Faith that Stands

Introduction

One of the most controversial passages in the Bible is the text that we are dealing with this evening. It is a primary place that people who believe that you can lose your salvation go to in support of their theology. Those who believe that works must accompany faith in order to get salvation also come hear to argue their point of view.

We must first remind ourselves who he is speaking to so that we can capture the context of his writing here in this passage. Remember, what he said in chapter one verse two; James 1:2 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”. He said, “brethren”. So, we know that he is speaking to saved people. This does not indicate that an unbeliever can read James and not come to understand his need for Christ, but it does mean that it affects how we derive the contexts of his writings.

Since we see that he is writing to the brethren let’s fast forward to the first part of chapter two; James 2:1 “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” Once again, James reminds us that he is speaking to saved people. We have already covered this passage, but he talks about favoring the rich over the poor and how such things ought not to be done within the church. So, James is setting a pattern for us, that he is addressing things that are happening among God’s people that should not be happening.

As we enter into the next section, while James begins to talk about Faith it is still connected to the previous verses and helps us figure out what he is saying. So when James says, James 2:14 “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” Is he referring to how a person gets saved? Is he referring to how a person stays saved? No, he is talking to a saved person and pointing out how that saved people sometimes behave in a way that makes it seem that they are not saved because their works do not bear out what we would expect to see from someone that has genuine faith in Jesus Christ.

So, lets look at this passage from the context in which James wrote it and let it challenge us in our lives to live as a Christian ought to live.

Faith that Fails

James 2:14–17 “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 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? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

James starts this section by asking a question of his saved brethren in order to challenge them. What doth it profit?

James’ Question:

“What doth it profit?” (v. 14)

What good is your faith?

If it does not help what good is your faith? If it does not inspire what good is your faith? If it does not edify what good is your faith?

How is your faith helping you?

How is your faith helping you to become a better person? How is it helping you to overcome sin? How is it helping you to show more of God’s love to others?

How is your faith helping others?

How does your faith in God change the way you treat other people? How does your faith in God change how you interact with others? How does your faith change the way you show love to people?

How is your faith edifying your brethren?

How does your faith build up your church family? How does your faith encourage others? How does your faith lead others to a genuine walk with Jesus?

James’ Illustration:

A needy person comes without food or clothing.

The response: “Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled.”

Words without action do nothing.

This is love in words only, not in deeds.

The response to this naked and hungry person is a great sentiment, but the person is still naked and hungry. Your faith did nothing for that person. It did nothing for their personal life. It did nothing for their hope in humanity. It did nothing to point them to Jesus. It did nothing to help them spiritually, mentally, or physically. These words to a hungry and naked person are empty and accomplish nothing.

Application of the Illustration:

Inactive faith is like empty words—it doesn’t help anyone.

You cannot help anyone if you are dead. You are unable to assist your family or friends. So it is with our faith; if it is a faith of mere words then it does nothing to help those in need of physical help, those in need of salvation in Christ, or those in need of spiritual help or healing.

If you claim to believe and love God but don’t live it out, your faith is dead.

Saying I love God and living out those words is completely different. Saying that you are a Christian and living in a way that contradicts that claim diminishes your influence for Christ. Saying that you love God and failing, in the little things, to allow that love to flow out of you into someone else is a faith that produces nothing.

Saving faith produces action; dead faith produces nothing.

James is trying to challenge his brethren to go beyond mere words, but to express their faith in their works for Christ. Allow Christ to bring your faith to life that blesses other people, that influences others for Christ, that shows the world what the love of God can do for their lives, and that encourages other Christians to model your testimony in their own lives.

Illustration: The Family Who Lost Everything in a Fire

Several years ago, a young family’s home caught fire late at night. Within minutes the flames consumed everything they owned. They barely escaped with their lives. By the time the fire was out, all they had left were the clothes on their backs. Their children were shaken, their parents were overwhelmed, and they didn’t even know where they would sleep that night.

Now imagine if fellow Christians had come by, patted them on the back, and said, “Don’t worry, God will take care of you. Be warm and filled. We’ll be praying for you.” Nice words — but what good would that have done? They would still have been cold, hungry, and homeless.

But that’s not what happened. The local church rallied. People donated clothes, meals were brought to the family, a fund was started to help them secure temporary housing. Some members even opened their homes so the family had a place to stay. That’s what James is teaching — that living faith shows up in action.

The Point: Words alone cannot warm the shivering or feed the hungry. Real faith moves us to love, to give, and to act. Faith without works is dead, but faith expressed in love changes lives.

Faith that does nothing fails everyone.

Key Truth:

Faith without works is dead (v. 17).

