Faith Without Works Is Dead Series

Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we are going to explore a crucial aspect of our Christian walk, the relationship between faith and works.

Our main text comes from James 2:14-26, where the apostle James makes a compelling argument that faith without works is dead. This passage challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith and encourages us to live out our beliefs through our actions.

Main Scripture: James 2:14-26

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."

1. The Nature of Genuine Faith

James begins by posing a rhetorical question: What good is it if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? This question cuts to the heart of what genuine faith looks like. Genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent or verbal affirmation; it is an active, living trust in God that naturally produces good works.

Illustration: The Fruit Tree

Consider a fruit tree. If a tree is alive and healthy, it will naturally produce fruit. Similarly, if our faith is alive and genuine, it will naturally result in good works. Just as a fruitless tree is considered dead, so is faith without works.

Application:

Self-Examination: Regularly examine your faith. Ask yourself if your actions reflect your beliefs. Genuine faith will be evident in your daily life.

Active Trust: Trust God actively. Don’t just believe in Him with your mind; demonstrate your trust through your actions.

2. Faith and Works in Action

James provides practical examples to illustrate his point. He describes a situation where a brother or sister is in need of clothes and food. Simply offering kind words without meeting their physical needs is useless. True faith compels us to act in love and compassion.

Scripture: 1 John 3:17-18

1 John 3:17-18 (NIV) echoes this sentiment: "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

Illustration: The Good Samaritan

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) exemplifies faith in action. The Samaritan’s compassion led him to help the injured man, providing practical assistance and care. This parable teaches us that true faith involves active love and mercy.

Application:

Practical Compassion: Look for opportunities to show compassion and meet the needs of others. Your actions will demonstrate the reality of your faith.

Love in Action: Love others not just with words, but with tangible acts of kindness and service.

3. The Examples of Abraham and Rahab

James uses two Old Testament examples to further illustrate his point: Abraham and Rahab. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac and Rahab’s assistance to the Israelite spies are cited as examples of how their faith was made complete by their actions.

Scripture: Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," highlights numerous individuals whose faith was demonstrated through their actions. Each person mentioned acted on their faith, proving its authenticity.

Illustration: The Building of Noah’s Ark

Noah’s faith was demonstrated by his obedience in building the ark. Despite the ridicule and the long wait, Noah’s actions reflected his trust in God’s word. His obedience saved his family and preserved life on earth.