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Self-Deception
(Sermon Notes)
By Warren Zehrung – February 6, 2010 |
The book, or epistle, of James contains timeless and deeply spiritual concepts that need to become a part of our lives.
In this letter to all Israel, and to us the Church of God, James addresses the matter of going on to perfection through faith.
Faith is a personal belief in God the Father.
Faith is a personal belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Faith is in the mind and heart.
Faith is accepting the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins.
**But, brethren, faith or believing is insufficient for salvation.
Faith does not entitle us to eternal life.
James addressed a problem in the Church – then and now – whereby some thought that “Faith” was the only requirement for salvation.
Ephesians 2
Some scriptures – when taken out of context – sound like “Faith Alone” is sufficient.
Paul wrote to the Ephesians:
Ephesians 2:
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
One of the purposes of the Epistle of James is to show how faith and works are both vital to salvation.
When God graciously gives us “faith” – our lives, our minds and our hearts change completely.
James 2
James shows that a true faith, – a right faith, produces good works – – – – Godly faith results in good works.
Put your marker here in James. This is our text for today.
James 2:
17 "Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone."
A right Faith must have works, also.
So we should ask the question of ourselves – what are my works?
Are my works what they should be – – so that I won’t have a dead faith?
Let’s talk about “Works” for a moment.
I have found in the Church of God that sometimes this concept of “works” is sometimes nebulous and vague.
What does James mean by "works?"
James used the same Greek word for “Works” that Paul used, "ergon," (where we get our English word ‘energy.’) which means to work, toil, do labor – as in, "Be ye doers of the word." …doing, …acting out…
James 1:
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
How are we ––– doers of the word – it is most important to know?
When James says “works” – he is speaking of Godly actions.
**“Works” are any deeds that are in accordance with God’s purposes.
Like:
Serving others…
Laying down your life to help others into the Kingdom of God.
Keeping the Ten Commandments
**Making personal sacrifices for the sake of others.
**“Works” are Doing things according to the Word of God.
Our “Works” are nothing less than the sum total of how we live our lives – for good or for bad.
James 1:
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Here is where the title of today’s sermon comes from - Self-Deception
There was a problem in the Church where people were claiming to have Faith – but they were mostly onlookers – seat warmers. And, not actively engaged in their Christian living.
God, in His wisdom, has recorded it for us – because it applies today – as it did then.
James 1:
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Protestants think that their faith in Jesus is entirely sufficient for salvation, and that they do not need to be doers of the word or keep the Law of God.
They have been taught that Jesus did it all for us – and that there is nothing required of us except "belief."
For example, God's Word says to keep the Sabbath holy, but they conclude that Jesus kept the Sabbath perfectly – so we don't have to keep it anymore.
Protestants would conclude that by keeping the Sabbath, we are trying to work for our salvation.
True faith in Jesus Christ, however, also means believing that we must do what Jesus taught we should be doing.
True faith therefore results in our obedience to the Word of God.
A right faith – a Biblical faith…
We read the Word of God – and then we follow through with action in our lives – and become doers of the word.
The definition of “works” then, as James is using it, means doing what God says to do – from keeping the Ten Commandments, right down to visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction. (James 1:27)
James 2:
17 "Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being [faith] alone."
James says there is a kind of Faith that is a dead faith. That faith does not lead to salvation.
John 2
That also means that it does not lead to eternal life.
Example of dead faith:
John 2:
23 Many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
24 But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because He knew all men. [Jesus knew theirs was not a faith unto action, deed and sacrifice]
John 8:
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in my word [doing, living, God’s Word], then are ye my disciples indeed;
Those with a dead faith are deceiving themselves.
Self-Deception - means they are only fooling themselves.
Martin Luther, a brilliant man, an Augustinian monk, a man of great zeal and founder of Protestantism, because he did not understand the truth of God, nor the writings of James, called James’ book, “an epistle full of straw.”
Martin Luther did not like James’ emphasis on “works.”
That is because Luther taught justification by faith alone.
Martin Luther took Paul’s words – as we saw in Ephesians 2 – “by grace are ye saved through faith” and he determined that Faith Alone saves you.