Dead faith does not inspire, edify, or serve others.

Living faith helps, builds up, and blesses.

Faith that Shows

James 2:18–20 “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. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”

Here James emphasizes the idea that faith is demonstrated; there is action behind it. We must not simply be someone with an inactive faith because that fails people. A demonstrated faith inspires people. James is saying that you can talk all you want about the faith that you have, but I am going to demonstrate to you the faith that I have through my actions.

You can tell people that you have faith all you want, but until it is demonstrated to them they won’t believe you. Ultimately I believe that whether someone is saved or not is only a question that the person and Jesus can answer, however, if there is someone that tells me they are born again, but consistently demonstrates their life to be one that follows sin, wrong thinking, unbiblical actions, and sometimes downright wickedness in their lives then I am going to approach them in an evangelistic way. I am going to be cautious about affirming their salvation without outright denying it. I am going to treat them as I would any other person that admits to being an unbeliever.

I am going to love them. I am going to witness to them. I am going to point them to Jesus. They may very well be saved and be someone that is very backslidden, but because of their works demonstrating a life of an unregenerate sinner that is in need of a Saviour that is how I will approach that person. Their words say they have faith in Christ, but their deed demonstrate otherwise.

In contrast, there are people who both claim with their words and demonstrate with their actions that they are saved. They love God. They love others. They follow God. They point others to Jesus. They demonstrate the love of God to other people and to their church family. They get involved at church and assist in ministries that are designed to point others to Christ. They see a need in the church and they meet that need. No one has to ask them. No one has to beg them. They love God, they love others, and they love their church. I don’t have to wonder about their faith; they demonstrate it.

Let me also touch on the fact that there are people who have works, but do not have faith. They look like they have faith. They act like they have faith. They are a good person. People around them think they are saved and love God. However, they have never truly yielded their heart and life to Christ in belief that he is the Son of God who died on the cross for their sin and turned to him in faith for salvation.

In the end, your faith only does something for other people when you demonstrate that faith in action.

Illustration: The Faith of Corrie Ten Boom During World War II, the Ten Boom family risked their lives to hide Jewish refugees from the Nazis. They built secret hiding places, provided food, and offered protection, knowing that discovery could mean death. Eventually, they were arrested, and Corrie’s father and sister died in captivity. Corrie survived and later shared the message of God’s faithfulness and forgiveness with the world. Her faith was not just words — it was action, sacrifice, and love in motion.

This story embodies James’s point: faith is shown, not just spoken. Living faith steps into action, serving others and demonstrating God’s love tangibly.

Application:

Ask yourself — does my life demonstrate the faith I claim?

Do my actions back up my words?

Do people see Jesus in how I serve, love, and live?

Or do I leave others with nothing more than words and good intentions?

James challenges us to live out a faith that inspires and draws others to Christ.

Faith that show is a faith that grows.

Faith that Justifies

James 2:21–25 “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 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. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?”

James then gives us two illustrations where their faith was justified by their works; Abraham and Rahab.

Once again, James uses language here that has confused so many people. “Was not Abraham our father justified by works...” “You see there, Abraham was justified by works in addition to faith. It takes both in order to be saved. You cannot be saved by faith if you do not have works that exemplify a change in your life.” Let’s take a step back and consider again that James is writing to believers and that he is not trying to preach to them a salvation message, but instead, he is encouraging them to do the works of a person of faith.

Abraham

When we examine his examples we see that he was merely pointing out that Abraham did not just, with mere words, say that he had faith in God. He justified his claim of faith by demonstrating it to God through obedience. When God tole Abraham to take his son and sacrifice him Abraham did not hesitate to make the preparations and left to do what God had told him to do. Abraham did not get saved because he chose to sacrifices Isaac. Rather, Abraham demonstrated his faith in God by obeying the command he was given. Abraham was justified by faith, but he justified his claim to have faith in God by the works of obedience.

We tell people to put their money where their mouth is. James was saying virtually the same about our faith. If we say that we have faith then let’s demonstrate it. When we demonstrate our faith then we are justifying our claim to have faith. Abraham justified his faith through the work of obedience, but he was not justified in the eyes of God because of his obedience. Once again, Abraham obeyed God in offering Isaac because of his faith in God, not to gain justification in salvation.

Rahab

Rahab took in the spies to save them from being killed. Then, after the king and his army went away she told them how that she believed that God was powerful and asked them to save her from the destruction to come. They agreed if she hung the cord in the window. She did hang that cord and she was saved. She made a claim to believe in God. Hiding the men did not save her and hanging the cord was not the reason that she was saved. Hanging the cord was the demonstration of her faith they would save her. Ultimately, Rahab was saved by faith; not because of her works to save the spies.

