MEMORISE: But without faith it is impossible to
please him: for he that cometh to God must believe
that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently
seek him. Hebrews 11:6.
READ: James 2:14-17
14. what doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say
he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15. if a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16. and one of you say unto them, depart in peace, be ye warmed
and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which
are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17. even so faith,
if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 49:23-50:46, ACTS 26:1-23.
MESSAGE
It is necessary to first establish the fact that the statement of James that “faith without works is dead”, applies to the fellow who knows the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Such a person knows the facts about God in the mind, is persuaded of the truth of the gospel and is in agreement with Christian principles. In fact, such a person takes part in Christian worship, is a church-goer and believes with all sincerity that he or she is a true child of God. The only issue is that such a person fails to commit to Jesus in a way and manner that leads to changes in lifestyle. Such people refuse to allow old things in their lives to pass away – there is no crossing the line from darkness to light, there is no spiritual development or growth and such a person does not bear the fruits of righteousness. James 2:17 describes a person whose faith is dead because there are no works to show for it. In Matthew 7:21, Jesus was referring to such people when He said. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” it is very clear therefore that there is a form of action that must follow any profession of faith in Christ Jesus before such faith can be called a living faith. When profession of faith is not backed up with action, then such faith is dead. Many are in the Church today living their lives the same way as people who do not know Christ. The Bible in 2 Timothy 3:5a, described such people as “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:” Such people profess faith in the Son of God; they claim that they believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ but they flatly deny the transforming power in the Word of God. They would do anything in the Name of God except allow any genuine transformation to take place in their lives. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 Children of God, faith without works is dead, and dead faith is of no use to anyone. Renew your faith today by backing it up with active works of righteousness. Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge and transformed into the image of Christ (Colossians 3:10)
It is necessary to first establish the fact that the statement of James that “faith without works is dead”, applies to the fellow who knows the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Such a person knows the facts about God in the mind, is persuaded of the truth of the gospel and is in agreement with Christian principles. In fact, such a person takes part in Christian worship, is a church-goer and believes with all sincerity that he or she is a true child of God. The only issue is that such a person fails to commit to Jesus in a way and manner that leads to changes in lifestyle. Such people refuse to allow old things in their lives to pass away – there is no crossing the line from darkness to light, there is no spiritual development or growth and such a person does not bear the fruits of righteousness. James 2:17 describes a person whose faith is dead because there are no works to show for it. In Matthew 7:21, Jesus was referring to such people when He said. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” it is very clear therefore that there is a form of action that must follow any profession of faith in Christ Jesus before such faith can be called a living faith. When profession of faith is not backed up with action, then such faith is dead. Many are in the Church today living their lives the same way as people who do not know Christ. The Bible in 2 Timothy 3:5a, described such people as “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:” Such people profess faith in the Son of God; they claim that they believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ but they flatly deny the transforming power in the Word of God. They would do anything in the Name of God except allow any genuine transformation to take place in their lives. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 Children of God, faith without works is dead, and dead faith is of no use to anyone. Renew your faith today by backing it up with active works of righteousness. Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge and transformed into the image of Christ (Colossians 3:10)
ACTION POINT: Faith without works is dead, follow
up your faith with works of righteousness.
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