Those who reject this Biblical concept of works have ‘catch phrases’ that they use:
~The Law is nailed to the cross – you don’t have to keep it anymore
~Jesus did it all for us – He fulfilled the Law – we don’t have to worry about it.
Their faith is an acceptance of certain historical facts about Jesus – whom they realize they are supposed to love and worship – but do not know how to go about it – rejecting ‘works.’
Along with the Trinity, Justification by Faith Alone is the core doctrine of Protestantism today.
“Just believe on the Lord Jesus – and you will be saved!” Faith Alone!
Protestants put a pretty face on their faith:
~they speak of their LOVE for the Lord Jesus…
~they speak of their continually trusting in Jesus
~they speak of their devotion to Him
~ they speak of making progress in ‘loving holiness’…
But they actually know very little about Jesus Christ, beyond – He walked on water, raised the dead, fed the multitudes, and was crucified. And His resurrection – and from that they erroneously celebrate a pagan Easter.
Theirs is a sentimental and emotional religion that helps them to feel good about themselves.
But true works of faith are difficult -- Actions producing spiritual fruit --- and Commandment keeping – are all noticeably absent in Protestantism.
They know nothing of what Jesus taught that Christians should DO.
Protestants say that they submit to Jesus as their Lord and Master - without ever asking themselves, "How do I go about submitting to His law (Keeping the Sabbath etc.)
There is a fundamental disconnect in the unbeliever and it works like this:
They say, “I'm a believer, I'm saved, therefore I must be keeping the law of God - I don't even have to go back over those things. "It does not apply to me; I know that my faith is genuine."
Because they lack God’s Spirit, Protestants are unable to examine themselves.
Good advice from Paul: Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves" (II Corinthians 13:5). [That is a tough task.]
Brethren, God’s Spirit reveals how faith and works are both vital to salvation.
Jesus said “My Father works, and I work!
At the end of His life Jesus said, “I have finished the work which you gave me to do.” (John 17:4)
Warning: It is easy to see the lack of active doing in Protestants because by comparison – we look pretty good. Don’t be fooled.
Satan wants us to think that we are sitting pretty – but could we also be coming short when it comes to what we should be doing?
**The book of James contains over a dozen examples of wrong practices and self-deception.
Jesus said, "Take heed that you are not deceived" (Luke 21:8).
**There is a faith that will not save. [a dead faith]
We’ve talked about the Protestants – but James shows many examples of deadly faith in the Church of God.
He warns of deadly faith’s fatal consequences.
James gives us a checklist for spiritual growth and instructions on how to go on to perfection.
And, He also brings out examples of self-deception, false religion and dead faith – let’s keep our eye out for them.
The book of James is a contrast between good works and bad works.
…False religion and true religion.
… False faith and true faith.
James 1:
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
James tells us to count it all joy when we have various and different kinds of trials and problems that test our faith – knowing that trials prove and improve our faith.
James 1:
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. [not coming short in any area]
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering [faltering or doubting]. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
“Oh, God, give me wisdom.” Check???
Brethren, that short prayer is simply not enough – the Greek reveals that we must desire it with a doing faith of works in order to acquire wisdom!
James 1:
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. [Some works go with that request – like reading, studying and living the word of God.]
We come to our first example of a false faith:
James 1:
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. [he’s got a foot in the church and a foot in the world – actually his mind is in the world]
9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: [he can rejoice in that God is faithful to lift him up.]
10 But the rich, in that he is made low [humble]: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withers the grass, and the flower thereof falls, and the grace of the fashion of it perishes: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
God allows us to endure the trials that help bring us to perfection.
James 1:
12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation [trials]: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. [the love of God requires works on our part.]
Some people blame God when things are difficult, and they say He is being cruel or unfair.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts He any man:
Here’s another example of false religion:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Here is the result of having gotten something we have no right to:
James 1:
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. [that’s a dead faith]
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Brethren, it was only by the Will of God that we became His children:
James 1:
** 18 Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. [God has entrusted us with His Word – we will see in a moment that that imposes a duty and a responsibility on us to Be doers of the word]
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath:
Anger and fighting are a form of false religion:
James 1:
20 For the wrath of man [anger] works not the righteousness of God. [Anger will not produce good works. Getting angry is self defeating – self deceiving.]
