WHAT IS FAITH?

                                                      James 2:14-26 (892)

                                              Hebrews 11:1,8,11,39-40 (889)

  Introduction

        A.  If you were asked to write the definition of faith, what would you write? Etc.

        B.  It doesn’t matter unless it is based on God’s word.

        C.  Let’s study the topic of faith by, first, noticing what faith is not, and, then,

             what faith is according to God’s word.

   I.  What faith is not

        A.  Faith isn’t just something we claim (NIV) or say (KJV).  James 2:14,18

             

        B.  Faith isn’t just expressing kind wishes (NIV) to people in need.  James 2:15-16

             

        C.  Faith isn’t just something that we believe.  James 2:19

        D.  Faith isn’t just believing  in the existence of God.  James 2:19

  II.  Faith is

        A.  Evidence when we don’t see it.  James 2:20-23; Heb. 11:1; Genesis 22:6-8,13-14

             

        B.  Obeying God when we don’t understand.  Hebrews 11:8

        C.  Trusting in God when we don’t receive an answer.  Hebrews 11:39-40

        D.  Endurance when we don’t feel like it.  Hebrews 11:27

        E.  Demonstrated by action.  James 2:17,20,24,26  (illustration of dead faith and

              living faith)

Conclusion

       A.  Faith is available to everyone who has access to God’s word.  Romans 10:17 (836)