Scripture:
James 2:14-18 NKJV
[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. [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.
Observation:
Just like always, I have to tell you a little bit about the book of James, and just like yesterday, the fact that he is the half-brother of Jesus has not changed. Growing up with Jesus probably made it a little hard for James to come to faith in Christ. But after the resurrection, it was probably very difficult not to have faith in Jesus as well. The action behind the words his half-brother spoke changed what James thought to be true. This leads me to the scripture that was chosen this morning. In chapter 2 of his book, James asks two very important questions, and I’m going to put them out there for you. What good is it if all you have is words with no action? I want to think about it like this. What if the words Jesus spoke when HE was predicting HIS death burial and resurrection never came true? What if there was no action behind what HE had said? Now I know this is a hypothetical question because I hope if you are reading this, you know that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. But my point is… the action behind what HE said showed us that what HE said was true. Moving on to what James is saying in verses 15-16, he gives us an illustration of the difference between saying something and doing something. I think the reason I love James so much is that he is a man of action, and honestly, I would like to believe that I am as well. The third question that James asks is just a repeat of what he asks in verse 14. ” “What good is it if all you have is words? If you see someone in need and all you do is say may GOD bless you with the things you need, having the ability to help you do nothing? What has your faith done in that situation? What is James illustrating? Well, it’s pretty simple… faith=action.
Application:
This is how it works out in my mind and heart. Faith is like a muscle. When you put action behind it… your faith will grow. Let me explain it like this. I was raised by a single mother for a good portion of my childhood. Now, don’t get me wrong, my mom did the best she could with what she had, but every time I got in trouble, my mom would threaten to spank me. However, she never did. After many times of hearing those words, I knew that they were just that… “words” they had no action behind them. The belief that was formed by the lack of action that was taken on my mom’s behalf led me to think there was nothing to worry about. Because her words did not line up with what she did. Eventually, I became very disobedient and ended up getting taken away from my mom and placed in a foster home. Now, that may not be the best example. But I believe that it’s relevant. My point to this is… our actions need to line up with what we say we believe. Faith is not some mystical thing. In fact, it’s pretty simple. If you believe something, you will act on it. It’s pretty simple, right? Until GOD calls you to act on something. As I read through the Bible, I see some amazing testimonies’ faith. Looking in the book of Hebrews, the writer gives several examples of how faith produces action. One example is Abraham. God told him something he believed it and took action on what GOD had told him. Now, here is an example from my life. I believe that GOD has called me to disciple men. To show them what GOD has shown me. A few years ago, I started putting that belief into action. I started using everything that GOD had given me to help men understand what I believe the word of GOD says. My house became the home of a bible study for men who struggled with addiction and life controlling issues, and the company GOD placed me over became an avenue to show men what it means to walk with Jesus throughout the day as well. My life started reflecting what GOD had told me was the calling HE had for me. My faith said… you are called to do work for GOD, and my actions followed. I believe that GOD is blessing the faith that I have shown through obedience to what HE has called me to. The Bible study became too big to hold at my house and had to be moved to the church. GOD is so good to me. HIS word says HE rewards those who diligently seek HIM, and I believe that because HE has shown me. My challenge is this… if you say you believe what GOD’S word says. Live as though it is true. I’m here to tell you that if you do, GOD will show up in your life. HE is just waiting for you to get out of the boat and place your foot on the water. You may not be able to see it, but if you act on what you believe, GOD’S word says. You will. Put your faith into action and watch GOD show up.
Prayer:
Father, we know that you are just poised to show up and show out. All you are waiting for is our act of faith. Just a small amount. It doesn’t take much. The truth is we are not waiting on you, but you are waiting on us. You already know the results of what it is that we face. Help us to see that what you say is absolute truth. We want our faith to be shown by the way we live. We trust what your word says. We know that you will provide all our needs according to your riches in glory. Our trust for you is not in vain. Getting out of the boat may not make sense to us, but if we believe what your word says, we will do so. Grow us to men and women of complete faith in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray, amen.