Don’t Just Declare Your Faith, Prove It!

Introduction

Good morning, my beloved in the Lord. I welcome each of you with gladness in my heart for the fellowship we share in Christ.

It's truly a blessing to be here once again with you, to serve and minister the Word of God, which is so precious to us, especially as we continue our series on James.

Let’s give thanks to God for this time of worship and fellowship and for His mighty word that is able to cut through the intents and motives of our hearts.

Please open your Bibles to James 2:14-26 and place your favourite bookmark there, as this will be our main text for this morning. I have also given you a paper with our main text in block diagram. You are most welcome to highlight or circle the words then write a note to create references to your markups. (pen)

We're continuing our discussion on the topic of Faith and Works. Last Sunday, we explored James 2:14-17, the first part of this topic. Today, I intend to discuss the second part, spanning verses 18-26.

Let us be reminded of what we have covered last Sunday. The title of our message last week was Let Go of Faith that is Unholy and Unrighteous. We learned how James’s established the workless, empty and dead faith is futile. These were the three points we looked at:

1. Let Go of Workless Faith v14

2. Let Go of Empty Faith v15-16

3. Let Go of Dead Faith v17

James continues to build a case for a holy and righteous faith. In Chapter 2, verses 1 to 13, James exhorts the church, emphasizing that their faith is tested and proven by their consistent love for their neighbours. He highlights that judging someone based on their appearance not only fails to glorify Christ but also reveals a desire to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, as they attempt to replace Christ's justice with their own perverted self-righteousness and God’s impartiality with their own favouritism.

From verse 2 to 16, James purposefully presents a series of illustrations, starting with the man with the gold ring, then the poor man, and finally a brother or sister. With each illustration, their testimony progressively worsens, highlighting a downward descent into unholy and unrighteous testimony. This descent is characterized by their inconsistent, unfair, and unkind treatment of others, proving their profession of faith to be workless, empty, and dead.

They treated the man with the gold ring with much honour and care. They gave him special treatment by recognizing him in their midst, seating him in a place of honour, and providing him with his own footstool. The Jewish Christians aligned themselves with the blasphemy of this influential, wealthy, and powerful man, seeking favours even though they were persecuted by similar people, and they didn’t even know him.

They treated the poor man, who was wearing vile raiment, with contempt. They ordered him to stand in the far side of the room or sit on the ground beside their footstool to embarrass and degrade him. They did not want to know him since they could gain nothing from him.

But what's even more shocking is how they treated their own brethren; brothers or sisters whom they personally knew and worshiped God with. They saw each other every Lord’s Day and every time the church met together for worship. They worshiped, prayed, and studied the Word together.

It came as no surprise to the church that the needy brethren were barely clothed and struggling to meet their daily basic needs; they had always been in such circumstances when they came to church.

James illustrated that their actions didn’t align with their profession of faith. They treated these brethren even worse than the poor man and much more worse than the man with the golden ring. None of the Jewish Christians offered them aid, choosing instead to offer words of blessings without tangible assistance.

Similar to the rich man who wears fine apparel, the Jewish Christians symbolically clothed themselves in religiosity and holiness, offering empty blessings rather than meeting the needs of their needy brethren and showing compassion towards them.

James isn't implying that they should prioritize these needy brethren over others. Rather, he emphasizes treating all people fairly and justly, demonstrating love for each other so that these individuals would witness the love of God within them, completing God's love within their community.

No wonder James exhorted them from the beginning of his letter to be guided by pure joy as they faced various trials in life. They chose to be led by self-serving desires, self-righteous justice, and self-centred glory rather than apply their faith that works towards love and that brings glory to God.

Instead of seeking God's blessings of wisdom to endure and mature in the knowledge of Christ, and to consistently act in love, they turned away from the truth and deceived their own hearts. They had forgotten the perfect law of liberty and had become doers of faith that were without works, empty, and dead.

They would rather disregard and discard the faith they had received from God's word and instead place their faith in the influence, power, and wealth of a man they did not know.

They would rather remove Christ, the King of glory, from the stronghold of their hearts and replace Him with their self-serving glory, enabling them to fulfill the desires of their flesh and supplant Christ with their self-righteous laws.

