Message 4: Believing in Action
MESSAGE FOUR:
Turn to James 1:21-25
God has every one of you in His sight. He sees you exactly as you are. And loves you regardless.
But He isn’t satisfied. He sees the mess of our lives and He says: “I just can’t have that.” So He has created a process by which we can be changed into what we were always meant to be:
The process begins with:
1. FAITH: “Faith is the gift from God that moves me away from fleshly and soulish living into spiritual living.”
When we receive the ‘gift of faith’, we also receive a new…
2. IDENTITY: “Because of Faith, I belong to God and His Kingdom.”
And through the gift of faith – we discover who we really are.
Now that we know who we really are, God calls us to take our faith and put it into action. To…
3. BELIEVE: “To believe is to take action steps which demonstrate my new identity.”
Now, this word: “Believe” is what we are focusing on today. So we will come back to it in a minute. But let me continue this description of the process God takes us through in order to restore us. Once we begin to take action steps – to believe in our new identity – than God is able to do…
4. MIRACLES: “Miracles are God taking action.”
God cannot do miracles in your life so long as you are living as if He doesn’t exist. Once you begin to live as a true believer – then the action starts to heat up! We will see things happen in and through our lives that demonstrate His presence and power.
In the believing and seeing miracles – we discover who God really is.
Now, these miracles have an impact, not only upon us, but upon those around us. The miracles show us something:
5. MIRACLES: “The undeniable action of miracles demonstrates the character of God.”
When God begins to intervene in our lives – we see just how good He really is. All of the false things we believe about are stripped away, and we get to know Him and are blown away by His amazing character and generosity towards us!
And then, we have stories to share. We have a…
6. TESTIMONY: “God is becoming increasingly real and increasingly loved by us!”
Through our stories – our testimonies – God is glorified!
And as God is glorified, we are finally fulfilling His original intent for our lives! The restoration is made full!
But – I said today we are going to focus on the third word…
• BELIEVE.
Frequently we think that the word “Faith” and the word “Believe” are synonymous. But they aren’t. “Faith” is the gift that God gives, and “Believe”…
“To believe is to take action steps which demonstrate my new identity.”
The Apostle James wrote these words:
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or 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? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do… “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:14-18, 26
Faith and action are linked. You aren’t saved by your actions, but your actions demonstrate your salvation! Faith must be translated to action. Walking in faith is where true belief is demonstrated.
In fact the Bible uses two words for FAITH or BELIEVE:
1. The first word is a noun – pistis – frequently translated “Faith” or “Believe” - and it means: “conviction of truth.” – When you come to Christ – by faith – He is giving you something – a gift that says: “I am convinced of the truth of the Gospel.” This is a gift you possess.
2. The second word is a verb – pisteuo – “pist-yoo-o” – frequently translated “Believer” and it means: “To trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something.” In other words, to be a believer is to trust God to enable you to do something that you cannot do yourself!
That’s what we are talking about today – living as true BELIEVERS in action that demonstrates our dependence upon God!
“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:21-25
We are going to go through this section of scripture – line by line – in order to see God’s intent for us regarding ACTION STEPS OF BELIEVING.
Look at the first part of vs. 21:
21a Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent,
• This is all about the PROCESS of RENEWAL and RESTORATION that God wants to do in your life.
• Wouldn’t you agree that SOULISH and FLESHLY living have made a mess of our lives?
• God says: Get rid of it! It’s hard to misunderstand that isn’t it?
It is God’s intention for you to be fully restored to His Image. You were made in His image, but sin has badly messed you up. He wants you to experience His original design – free from the stain of sin! Free from the flesh and the soul trying to be in charge. Instead we are told to…
“Be filled with the Spirit…” Ephesians 5:18 – because it is as we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, we are empowered to ‘get rid’ of all the garbage!
How? Look at the next part of vs. 21:
21b “and humbly accept…”
God has what you need – He provides it through the GIFT of FAITH – you can be made new in Christ!
What must you do? “humbly accept” the gift.
Jesus said:
“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”” Luke 18:17
We come in – now standing tall and proud, but willingly acknowledging our brokenness and need.
We humbly accept…
21c “…the word planted in you, which can save you.”
God plants something new in you: He plants Himself. He gives you – through Christ – the Holy Spirit – so that you can enjoy a new identity as God’s child! Remember last week…
“I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” Song of Solomon 6:3
We are adopted into a new family – the family of God – as we receive the gift of faith! He makes us into new people! We aren’t orphans any longer – we are God’s kids!
