The Book of James: Trusting What You Believe
Do I absolutely trust what I believe?
James 2:17 it says, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Three ways our lives change when we move from just faith to absolute trust in God.
"Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days." James 5:1–3
1. Mine to His – Hoarding to Stewardship
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19–21
Mere Faith says: “I believe God is my provider… but I still need to hold tightly to everything just in case.”
Trust says: “It all belongs to God.”
2. How We Treat Others
"Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty." James 5:4
Mere Faith: allows us to segment our lives
Trust: integrates everything.
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
3. Self to Eternity
"You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you." James 5:5-6
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15
Mere Faith: It’s fine with comfort
Trust: Looks beyond the temporary
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
“an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” 1 Peter 1:4a
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
One step from mere faith to absolute trust:
- A Step in Stewardship
- A Step in Integrity
- A Step in Prayer