uncovering counterfeit christianity religion in america:

Uncovering Counterfeit Christianity Fatal Assumptions: Exposing the (Part 3) Myths of Being “Born Again” James 2:14-26

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Religion in America: Kenneth Woodward - Newsweek • Religion: “Are you a believer? Provocative new surveys reveal a nation where

most claim to be religious but few take their faith seriously.”

Measure of Religious Commitment

Source: Ray C. Bliss Institute, The University of Akron • Implications: How do you know if you’re really “born-again?” Matthew 7:19-23

Committed 19% Secular

30%

Modestly Religious

22% Nominally Religious

29%



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James 2:14-26 14”What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If 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? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18But 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. 19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder. 20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 25In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?

26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

The Issue: What kind of faith saves a person? James 2:14



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Myth #1: James 2:15-17

I know my faith is real because I emotionally _____________ it! • Illustration: Sincerity and emotion without action. James 2:15-16

• Conclusion: Sincerity + Emotion – Action = . James 2:17

Myth #2:

I know my faith is real because I intellectually ____________ it! James 2:18-20 • An objector’s defense. James 2:18a

• James’ rebuttal. James 2:18b-20

• Conclusion: Accurate Knowledge + Emotion – Action = .

The Truth: Genuine faith always produces a changed life. James 2:21-26

• Exhibit A = Abraham James 2:21-24

• Exhibit B = Rahab James 2:25

• Summary Illustration James 2:26



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Theological Backdrop: Who is right – James or Paul?

James’ Focus Paul’s Focus

Vindication FAITH Justification

Fruit of Salvation FOCUS Root of Salvation

Laxity PROBLEM Legalism

To Demonstrate WORKS To Merit God’s Favor God’s Grace 8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, that no one should boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NAS)

Discussion Questions: 1. What is the major thesis of James’ argument in this passage? Read verses 14, 17,

20, and 26 out loud in your group. 2. What two myths does James expose as being “counterfeit” faiths and unable to

bring about salvation (spiritual new birth)? Give examples of how you have seen these two myths “play out” in our day and in your life and relationships.

3. Why do you think James used Abraham and Rahab to illustrate what “genuine” faith

looks like in real life? What did they have in common? What differences were there?

4. Discuss the “Niagara Falls” illustration as it relates to the truth of this message. How

does it help clarify what is meant in Scripture by “faith?” Have you ever “gotten in the wheelbarrow?”

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