Weekly Sermon
This sermon is a companion to a previous sermon: Rich in the Realm of Faith (Part 1) - James 2:5
James 2:5 reads, “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”
James 2:5 indicate that those from the poor class in relation to this world who place their trust in Christ as Savior are chosen by God to be rich in relation to His kingdom. Regardless of their poor status in the realm of this world, they possess an abundantly rich status in the realm of faith. Indeed, every one of us who are the children of God through faith in Christ is spiritually rich in the realm of faith. These spiritual riches may be considered from two perspectives. First, we may consider our spiritual riches in the realm of faith in relation to our eternal salvation. Second, we may consider our spiritual riches in the realm of faith in relation to our daily walk. Already in first part of the message, we considered the first of these truths. Now, in this second part of the message, let us consider the second of these truths.
This sermon is a companion to a previous sermon: Rich in the Realm of Faith (Part 1) - James 2:5
James 2:5 reads, “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”
James 2:5 indicate that those from the poor class in relation to this world who place their trust in Christ as Savior are chosen by God to be rich in relation to His kingdom. Regardless of their poor status in the realm of this world, they possess an abundantly rich status in the realm of faith. Indeed, every one of us who are the children of God through faith in Christ is spiritually rich in the realm of faith. These spiritual riches may be considered from two perspectives. First, we may consider our spiritual riches in the realm of faith in relation to our eternal salvation. Second, we may consider our spiritual riches in the realm of faith in relation to our daily walk. Already in first part of the message, we considered the first of these truths. Now, in this second part of the message, let us consider the second of these truths.
Our spiritual riches in relation to our daily walk
In the first place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of a right understanding concerning the Lord our God. In Hebrews 11:3 God’s Word declares, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Indeed, through faith in God’s Holy Word, we come to understand every doctrinal truth concerning the Lord our God and His divine nature.
In the second place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of a right fellowship with the Lord our God. In Hebrews 11:5-6 God’s Word gives the report, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Indeed, our daily fellowship with the Lord our God is inseparably joined with our heart of faith in Him. Even so, in Psalm 73:28 the psalmist Asaph proclaimed, “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” Even so also, in Hebrews 3:12 the warning is given, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”
In the third place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of abiding in Christ, and of having Christ abiding in us. In Colossians 2:6 God’s Word instructs, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord [which was through faith], so walk ye [also through faith] in him.” Again in Ephesians 3:14-19 the apostle Paul proclaimed, “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
In the fourth place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of abundant and fruitful spiritual life. In Galatians 2:20 the apostle Paul proclaimed, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Even so, in John 15:4-6 our Lord Jesus Christ gave the instruction and the admonition, “Abide in me, and I in you [that is, as we have already learned – through faith]. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me [that is – through faith], he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned [under the chastening hand of God].” Again in Hebrews 10:38 God’s Word gives the report and the warning, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”
In the fifth place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to progress forward in our daily Christian walk. In 2 Corinthians 5:7 God’s Word declares, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Again in Hebrews 12:1-3 the instruction and encouragements is given, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking [that is – with a heart of faith] unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
In the sixth place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to grow in spiritual transformation and maturity. In Colossians 2:6-7 God’s Word declares, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord [through faith], so walk ye in him [through faith]: rooted and built up in him [through faith], and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Even so, in James 1:2-4 God’s Word gives the instruction, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Even so also, in Hebrews 10:39 God’s Word gives the warning, “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Indeed, our souls, our inner man, is delivered from sinful corruption and transformed unto Christ-likeness by the power of God through faith.
In the seventh place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to obey God’s will faithfully unto the end. In Philippians 4:13 the apostle Paul proclaimed, “I can do all things through Christ [that is – through faith in Christ] which strengtheneth me.” Even so, in Hebrews 11:1-2 God’s Word gives the report, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.” Hebrews 11:4 God’s Word gives the report, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Again in verse 7-8 God’s Word gives the report, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Again in verses 10-11 God’s Word gives the report, “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.” Again in verses 17-19 God’s Word gives the report, “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” Finally, in verses 23-34 God’s Word gives the report, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”
In the eighth place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to maintain a patient hope in God’s promises. In Galatians 5:5 God’s Word declares, “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” Even so, in Hebrews 6:10-12 the Holy Spirit inspired author proclaimed, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Even so also, in Hebrews 11:9-10 God’s Word gives the report, “By faith he [Abraham] sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Again in verses 13-16 God’s Word gives the report, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” Again in verses 20-22 gives the report, “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.” Finally, in Hebrews 12:1-3 God’s Word declares, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking [with a heart of faith] unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
In the ninth place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to be filled with spiritual joy and peace in heart. In Romans 15:13 God’s Word declares, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Again in Colossians 2:6-7 God’s Word declares, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord [through faith], so walk ye in him [through faith]: rooted and built up in him [through faith], and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein [in the faith] with thanksgiving.” Again in 1 Peter 1:8 God’s Word declares concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
In the tenth place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to stand fast against tribulation. In 2 Corinthians 1:24 the apostle Paul proclaimed, “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” Even so, in Hebrews 11:35-38 God’s Word gives the report, “Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” Even so also, in 2 Timothy 2:1 the apostle Paul gave instruction unto Timothy, saying, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Again in 1 Peter 5:8-9 God’s Word gives the instruction, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
In the eleventh place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to be victorious in our spiritual warfare. In 1 Timothy 1:18-19 the apostle Paul gave instruction unto Timothy, saying, “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.” Even so, in Ephesians 6:10-11 God’s Word gives the instruction, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord [that is – through faith in the Lord], and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Again in verse 16 God’s Word gives the instruction, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Finally, in 1 John 5:4-5 God’s Word declares, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”
In the twelfth and final place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of boldness, fervency, and powerful effectiveness in prayer. In Ephesians 3:12 God’s Word declares concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” Again in Mark 11:22-24 God’s Word gives the report, “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Again in James 1:5-8 gives the promise and the warning, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Again in James 5:15-16 God’s Word gives the promise, “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Even so, in Hebrews 4:16 God’s Word gives the instruction, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need
In the first place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of a right understanding concerning the Lord our God. In Hebrews 11:3 God’s Word declares, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Indeed, through faith in God’s Holy Word, we come to understand every doctrinal truth concerning the Lord our God and His divine nature.
