Pastor Katie Weisbrod – May 12, 2019

Key Idea: Choose to follow God with a living faith // Key Passage: James 2:14-26

SUMMARY:

James wrote this book to encourage, love, and direct the people of God. His motivation is love. The Jewish people’s religious identity was tied to their national identity. Their religious expression was based on good works or keeping the Law. Jesus came and fulfilled the Law. He came to do what God knew humans could not do, which was to keep the Law of God perfectly. Jesus saved us by grace, apart from works. We no longer have to keep the Law to be made right with God; it is by God’s grace. However, when we think that ‘good works’ aren’t important, we miss the heart of the Law—LOVE!

A Living Faith

God is calling us to a living faith.
- If faith is dead (James uses the word corpse), it is no longer fulfilling its purpose. (James 2:17)
- The church can easily compartmentalize faith, but faith cannot live in a vacuum. (James 2:18-19)
- Faith that functions without works is belief. (Even the demons believe.)
Belief says He exists, faith says I choose to follow Him.
- In the ministry of our lives, God has given each of us gifts that we can use to love and serve others. (Titus 3:8; 1 Peter 4:10)
- God has already prepared the good works for us. We don’t need a checklist to check off good works. He intended for us to live under grace. (Ephesians 2:10)
- Jesus came as a servant (Philippians 2:5) and modeled for us how to live our lives.
- The greatest command is to love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. This is not specific about how to love others.
- God wants us to take the gifts He has given us and what we are passionate about, to pursue Him and love others.
- Every life has a mission and every mission has a ministry. There is a life, a mission, and a ministry that you are uniquely created to live out.
Anyone can choose faith
- Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel (Genesis), and Rahab, the prostitute (Judges)
- In the moment, they chose by faith to be bold and trust God. Both are in the lineage of Jesus, and both are listed in the ‘Faith Hall of Fame’ in Hebrews 11.
- We have God-given value and a God-given ministry. Sometimes we can’t see the ministry in our lives, but it does not mean it isn’t there. In the meantime, we love God and trust Him to be the good and faithful God He is.

Application:

How can we choose to follow and have a living faith?

Respond with faith to what we are facing in our lives.
- God is a good God. We can trust Him to be faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). God cannot, nor will He ever, fail (Luke 1:37).
- Love the Lord and follow Him.
- Love your children and encourage them.
Every day, be salt and light.
- Love.
- John 13:34-35

Reflection:

Throughout the week in your own time with the Lord, you can use these reflection questions as a way to deepen your relationship with God. Reflect on these questions in the presence of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to shine a light into your heart.

1) If we think about faith as belief and living faith as trust, which is the most difficult for you? Why?

2) What are some of the natural gifts God has given you (e.g. talents, skills, abilities, etc.)? What are you passionate about? Do you see these gifts and passions as separate from your life of faith and ministry, or do you see these gifts and passions integrated into your life of faith and ministry? Or maybe you have never even thought about it?

3) Do you ever feel like you don’t measure up or you are somehow disqualified from having a mission or a ministry? “Every life has a mission and every mission has a ministry.” Is it easy or difficult for you to believe that this applies to you? Why?

4) Both Abraham (father of the nation of Israel) and Rahab (a prostitute), leading two very different lives, are in the lineage of Jesus, and both are listed in the ‘Faith Hall of Fame’. Why do you think James included references specifically to these two individuals in his letter to the people of God scattered among the nations? What message does James want people to understand about God’s grace, works, and a living faith?

5) What are some practical ways you can love others this week with your gifts and your passion? Ask God to build in you a living faith to trust Him even more, especially in those areas of your life where you are facing significant pressure or challenges.

FAQs:

What if I struggle with believing that my life has a mission and a ministry?

Everyone struggles at times with believing that they have unique gifts and passions that God wants to use to love and serve others. God is always present and always listening. He knows you better than you know yourself. Take your struggle to Him and ask Him for help. Talk to someone at church who is wearing a “Team Member” badge on Sunday, or share in your small group.

I want to read the Bible but I’m not sure where to start. I don’t have a Bible.

If you are not familiar with the Bible and you aren’t sure where to start, you can always start reading about the life of Jesus in the book of John in the New Testament. If you don’t have a Bible, let someone who is wearing a “Team Member” badge on Sunday morning that you don’t have a Bible and would like one.

Full Podcast Episode: https://banner.church/podcast/2019/5/13/follow-pt3-mothers-day-51219