth, appearance, or social standing. By avoiding favoritism, we show that our faith is genuine and that we are committed to loving our neighbors as ourselves. [49:54]
James 2:1-4 (ESV): "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, 'You sit here in a good place,' while you say to the poor man, 'You stand over there,' or, 'Sit down at my feet,' have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you may have shown favoritism. How can you make amends and ensure you treat everyone with equal respect and love?
Day 5: Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
James reminds us that all sin is equally condemnable before God, but through the law of freedom, which is the person and blood of Jesus Christ, we are set free. This freedom should compel us to show mercy to others, just as we have received mercy from God. Mercy smiles in the face of judgment, and we are called to live out this principle in our interactions with others. By showing mercy, we demonstrate that our faith is genuine and that we are committed to living out the teachings of Jesus. [01:07:44]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Think of someone you have judged harshly. How can you extend mercy to them today, reflecting the mercy you have received from God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are being tested every day of our lives through so many different things. So this has been a season of testing. Life is in itself a long test of what we're really made of on the inside. And it's true of our faith as well. When we think about our faith, this is where James is going to be going today. James says that our faith is going to be tested. But you know, it's not the outcome of these tests that determine whether we spend eternity in heaven or hell. It is the relationship that we have with Jesus Christ." [27:13]
2. "We live in a season of testing for our whole lives. I teach a course at Tarrant County College, it's just one course, but I love getting to this time of year for finals and it really even works even better when it's the fall semester going into Christmas, but I always love to tell my students, look, I have been taking tests for my whole career and now I get to give tests. And in the words of Jesus, it is more blessed to give than to receive." [27:13]
3. "We are responsible to be the church and to love people who are made in the image of God and who have received the same mercy that we have received. We have received of Jesus on the cross." [01:12:56]
4. "The reality is, because of the transformation that Jesus has made, your life and my life should look different. Amen? Alright, y'all are better than the 9 o'clock service. I can't even remember when we have services anymore. We've had so many different service times since I've been here at EVC, I can't even remember anymore what it is. But you guys are good. Audience participation is always welcomed when I'm here." [31:53]
### Quotes for Members
1. "He wants to challenge us with, by helping us know who we truly are. In verse 22, remember what it says. But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, and say this with me, you are only fooling yourselves. The word of God does not change for any culture, for any man. Amen? And so if we look into it and we do not see ourselves and we say, but I don't need to change, we are only fooling ourselves." [36:58]
2. "Does our speech reflect the transformational power of Jesus in our life? Does it? Not just what we say, but how we say it, as Bart brought out last week. The second thing, are we caring for the marginalized? Does our concern and action for people on the fringes reflect the activity of Jesus? What that really means is this. Does our care and activity for others, is it reflected to those who can do nothing for us in return?" [39:55]
3. "We cannot say that we have an authentic faith and not realize that in every face that I'm seeing, I'm seeing the image of God. You bear the image of God. You are his chosen people. You are his chosen person. You are his prized possession. I cannot look into your face and not understand that but for the grace of God over my sin that put Jesus on the cross, that you were worthy just as much, of his sacrifice as I am." [01:02:43]
4. "Mercy smiles in the face of judgment. So often when we read that, when we read that in the New Living Translation, what it actually looks like is, Don't worry. All is going to be okay. God's going to sweep all this up in the understanding of Jesus covering you in the end. And I don't think that's what it says. What I believe it says is, the same mercy that you've been giving should be shown in your life. And if it's not in your life," [01:07:44]
5. "Who are the people around me that have been pushed to the edge? How do I need to get involved in reaching them? As Bart said last week, don't wait for your church. You are the church. Don't wait for your pastors. You are a shepherd. Step in. Tell us how you're stepping in, and we will come around you and support you. Listen, there are so many needs in this community. There are so many needs. There are so many people, many that we have sought to reach out after, but many others who we don't see, but you see." [01:11:50]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 27, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?