DRAWING NEAR
June 1
Examining Your Faith
"Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who
delude themselves" (James 1:22).
Our studies this month center on James 1:19-2:26, which deals with
the issue of true faith--a most important consideration indeed.
Knowing your faith is genuine is a wonderful assurance, but thinking
you're saved when you're not is the most frightening deception
imaginable. In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus speaks of those who call Him
Lord and even do miracles in His name, but aren't redeemed. Second
Timothy 3:5 speaks of those who have a form of godliness but deny its
power. They're religious but lost. Sadly, many people today are
victims of the same deception. They think they're Christians, but
they're heading for eternal damnation unless they recognize their
true condition and repent.
Deception of that magnitude is a tragedy beyond description, but you
need never fall prey to it because James gives a series of tests for
true faith. This month we'll be applying one of those tests: your
attitude toward God's Word. That's an especially crucial test because
the Word is the agency of both your salvation and sanctification. The
Holy Spirit empowered it to save you, and He continually works
through it to conform you to the image of Christ. That's why Peter
said, "You have been born again not of seed which is perishable but
imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God. .
.. . [Therefore] like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the
word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation" (1 Pet.
1:23-2:2).
Jesus Himself characterized believers as those who abide in His Word
and obey His commandments. They receive the Word with an attitude of
submission and humility. However, unbelievers resist and disobey the
Word (John 8:31, 43-45). Psalm 119:155 says, "Salvation is far from
the wicked, for they do not seek Thy statutes."
As you study this test of true faith, ask yourself, Do I pass the
test? I pray that your answer will echo the words of the psalmist: "I
have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto
the end" (Ps. 119:112).
Suggestions for Prayer:
Ask God for clarity and confidence about your faith in Christ.
For Further Study:
Read the book of James, noting the instructions he gives regarding
Christian living.
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
Matthew 7:21-23
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the
kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
22 "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many
wonders in Your name?'
23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from
Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
2 Timothy 3:5
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such
people turn away!
John 8:31
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in
My word, you are My disciples indeed.
John 8:43-45
43 "Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to
listen to My word.
44 "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father
you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not
stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks
a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the
father of it.
45 "But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.
~~~
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.
You can hear John MacArthur daily via the Internet by visiting:
http://www2.oneplace.com/Ministries/Grace_to_You/
and
http://www.gty.org.uk/
You may email John MacArthur in care of Grace to You at:
letters@gty.org
NOTE for those of you reading via newsgroups: If you wish to reach
me, please contact me via e-mail for quickest results.
In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase1@wideopenwest.com
http://www.gty.org/Gospel/
http://www.nwbible.org/
To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and to discover that the prisoner was you. -Alistair Begg
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