So, loved ones, do you see the danger of inconsistent and even shallow and empty professions of faith? I believe we are particularly vulnerable, residing in a nation where materialism and opportunities for wealth can tempt us toward such desires. We find it difficult to ask for help, due to embarrassment or pride, as we wish to avoid being indebted to others.

Likewise, we find it challenging to offer assistance because we fear that our gesture may be interpreted as a means to gain leverage for future favours. However, as Christians, we should rid ourselves of such suspicions and instead approach helping or seeking help with humility.

Let us now come before the Lord and see what and how His words will challenge us with today in James 2. Please stand as we read together James 2:14-26 to grasp the complete context of this passage.

Prayer

Our Heavenly Faithful Father,

As we gather together as Your church family today, we humbly come before You seeking Your guidance and power to transform us into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We recognize that we cannot achieve this transformation on our own strength, but we rely entirely on Your Spirit to work within us.

Lord, we ask that You send Your Holy Spirit to renew our hearts. Help us to love what is good and pure, give us spiritual eyes of discernment, hearts with righteous judgement, and to turn away from all that is evil and sinful. Grant us hearts filled with compassion and forgiveness, that we may see others through Your eyes and extend Your love to them.

Father, we also pray for the renewal of our minds. Transform our thoughts to align with Your truth and perspective. Guide us to meditate on Your Word daily, so that our minds may be continually renewed and strengthened by Your wisdom.

We understand that transformation is a journey that requires our faithful commitment and obedience. Give us the courage and perseverance to follow Your will, even when it is challenging or difficult.

Thank You, Father, for the promise of transformation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We trust in Your ongoing work within us, shaping us into His image. May our lives be a testament to Your love and grace, bringing glory to Your holy name.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The title of our message this morning is:

Don’t Just Declare Your Faith, Prove It!

Propositional Statement

My goal for this Sunday morning is to demonstrate from God’s word that faith and works are inseparable. As Christians, we show the genuineness of our faith not just through words, but through our actions.

I want God’s word to reveal to us that all our deeds must reflect the love, compassion, kindness, mercy, and grace of God. Through our actions, people can truly witness and experience how God’s love is manifested in us.

Furthermore, may God's word transform and change us, leading us to be guided by the Holy Spirit toward holiness and righteousness. May our inclination to entertain sin be removed, prompting us to repent from it, thus ensuring that our thoughts and actions bring glory only to God.

Here are the three points we aim to explore this morning.

Let Go of Futile Faith v18

Let Go of Vain Faith v19-23

Let Go of Untested Faith v24-26

1 Let Go of Futile Faith v18

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

James 2:18

Although James expressed doubt regarding the genuineness of the profession of salvation by these Jewish Christians, he continues to engage with them and exhort them. He does so by introducing an imaginary third-person character in his letter with whom he debates with.

Look at verse 14 of chapter 2 where he says, “though a man say he hath faith.” In the beginning of verse 16 says, “And one of you say unto them”. And then in the beginning of verse 18, he says "Yea, a man may say." Notice that James didn’t say, “If a man has faith,” but instead, “If a man sayshe has faith.” This means that “a man” is professing and making a claim of faith.

Why is it important to point this out? Well, James is highlighting to the church how they make such a big deal in ensuring everyone knows they have faith, yet they lack any actions to substantiate and live out the faith they claim. And this is the main point of James’s argument that faith and works are inseparable. Look at how James anticipates and responds in advance to this objection, foreseeing the various arguments this church might present to him.

Look at the beginning of verse 18, the claim may be stated as follows: "Thou hast faith, and I have works." This indicates that the person speaking alleges to have faith but lacks work, while the person being spoken to has works but lacks faith. Both persons either has faith only or works only.

What is James's response to refute the objection that faith can exist without works and works without faith, and that neither example holds true to genuine faith?

In the middle of verse 18, James says, “show me your faith without your works”

James challenges the Jewish Christians regarding their claim that nothing else is necessary and that their alleged faith alone can stand before God and bring about salvation. But is that true, my beloved? Is our “profession” of faith enough, and by declaringthat we are saved, do we indeed now have faith?

James says, "No." Genuine faith always provides tangible evidence. Genuine faith goes hand in hand with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. You cannot demonstrate an alleged faith because you have nothing with which to demonstrate it.

