Put Your Faith to Work - October 16

Read James 2:14-18 (ESV)

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled”, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Reflect

We know that Scripture is clear that we are saved by grace through faith not by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). But James said that faith isn’t true saving faith without works. Can both be correct?

If someone said they loved you but spent most of their time ignoring or mistreating you, would you believe that their love for you was sincere? If someone said they believe in you, but they never trust you with anything or take your advice, would you think they really trust you? If you are in a position of authority over someone and they said that they submit to your leadership but then they disobey you at every turn, would you think they truly respect your authority? Of course not. In all of these examples, a person’s actions betray their words. They say one thing, but do another! In the same way, as Christians, we can say that we have placed our faith in Christ, but if our lives aren’t transformed by our faith, our faith is useless.

This is the point that James, the half-brother of Jesus, makes in his epistle. James was a leader of the church in Jerusalem. He addressed this letter to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion—Jews living outside of Israel. Most scholars believe that James wrote this letter from Jerusalem in the mid to late 40s A.D.

James’ purpose for writing was to explain the characteristics of a true saving faith in Christ. James’ letter isn’t as focused on theological or doctrinal matters but instead focuses more on the practical application of the faith. His main point is that a genuine faith in Christ transforms the life of a believer. In other words, if a person is truly saved then their actions and their attitudes will be changed. For example, in today’s verses, James challenged someone to demonstrate their faith without their works and he’d show them his faith by his works. Who do you think would be able to make a successful demonstration of their faith?

Because James’ epistle is so focused on practically applying the Christian faith, he covers a wide variety of topics. In chapter 1, he addressed the issue of trials. He wrote: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kids, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:2). James wanted the early believers to know that trials are tests intended to make our faith grow and mature. Trials make us more dependent on God. In fact, James said that if we lack wisdom in how to handle a trial, we should ask God for it: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him as God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). What a promise!

But while trials test our faith and grow our character, James emphasized that God does not tempt us or lure His people into sin. Rather, temptations come from our own fleshly desires and if we do not deal with those temptations immediately, they will lead to sin which leads to death (James 1:13-15).

James also encouraged his readers to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22), to show no partiality to rich or poor (James 2:1-9), to tame their tongues (James 3:1-12), and to seek wisdom from above (James 3:13-18). In chapter 4, James warned the people against worldliness. He wrote that “friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4). He urged the people to humble themselves and draw near to the Lord (James 4:6-10). James called out the rich who were exploiting their workers in chapter 5. He also encouraged believers to patiently and steadfastly wait for the coming of the Lord and compared it to a farmer waiting for the harvest (James 5:7-11).

James began his conclusion with one of the most important things a person who is in Christ can do—pray, no matter what the reason or the occasion (James 5:13-18). He said that “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). Finally, James urged the people to seek out those from among the brethren that have wandered away from the truth.

Friends, James gave us an instruction manual to show us how to live out our faith in Christ. Yes, we are saved by grace through faith, but our faith is dead and useless if we do not allow it to transform our lives! Let’s not be believers who claim to know Jesus but deny Him by our works (Titus 1:16). Let’s practice what we preach and put our faith to work. Because true saving faith works.

Respond

Lord, I know that You have saved me, not by my works or anything righteous that I attempt to do, but solely because of Your grace and mercy. Now, help me to be a “doer of the Word and not a hearer only” so that I can show what I believe to the world around me. Transform my life, change me, make me more like You, and use me to do Your work to glorify You. Amen.

Reveal

Look for an opportunity this week to put your faith into action by meeting a practical need. Help someone who is struggling, encourage someone who is discouraged, or serve someone who could use a hand. Then share James 2:17-18 with another believer and encourage each other to be people whose actions demonstrate the faith you profess.