Pride on SermonAudio

In Part 5 of "Calling Out Carnality," Keith Voyles preaches from James 2:14–26 about the difference between professed faith and genuine saving faith. He explains that carnal people resist accountability for whether their faith is real. A person may know correct doctrine, speak religiously, and become emotional, yet still show no obedience, spiritual growth, or changed life. Works do not earn salvation, but they do reveal it. Genuine faith produces fruit, obedience, and transformation. Faith without works is empty and dead. Using the illustration of trusting a chair, Keith shows that belief is proven by action. Saying the chair will hold you means little until you sit down. In the same way, true faith in Christ is demonstrated through obedience. The message calls every listener to examine whether his faith is merely professed or truly possessed. Primary text: James 2:14–26. "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." — James 2:17, KJV

In Part 4 of "Calling Out Carnality," Keith Voyles preaches from James 2:1–13 about how favoritism and respect of persons reveal carnality in a believer's life. Keith explains that Christians may profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ while behaving in ways that misrepresent His character. One clear example is treating people differently because of wealth, appearance, social position, influence, talent, or personal benefit. The message warns that favoritism always produces two results: someone is idolized while someone else is isolated. One person is welcomed, honored, and included, while another is ignored, pushed aside, or treated as inferior. Keith stresses that this conduct is not merely socially wrong; it damages the testimony of Christ. Christ does not show partiality. Although He is the Lord of glory, He humbled Himself, became a servant, and freely receives whosoever will come to Him. Therefore, believers cannot claim His faith while refusing to display His character toward others. Keith applies the passage directly to conduct within the church. The rich man in good clothing must not receive better treatment than the poor man in vile raiment. Both were souls for whom Christ died. Showing preference because of what someone can provide—money, influence, connections, status, or talent—is carnal and selfish. The sermon also warns against cliques and social divisions among God's people. Christians must not build exclusive circles that welcome those they prefer while shutting out others in the same body. Genuine Christian fellowship requires humility, mercy, equal treatment, and a willingness to serve people regardless of their position. Primary text: James 2:1–13

In Part 7 of "Calling Out Carnality," Keith Voyles continues in James 3, showing that the tongue reveals the condition of the heart. He warns against using the same mouth to bless God and curse, criticize, or tear down people made in God's image. Since words flow from the heart, a corrupt mouth exposes an unguarded heart. The message calls believers to reject this contradiction and place their speech under the control of the Holy Ghost. Primary text: James 3:9–12.

1 Ashes Prepare Us 2 Ashes Prevent Pride 3 Ashes Give Us Perspective

The sermon examines 1 Timothy 6:1-5 to address the conduct of believers in workplace relationships and the danger of false teachers. It urges Christians to serve their employers with diligence and honor, regardless of the employer's faith status, as a witness to Christ. The preacher warns against prideful individuals who teach contrary to wholesome words and engage in unedifying disputes. Believers are instructed to avoid those destitute of truth who seek personal gain rather than spiritual growth. The message concludes by emphasizing the importance of holding fast to biblical doctrine and being thankful for the grace of God.

The sermon emphasizes that unity is the primary priority for the local church, rooted in Jesus' prayer before His crucifixion and Paul's urgent appeal in 1 Corinthians. It identifies pride and misplaced loyalties to human leaders or personal preferences as the root causes of division, which compromise the gospel's testimony. The preacher argues that believers must choose Christ over their own opinions and recognize one another as family to preserve the bond of peace. By adopting humility, gentleness, and patience, Christians can overcome the natural tendency toward conflict and maintain spiritual health. Ultimately, all church activities and relationships must serve the central mission of proclaiming the gospel rather than satisfying individual desires.