Do you see the crucial words that James used? Look at your Bible in the middle of verse 18. James says “show me”. Highlight these words “show” in your Bible: “show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

James can prove that his faith is a living faith because his purpose has changed from being a cynical half-brother of Christ to someone who identifies himself as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” His former dead, sinful nature is now gone, and he has become a new creation in Christ seeking to give God the glory and for his fellow man to receive salvation through the works of Christ.

His joy overflows even though he faced terrible persecution and threats of prison and death. His wisdom is drawn from above, giving him endurance in his trials and leading him to spiritual maturity. His inclination to sin has been replaced with a disposition toward the holiness and righteousness of Christ.

And so when James says “show me”, he means providing tangible, visible evidence. James is making it clear that without any form of action or work that is witnessed and experienced by another person, it's impossible to provide evidence of genuine faith.

How do you testify your faith? How would others experience your faith if all you do is talk and boast about it?

James challenges this church to show him their faith without works. How does anyone demonstrate and provide evidence of faith without doing anything or by standing still? Faith is not a feeling or emotion and can’t be felt by another person. Faith is not like an old painting where halos or auras are depicted around a person's head to symbolize holiness.

Do you see how foolish to claim to have genuine faith without visible evidence?

James isn't questioning the value of faith without works. Instead, he's asking: What's the point of claiming to have faith if it's not accompanied by works?

Take note that the Jewish Christians adhere to a culture of “national holiness.” They proudly assert that their land is holy, they're the chosen people of God, and they're the keepers of the Oracles and Laws of God. They practice circumcision (a covenant with God), animal sacrifices (as life and blood offerings to God for the forgiveness of their sin), adhere to dietary laws, observe the Sabbath day, engage in set long winded prayers, avoid touching unclean things, and so on. They have many works, rituals, and traditions. This is the issue that James is addressing.

We can claim to have faith but show no tangible evidence to support that claim. Or we can claim to do all these things—attend church every Sunday, give tithes and offerings, pray, read the Bible—and yet not have Christ as our Savior and Lord.

A sanctified faith is one that reflects the glory of Christ in a Christian's life. Faith and Works are inseparable.

So if you have a workless, empty and dead faith - this faith is futile. My dear ones, let go of futile faith.

2 Let Go of Vain Faith v19-23 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

I want you to take note of the beginning of verse 19, “Thou believest that there is one God”. This is as if James’s rhetorical opponent spoke up and defends their faith because they believe that God is one. And this is interesting because James’s is quoting the Shema:

‘Deuteronomy 6:4 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.

What's a Shema? It's a prayer recited by Jewish people every morning and evening as an expression of their devotion to God.

James anticipates and argues about the Jews' tradition of reciting the Shema. They recite these prayers from memory, and it has become part of their custom.

James insists that merely "believing" in true and correct theology doesn't necessarily translate into faith in action. You can be the most brilliant and learned student of the Bible and still not have Christ as your Savior. So, what good is that belief?

What is James's response to such shallow belief? He says, "thou doest well." James seems to commend them, saying, "Good for you!" However, James is actually highlighting the hollowness and shallowness of their faith.

Why isn't believing that God is one enough? Look at the end of verse 19: "the devils also believe." So, you believe that God is one? Good for you! Even the devils believe the same thing, James says. They believe everything that you believe in. In fact, the demons have seen and witnessed God for themselves much more than you have.

The demons, former servants of God as part of the heavenly hosts, who sing the eternal songs of "Holy, Holy, Holy," who come and go to carry out the bidding and commands of God, who have personally witnessed the awesome power of God in creation, who cover their eyes with their wings as they dare not see God's holiness, who cover their feet with their wings as they stand before the holiness of God - they believe and know more theological truths about God than these Jewish Christians.

But you know what? The devil's belief is even more profound than that of the Jewish Christians. How? Look at the end of verse 19: they believe "and tremble."

Other translations say the demons’ shudder. Have you ever witness anyone behave like this? Believing in God for them involves uncontainable, uncontrollable, violent shaking from extreme fear. Their skin crawls and their hair stands on end as they are overwhelmed by their understanding of who God is. And even though they believe in God's power and might, they remain condemned.

