In Deed & Truth

Phillips Chapel

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In Deed & Truth

James 2:21-26

May 1, 2022 • Ben Gibson • James 2:21–26

Give

Verse 20 is a rhetorical answer to the hypothetical argument presented by James in 2:18. “You believe your faith can stand alone. You think you can make me see it without any evidence. Instead, faith is documented and verified by our actions." In verse 20, he boldly declares, "Let me help you understand how this works!” To do so, James supplies three examples of faith that works itself out in deed and in truth.

The Final Call for Action

August 28, 2022 • Ben Gibson • James 5:19–20

We have come to the end of our study through James. Most New Testament epistles (letters) end with some form of benediction or prayer of blessing. Not James! He ends with a call to action. If faith without works is dead, then what does the congregation do when they witness worthless religion among their membership? How do we respond when someone strays from the gospel into legalism?

The Missing Ingredient

August 21, 2022 • James 5:13–18

I really like to cook. In particular, I like to make chocolate chip cookies. It is a simple recipe that I have refined over the years. Even though it is simple, precision with the ingredients is important. Too much baking soda and they turn into cake. Too little, and they fall flat. Too much flour turns them into bread. Too little and they have the consistency of a cracker. And, they just don't taste right without real vanilla. Now that you want cookies, here is my point: in essence, a faith that works is very much the same. In James 5:13 - 18, we learn the secret and often missing ingredient in a relationship built on faith is prayer. It is essential and we must give prayer the priority it deserves.

An Appeal For Integrity

August 14, 2022 • Ben Gibson • James 5:12

We know by now that how we speak is a serious matter when it comes to the practice of our faith. In James 5:12, the subject comes up again. It is one final command that gives our speech the sense of priority deserves.