January 7, 2024
In Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews, which is called the “Hall of Faith,” there are 16 detailed examples of people walking by faith. 12 are examples of Faith that Obeyed, 3 are examples of Faith that Spoke what they believed, and 1 was an example of Faith that Received answers to prayer.
Deep Faith Develops Fruit
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. New King James Version
James is writing his book to Jewish believers, but it’s also for all believers. His original audience loved this world more than God (James 4) and were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus by other Jews. They are being tempted to deny Jesus and go back to Judaism. That is what the first 18 verses of chapter one address. The most famous statement in those first 18 verses would be “Count it all Joy when you fall into trials!”
At the end of chapter one, and in chapter two, James deals with their number one deficiency as Christians. Their “faith” didn’t have corresponding actions. They only had, and were on the verge of losing, what we call “Salvation Faith.” They believed in Jesus for salvation but didn’t pursue Him, obeying what He instructed them to do. “Salvation Faith alone is Shallow Faith.” James is writing to them to teach them what Deep Faith looks like.
James 1:22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. New Living Translation
James 1:23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. New Living Translation
James 1:25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you dowhat it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. New Living Translation
James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. New International Version
James 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. New International Version
Top Three Signs of Deep Faith
Deep Faith LOVES God
The Person we Love the Most is the Person we Live to Please
Luke 14:25 Great crowds were following him. He turned around and addressed them as follows: 26 “Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own life—otherwise he cannot be my disciple. Living Bibles
When we love God more than anyone, including ourselves, He will Work Every Negative Situation Out for Our Good (Romans 8:28), and we will receive the 100-fold blessing of Deep Relationships, Natural and Eternal Blessings! (Mark 10:29-31, Matthew 6:33)
Deep Faith FOLLOWS God
Luke 14: 27 And no one can be my disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me. The Living Bible
When we Follow Jesus, we will Grow Spiritually and Find Freedom where We Struggle (1Peter 2:2). God will Flood Us with Joy and Purpose (John 15:9-11, Matthew 16:24-25) and He will reveal secret things and himself to us (John 14:21)
Deep Faith SERVES People
Matthew 20:26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” New International Version
When we Serve in God’s Family, God calls Us Great and Make Us First in Eternity! (Matthew 20:26-28)