Do you see how James uses this extreme illustration of the devil's belief in God? James compares their belief to that of the devil's. And he concludes that even the devil’s belief is better than theirs because they do not fear God the way the devil fears God.

This is James's argument: Although the demons know and fear the awesome might and power of God, this knowledge does not save them. James is exhorting these Jewish Christians that mere belief in God

doesn’t mean they have the saving or sanctified faith of God.

Similarly, you can grow up in the church, memorize scriptures, pray with eloquence and passion, sing enthusiastically, participate in every ministry, and even become a pastor of a local church, but still not have Christ as your Savior. My loved ones, having intellectual knowledge of God doesn’t necessarily equate to genuine faith.

Look at verse 20. “20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”

Once again, in this verse, James challenges the Jewish Christians. "But wilt thou know?" Here, he addresses the humility of his rhetorical opponent, asking, "Are you willing to acknowledge? Are you open to discussion? Do you genuinely want to understand?" He is challenging the pride of the Jewish Christians. That's why he says, "O vain man," in the middle of verse 20. This rhetorical opponent has nothing to offer, no evidence of faith, nothing to demonstrate any evidence of faith. All he has are words, and even those words are empty and useless. He boasts of his belief, and that's it. So, faith without works does not function, for it fails to prove its authenticity.

Look at verse 21 as James shifts from challenging them to showing them his own evidence of genuine faith. James transitions from hypothetical illustrations to real historical examples.

He starts with Abraham, shifting from questions structured in a negative sense, where the expected answer is "no," to questions in a positive sense, where the expected answer is "yes."

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

So, what's their anticipated answer? Yes.

Abraham, whom the Jews call Father Abraham, was justified by works.

What does this mean? Did Abraham "gain" salvation because he offered to sacrifice his son? This is the contention that led Martin Luther to call the Epistle of James the "Epistle of Straw" because he strongly opposed the Roman Catholic theology of salvation through works. Luther firmly believed that salvation is only by grace and through faith alone.

But as we learned last week, James is not contradicting Paul's teaching. Paul teaches "the way" of salvation, while James teaches "the result" of salvation.

So, Abraham was notjustified by works to “gain” salvation; rather, his faith was justified to be genuine by works.

Abraham didn't just make a profession that he believed in God. He acted upon God’s promises. Turn to Genesis 12:1-4 to see God’s promises to Abraham. Take note of those two words of God “I will”. Genesis 12:1-4 1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

The will of God was clear when He called Abraham. His intention and purpose were for the world to be blessed through the family of Abraham.

My dear ones, didn't God call you out of sin? His intention and purpose through you is to bless the world. Are you worthy of that calling? Yes! It is God’s calling!

Ephesians 2:10

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

God has prepared you, appointed you, even before the foundation of the world, to do the good works that He has planned for us to do for Him.

Let’s go back in our main text James 2:22

22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

The King James translation renders this verse as a question. However, James is not seeking their confirmation or agreement; rather, he is explaining his illustration of Abraham's faith to “draw out” the understanding of the Jewish Christians from his example.

So, a better rendering of verse 22 is this:

"You see that his (Abraham’s) faith was working with his actions, and his (Abraham’s) faith was perfected (accomplished, completed, consummated) by what he (Abraham) did."

Notice the beginning of verse 22 where it says “wrought with his works.” This means Abraham’s faith was working with, working together, or cooperating with his works. His faith was active alongside his works.

I point this out because the word "wrought" in Greek is “synergeo”. In English, it’s translated as “to synergize” or “to collaborate”.

This further explains that our faith must work itself out daily in our life. Our faith does not have an on or off switch where we turn it on when we need it and turn it off when we don’t. My dear ones, Christ dwells in us. He doesn’t come and go. He resides and lives in us. And so our faith is synergized or collaborating with our works constantly and permanently.

What does this mean? Well, you either have a living, true faith or a dead, false faith. You either produce the fruit of the Spirit or the deeds of the flesh. You are either genuinely saved or a mere, professing Christian. There’s no in between, there’s no both.

Look at the end of verse 22 “and by works was faith made perfect”

(and his (Abraham’s) faith was perfected (accomplished, completed, consummated) by what he (Abraham) did.)

