POSSESSING A FAITH THAT PRODUCES MUCH FRUIT
Ending Our Study
On Faith
This week, we end
our studies on faith from the book of James. It has been a wonderful
experience writing on the topic of having a vibrant faith in the Lord.
We are meant to have a faith that will produce much fruit. I hope that
as you read the articles concerning faith, you have been personally
challenged to cultivate your faith further. Faith is never an entity
that remains static. The mark of a genuine faith in Christ is that it
will result in good works. Brethren, do you see definite fruits in your
life?
Important Lessons
Of Faith We Have Learnt
What were some vital
lessons that we have learnt about faith from the book of James?
Let's review some of them.
1. Finding
Joy Even In Suffering
"Count
it all joy when you fall into various trials..." (James
1:2). It is vital that we do not lose our joy when we go through
times of testing. When we have knowledge concerning the testings that
come in our lives, we will be able to cope with them better. We will
still be able to rejoice though times are tough.
2. Being Doers
Of The Word (James 1:22)
Another lesson
that is worth highlighting is the challenge to practise God's word.
It is so easy to hear the messages from the word of God preached every
Sunday. However, it is hard to remember them. We must not only remember
what we have learnt, but must also be doers of the word. There must
be definite works in our lives. People will see our faith by our works.
When we do this, we will be blessed (James 1:25).
3. The Wise
Use Of Our Tongue
The tongue is
a small member of the body but it can inflict the most damage. It
is likened to a little fire that kindles a huge forest fire. It is
a "world of iniquity" (James 3:6). From the
same mouth that praises the Lord, there can come forth cursing and
swearing. It is crucial that we use our tongue most carefully and
with much wisdom from above.
4. The Challenge
To Pray Fervently
"The effective,
fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James
5:16). Faith must motivate us to pray with a deep sense of fervency.
Let's learn to persevere in prayer, trusting in the mercies of the
Lord. Faith must cause us to pray even more.
Getting Down
To Producing Fruit
James is a book
about producing fruitfulness. Brethren, let's get down to showing to
people our faith by our works. A faith without works is dead. Let's
truly be Christians whose faith will be perfected through the doing
of works.