In Salvation we are 100% justified by faith. Our claim of faith in God is justified by our works. If we do not demonstrate it to others is does nothing for others and it does not build a foundation of a testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Illustration: The Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian during World War II, demonstrated faith in a powerful, visible way. He believed deeply in Christ and resisted the rise of Nazism, but he didn’t stop at words or sermons. He helped organize the Confessing Church, spoke against injustice, and actively participated in plots to protect Jews from persecution — knowing fully that his actions could cost him his life.

Ultimately, Bonhoeffer was arrested and executed for his obedience to God and love for others. His faith saved him spiritually and justified itself publicly through his courageous works. Like Abraham and Rahab, his faith was real, visible, and actionable — demonstrating the power of faith through deeds.

Faith that justifies shows itself in action.

Conclusion

Faith is not just what we say; it is what we do. James challenges us to examine our hearts and our lives:

Faith that Fails leaves people in need and accomplishes nothing.

Faith that Shows inspires others and points them to Christ.

Faith that Justifies proves our faith to the world and builds a testimony of God’s work in our lives.

We cannot be content with empty words or inactive belief. Our faith must move, act, and demonstrate itself in real life.

Illustration: The Chilean Miners (2010) In 2010, 33 miners were trapped 2,300 feet underground in a collapsed mine in Chile. For 69 days, the world watched as their lives hung in the balance.

Faith that Fails: If those above had only prayed and spoken words of encouragement without taking action, the miners’ hope would have been empty.

Faith that Shows: Instead, rescue teams, engineers, volunteers, and even governments demonstrated action. They drilled, coordinated, and supplied food, showing faith through their works.

Faith that Justifies: The miners were rescued, proving the faith, planning, and action of the rescuers. Their belief paired with action brought life and hope.

Just like the rescue effort, our faith should be visible, active, and life-giving.

Challenge: Take your faith out of the shadows. Let it be seen, felt, and experienced through your obedience, love, and works. Don’t settle for a faith that fails — live a faith that shows and justifies, for the glory of God and the good of those around you.

Faith is alive when it acts and inspires.

Sermon Outline for Study

Sermon Title: Faith that Stands

Text: James 2:14–25

Introduction

James challenges believers to examine their faith.

Faith is not just words; it must be demonstrated through action.

Today we will explore three ways faith is revealed and validated.

Point 1: Faith That Fails (James 2:14–17)

Teaching:

Faith without works is dead.

Saying we believe is not enough; we must act.

Inactive faith does nothing for others and fails to demonstrate the reality of Christ in our lives.

Illustration: The Family Who Lost Everything in a Fire

A young family’s home caught fire, destroying everything.

Words of comfort alone would have done nothing.

The local church provided meals, clothing, and temporary housing, demonstrating their faith through action.

Application:

Examine your life: Does your faith show itself in tangible acts of love and service?

Don’t leave people with empty words.

Faith that fails does nothing.

Point 2: Faith That Shows (James 2:18–20)

Teaching:

Faith is proven by action.

Words alone do not inspire belief in others.

Genuine believers love God, love others, serve in the church, and meet needs without being asked.

Some may appear faithful through works, but true faith requires surrender to Christ.

Illustration: The Faith of Corrie Ten Boom

During WWII, Corrie Ten Boom and her family hid Jewish refugees, risking their lives.

Their faith was demonstrated in tangible, sacrificial action.

Corrie survived and later shared God’s faithfulness and forgiveness with the world.

Application:

Ask yourself if your faith is visible and inspiring.

Are you serving others and pointing people to Christ through action?

Faith that shows is faith that grows.

Point 3: Faith That Justifies (James 2:21–25)

Teaching:

Faith is 100% the basis of salvation, but genuine faith is demonstrated through works.

Abraham obeyed God and justified his claim of faith by offering Isaac.

Rahab demonstrated her faith by protecting the spies and following God’s instructions.

Works validate our faith to others and provide a testimony of Christ’s work in our lives.

Illustration: The Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Bonhoeffer opposed Nazism and helped protect Jews, knowing his actions could cost him his life.

His faith was not only spiritual but visible, courageous, and actionable.

His works justified his claim of faith and inspired countless others.

Application:

Demonstrate your faith through obedience, love, and service.

Let your works validate your words and point others to Jesus.

Faith that justifies shows itself in action.

Conclusion:

Faith is more than words; it must be alive, visible, and active.

James calls us to examine ourselves: Is our faith failing or showing others the way?

Challenge: Let your faith be demonstrated in your love, service, and obedience.

Live a faith that impacts others and glorifies God.