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

Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son not only showed his faith to be real, but also through his obedience his faith actually “grew up.”

My dear ones, please listen carefully: "There's no spiritual maturity unless we go through testing." The only way for our faith to truly be proven genuine is through testing. Our response of obedience and trust in God will "demonstrate" the authenticity of our faith and, at the same time, secure it.

That's why I mentioned earlier, if I were to seek counsel from a fellow believer on how to deal with certain trials, I would rather turn to a brother or sister whom I know have personally experienced trials in their life.

I am given the sure hope and assurance that through my trial, not only is my faith authenticated to be genuine, but it also strengthens my confidence in God.

Have you ever experienced testing, and once you find yourself victorious at the end by God’s grace, you praise and thank God for His faithfulness? You have proven Him to be faithful, and your testing has proven your faith to be genuine. My loved ones, that’s joy in facing trials!

Look at verse 23 as James summarises his example of Abraham’s faith. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

James proves that the earlier declaration of God in Genesis 15:6, when Abraham was without a nation and without a child, was fulfilled in Abraham’s faith and action. Abraham’s faith was tested and proven to be genuine by obeying the commands of God to offer his only son Isaac.

In the middle of verse 23 where it says, “and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” This word "imputed" means it was counted, credited, or charged with.

The picture here is like putting money in a piggy bank. As a child, I remember putting coins in a piggy bank. I didn't know how much money I had placed in the piggy bank, and I didn't know what I would do with the money when the piggy bank was full. But I continued to deposit my spare change.

And this is the illustration when it says, "And 'it,' referring to faith, was imputed or credited unto Abraham for righteousness." Abraham only continued to obey God, and his faith account grew and grew.

And because his faith matured, Abraham was given the great honor of being called "The Friend of God".

The Greek word for friend is “philos”, which means ‘A person with whom one has a close bond or friendship, or to whom one is under a basic obligation.’ Jesus used the word philos to describe a friend who sacrifices for the sake of their friendship in John 15:13. But James used the word philos to remind the Jewish Christians that God has a distinct affection towards Abraham, as God willingly declared and showed Abraham His plans for Abraham’s family. God treated Abraham as a close friend.

What does that mean? Not only did God “justified” Abraham’s faith in a legal sense (by giving Abraham a ram caught in the thicket for sacrifice), but God also treated Abraham in a personal way by calling him God’s friend.

So, brethren, if we have nothing to offer to God, if our faith isn't evidenced in synergy with our work, if we lack any tangible demonstration of faith, and all we possess are empty words and useless beliefs, why do we continue to boast about it? My loved ones, let go of such vain faith.

3 Let Go of Untested Faith v24-26

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

For the fourth time, James recalls what he has written to the Jewish Christians in verses 14, 17, 20, and now 26. He exhorts this church to fully grasp the lesson from Abraham's example of faith.

Notice the first word in verse 24, James uses "Ye see then". Again, he is addressing the entire church and is no longer debating with his rhetorical opponent.

James says, “As all of you can see, a man is justified by his deeds and not by faith alone.” It is through a person’s actions that they demonstrate the reality of their profession of faith to God for others to witness and experience.

How do I know your faith is true? By my own personal witness and experience.

Have you ever doubted someone’s profession of salvation? They claim to be saved, but their actions don’t align with it. However, we are never certain because we have never personally witnessed their faith in action.

So, we put a question mark on them and leave it there. But, loved ones, as a church, we ought to challenge one another and stir each other up to good works.

James emphasizes that "by works a man is justified" to the Jewish Christians as he exhorts them. Through Abraham's example, they can truly realize that people do good things, and God considers them righteous.

Why? Because they “put” their faith in God.

Just in case, the Jew’s greatest patriarch in Abraham was not enough for an example, James turns to a second historical example in Rahab. Have a look at verse 25: 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

It is interesting to note that James uses the word “likewise” at the beginning of this second example. One might expect a parallel illustration between Abraham and Rahab, but we know that Abraham and Rahab have two different life stories. They are actually on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Abraham is the Father of all Jews, both physically and spiritually. He is highly honored and revered by both Jews and Gentiles. Historically, he is wealthy, morally upright, and righteous, and he holds an important position in his society.

