Satan is an expert huckster. Superficial righteousness and phony faith are his specialties. Many there be who are defrauded by this spiritual swindler.
Being able to discern between the genuine and the counterfeit necessitates divine revelation. One New Testament book was written for the purpose of identifying the many characteristics of genuine faith. It was written by “James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1).
According to this inspired epistle, genuine faith…
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is purified by testing (1:2-4).
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is necessary for wisdom (1:5-8).
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looks at life differently (1:9-11).
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endures trials (1:12).
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understands temptation (1:13-18).
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practices self-control (1:19-20, 3:1-12).
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obeys God’s word (1:21-25).
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bridles the tongue (1:26; 3:1-12).
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practices pure and undefiled religion (1:27).
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harbors no prejudice (2:1-13).
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is demonstrated in active obedience (2:14-26).
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acts wisely (3:13-18).
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produces separation from the world (4:1-6).
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resists the devil and submits to God (4:7-10).
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does not speak evil of another (4:11-12).
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does not boast (4:13-16).
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does what is right (4:17).
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does not trust in riches (5:1-6).
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is patient/persevering (5:7-11).
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is trustworthy in speech (5:12).
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is prayerful (5:13-18).
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is evangelistic (5:19-20).
