Word@Work James23 - James 2:23-24
Published: Thu, 03/12/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
TRUST AND OBEY
James 2:23-24 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. (NIV)
God tested Abraham, right down to the wire, to see if he was willing to sacrifice his most treasured son. As Genesis Ch. 22 reveals, God never wanted the boy Isaac to be harmed, but wanted to see if Abraham would be obedient and put God first. He wanted to see if Abraham's faith was in what he could see and was precious to him, or in the word of the invisible God. In the end, God provided a substitute sacrifice (a picture of how Jesus would be the substitute sacrifice for us).
We can never get everything right, but the most important thing is to trust that God is right - about everything (especially about our sinfulness and our need of Jesus as our Saviour; cf www.crosscheck.org.uk) - and do what He tells us in the Bible. Some people are not interested in being in the right with God: others would like to be at peace with Him, but are unwilling to do what He says. But God comes close to those who have the sort of faith in Jesus that is also willing to be obedient (cf Titus 2:11-14). God makes them right with Himself and calls them His friends.
Perhaps it is time to review your faith. Is it your way of looking good in church, or is it a part of your spiritual DNA, controlling every day at work and home as well. Do you behave differently at church and at work - if so, that indicates that you may agree with God but are not willing to take the necessary action. Or is your Christian faith so authentic that others want to trust the Jesus who has captivated your heart and lifestyle? That is how it should be, so why not ask for God's help to be like that?
Prayer: Lord God. I need to live a lifestyle that is consistent with my faith. That is what I want. Please forgive me for living as a hypocrite, and help me by Your Holy Spirit to repent and welcome You Word, so that I may obey. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
God tested Abraham, right down to the wire, to see if he was willing to sacrifice his most treasured son. As Genesis Ch. 22 reveals, God never wanted the boy Isaac to be harmed, but wanted to see if Abraham would be obedient and put God first. He wanted to see if Abraham's faith was in what he could see and was precious to him, or in the word of the invisible God. In the end, God provided a substitute sacrifice (a picture of how Jesus would be the substitute sacrifice for us).
We can never get everything right, but the most important thing is to trust that God is right - about everything (especially about our sinfulness and our need of Jesus as our Saviour; cf www.crosscheck.org.uk) - and do what He tells us in the Bible. Some people are not interested in being in the right with God: others would like to be at peace with Him, but are unwilling to do what He says. But God comes close to those who have the sort of faith in Jesus that is also willing to be obedient (cf Titus 2:11-14). God makes them right with Himself and calls them His friends.
Perhaps it is time to review your faith. Is it your way of looking good in church, or is it a part of your spiritual DNA, controlling every day at work and home as well. Do you behave differently at church and at work - if so, that indicates that you may agree with God but are not willing to take the necessary action. Or is your Christian faith so authentic that others want to trust the Jesus who has captivated your heart and lifestyle? That is how it should be, so why not ask for God's help to be like that?
Prayer: Lord God. I need to live a lifestyle that is consistent with my faith. That is what I want. Please forgive me for living as a hypocrite, and help me by Your Holy Spirit to repent and welcome You Word, so that I may obey. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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