Rahab, on the other hand, is most likely poor, as she lived by the walls of Jericho. She is a Canaanite Gentile prostitute, a woman, an outcast, and she holds no authority, influence, or power in her society. James highlights her as a harlot to further emphasize her sin and status.

However, this is why James uses the word “likewise”. Both Abraham and Rahab were justified by their works. Their lives both demonstrate faith in action, as they were both “transformed” to live, obey, trust, and place their faith in God alone. They were both listed in Hebrews 11 as the “witnesses” who champions Faith.

How was Rahab justified by works? Look at the end of verse 25, "when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?”

As a result of her faith in the God of the Israelites, she and her family were spared during Joshua’s conquest of Jericho. Not only did Rahab recognize God, but she also placed her faith in Him. She knew nothing of God, she was sinful, but God graciously accepted her faith because she protected the two spies of Joshua as an act of obedience towards God.

My loved ones, how have you proven your faith? Has your faith been tested to be genuine through trials? Rahab knew her and her family’s life was at risk because she went against her own people. But Rahab’s act of defiance against the rulers of Jericho shows that she placed her trust and loyalty in the God of the Israelites.

To conclude James’s last example in the life of Rahab, James uses a final illustration. Have a look at verse 26.

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

Can we see the spirit? No. The only tangible evidence we can see is the body. The spirit is intangible. Without the spirit, which is something we do not see, the body is dead.

Similarly, if someone claims “I trust God” but does nothing to help and serve God’s people, what that person claims about trusting God is untested. So, James concludes that faith without works is dead also.

Conclusion Application

What lessons can we glean from James 2:1-26?

In verses 1 to 13, we're reminded not to judge others based solely on appearances, determining who deserves our love, kindness, compassion, and grace. James presents three vivid illustrations emphasizing the importance of avoiding discrimination, refraining from judging with malicious intent, and not associating ourselves with those who dishonor God's name.

Through these illustrations, James underscores how faith can falter despite its existence. In each scenario, the integrity of one's faith diminishes. The man adorned with gold is lavished with honor, while the impoverished individual is humiliated, and even a fellow believer is neglected and offered empty blessings.

Moving to verses 14 to 26, we delve into the intricate relationship between faith and works, understanding that they are intertwined and essential for reflecting God's glory. Our actions not only testify to our faith but also serve others practically.

Three illustrations further clarify the nature of genuine faith and its manifestation in our actions. With each example, the synergy between faith and works becomes more apparent and the example gets better.

Consider the devil's belief in God, which, despite its acknowledgment, does not save. Their belief, albeit tinged with fear and trembling before God, lacks transformative power. Do we mirror this reverence and awe?

Abraham exemplifies unwavering faith by obediently following God's command to sacrifice his son, Isaac—a testament that blesses the world.

Rahab, a Gentile and a harlot, defies societal expectations and aligns herself with God's people, showcasing her faith despite the risks. Her inclusion in the chapter of faith exemplars highlights God’s amazing grace.

In essence, James 2:1-26 serves as a poignant reminder that genuine faith is not merely a passive belief but a dynamic force that propels us to embody God's love and righteousness in our actions, irrespective of appearances or societal norms.

In conclusion, let's revisit James 2:14, where James presents his main idea and recurring hard-hitting question about faith and works:

James 2:14

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?"

What is the final answer? Can such faith, which is workless, empty, dead, futile, vain, and untested, save a person? James's answer throughout all of his examples in verses 14 to 26 is a loud and resounding "no."

Sanctified faith and good works are inseparable. One cannot exist without the other.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We praise You for Your mighty and powerful words. Thank You for challenging our profession of faith. May we not only meditate upon these things but also be convicted and prove the authenticity of our faith.

Strengthen us in our trials. Grant us the boldness and courage to face them. Though we do not know what the future holds, we trust in You, our timeless God who is the creator of time and holds our tomorrow. Remove worry and anxiety about tomorrow from us, and fill us with the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. May we not only claim this peace but also live in the reality of our faith.

Father, we offer this worship and praise to You. Praise be to God who gives us joy in our trials.

We pray all these things gladly in the name of Christ, who is the Prince of Peace.

Amen.