Faith in Action
Notes
Transcript
We are getting further in our study of the Foundations of Faith. Again, we are looking at a foundation that we should all be working for, but sometimes we miss the mark. This week we are looking at “Faith That Works: Putting Belief into Action”. James emphasizes that faith must be accompanied by works; he argues that faith without works is dead, showing the vital connection between what we believe and how we live.
Introduction: Faith That Makes a Difference
Introduction: Faith That Makes a Difference
What would our community look like if every person who claimed to have faith actually lived it out? Studies show that while many profess belief, far fewer engage in acts of service that demonstrate that faith. We live in a world where it is easy to say we care, but do our actions match our words? Think about these questions:
How often do we say we will pray for someone but never follow through?
When was the last time we helped someone in need instead of assuming someone else would do it?
If someone looked at our daily actions, would they see a person of faith?
This is what James is addressing: faith should result in tangible actions that serve and uplift others.
Faith Needs Evidence
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
What’s the difference between saying you’ll help and actually helping? Between feeling sorry for someone and doing something to lift them up? Our actions are the evidence of the faith we profess. Without that evidence, James says, it’s as if our faith doesn’t even exist.”
Faith without action is of no real benefit, both for the one who claims to have faith and for those in need. Faith should be visible and actively engage with the needs around us, following the example of Christ’s compassion. We should consider how our faith translates into daily actions. We need to move beyond mere belief into practical service to others.
James uses strong language to emphasize the urgency of putting faith into action. He challenges believers who claim to have faith but fail to help those in need. This isn’t just big acts of service-it’s about the everyday choices we make to care for others.
Reflection Questions:
Why do you think James is so direct in his statement that faith without works is dead?
What are some common excuses we make for not taking action?
In what ways has someone else’s faith-driven actions impacted your life?
Illustration: Imagine seeing a post on social media about someone struggling financially. You comment, “Praying for you!” but never reach out to help. This is modern-day faith without works—acknowledging a need but doing nothing about it.
Faith isn’t about talking about it, it’s about living it out. Let’s consider what a church or community could look like if we weren’t just talking about our faith, but living it out with hands and feet.
17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
Question for Application
: “When was the last time your faith prompted you to act, rather than just speak?
So, we've established that faith without works is dead. But what does it look like when we allow our faith to speak through our actions? Let's look at how James challenges us to make our faith visible to the world.
2. Faith Speaks Louder
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Genuine faith speaks through our deeds, and this visible evidence is critical to validate our claims of faith. Examine the authenticity of our faith by looking at the tangible results it produces in our lives and relationships, reflecting Christ’s call to be His hands and feet in the world.
Illustration: Think of a gym membership. Just owning a membership card doesn’t make you fit—you have to exercise regularly. Similarly, believing in God without demonstrating faith through action is like expecting fitness without ever working out. Likewise, consider a church member who volunteers consistently versus one who simply attends services but never serves. Do we have a ‘spiritual membership’ without doing anything with it? Or do we have a faith that’s constantly in action, stretching and growing stronger?
For example, are we actively bringing love to our coworkers, neighbors, or even our families? How often do we choose kindness when it costs us something?
James challenges us by pointing out that even demons believe in God-and they tremble! this shows us that faith isn’t just about acknowledging God’s existence, but about submitting to His lordship and actively living out that belief. Demons don’t act on their belief-they shudder at the reality of God’s power. but true faith leads us to act, to engage with God’s calling in our lives.
16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
James isn’t saying we are saved by works, but that true faith always leads to action. As Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us, we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, so no one can boast. But when we are saved, we are created in Christ Jesus for good works. Faith in Christ inevitably produces a transformed life.
It’s important to remember that James isn’t contradicting Paul’s teachings on salvation by grace through faith. What he’s showing us is that saving faith isn’t passive. It’s not a ‘faith’ that simply sits back and does nothing. True faith is a living, active force in our lives—it transforms us and compels us to act in ways that reflect God’s love and mercy. Faith and works are two sides of the same coin.
3. Faith in Action
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.
24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
James recounts the exemplification of faith in Abraham to show that faith and deeds are inseparable partners in the believers life. Faith leads to righteous living, motivated by the example of Christ, inspiring us to offer our lives as a living testimony to God’s transformative power.
James is not suggesting that Abraham was saved by his works, but that his faith was made visible and complete through his actions. It was not the works that saved him, but the faith that prompted those works. Faith and works are inseparable in the life of a believer, demonstrating that faith is active, not passive.
Abraham didn’t just believe God existed, or even that God had a good plan for him. He believed
God was trustworthy enough to sacrifice his son in obedience to His will. And through that act of obedience, Abraham’s faith was made perfect.
Illustration: Picture a tightrope walker pushing a wheelbarrow across a canyon. He asks the crowd, “Do you believe I can push someone across?” They all say yes. Then he asks, “Who will get in?” Real faith requires stepping into the wheelbarrow—trusting and acting, not just believing from a distance. Would you be willing to get into that wheelbarrow and trust God, even if it felt risky? Genuine faith requires us to step out—not just talk about stepping out.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
4. Faith that Transforms
25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Rahab’s account is an illustration that true faith can lead individuals, regardless of their past, into actions that align with God’s purposes. Anyone’s faith journey can be fruitful and impactful. We need to allow our faith to transform how we live and serve like Christ.
Rahab’s faith didn’t just spare her life—it led her to become part of the lineage of Christ. Her transformation was so complete that she went from a woman who sold herself to one who protected God’s people. That’s the power of living, active faith!
Reflection:
How does Abraham’s example challenge our modern understanding of faith?
What is God calling you to do that requires stepping out in faith?
Illustration:A caterpillar doesn’t just believe it will become a butterfly—it undergoes a radical transformation. Similarly, faith is not about remaining the same; it transforms us into new creations, just like Rahab’s faith led her to act in alignment with God's will. Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process. A caterpillar doesn’t just wake up one morning and decide it’s going to be a butterfly. Similarly, faith requires a process of transformation. It’s not just a one-time event, it’s an ongoing change. And sometimes, like Rahab, we have to make decisions that move us forward in that transformation—even when it’s risky.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Practical Application: Living Faith Daily
Practical Application: Living Faith Daily
So, how do we live out this faith in our daily lives? Let's get specific. For families, this week, choose
one act of service you can do together. Maybe it's volunteering at the local food bank on Saturday morning. For professionals, identify
one area where you can demonstrate integrity at work. Perhaps it's being completely transparent in your next team meeting. For students, find one way to encourage a friend in their faith. Maybe it's inviting them to your youth group. And for everyone, commit to serving in one specific ministry at church this week. Maybe it's helping with set-up for Sunday service. This isn’t just about doing a good deed once. These are habits that, when we practice them, begin to shape us into people whose faith is always visible—at work, at school, at home. What is one thing you can do this week that demonstrates Christ’s love?
Closing Challenge
Closing Challenge
James’ message is clear: faith without works is dead. It is not enough to simply believe in God; our faith must be evidenced by our actions.
This week, I want to challenge you to identify one specific way you can put your faith into action. Maybe it’s reaching out to someone in need, serving in a ministry, or showing love to a coworker. Whatever it is, step out in faith and make that choice. Let your faith come to life!"
Does your faith move beyond belief and into action?
Are there areas where God is calling you to step out in faith and serve?
How can you demonstrate Christ’s love in practical ways this week?
Faith should be active, alive, and transforming. Let’s not just talk about faith—let’s live it out.
Faith should be alive, dynamic, and transforming. Don’t just talk about it—live it. Let’s be a church that doesn’t just say we believe but shows the world we believe by the way we love and serve. This week, let your faith come to life!