At a deeper level – our identity changes from being a person just trying to make his way through life into becoming a truly spiritual person – getting to know God and getting to know the ways of the Holy Spirit so that when we leave this earth, Heaven will not come as such a shock to us!
I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again: “You aren’t a physical person having a spiritual experience, you are a spiritual person having a physical experience!”
That’s why we have to embrace our new identity. We have to pursue what it means to be a part of God’s very own family! We have to explore the realities of God through the Presence and Power of His Holy Spirit living within us!
Because this is the truest thing about you: You belong to God!
Now, because of this reality – James writes in verse 22:
22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
• Because of the gift of faith, because of the new identity – BELIEVE!
• Because of the gift of faith, because of the new identity – TAKE ACTION!
• Because of the gift of faith, because of the new identity – DO WHAT GOD SAYS!
What we do is based upon who we are.
Who we are is based upon what God says. He defines us.
The Spirit says “So, don’t just sit there today – listening to another message from God’s word – do what I’m instructing you to do! Take action! Get up and move! Go with me! There is nothing I require of you that will not result in good for you! Believe! Take action! Do what I say!”
James gives a good illustration of what DISOBEDIENCE and NOT TAKING ACTION is like in verse 23 & 24:
23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
To not take action – to not believe – is to forget who you really are.
When I disobey the Lord, when I do not take action, I am pretending to be someone that I am not. I am pretending to be merely a man of flesh.
But that man of flesh – has to be killed off daily. I know that I am in a war of the spirit – and that if I do not kill off the flesh man daily, he will rear his ugly head and try to take leadership in my life again.
Paul puts it this way in Ephesians 4:22-24:
“Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. 23 Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness – righteous, holy, and true.” Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT
You have a new nature – a new identity – created in God’s likeness! Don’t forget! This is the true you. Don’t forget! This is who you really are! Don’t forget!
Verse 25 tells us how not to forget:
25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
• Do you want to remember your true identity – and take the action steps – the BELIEVER’S ACTIONS – that reflect your true identity?
• Do you want to kill off that old nature – so that you true new nature can rise up to it’s proper place?
• Do you desire to be a truly spiritual – Spirit-filled – person so that you can get to know God as He truly is?
Then – James writes: “look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continue to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it…”
“look intently…” – to stoop down and look deeply. Intense effort to know. We live in an age of superficiality – and God calls us to ‘look intently’ – to stoop down and take a good long look. To examine…
‘the perfect law…” – Christ said that He didn’t come to do away with the Law – but to fulfill it! When we look at God’s plans for our lives – we are going to find fulfillment! He lead us to the restoration and renewal that we desire by His way – not our way. How long have you tried ‘your way’ – and how did ‘your way’ turn out? God’s way is perfect! And God’s way…
“gives freedom…” This is the result of allowing God to transform your life ‘freedom!’ Christ didn’t come to take away your life – He came to give you true life! Your renewal will take you to places you only hoped were possible! Imagine a living faith that brings freedom! Imagine no dead rituals but a living dynamic enjoyable relationship with God! This is the result of BELIEVING in ACTION!
James goes on to say…
“and continue to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it…”
Continuing to DO – through thick and thin – through good times and bad – this is the key to becoming who you were created to be. Obeying God when it is hard. Showing up when you’d rather stay in bed. Serving when you’d rather be served. Giving when you have little to give. Conquering fears with faith when the odds are stacked against you!
Do you see the connection between our ACTION and God’s RESPONSE? There is one. Are you feeling distant from God? Did you do the last thing He told you to do?
Look again at verse 25:
25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.”
Read me the last eight words beginning with ‘he will…’
God desires to move on your behalf.
He promises to bring blessing into your life when you take BELIEVING ACTION STEPS.
The King James Version of this verse concludes this way:
“this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
• The doing of BELIEVING is the blessing.
• The doing of FAITH ACTION STEPS enables you to feel the pleasure of God towards you.
• The doing of OBEDIENCE is reward in itself.
You lay your head down on the pillow – secure in the knowledge that you – as a new person in Christ, are exercising actions that demonstrate the presence of Christ. There is a level of satisfaction that comes from this that cannot come in any other way.
CONCLUSION:
Believing is obedience:
And we can only take these action steps, as our faith becomes our identity. As we truly become – first and foremost – the people of God! As our faith impacts us, changes our identity, and causes us to ACT based upon WHO we really are!
What ACTION STEPS OF FAITH are you needing to take?