21 Wherefore having laid aside [at our baptism] all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness [wickedness], receive [or accept the responsibility] with meekness the engrafted word [there’s God’s Word again], which is able to save your souls.
The choice is ours: Will we choose false religion or good works?
James 1:
** 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. [Self-Deception again]
At the end of the day we can ask ourselves, “Did I do anything tangible today to fulfill my faith.”
Protestants read a Scripture for the day that makes them feel good – but they do not do good works of faith.
Next James describes the false religion of self deception:
James 1:
** 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholds himself, and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was. [he did not change – faith accomplished nothing in him]
James says, “Don’t look at yourself in the mirror – but look into God’ Word to measure yourself properly as to what is being accomplished through good works.”
James 1:
25 But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. [He makes the sacrifices, he tames and subdues his passions, he takes wrong, he gives of himself, even his life so that others may profit – especially spiritually.]
James next gives an example of wrong works – false religion:
James 1:
26 If any man among you seems to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
We never know how much hurt, pain, destruction, and harm we can cause with our words. – In WWII there was a saying “Loose lips- sink ships.”
Even a little information misapplied can ruin reputations. Guarding your tongue is a Good Work.
Here is what God expects of us: : James 1:
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. [notice the actual doing – that is good works]
Visit the fatherless and widows means – take care of their needs – help them because they are disadvantaged.
CHAPTER 2
James goes on to make the point that practicing only selective good works while sinning in another area is false religion:
James 2:
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
**Better stated: You do not have the Faith of Jesus Christ if you have respect of persons.
James 2:
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3 And ye have respect to him that wears the good clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
God says, “Don’t have this attitude saying, “ The poor guy has nothing to offer me – he might even be an encumbrance or hindrance to me having a nice time.”
You are not loving the Lord – if you are not loving your brother.
James 2:
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
God has special plans for everyone – we have no idea what God plans for other people. Where do we get off dissing others? [To dis means holding in contempt, disregard, disrespect, criticizing, etc.]
James 2:
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love him?
James says that you are hobnobbing with the wrong people.
Don’t be friends with the world. [We will see this in James 4:4 in a few minutes.]
James 2:
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? [That is ‘evil’.]
8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced [convicted] of the law as transgressors.
False religion is being really good in some ways – while failing in others, saying in effect, “God will overlook my weakness – because I do the other so well”]
James 2:
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, [that’s works] and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. [you cannot pop a balloon – a little bit… you cannot break the Law of God a little bit – when you break God’s Law – you break the whole thing.]
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. [Obviously – the entire Law of God is to be kept.]
Don’t just talk a good game – say it and do it.
James 2:
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. [That is how to live – doing everything that Jesus taught. We need some help to do that – we need to be empowered by God’s Holy Spirit.]
We need some forgiveness when we come short – but we cannot say, “There are just some things God wants that are too hard – so I won’t do them.
James 2:
13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoices against judgment. [We need God’s mercy.]
James repeats himself here so that we remember what he is talking about in this epistle.
James 2:
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? [NO!]
James is going to give us a real life example showing that both faith and works are necessary:
James 2:
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Here is the false religion and Dead Faith:
James 2:
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? [It does not profit - it was a bunch of sentimental talk only without any works]
Notice how this is a common refrain – ringing out for all the world to hear in the book of James - He repeats it:
James 2:
** 17 Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yes, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
When Jesus says to do something – it is not a suggestion. Doing spiritual works is a Commandment.
“Belief” can be a false religion – in this verse here, It is false religion!
James 2:
19 You believe that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. [the point is: belief alone is insufficient]
** 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? [do we sacrifice in order to help others into the KoG]
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Sure, Abraham believed in God, but it was not until he was willing to DO what God asked (slaying Isaac) that he was justified - by works of obedience to God.
James 2:
** 22 Do you see how faith wrought [Faith is to be working] with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? [faith and works – together are necessary.]
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed [faith] God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. [accompanied by works]
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. [that’s one Scripture Martin Luther did not like]
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
[If Rahab had only said, “Good Luck, guys – her name would not be here.]
James 2:
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. [The body is dead without breath - James analogy says so is faith dead without works.]
CHAPTER 3
James 3:
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. [It is because we are all responsible for putting into action the things that we know. The more we know – the more we are responsible.]
