PULPIT CURRICULUM Authentic Faith

Pastor Derek A. Ward March 8 to March 13, 2020

1. GOING DEEPER James 2: 14-26

1.1) (a) Explain what is meant by the terms "Intellectual faith" and "Emotional faith". (b)How might each of these types of

faith be demonstrated in our interactions with someone who is going through a very difficult situation (vs 15-16)? (c) In

contrast, how might genuine faith respond in the same circumstance? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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1.2) (a) With reference to verses 18-20, is it possible to believe in the existence and power of God the Father, Son and Holy

Spirit but not be saved? (b) Does verse 21 contradict the doctrine of justification by faith alone? (c) What is the correct

perspective that a Christian should have on the balance of faith and works?

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1.3) (a) Discuss what is meant by "dead faith." (b) Besides Abraham and Rahab mentioned by James in Chapter 2, which

other characters in the Old or New Testament demonstrated active faith? (c) How can we cultivate a dynamic faith in our

day to day walk with Christ?

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2. ASSESS YOUR LIFE 2.1) What is the current level of your faith?

2.2) In what areas of your life do you need to demonstrate your authentic faith in God?

1. ____________________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________________

3.____________________________________________________________________________

3. APPLICATION Of the list above, which one(s) will you be intentional about working on this week with the

help of the Holy Spirit? (Who will hold you accountable)?

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Verse of The Week James 2:22-23 (ESV)

“ You see that faith was active

along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it

was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was

called a friend of God.

My faith is non-existent and needs to be awakened by the

power of the Holy Spirit

My faith is merely intellectual…I know the right

Christian things to say

My faith is based on an emotional response to the

things of God

I have a growing faith that is usually evidenced by my actions

I have a dynamic, active faith that is worked out in every

situation of my life

Sermon Main Points Sermon Highlights Believers are called to walk by ‘faith and not by sight’. In your pursuit of an authentic faith, it is important to be aware that… Dead faith is deceptive; avoid it! Dynamic faith is active; work it!

When we speak of authentic faith, we are referring to a belief and confidence in God that is so real, that we are convicted to act according to that belief. Faith that is only spoken of is intellectual. Faith that only evokes an emotional response is in your heart. The faith of a person who professes to have a belief in God but fails to demonstrate such by his actions, is useless. Faith that is active and dynamic is a response of the will .

5 Day Study Plan “Study to show yourself approved unto God…”

Day 1

Matthew 25:35-40 What I learned (observation / interpretation): How I will Respond (application):

Observation (What does the text say?)

When observing the text, look for • Who… wrote the book …

who is it about … who did/ said this?

• What… is happening? • Where… did this take

place? • When… did it happen? • Keywords (significant,

repeated, emphasized), • Transition words

(because, therefore, so then, but),

• Commands (clear action statements).

Interpretation (What does the text mean?

When interpreting the text, examine • What is the main theme…

what is the meaning of key words)?

• Read cross references • Compare translations • Summarize the big idea • Use commentaries (last

thing)

Application (How should this affect Me?)

When applying the text, ask “How should this change the way I think, speak, act? Seek to identify

• Sins to confess? • Promises to claim? • Examples to follow? • Actions to obey? • Knowledge to grow in?

Day 2

Ephesians 2:8-10 What I learned: How I will Respond:

Day 3

Romans 4:1-4 What I learned: How I will Respond:

Day 4

Joshua 6:17 What I learned: How I will Respond:

Day 5

Luke 6:46-49 What I learned: How I will Respond:

Harvest Bible Chapel Barbados – 2020 -