In the second place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of a right fellowship with the Lord our God. In Hebrews 11:5-6 God’s Word gives the report, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Indeed, our daily fellowship with the Lord our God is inseparably joined with our heart of faith in Him. Even so, in Psalm 73:28 the psalmist Asaph proclaimed, “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” Even so also, in Hebrews 3:12 the warning is given, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”
In the third place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of abiding in Christ, and of having Christ abiding in us. In Colossians 2:6 God’s Word instructs, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord [which was through faith], so walk ye [also through faith] in him.” Again in Ephesians 3:14-19 the apostle Paul proclaimed, “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
In the fourth place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of abundant and fruitful spiritual life. In Galatians 2:20 the apostle Paul proclaimed, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Even so, in John 15:4-6 our Lord Jesus Christ gave the instruction and the admonition, “Abide in me, and I in you [that is, as we have already learned – through faith]. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me [that is – through faith], he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned [under the chastening hand of God].” Again in Hebrews 10:38 God’s Word gives the report and the warning, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”
In the fifth place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to progress forward in our daily Christian walk. In 2 Corinthians 5:7 God’s Word declares, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Again in Hebrews 12:1-3 the instruction and encouragements is given, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking [that is – with a heart of faith] unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
In the sixth place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to grow in spiritual transformation and maturity. In Colossians 2:6-7 God’s Word declares, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord [through faith], so walk ye in him [through faith]: rooted and built up in him [through faith], and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Even so, in James 1:2-4 God’s Word gives the instruction, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Even so also, in Hebrews 10:39 God’s Word gives the warning, “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Indeed, our souls, our inner man, is delivered from sinful corruption and transformed unto Christ-likeness by the power of God through faith.
In the seventh place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to obey God’s will faithfully unto the end. In Philippians 4:13 the apostle Paul proclaimed, “I can do all things through Christ [that is – through faith in Christ] which strengtheneth me.” Even so, in Hebrews 11:1-2 God’s Word gives the report, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.” Hebrews 11:4 God’s Word gives the report, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Again in verse 7-8 God’s Word gives the report, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Again in verses 10-11 God’s Word gives the report, “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.” Again in verses 17-19 God’s Word gives the report, “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” Finally, in verses 23-34 God’s Word gives the report, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”
In the eighth place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to maintain a patient hope in God’s promises. In Galatians 5:5 God’s Word declares, “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” Even so, in Hebrews 6:10-12 the Holy Spirit inspired author proclaimed, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Even so also, in Hebrews 11:9-10 God’s Word gives the report, “By faith he [Abraham] sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Again in verses 13-16 God’s Word gives the report, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” Again in verses 20-22 gives the report, “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.” Finally, in Hebrews 12:1-3 God’s Word declares, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking [with a heart of faith] unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
In the ninth place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to be filled with spiritual joy and peace in heart. In Romans 15:13 God’s Word declares, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Again in Colossians 2:6-7 God’s Word declares, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord [through faith], so walk ye in him [through faith]: rooted and built up in him [through faith], and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein [in the faith] with thanksgiving.” Again in 1 Peter 1:8 God’s Word declares concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
In the tenth place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to stand fast against tribulation. In 2 Corinthians 1:24 the apostle Paul proclaimed, “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” Even so, in Hebrews 11:35-38 God’s Word gives the report, “Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” Even so also, in 2 Timothy 2:1 the apostle Paul gave instruction unto Timothy, saying, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Again in 1 Peter 5:8-9 God’s Word gives the instruction, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
In the eleventh place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of spiritual enablement to be victorious in our spiritual warfare. In 1 Timothy 1:18-19 the apostle Paul gave instruction unto Timothy, saying, “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.” Even so, in Ephesians 6:10-11 God’s Word gives the instruction, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord [that is – through faith in the Lord], and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Again in verse 16 God’s Word gives the instruction, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Finally, in 1 John 5:4-5 God’s Word declares, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”
In the twelfth and final place, we believers are enriched through faith each day with the rich treasure of boldness, fervency, and powerful effectiveness in prayer. In Ephesians 3:12 God’s Word declares concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” Again in Mark 11:22-24 God’s Word gives the report, “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Again in James 1:5-8 gives the promise and the warning, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Again in James 5:15-16 God’s Word gives the promise, “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Even so, in Hebrews 4:16 God’s Word gives the instruction, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need
Posted in Weekly Sermon, James, Fellowship with the Lord, Abiding in Christ, Spiritual Revival, Spiritual Enablement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Hope, Faithfulness, Spiritual Warfare, Prayer
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