Text: Mark 1:21-34

Every people of every culture throughout all of history have believed in a higher power(s), the supernatural, a cosmic force, or some deity greater than humanity.  We just know intuitively there is something out there greater than ourselves. But we can't stop there!

Do you believe in the God of the Bible? Do you believe in a Creator God who sent His Son to die for your sins?  If you're reading this, you probably do.  But you can't stop there!
 

I feel James' sarcasm as he engages in a brief conversation with an imaginary opponent. "You believe...good for you! The agents of evil are in agreement also."  The demons even recognized Jesus as God in the flesh.

So the point James is making in this context is that faith isn't really faith if it doesn't obey God. Faith is not mere intellectual assent in God and in Jesus. True faith results in good works. We show our faith not just by what we think or by what we feel but by what we do.  Faith acts.

Jesus was God in the flesh.  As we study the book of Mark over the next month, we are watching Jesus interact with humanity.  We are learning how Jesus deals with broken people. We are observing Jesus responding to the religious insiders.  We see Jesus' dependence upon prayer and His Father's moment-by-moment guidance. We are listening to Jesus tell parables and speak about God's coming Kingdom.  We are focusing on the deeds of Jesus, taking note of His service and sacrifice. We are learning how faith acts. We are seeing how faith bears fruit.  We are learning to live just like Jesus. 

1 Peter 1:15 ...but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct...

Tim Keller says, "Jesus demands a radical responseof some kind.  You could denounce him for being evil, or you may flee from him because he's a lunatic, or you can fall down and worship him for being God. All of those reactions make sense; they are consistent with the reality of his words. But what you can't do is respond moderately. You must not say to him, "Nice teaching.  Very helpful. You are a fine thinker."

Is your response to Jesus radical? Or is it moderate?  Like the demons, I shudder as I contemplate this question. I don't want my theology--accurate and well articulated as it might be--to degenerate into simply a verbal exercise.

We are not saved by a profession of faith but by the possession of faith, and when faith is truly present in the heart, it necessarily and inevitably bears fruit as good works of service to God and neighbor. These works in no way earn our right standing with God, but if they are not present, neither is justifying faith.

How is your faith bearing fruit?
Bearing fruit is sacrificial love which flows from the Holy Spirit's power and presence. Fruit is everything we do that can only be done by the power of Jesus.

Listen HERE to learn more on following God's will and bearing fruit.