Introduction

Good morning, family of God. I'm thrilled to see your smiling faces today because we're about to embark on a fascinating journey through a dynamic passage of Scripture. We'll be exploring the essential interplay between faith and works, the profound impact they can make on our lives and our world, and how they serve as tangible evidence of the gospel's transformative power in our lives.

Now, I've been moved by the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer who once said, "Faith is only real when there is obedience, never without it, and faith only becomes faith in the act of obedience." This statement beautifully encapsulates the heart of the message we'll be studying today.

Our Scripture passage is James 2:17-18, and it goes like this:

"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Let's bow our heads and invite God's presence as we delve into His Word:

Dear Heavenly Father, we're immensely grateful for this opportunity to gather together and explore Your Word. As we examine the role of faith and works in our lives, we pray that You would enlighten our understanding, stir our hearts, and empower us to live out these truths in our daily lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

So get ready, folks. We're about to dive into the deep waters of faith and works, and I believe we're going to find some priceless treasures along the way. Let's get started!

The Necessity

The necessity of faith and works is not a matter of choosing one over the other, but rather understanding that they are two sides of the same coin. Faith, in the Christian sense, is not merely an intellectual assent to a set of doctrines or principles. It's a living, dynamic relationship with God, a trust in His character, His promises, and His Word. It's a conviction that God is who He says He is, and that He will do what He says He will do.

Doesn't exist in a vacuum: It's not a passive state of mind, but an active engagement with God and the world around us. This is where works come into play. Works are the tangible expressions of our faith, the outward manifestations of our inward convictions. They are the concrete actions that demonstrate our belief in God and our commitment to His kingdom.

Faith without works is dead: It's like a tree without fruit, a lamp without light, or a body without breath. It's a hollow, lifeless form that lacks the power and vitality of genuine faith. On the other hand, works without faith are equally futile. They are like a ship without a compass, a building without a foundation, or a journey without a destination. They may appear impressive on the outside, but they lack the inner substance and direction that come from a relationship with God.

The life of Abraham: Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. But his faith was not a mere intellectual assent to God's promises. It was a living, active faith that led him to leave his homeland, wait patiently for a son, and even offer that son as a sacrifice. His works didn't earn him righteousness, but they demonstrated the reality and depth of his faith.

Applies to us today: Our faith in God should lead us to love, serve, and obey Him. It should motivate us to care for the poor, seek justice for the oppressed, share the gospel with the lost, and strive for holiness in our personal lives. These works don't earn us salvation, but they are the natural outgrowth of a genuine faith. They are the evidence that our faith is real, alive, and active.

Not a matter of legalism or self-righteousness: It's a matter of authenticity and integrity. It's about being true to our calling as followers of Christ, living out our faith in tangible, practical ways. It's about demonstrating the reality of the gospel in our lives, not just in our words, but in our actions.

A matter of impact

When we live out our faith in tangible ways, we make a difference in the world around us ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO