(Christian Living Sermon) Dumas 88, Hillside 2/95, Tyler 2/95, Whis. Hills 5/95
Filename: IMPERFECT

IS OUR FAITH IMPERFECT?

INTRODUCTION-- James 2:14-23

1. The perfection of Abraham's faith is a classic example.
   
   1. With no children, and only one named heir (before he was born) "In Isaac shall thy seed be called," Genesis 21:12, Abraham left the solution to God. Hebrews 11:17-19
      
   2. .If faith is confirmed by works, we need to examine ourselves. 2 Corinthians 13:5 (Christ dwells in us by faith. Ephesians 3:17)
      
2. It is a maxim of Scripture that the mouth is often insufficient in bearing testimony of inner conviction.
   
   1. Love needs to be performed. 1 John 3:18
      
   2. ."Confession" needs demonstration. 2 Corinthians 8:24, 9:12-14

LESSON-- In the Bible, there are more examples of imperfect faith than perfect.

1. An imperfect faith wilts under fear.
   
   1. The parents of the healed blind man could not rejoice openly because of fear. John 9:18-23
      
   2. The blind son was not timid in the face of threats. Vs. 28-38
      
   3. Others would not confess Jesus because of the same fear. John 12:42-43 (Compare Mark 8:38.)
      
2. An imperfect faith has an imperfect perception.
   
   1. Peter had confessed Jesus as the Christ. Matthew 16:16
      
   2. But he forgets, or fails to perceive the full significance of his confession, when faced by the tax collectors. Matthew 17:24-27
      
3. An imperfect faith has limited confidence in the Lord's powers. John 11:11-27
   
   1. Martha believe in the resurrection, within a time-bound spectrum. Vs. 24
      
   2. When reminded of the one who had the power of resurrection, she believes. Vs. 27
      
4. An imperfect faith suffers anxieties because of it. Luke 12:22-31
   
   1. The fact that the Father knows we need the essential things of life is enough. Vs. 30
      
   2. Seeking the Kingdom first solves the problem. Vs. 31
      
5. An imperfect faith fails to realize its potential.
   
   1. The 12 Apostles had more authority than they could use. Matthew 10:1-8
      
   2. Later, because of weak faith, they could not use their powers to the full. Mark 9:17-29

CONCLUSION -- Armed against such pitfalls, we should build up our faith to perfection through what the Apostles can supply (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10). Don't take comfort from these examples of imperfect faith! Work to perfect it! Let it grow to perfection in the "steps of that faith which Abraham had." Romans 4:12