The Demands of Faith James 2:18 I. Introduction. A. The basis for all service to God is faith. 1. One cannot serve nor please Jehovah without faith: Hebrews 11:6. 2. As one's faith grows stronger, one's service is greater. 3. When one's faith weakens, spiritual disaster is approaching. B. Faith, by itself, is not acceptable to God: James 2:14-17,20,24. 1. No better than the demons. 2. Point this out to denominations, but needs to be practiced by disciples. C. The challenge of James: James 2:18. 1. Demonstrated by apostles and early Christians. 2. They recognized the demands of faith: I Corinthians 16:13. II. Body. Faith demands... A. One accepts the word of God as opposed to the reasonings of men. 1. In fact, faith makes no provision for the speculations of humans. 2. One man's opinion is as good as anothers when used as the basis for faith. 3. Confidence can be in a man only to the degree that man speaks as the oracles of God: I Peter 4:11. 4. Faith is based on the power of God and not on the acts performed. a. Fulfilling the acts, however, is a result of God commanding such. b. Illustrate: fiery serpents(brass); baptism. B. Accepting the will of God over one's personal pride, ambitions, and goals. 1. It is not easy for one to subject his/her will to another. 2. The many attributes of the individual cry against submission. 3. Naaman put aside his pride to obey the command to dip.(II Kings 5) 4. Paul gave up his Hebrew ambitions to serve Christ.(And his goal: persecute Christians). 5. Pride prevents many from accepting the truth: note I Timothy 3:6-7. 6. Remember Matthew 6:33. C. Men recognize their own shortcomings and failures. 1. Paul did--even though he was a great apostle: I Corinthians 15:9. 2. The minute one thinks he is perfect, his imperfections show. 3. None can earn salvation; none are worthy of salvation. 4. Recognizing, accepting, and dealing with one's imperfections leads one to greater faith. 5. Comment on shortcomings and failures of others:(perceived or real) do not let such destroy your faith. D. The humility to accept the gifts and mercies of God. 1. We do not merit, nor did we(or will we) earn salvation: it is a gift! 2. All of the works and sacrifices one may do or offer will not, in themselves, make one acceptable to God. 3. Men have a tendency to boast of one's accomplishments(makes you feel good?). 4. The Pharisee and the publican: Luke 18:11-14. E. Complete and unaltered trust in the word of God. 1. Even in the Old Covenant: Psalm 119:11. 2. Faith accepts it as it is--without looking through prejudice, works of men or personal feelings. 3. We are to: Titus 2:1. 4. The right question: Romans 4:3. 5. The admonition: Titus 1:9. 6. Hence: Hebrews 4: 12. F. A life of righteousness and dedication to the service of God. 1. Faith leads one out of sin; faith keeps one from returning. 2. The instruction: I John 2:15-17. 3. Faith is what will keep one faithful to God: without it, one perishes. 4. Consider Demas: II Timothy 4:10. 5. For the faithful Paul: II Timothy 4:16-18. III. Conclusion. A. What demands can your and my faith meet? B. Will your and my faith lead to obedience and faithful living?(idea from Patrick Farrish(jy)