Turn to James 1:21-25
God has every one of you in His sight. He sees you exactly as you are. And loves you regardless.
But He isn’t satisfied. He sees the mess of our lives and He says: “I just can’t have that.” So He has created a process by which we can be changed into what we were always meant to be:
The process begins with:
1. FAITH: “Faith is the gift from God that moves me away from fleshly and soulish living into spiritual living.”
When we receive the ‘gift of faith’, we also receive a new…
2. IDENTITY: “Because of Faith, I belong to God and His Kingdom.”
And through the gift of faith – we discover who we really are.
Now that we know who we really are, God calls us to take our faith and put it into action. To…
3. BELIEVE: “To believe is to take action steps which demonstrate my new identity.”
Now, this word: “Believe” is what we are focusing on today. So we will come back to it in a minute. But let me continue this description of the process God takes us through in order to restore us. Once we begin to take action steps – to believe in our new identity – than God is able to do…
4. MIRACLES: “Miracles are God taking action.”
God cannot do miracles in your life so long as you are living as if He doesn’t exist. Once you begin to live as a true believer – then the action starts to heat up! We will see things happen in and through our lives that demonstrate His presence and power.
In the believing and seeing miracles – we discover who God really is.
Now, these miracles have an impact, not only upon us, but upon those around us. The miracles show us something:
5. MIRACLES: “The undeniable action of miracles demonstrates the character of God.”
When God begins to intervene in our lives – we see just how good He really is. All of the false things we believe about are stripped away, and we get to know Him and are blown away by His amazing character and generosity towards us!
And then, we have stories to share. We have a…
6. TESTIMONY: “God is becoming increasingly real and increasingly loved by us!”
Through our stories – our testimonies – God is glorified!
And as God is glorified, we are finally fulfilling His original intent for our lives! The restoration is made full!
But – I said today we are going to focus on the third word…
• BELIEVE.
Frequently we think that the word “Faith” and the word “Believe” are synonymous. But they aren’t. “Faith” is the gift that God gives, and “Believe”…
“To believe is to take action steps which demonstrate my new identity.”
The Apostle James wrote these words:
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or 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? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do… “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:14-18, 26
Faith and action are linked. You aren’t saved by your actions, but your actions demonstrate your salvation! Faith must be translated to action. Walking in faith is where true belief is demonstrated.
In fact the Bible uses two words for FAITH or BELIEVE:
1. The first word is a noun – pistis – frequently translated “Faith” or “Believe” - and it means: “conviction of truth.” – When you come to Christ – by faith – He is giving you something – a gift that says: “I am convinced of the truth of the Gospel.” This is a gift you possess.
2. The second word is a verb – pisteuo – “pist-yoo-o” – frequently translated “Believer” and it means: “To trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something.” In other words, to be a believer is to trust God to enable you to do something that you cannot do yourself!
That’s what we are talking about today – living as true BELIEVERS in action that demonstrates our dependence upon God!
“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:21-25
We are going to go through this section of scripture – line by line – in order to see God’s intent for us regarding ACTION STEPS OF BELIEVING.
Look at the first part of vs. 21:
21a Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent,
• This is all about the PROCESS of RENEWAL and RESTORATION that God wants to do in your life.
• Wouldn’t you agree that SOULISH and FLESHLY living have made a mess of our lives?
• God says: Get rid of it! It’s hard to misunderstand that isn’t it?
It is God’s intention for you to be fully restored to His Image. You were made in His image, but sin has badly messed you up. He wants you to experience His original design – free from the stain of sin! Free from the flesh and the soul trying to be in charge. Instead we are told to…
“Be filled with the Spirit…” Ephesians 5:18 – because it is as we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, we are empowered to ‘get rid’ of all the garbage!
How? Look at the next part of vs. 21:
21b “and humbly accept…”
God has what you need – He provides it through the GIFT of FAITH – you can be made new in Christ!
What must you do? “humbly accept” the gift.
Jesus said:
“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”” Luke 18:17
We come in – now standing tall and proud, but willingly acknowledging our brokenness and need.
We humbly accept…
21c “…the word planted in you, which can save you.”
God plants something new in you: He plants Himself. He gives you – through Christ – the Holy Spirit – so that you can enjoy a new identity as God’s child! Remember last week…
“I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” Song of Solomon 6:3
We are adopted into a new family – the family of God – as we receive the gift of faith! He makes us into new people! We aren’t orphans any longer – we are God’s kids!
