Introduction

Good morning church family, it's always a blessing to be able to share God's word with each one of you. Today, we're diving into the book of Hebrews, specifically Hebrews 11:6.

We are reminded in this special verse that

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Isn't it amazing how our faith works hand in hand with our actions and how these faithful works can bring about blessings in our lives?

In the words of Elisabeth Elliot, "Faith is a decision. It is not a deduction from the facts around us. We would not look at the world of today and logically conclude that God loves us. It doesn't always look as though He does. Faith is not an instinct. It certainly is not a feeling - feelings don't help much when you're in the lion's den or hanging on a wooden Cross. Faith is not inferred from the happy way things always work. It is an act of the will, a choice, based on the Unbreakable Word of a God who cannot lie, and who showed us what love and obedience and sacrifice mean, in the person of Jesus Christ."

Let's bow our heads for a moment, shall we?

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that guides us and encourages us to live faithfully. We ask for Your wisdom and understanding as we delve into the scriptures today. Help us to comprehend the power of our faith and the importance of our works. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Let’s get started!

The Necessity

The necessity of faithful works is the idea that faith alone is not enough, but it must be accompanied by actions that demonstrate our belief in God and His teachings. This is not to say that our works can earn us salvation, but rather, they are an expression of our faith and a response to God's grace.

James 2:17: The book of James in the New Testament underscores this point when it says, "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” This means that if we claim to have faith but do not show it through our actions, our faith is essentially meaningless. It is like a tree that does not bear fruit; it is not fulfilling its purpose. Similarly, our faith must bear the fruit of good works to be genuine and alive.

So, why are faithful works necessary?

They’re a reflection of our faith: When we believe in God and His promises, we naturally want to live in a way that pleases Him. This includes obeying His commandments, loving our neighbors, and using our gifts and talents to serve others. Our actions become a mirror that reflects our faith to the world.

They’re a testimony to others: When people see the way we live our lives, they can see the difference that faith makes. Our actions can speak louder than words, showing others the love of God and drawing them closer to Him. This is particularly important in a world that is increasingly skeptical of religion. People are more likely to be convinced by what they see in our lives than by what they hear from our lips.

They’re a means of spiritual growth: As we strive to live out our faith, we are drawn closer to God. We learn to rely on Him more, to trust in His promises, and to seek His guidance in all things. This helps us to grow in our faith and to become more like Christ.

They’re a response to God's love: God has shown us immeasurable love by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. When we grasp the magnitude of this love, we cannot help but respond with love in return. And one of the ways we express this love is through our actions.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about how you practice doing faithful works and how your congregation can do the same.

The Power

The power of faithful works is the belief that our actions, when done in faith and obedience to God, have a profound impact not only on our personal spiritual growth but also on the world around us ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO