Let Go of Faith that is Unholy and Unrighteous

Introduction

Good morning again to all of you, and a warm welcome to those joining us online.

It is both a privilege and an honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of delivering the Word of God today and I give thanks to God for His countless blessings. May the Lord increase our endurance, wisdom, and faith as we navigate the various trials of life. Let His words serve as a catalyst to rebuke, correct, and transform us into the image of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I welcome all of you to our series in the Book of James. We thank God for the opportunity and allowing us to nest ourselves in this book over the upcoming Sundays. During Pastor Sam and Pastor Renel's absence, we can immerse ourselves in the richness of God’s word in James until their return to the pulpit.

Kindly open your Bibles to James 2:14-26 and place a bookmark there; this will serve as our main text for this morning as we look at the theme of Faith and Works. Similarly, to how we approached the topic of the Sin of Partiality, we will also divide the topic of Faith and Works into two parts.

The first part covers verses 14 – 17, which we will focus on this morning.

The second part spans verses 18 – 26. Lord willing, we will explore these verses next week.

As a gentle reminder, we have concluded the two parts of the Sin of Partiality outlined in James 2:1-13. Last month, we explored the theme of Holding Our Faith Steady and True, focusing on the following three points:

Hold Your Faith According to God’s Word (verse 8).

Hold Your Faith According to the Truth (verses 9 to 11).

Hold Your Faith According to Your Testimony (verses 12 to 13).

In verses 1 to 13, James employs an approach to expose and address sin. He uses apologetic methods, posing logical and reasonable questions. James understands that his questions may only challenge the mind, so he then uses the Word of God from verse 8 as his weapon to convict their hearts and lead them towards repentance. In verse 12, James makes an appeal to those who are saved and freed from the royal law and will be judged according to the law of liberty. He encourages them to speak and act in accordance with their faith, testimony, the truth, and God's word.

In verse 13, James exhorts the Jewish Christians to speak and act in accordance with their Christian profession. He provides two reasons for behaving in a manner consistent with their saving faith. Firstly, because God will not show mercy to those who do not show mercy themselves, and secondly, because God's mercy triumphs over His judgment. The first verse of the previous song we’ve sung says: “What love could remember no wrongs we have done Omniscient, all knowing, He counts not their sum Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore Our sins they are many, His mercy is more” Shall we all please stand and read James 2:14-26 together.

Prayer

Our Majestic and Sovereign God who is seated high above the heavens, we approach You with awe and deep reverence. You are infinite in Your being and perfection, beyond our comprehension, yet Your love for us knows no bounds. Though You are unchanging and eternal, You graciously reveal Yourself to us through Your Word and Your Son. You stoop down to lift the broken hearted, showing Your love and mercy to all who seek You.

Father, You are the Creator and foundation of all existence, from whom all things come and to whom all things belong. Your dominion over creation is absolute, and Your will is always just and righteous. Though You possess all glory and goodness within Yourself, You choose to display Your glory through us, Your creation.

We praise You for Your holiness, wisdom, and love, which surpass our understanding. In Christ, You draw near to us, revealing Your grace and glory. Help us, Lord, to testify what we have witnessed to the world, to worship You sincerely, and to serve You wholeheartedly by our faith and testimony. We ask this in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who is merciful and gracious. Amen.

The title of our message for this morning is:

Let Go of Faith that is Unholy and Unrighteous

I would like to direct your attention to the title of our message today, as it stands in contrast to what we've learned from verses 1 to 13, where James encouraged these Jewish Christians to uphold their faith with holiness and righteousness.

I aim to illustrate from God’s word the absolute futility of a workless, empty, and dead faith so that we may have the knowledge when we examine ourselves from God’s word, and may this knowledge become our wisdom to truly assess the authenticity of our faith which will bring endurance, wisdom and ultimately joy in our trials.

I want God’s word to reveal to us that a holy and righteous faith will ultimately produce good deeds because a faith that fails to manifest the glory, faithfulness, mercy, and grace of God in our life holds no value or worth, and we should let go of such faith. We have three points to unpack this morning.

1. Let Go of Workless Faith v14

2. Let Go of Empty Faith v15-16

3. Let Go of Dead Faith v17

1. Let Go of Workless Faith

James 2:14

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

Take a look at the beginning of verse 14 where James says, "What doth it profit, my brethren?" What exactly is James referring to here? If we refer back to verse 1 of chapter 2, James says, "My brethren, have not the faith (James’s subject and theme is faith) of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."

Therefore, the two-letter word "it" in James's question in verse 14 (What doth “it” profit), refers to faith. This is supported when James provides the background context by saying in his next statement, "though a man say he hath faith."

We understand that there are two types of faith that a Christian received as a gift from God, and they are, saving faith and sanctifying faith.

Saving faith involves more than just understanding the facts of the gospel of Jesus Christ; it also entails placing complete trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, embracing both His person and His accomplished work. Sanctifying faith can be understood as "faith working through love": it is not earned but received through faith. When a Christian earnestly seeks God in faith for the strength to lead a life characterized by divine love, the Holy Spirit removes the inclination towards sin and replaces it with a disposition towards obedient love.

However, James introduces a third type of faith: a professed yet workless faith. And this is important to note because early scholars believed that James’s teaching of faith contradicts Paul’s. As we go through these passages, I pray that God would make us understand the difference.

So, this is James’s challenging question to these Jewish Christians. James implies doubt regarding their saving faith: Is faith without any type of work any good? Can such a workless faith truly save him? Let me quote Dr John MacArthur from his New Testament commentary on the book of James:

The genuineness of a profession of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (p) is evidenced more by what a person does (p) than by what he claims.

My beloved, does the word of God challenge you this morning to examine if your faith is genuinely sincere? I pray that it does, and that God may keep your hearts restless until you find peace in Him. You may profess with your lips that your faith is true, but its authenticity isn't determined solely by our words; rather, it is proven by God’s word, tested in our trials, and confirmed in our actions. James opens with a crucial rhetorical question to lay the foundation for his proposition: "What doth it profit, my brethren?" In simpler terms, what is the advantage, benefit or value? What good is it or what is its use? James challenges the professed faith of these Jewish Christians. They assert their salvation but lack joy in trials, claim resilience in their Christian journey yet display no endurance or spiritual growth under testing. While they proclaim themselves as doers of the word, their actions reveal them as mere religious hearers. Despite professing religiosity, they are influenced by worldly values, neglecting to care for distressed orphans and widows. They declare their desire to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ yet demonstrate favouritism in their faith, seeking glory for themselves. Although they claim to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, their treatment of the poor contradicts this. They profess love for their neighbour but prioritize giving special treatment and honour to the man with the gold ring. They declare salvation from the royal law but fail to live by the law of liberty. So, do you see that this type of faith is a sham?

James poses this sharp question very bluntly. And we, my loved ones, would do well to ask ourselves the same question. I want you to write this question on a piece of paper and pray about it.

What benefit does my faith bring to me?

How does a faith without works authenticate the genuineness of your salvation?

My loved ones, please pay close attention because this is the kind of question, we ought to be asking ourselves to assess our faith, service, and worship. This should be always in the back of our mind, mindful of any appearance of sin, mindful of our walk and testimony, and mindful in prayers as we fellowship and commune with God daily in His word.

If we profess our love for God (p) but neglect to make Him the centre and priority of our lives, (p) what value does our faith hold?

Likewise, if we express love for the church (p) but do not actively serve God and His people, or remain uncommitted in church membership, or do not engage and participate in ministry, or do not attend church services regularly, and we are just content to be bench warmers and spectators, what significance does our faith carry?

We can shout on top of our lungs and capture the world's attention by declaring our belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, our salvation, regular church attendance, and our identity as Christians, along with all the virtues associated with being a good Christian. But if our actions don't align with our words, such faith without works serves no purpose and lacks meaning because the glory due to God is directed to ourselves.

Here’s a quote from Steven Lawson You can profess Christ from now until you’re blue in the face, that does not mean you know Christ. You are not saved by professing Christ but possessing Him.

Look at the end of verse 14: "though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?"

A clearer rendering of the last part of this verse would be, "Can 'that' or 'such' faith save him?" This is because James has now modified the term'faith' to refer to a faith that has no works.

Take note also of the word "faith" is a singular noun, indicating there is only one faith. However, observe the following words: "and have not works." The word "works" is a plural noun.

So, one single faith can produce multiple works or deeds.

A true, genuine faith can produce the fruit of the Spirit.

A mere professed, workless faith produces deeds of the Flesh.

Turn to Galatians 5:13-26. In these verses, Paul reasons with the Galatians that since they were called unto freedom (law of liberty), they should serveone another through love. True faith serves through love, while a professed faith provides no commitment or service. 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (James used the same command as an example in James 2:8) 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

16 This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (James calls this the royal law James 2:8) 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (You can commit these things over and over again and there is no law against it.)

24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walkin the Spirit. (James says in James 2:12, So speak ye and so do) 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Let’s go back to our main text, James 2:14. Here are the sharp questions presented to us by God’s word:

My dear ones, what is the purpose of your faith without works? Who benefits from it? Is it you who makes these claims, or those willing to listen and accept your false profession?

Whom are you trying to impress, and how exactly does faith without works save you from your sin? Yes, salvation is full and free. But once we’ve received it, it becomes costly because now we have this new desire to forsake sin and pursue the righteousness of Christ.

At the end of verse 14, James once again poses a question with an obvious answer, “Can such a faith that is workless save?” The answer is no.

My dear ones, as I was studying these words, my heart weighed heavily as the word of God challenged my profession of faith. I pray that it also resonates deeply within yours, that you too become so concerned that you would repent and turn to God to confirm the genuineness of your faith so that you would let go of such a faith that holds no value or worth.

Loved ones, let go of workless faith.

2. Let Go of Empty Faith

James 2:15-16 15. If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Upon reading these verses, are you as shocked and disturbed as I am?

How would you react if you found someone barely clothed and malnourished entering our assembly?

Take a careful look at verse 15:

“If a brother or sister is naked, and destitute of daily food.”

The term "naked" doesn't necessarily mean they are completely nude; rather, it suggests they are inadequately clothed, portraying someone in only their underwear, exposed to the weather and vulnerable to sickness, while also being stripped of their dignity.

This understanding is influenced by cultural norms. In Western societies, we typically expect individuals to be fully dressed in a formal setting. However, in other cultures that Westerners might label as "primitive," their clothing may be suitable within their own context but may appear minimal or insufficient to Westerners.

And the words “destitute of daily food” don’t mean they are starving; rather, they cannot afford their day to day basic needs.

In this verse, James paints an illustration to this Jewish Christians. This time, he didn’t just use a man as an example, as he did in verses 2 to 4, but he also included a woman: "If a brother or sister is naked."

Why did he include a woman in his example? Because during those times, women would often be more vulnerable and in desperate need, especially if they did not have men to care for them. Women and children are frequently overlooked, particularly if there’s no husband or father to provide and protect them. He also paints a picture that anyone can be in need, whether a man or a woman. However, there's also a far more disturbing point that James is highlighting.

And this is what shocked and disturbed me, and I hope you see it too. To prove that their inconsistent love and workless faith is an absolute sham, these individuals aren't just any man or woman; they are not strangers or guests, nor are they foreign to them like the men he used as an example in verses 2 to 4. James refers to them as a brother or a sister, indicating that this church knows them personally—they are of fellowship together, they are of the elect of God, and members of their local church.

James carefully crafted this illustration for the church to demonstrate why wordsof love without acts of love signify a faith rooted in selfishness and hypocrisy of the flesh rather than in the selflessness and truth of Christ.

He begins with a hypothetical but scandalous and shocking scenario involving someone they personally know, a brother or a sister. These brethren come into their assembly barely and inadequately clothed. Again, do you see the difference of appearance by these brethren to the man with the gold ring dressed in fine clothes?

Look at the end of verse 15, “and destitute of daily food“ The word “daily” defines a time. But not a specific time at 11am. But the frequency or consistency of time. There’s that difference again of time where the man with the gold ring is mentioned to enter their assembly as a one time event and yet this brother or sister are destitute of daily food. Do you grasp the picture that James is portraying for this church? These poor brethren didn’t just show up at church one Sunday in this condition suddenly. They have been enduring constant suffering due to their inadequate clothing and deprivation of basic necessities for a while, and the church has been aware of this situation for some time. This is no surprise to the church. The church is well aware of the desperate needs of these brethren.

And notice that James called them a “brother or sister”?

The church didn’t act compassionately whether you’re a man or even a woman.

But James isn't seeking their pity. He isn't asking for their empty blessings, or their positive thinking words. He doesn’t want them to simply agree to his challenging and sin-revealing questions.

James exhorts them to let go of their empty faith and to feel a sense of urgency in taking action, take ownership of the dire situation, and take responsibility. He emphasizes the need for real, tangible assistance that will truly help and provide for the needs of these desperate brethren.

John echoes the same thought in 1 John 3:17-18

17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (how can we truly say God’s love reside with them?)

18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed (action) and in truth.

My beloved, how can we claim to love God when we fail to demonstrate the same love and compassion towards others?

The first verse I memorized when I was a young child was “God is love”.

If I do nothing to show love and compassion towards others, and I claim to be a child of God, can I truly proclaim, “God is love”? How would others know the love of God if I do not show it in my life?

Turn to mine and Aileen’s favourite verse.

1 John 4:12

12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Since God cannot be seen by man, Christians can only "show" Him to a watching world by loving one another. When the world sees that we love one another, the world sees God in us, and when the world sees God in us, the world sees God’s love completed in us.

Let’s go back to our main text in James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? In this verse, James revisits his original question from verse 14, addressing the individual who claims to have faith but fails to demonstrate it, exemplified by saying "depart in peace, be warm and be filled."

My dear ones, do you recognize the absurdity in this statement? This kind of faith is not a compassionate gesture to inquire about the needs of a naked and hungry brethren, but rather an empty faith that disregards their plight. When we say, "God bless you" or "God be with you" to our fellow believers, let it be more than mere empty workless words. Instead, let it be spoken with sincere prayers and with hearts and hands ready to extend help in urgency.

Consider the words in the middle of verse 16, "Depart in peace." This is a typical farewell expression similar to "Goodbye" or "Take care" which is usually said at the end of a conversation, not from the beginning. In a sense, the brother or sister are being dismissed already even before they are acknowledged. I just scratched my head in confusion and disbelief with the next phrase, "Be warmed and be filled". The literal translation is, "Warm yourselves and fill yourselves." How does this professing faith expect these needy brethren to warm and fill themselves? Apart from stating the obvious, these needy people would have done everything in their power to warm and feed themselves.

This church has been aware of the need for quite some time but chooses to offer empty words, making themselves feel good without taking responsibility. They attempt to appear righteous and religious by blessing their needy brethren. However, despite having the means to help clothe and feed them, this insult to their impoverished brethren is utterly outrageous.

Not only does this profession of faith disregard the needs of their brethren, but it also completely discards them.

My dear ones, please listen carefully to this. God condemns such empty faith. We must be mindful when giving blessings upon our fellow brethren, ensuring that our actions are not merely driven by the knowledge that God is capable of meeting their needs. Yes, God is able. Yes, God is the Provider. Yes, He the Supplier. But let us not stop there. Rather, recognizing that God has placed these individuals in our lives, within our church, amidst our fellowship, and under our care, we acknowledge our responsibility toward them. Let us not cloak ourselves in religiosity and empty faith, and instead, let us act with genuine compassion and responsibility.

It is inconsiderate, unkind, unjust, and inconsistent to show such attitudes of dismissal and disregard for the welfare and well-being of a fellow believer. To offer comfort without any intention of being a channel of blessing is actually to display indifference and lack of care.

Look at the next following words of James at the end of verse 16:

“notwithstanding ye give them notthose things which are needful to the body;” With these words, James is clearly expressing his disappointment with the Jewish Christians. He used the words “‘ye’ give them not”. When the word ‘ye’ is used, James refers to all of them, meaning not a single person in the Jewish Christian assembly offered any type of assistance to meet the basic needs of these brethren.

James concludes his argument with the question, "what doth it profit?", What good is that for?! What’s the use?

This illustrates that refusing to help another render one's faith empty and insincere. Simply offering good wishes or encouraging positivity without taking action to address physical needs does not truly help the needy person.

This quote from Peter Davids on his commentary on the Epistle of James sums it all up.

Just as words without action profited the poor person nothing, so faith without works profits the “believer” nothing.

James says, what’s the use? My loved ones, let go of empty faith.

3. Let Go of Dead Faith

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

In this verse, James concludes his discussion from verses 14 to 16 by defining the relationship between faith and works. He begins with "even so faith," suggesting that regardless of how you label it or articulate it, if you didn’t do a thing to prove what you are saying, it is dead faith.

James asserts that faith without works is worthless, offering no benefit or advantage. This kind of faith cannot save because it doesn't produce genuine fruit of true salvation.

Empty faith serves no purpose; it's just empty words intended to make oneself appear religious. It is only for self glory to demonstrate false holiness.

True faith, on the other hand, is evidenced through acts of love. It works in love, making sacrifices and going out of its way to ensure that love is fully and completely demonstrated. However, true faith does not seek attention and praise for itself; rather, it aims to showcase the greatness of God's love, which is able to fulfill every need of a person from here to eternity.

What’s the best illustration that Christ used to demonstrate what true acts of love is? The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Luke 10:25-37 25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. (again, same thing that James used)

28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

This is the real intention of a workless, empty and dead faith, and that is a public and outward demonstration of self-justification. Luke 16:15 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Do you now understand why James says that faith without works is dead?

When James speaks of works, he refers to acts of love, compassion, and care. He demonstrates how a church should respond with compassion towards brethren in need. Through their display of love, the love of God is manifested and completed in their lives. True and genuine faith, when tested, produces the fruit of the Spirit.

Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Which means Paul denies the need for any work "before" salvation, whereas James emphasizes the importance and necessity of work "after" salvation.

Similarly, my beloved, we cannot boast that we are saved because we have faith, as that faith is a gift from God. However, we can boast and glorify God because through faith, we can continually produce the fruit of the Spirit.

Here’s a quote by Craig Blomberg and Mariam Kamell from their Exegetical Commentary on James.

James calls a “faith” that does not bring about a changed life dead, lifeless, and useless. It does not work to save a person, for it cannot, lacking life itself.

A dead faith cannot produce life of faith because a dead faith has no life itself. Those who fail to do good deeds to help others render their professed belief in Christ useless, much like a dead person is useless. In reality, they do not truly believe in Christ.

Look at the last words of verse 17 when James says, Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, “being alone.”

I want us to take note of those words ‘being alone”.

The better rendering of this verse is: So too, “faith by itself”, if it is not complemented by action, is dead.

The words “being alone” means faith by itself.

And so, James is emphasizing the necessity of love, compassion and care accompanying faith. Faith by itself is dead. It only produce dead things. But true faith that is accompanied by love, compassion and care produce life. These acts of the fruit of the Spirit authenticates genuine salvation

Conclusion Application

What’s our take away in all of this?

Brethren, James is not saying here, “faith plus works equals salvation”. Instead, he clearly states that faith either "has" or "does not have" works (v. 17). Faith inherently exists as either dead or alive.

A living faith naturally produces works (fruit of the Spirit), demonstrating its vitality in the visible world.

Conversely, a dead faith lacks such works. James makes a contrasts between living and dead faith, not a living faith with works and one without.

Let me close with this illustration of Faith: Faith is like a seed: a living seed yields a living plant, while a dead seed yields nothing.

And so, my dear ones, let go of workless faith because it does not save. Let go of empty faith because it serves no purpose. And let go of dead faith because it yields nothing.

Prayer

Let’s close in prayer.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for choosing us as your own and calling us to bear fruit that honours you. Please help us to produce faith that brings you joy and glory. We know we can't do this alone, so we ask for your guidance and the power of your Holy Spirit to work within us. Help us cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our lives.

Forgive us for the times when we haven't reflected your nature in our actions. Please remove anything from our lives that prevents us from growing and bearing good fruit. May our lives glorify you, and may the fruit we produce bless those around us and draw others to you.

We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen.