1. How to Develop Real Faith (James 2:14-26)

2. A Brief Review Today’s lesson represents our ninth installment in this series of lessons taken from the book of James. The theme for our series is “How To” Christianity. We are seeking to learn practical ways in which we can address various spiritual matters.

3. Previous Lessons How To… Survive Trying Times(1:2-4) Obtain Wisdom(1:5-8) Survive Temptation(1:12-18) Address Our Anger(1:19,20) Secure Salvation(1:21) Become Doers of the Word (1:22-25) Embrace Pure Religion(1:26,27) Stop Showing Partiality(2:1-13)

4. How to Develop Real Faith Discuss the Importance of Faith Examine the Two Kinds of Faith Mentioned in Our Text Learn How to Develop Real Faith

5. The Importance of Faith Without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:1,6) We cannot be saved without faith. (Ephesians 2:8) As Christians we are to walk by faith and not by sight. (II Corinthians 5:7) If we do anything apart from faith it is sin. (Romans 14:23)

6. Two Types of Faith Mentioned in Our Text Profitless Faith (2:14-17) –This kind of faith believes, feels, and says all the right things but has no ACTION! –It is the kind of faith that leaves needs unmet and people’s lives unfulfilled. (2:14-17) –It is the kind of faith that is equal to that of demons. Yes, they believe in Jesus (Mark 3:11,12), but it does not bring about change in who they are! –Our text tells us this kind of faith is dead, useless, and vain (2:17,20,26)!

7. Two Types of Faith Mentioned in Our Text Powerful Faith (2:20-26) –This is the only type of faith that can save us! –It is a faith based not only upon believing the right things and saying the right things but also DOING the right things! (Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46) –This is illustrated in our text by two powerful examples: that of Abraham and that of Rahab (2:21-26). –The key to a powerful, perfect, and righteous faith is OBEDIENCE! If God wills it, we should do it!

8. How to Develop Powerful Faith The first step in developing powerful faith is to examine one’s own life. (II Corinthians 13:5) The second step in developing powerful faith is to pray that God will give us the courage to develop a working, obedient faith. (Matthew 21:22) And the third step in developing powerful faith is to involve ourselves with those who are actively seeking to do the will of God in their own lives.