Visible Faith Part 2

Visible Faith - Part 2

Scripture: James 2:14, 26; Mark 2:1-5; Genesis 6:12-14, 22

Good morning Strangers Rest. This is Part two of my sermon “Visible Faith.” Three weeks ago, I stood before you and read what James said about works and faith. James 2:14 & 26 says, “(14) What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?.... (26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” In the text James points to Abraham and Rahab as examples of individuals whose works were evidence of their faith. These two individuals are also mentioned in Hebrews chapter eleven for their faith. James says that if we have faith then accordingly, we will have some good works. These works will be those that bring glory to Christ. You see, whenever we do something in our walk with Christ, He gets the glory. Therefore, Revelation 14:13 tell us “…. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.’” Our good works will follow us. But be warned, those works we do to draws attention to ourselves and not Jesus will not – l will touch on that later in this message.

This morning, we are going to examine some individuals who acted on their faith and were recognized for their faith. But before I continue, let me remind you of how God views visible faith in Hebrews 11:6: It says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Although the stories we are going to read are not new to you, hopefully you will hear something that will aid you in your assessment of your visible faith. We will start with Mark chapter two. As a reminder, James says our faith will be evident in our works. So if our works demonstrates our faith, then our faith is able to be seen by others who interact with us.

In Mark chapter two there is a story about a group of men who acted upon their faith and were recognized for it. Let’s begin with verse one and because it provides greater context to the story, I will be reading from the Amplified Bible. “(1) Jesus returned to Capernaum, and a few days later the news went out that He was at home. (2) So many people gathered together that there was no longer room [for them], not even near the door; and Jesus was discussing with them the word [of God]. (3) Then they came, bringing to Him a paralyzed man, who was being carried by four men. (4) When they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Jesus; and when they had dug out an opening, they let down the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying. (5) When Jesus saw their [active] faith [springing from confidence in Him], He said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” (Mark 2:1-5)

Jesus had returned to Capernaum and after a few days word spread that He was there. A large crowd gathered to see Him and hear Him teach so there was no more space available in the house when the four men arrived carrying their paralyzed friend. As they attempted to enter the home they could not because of the crowd. However, acting on their faith that if they could just get their friend to Jesus that he would be healed they take him to the top of the house. Once there, they removed part of the roof so that they could lower him down to Jesus. I want you to see this. For the moment, these men were not concerned about the damage to the homeowner’s roof – because they cared about their friend more. Now this is important. As they lowered their friend down to Jesus, He took notice of them. Verse five records, “(5) When Jesus saw their [active] faith [springing from confidence in Him], He said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” This verse says that “Jesus saw their [active] faith….” When Jesus saw their faith, He tells the man his sins are forgiven and later He heals him. So how did Jesus see their faith? He saw their faith in their actions. They climbed on a roof carrying their paralyzed friend and lowered him into Jesus’ presence so he could be healed. Why did they do this? Because they believed in Jesus and knew that He could and would do it. They acted on their faith. Their faith had works attached to it. Because their faith was visible in their action, Jesus saw them! When we believe in Jesus and what He has said in His word, we will act on it. It starts with believing.