Evolution - “Show Me Your Faith”
epistle
a writing directed or sent to a person or group of people, usually an elegant and formal didactic letter.
James 1:1-2
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren,… (NKJ)
1. Real Faith Shows up in Action
James 2:14
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? (NKJ)
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (NKJ)
“save” - 160 NKJ/37 times in the NT
“saved” – 110 NKJ/60 times in the NT
σῴζω sozo {sode’-zo}
1) to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction
1a) one (from injury or peril)
1a1) to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health
1b1) to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue
1b) to save in the technical biblical sense
James 2:14
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? (NKJ)
James 2:15-17
If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 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? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (NKJ)
James 2:18
Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” (NLT)
2. Real Faith is More Than Just Belief
James 2:19
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe– and tremble! (NKJ)
3. Faith is Shown Through Risk and Obedience Action
James 2:21-25
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? (NKJ)
James 2:22
You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. (NLT)
4. James is saying “Show Me Your Faith”
James 2:26
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. (NLT)
Crossroads Challenge
Who in my life needs help that I’ve been ignoring or overlooking?
Crossroads Challenge
Where is God calling me to take a bold, visible step of obedience?
Crossroads Challenge
Do my daily actions support what I say I believe about God?
Crossroads Challenge
Would someone who doesn’t know Jesus recognize Him in how I live?
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