Working Faith Works

Introduction

If you look at the religions of the world, there appears the thought that good works makes it possible to earn God’s favor (a simplified generalization).

But this is a significant issue in humanity—and can easily influence people who attend church services and its ministries.

“God helps those who help themselves” is not from the Bible but from the ancient Greeks. But the biblical truth is that God helps the helpless! Even more, he helps his enemies who have transgressed his holy.

So, to emphasize this point, the Apostle Paul wrote to the church a powerful reminder that it is God’s grace received through our faith that invites His Real Change in our lives.

Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Notes

Faith is a confident trust and reliance upon Christ Jesus and is the only means by which one can obtain salvation.

But when Faith meets Grace, which brings Read Change—then how should that faith be used in light of a Changed Life?

Just as there was a problem that Paul addressed, James (the Lord’s brother) was also addressing a problem.

There were those who believed that since they were saved in Christ, there was no need to do anything else.

But what Paul addressed was faith as the basis for salvation—but James addresses faith as a result of salvation.

Text

James 2:14–17 NLT

14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? 17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

So, what is James saying here?

James attacks superficial and inconsistent Christians who claim they have faith but fail to act on the basis of their faith.

James writes this part of his letter in an argumentative style, sometimes called a ‘diatribe’.

Why? Just like the false belief that good works can earn salvation, there is the false belief that good works have no place in the life of a saved person.

Transition

What really happens after a person has experienced Real Change resulting from God’s Grace and Real Faith?

Saving Faith and God’s Grace Produces Good Works.

Take anything out of that equation and what do you get?

Without Faith, there is no reception of God’s Grace = no salvation.

Without Grace, there is just human effort = no salvation.

Without Works, there is no evidence of life-change (and no life-change) = no salvation.

Real Faith that receive God’s Grace changes (transforms) a person, which results in a life the demonstrates the presence, love, and mercy of God.

In other words, the evidence of Real Faith translates into activity that honors God and helps people.

Saving Faith and God’s Grace Motivates Believers toward Compassion.

James uses a common sense illustration:

James 2:15–17 NLT

15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? 17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

A transformed life (resulting from God’s saving grace embraced by our genuine faith) will exemplify Real Love: a love that demonstrates mercy, forgiveness, patience, kindness, gratitude, compassion, and goodness.

Real faith produces Real Love.

1 John 4:8 NLT

8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Saving Faith Promotes Works that Honors God.

This the the attitude (heart) that is produced with Real Faith.

Colossians 3:17 NLT

17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

The work of faith is a place of worship.

Saving Faith and Actions Work Together.

James draws the reader to look to Abraham as an example of faith and works.

James 2:22–23 NLT

22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.

As a result of the active cooperation of faith and works in Abraham’s life, manifested especially in his obedience to God when asked to sacrifice his son, he received God’s approval: he received righteousness and was called God’s friend.

I think there is no greater honor bestowed upon a human being that “God’s friend.”

And, that is why working faith works!