FAITH BEYOND LIP SERVICE

DeAntwan Fitts
James 2:14-26

“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?” James 2:14 NLT

FAITH beyond lip service is more than religious expressions

“Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything?”
James 2:14 MES

“A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food.16 If you say to that person, "God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat," but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing.” James 2:15-16 NCV

FAITH beyond lip service is more than correct theology

“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (vs. 19)

He (the demon) shouted, "Jesus, Son of God in heaven, what do you want with me? Promise me in God's name that you won't torture me!" Mark 5:7 CEV

FAITH beyond lip service produces righteousness
Examples:

Abraham (21-24)

Rahab the prostitute (25-26)

How to use my Faith Beyond Lip Service to defeat the giants in my life:

F-Focus on God, not the Giants

“The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
1 Samuel 17:37 NIV

A-Act on biblical principles, not my feelings

“David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty” 1 Samuel 17:45a NIV

“These people are no better than senseless animals that live by their feelings and are born to be caught and killed.”
2 Pet 2:12 CEV

C-Confront the Giant, don’t run away

“As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.” 1 Samuel 17:48 NIV

E-Expect God to work for His glory and my good

“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands." 1 Samuel 17:47

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:28 NIV