HOW TO HAVE REAL CHRISTIAN FAITH
A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t

August 30, 2020
James 2:14-26
Vs. 17 – Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead.
Who is right, James or Paul? They both are.
Paul (Gal. 2:16) & James (James 2:24)
Problem Legalism Laxity
Works Jewish Laws Christian Lifestyle
Focus Root of Salvation Fruit of Salvation
(internal/unseen) (external/seen)
Purpose How to Know How to show
I’m a Christian I’m a Christian
Ephesians 2:8-10 – For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, for a life of good works which
God has already prepared for us to do.

What Is Real Faith?

1. Real faith is not just something you say.
Vs. 14 – What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith
save him?

Matthew 7:20-23

2. Real faith is not just something you feel.
Vs. 15-16 – Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him,
“Go, I wish you well, keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is
it?
I John 3:17 – If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him,
how can the love of God be in him?
Vs. 17 – In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.

3. Real faith is not just something you think.
Vs. 18 – But someone will say, “You have faith, I have deeds.” Show me your faith without your
deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
II Corinthians 5:17
4. Real faith is not just something you believe.
Vs. 19 – You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder.
5. Real faith is something you do.
Illustrations: Two Very Different People
• Abraham (Vs. 20-24)
• Rahab (Vs. 25)
II Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith, test yourselves.