As Christians, we often find ourselves caught in a paradox. We proclaim our faith in God and claim to be believers, but our actions often tell a different story. This dichotomy is not new, and the Bible is replete with examples of individuals who struggled with this same issue.
In this sermon, we'll explore few examples from the Bible that highlight the paradox of being a believer by title and an unbeliever by action.
1. The Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-36)
The Pharisees were a group of Jewish leaders who were known for their strict adherence to the law. However, Jesus condemned them for their hypocrisy, saying, "They preach, but do not practice" (Matthew 23:3). Despite their outward appearance of piety, their actions revealed a lack of true faith.
2. The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-22)
A young man approached Jesus, asking how to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to sell his possessions and follow Him, but the young man refused, choosing instead to hold onto his wealth. Despite his initial enthusiasm, his actions revealed a lack of true commitment to following Jesus.
3. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)
Ananias and Sapphira, members of the early Christian church, claimed to have sold their property and given the proceeds to the church. However, they secretly kept some of the money for themselves. When confronted by Peter, they lied about their actions, revealing a lack of integrity and true faith.
4. King Saul (1 Samuel 15:1-35)
King Saul was instructed by God to destroy the Amalekites, but he disobeyed, choosing instead to spare their king and some of their livestock. When confronted by Samuel, Saul claimed to have obeyed God, but his actions revealed a lack of true submission to God's will.
5. The Israelites in the Wilderness (Exodus 14:10-12, Numbers 14:1-4)
Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites repeatedly doubted and disobeyed God in the wilderness. Their actions revealed a lack of trust in God's provision and guidance.
6. Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50)
Judas, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Despite being part of Jesus' inner circle, Judas's actions revealed a lack of true loyalty and commitment to Jesus.
7. Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)
Demas, a companion of the apostle Paul, abandoned him during his imprisonment, choosing instead to pursue worldly interests. Despite being a professed Christian, Demas's actions revealed a lack of true dedication to the faith.
8. The Church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22)
The church in Laodicea was rebuked by Jesus for their lukewarmness and complacency. Despite their outward appearance of wealth and prosperity, their actions revealed a lack of true spiritual vitality.
9. Balaam (Numbers 22:1-35, 2 Peter 2:15-16)
Balaam, a prophet hired by the Moabites to curse Israel, claimed to speak for God but was motivated by personal gain. Despite his outward appearance of spirituality, his actions revealed a lack of true integrity and faithfulness to God.
10. The Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)
Jesus told the parable of two builders, one who built his house on rock and another who built his house on sand. The foolish builder, despite hearing Jesus' words, chose not to act on them, revealing a lack of true faith and obedience.
These examples from the Bible serve as a warning to us today. It's easy to claim to be a believer, but our actions must align with our profession of faith. As James 2:26 says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
Let us examine our own lives and ask ourselves: Are we believers by title, but unbelievers by action? May we strive to live out our faith in obedience to God's word, demonstrating a true and living faith that honors Him.
