Young People's Group

SHOWING OUR FAITH BY OUR WORKS

by Pastor Mitch
December 02, 2012

Dealing With The Problem Of Dead Faith

Faith without works is “dead faith”. We can claim all we want about having a wonderful faith and even speak of having works. And yet, the crux of the matter with regards to having true faith is whether in the eyes of the Lord we have actually done good works. If we have not, then it is as good as dead.

“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” 
James 2:17

Faith itself cannot stand alone. True faith in Christ must result in people doing works. James was arguing that that it is totally unprofitable for a person to claim that he has faith but does not have anything to show for it. It is also absurd for a person who says he has faith and yet when he sees a person at the door with many needs, he just wishes him well and says all the nice words to him (James 2:15-16). This person’s faith is totally useless. When a person practises such a faith, he is indeed foolish (James 2:20). It is also just like how a body without the spirit is considered dead. Even so, faith without works is dead also (James 2:26). The challenge is to have a faith that is truly alive.

The Challenge To Have A Faith That Is Alive

The vital signs of a faith that is alive is seen by works expressed in one’s life.

1. Faith Is Demonstrated By Works

“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.” 
James 2:18

If we have faith in God, it must be clearly evidenced. The proof of faith is demonstrated by means of actual deeds done. There is no point just speaking about having faith. Faith cannot be proven to be real without any actual works. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks of how Paul thanked God for the work of faith and the labour of love in the Thessalonian Church. Out of our faith in God, works must be seen.

2. Faith Goes Hand In Hand With Works

“Do you see that faith was working together with his works …” 
James 2:22

James also argued that faith must go together with works. He used Abraham as an example of how this is expressed. When Abraham was asked to sacrifice his only son, he fully obeyed the Lord. He had absolute faith in God and sought to do what He had commanded him to do. Let’s perceive well that faith must go together with works.

3. Faith Is Made Complete By Works

“And by works faith was made perfect” 
James 2:22

When there are works in our lives, our faith will progress further. When we make the effort to reach out to the poor and to obey the word of God, we are developing our faith even more. God will work on our faith and life through the means of doing works. Let’s determine to have a faith that results in works. Let’s pray that our faith will grow until it reaches maturity.

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