At a deeper level – our identity changes from being a person just trying to make his way through life into becoming a truly spiritual person – getting to know God and getting to know the ways of the Holy Spirit so that when we leave this earth, Heaven will not come as such a shock to us!
I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again: “You aren’t a physical person having a spiritual experience, you are a spiritual person having a physical experience!”
That’s why we have to embrace our new identity. We have to pursue what it means to be a part of God’s very own family! We have to explore the realities of God through the Presence and Power of His Holy Spirit living within us!
Because this is the truest thing about you: You belong to God!
Now, because of this reality – James writes in verse 22:
22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
• Because of the gift of faith, because of the new identity – BELIEVE!
• Because of the gift of faith, because of the new identity – TAKE ACTION!
• Because of the gift of faith, because of the new identity – DO WHAT GOD SAYS!
What we do is based upon who we are.
Who we are is based upon what God says. He defines us.
The Spirit says “So, don’t just sit there today – listening to another message from God’s word – do what I’m instructing you to do! Take action! Get up and move! Go with me! There is nothing I require of you that will not result in good for you! Believe! Take action! Do what I say!”
James gives a good illustration of what DISOBEDIENCE and NOT TAKING ACTION is like in verse 23 & 24:
23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
To not take action – to not believe – is to forget who you really are.
When I disobey the Lord, when I do not take action, I am pretending to be someone that I am not. I am pretending to be merely a man of flesh.
But that man of flesh – has to be killed off daily. I know that I am in a war of the spirit – and that if I do not kill off the flesh man daily, he will rear his ugly head and try to take leadership in my life again.
Paul puts it this way in Ephesians 4:22-24:
“Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. 23 Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness – righteous, holy, and true.” Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT
You have a new nature – a new identity – created in God’s likeness! Don’t forget! This is the true you. Don’t forget! This is who you really are! Don’t forget!
Verse 25 tells us how not to forget:
25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
• Do you want to remember your true identity – and take the action steps – the BELIEVER’S ACTIONS – that reflect your true identity?
• Do you want to kill off that old nature – so that you true new nature can rise up to it’s proper place?
• Do you desire to be a truly spiritual – Spirit-filled – person so that you can get to know God as He truly is?
Then – James writes: “look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continue to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it…”
“look intently…” – to stoop down and look deeply. Intense effort to know. We live in an age of superficiality – and God calls us to ‘look intently’ – to stoop down and take a good long look. To examine…
‘the perfect law…” – Christ said that He didn’t come to do away with the Law – but to fulfill it! When we look at God’s plans for our lives – we are going to find fulfillment! He lead us to the restoration and renewal that we desire by His way – not our way. How long have you tried ‘your way’ – and how did ‘your way’ turn out? God’s way is perfect! And God’s way…
“gives freedom…” This is the result of allowing God to transform your life ‘freedom!’ Christ didn’t come to take away your life – He came to give you true life! Your renewal will take you to places you only hoped were possible! Imagine a living faith that brings freedom! Imagine no dead rituals but a living dynamic enjoyable relationship with God! This is the result of BELIEVING in ACTION!
James goes on to say…
“and continue to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it…”
Continuing to DO – through thick and thin – through good times and bad – this is the key to becoming who you were created to be. Obeying God when it is hard. Showing up when you’d rather stay in bed. Serving when you’d rather be served. Giving when you have little to give. Conquering fears with faith when the odds are stacked against you!
Do you see the connection between our ACTION and God’s RESPONSE? There is one. Are you feeling distant from God? Did you do the last thing He told you to do?
Look again at verse 25:
25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.”
Read me the last eight words beginning with ‘he will…’
God desires to move on your behalf.
He promises to bring blessing into your life when you take BELIEVING ACTION STEPS.
The King James Version of this verse concludes this way:
“this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
• The doing of BELIEVING is the blessing.
• The doing of FAITH ACTION STEPS enables you to feel the pleasure of God towards you.
• The doing of OBEDIENCE is reward in itself.
You lay your head down on the pillow – secure in the knowledge that you – as a new person in Christ, are exercising actions that demonstrate the presence of Christ. There is a level of satisfaction that comes from this that cannot come in any other way.
CONCLUSION:
Believing is obedience:
And we can only take these action steps, as our faith becomes our identity. As we truly become – first and foremost – the people of God! As our faith impacts us, changes our identity, and causes us to ACT based upon WHO we really are!
What ACTION STEPS OF FAITH are you needing to take?
posted by Doug Love at 10:18 AM
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