The Faith that Works

The Faith that Works … is a faith that is hospitable to rich and poor alike

James 2:1 NLT “My dear brothers and
sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord
Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?”

The Faith that Works …is a faith that is merciful

James 2:12-13 NIV “Speak and act as those
who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment
without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.”

We have no right to look down on others because they aren’t like us or they
don’t have the same sins we do! There is no judgment of others for wrongs they
do while we over look our own.

Jesus is the law that sets us free. Let us let him be the one and only judge.
We are far too critical of others and often fail to see it in our selves.

 Most
of us criticize others to cover up for the same faults in our own lives. We
also tend to find fault with someone when in fact we are the ones in the wrong,
not the other person.

 The Faith that Works …is a faith that is thoughtful

James 2:15 “Suppose a brother or sister
is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you
well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what
good is it?”

It is filled with pity and compassion

See others with God’s eyes. Your ability to be bothered shows your faith.

The Faith that Works …is a faith
that is faithful even when fearful (2:21)

 James 2:21 NIV “Was not our
ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son
Isaac on the altar?”

 Now you see
how Abraham’s faith and deeds worked together. He proved that his faith was
real by what he did.

Abraham was a man of great faith with very real fears yet he was willing to
simply trust and obey. Faith does not mean there is not fear or doubt

The Faith that Works …is a faith of Action

James 2:25 NLT “Rahab the prostitute is another example of this. She was made right
with God by her actions–when she hid those messengers and sent them safely
away by a different road.”

Abraham was a good man and Rahab was a bad woman but both had a faith that
worked. Rahab’s faith functioned to take care of God’s people. She tood
practical and real action. Abraham and Rahab both worked. Their faith drove
them to action.

Faith
that Fails is religious – not relational
Faith that Works is relational – not religious