James presents another choice between false religion and good works – or true Christianity:
James 3:
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. [We are to bring our mind, heart and actions.]
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great [huge], and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small rudder, where-so-ever the shipmaster wants.
Our very words demonstrate if we are practicing a false faith or if we are faithful to God’s Word:
James 3:
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Keep in mind that James is comparing false religion to the true faith of living according to God’s way.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. [we must constantly remind ourselves that God is not willing that any perish – but for all to come to Glory after the similitude of God (2 Peter 3:9) ]
10 Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? [No]
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? Either a vine, figs? So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
Here is the summation of the matter.
James 3:
** 13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation [and conduct] his works with meekness of wisdom.
To live according to the Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil is false religion – it is just like the world:
James 3:
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. [Not from God]
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
We are looking for Good Works – not Evil Works – which is false religion.
Good works is following Godly wisdom:
James 3:
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
CHAPTER 4
Another example of false religion:
James 4:
1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. [My way – my wants – that is not Godliness]
James was aware of so many abuses against Christianity within the Church. Over and over he says do not practice the false way – but be faithful to God’s way:
James 4:
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Enemy of God. Now, that is false religion!
James 4:
5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwells in us lusts to envy?
6 But he gives more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.
God’s ways are not our ways – they seem backward to the carnal mind:
James 4:
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. [Keep His Commandments – do His will – that is good works.] Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. [Repent and turn to God.]
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: [We sigh, cry, mourn, weep for those who are burdened] let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
There is a proper wrath. There is righteous anger. I heard that some church brethren in a large group had disregard, and even had disdain for some other church brethren in another group who were affected by a terrible earthquake. The large group made the comment, “They went out from us… serves ‘em right.” That made me angry, because the brethren who aren’t mourning and weeping - should be taught that we are all one Body of Christ.
Why aren’t those in the large group being taught, “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.” (I Corinthians 12:26) That is unity of the Spirit.
…let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Here is an example of True Christianity:
James 4:
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.
This is not True Christianity:
James 4:
** 11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother [my brother is not worthy – my brother has evil intentions], speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
[Will my words bring peace – will my words encourage?]
Later James will show that we are our brother’s keeper and we are obligated to get involved where serious sin is involved.
James 4:
12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: Who art thou that judges another? [Condemnation is harmful – not helpful]
False Religion does not seek God’s Will:
James 4:
13 Go to now, [Listen-up you] that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: [without seeking God’s Will]
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If it is the Lord’s Will, we shall live, and do this, or that. [That is Good Works.]
16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. [I, My, Me, Mine is arrogance and boasting.]
** 17 Therefore to him that knows to do good
[faith], and does it not [No good work.], to him it is sin. [Works are required – we must be doing, performing, sacrificing, helping in a good way]
CHAPTER 5
If God is not first – then you are following false religion.
James 5:
1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.
3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
Fraudulent business practices are Evil Works:
James 5:
4 Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cries: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. [hosts, armies]
5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton [luxury and excessive self-gratification]; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. [When you cook up the whole beef – there’s plenty to eat]
This person is not the Christian – he is the perpetrator of evil action.
James 5:
6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. [Matthew 5:39 Christians accept abuse without retaliation.]
Trust in God is good works:
James 5:
7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. [Do we have the patience and wisdom to know what is God’s will and how it will be performed.]
8 Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws near.
9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge stands before the door.
10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end [result] of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
13 Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms.
Brethren, we are going to end with Good Works: Be doers of the word:
James 5:
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
We do not know who that righteous person is. Good Works and righteousness are prerequisites to God applying the sufferings of Jesus Christ for our healing (1 Peter 2:24).
I John 3:
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
James 5:
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
James concludes with this powerful lesson: We are our brother’s keeper. Among all the good works that we are able to do, laying down our life in service to our brother is the greatest Good Work.
James 5:
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
You go to your brother who has a sin – and you turn him around at great personal cost to yourself.
James 5:
20 Let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Faith without good works is dead.
Let’s practice True and Pure religion.
Let’s hide a multitude of sins.
FR = False Religion or False Faith or Self-Deception
GW = Good Works or Doers of the Word or Key to Perfection
***
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"Self-Deception" |
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