The Book of James- Living Faith

 
 

Text: James 2:14–26

James addresses the relationship between faith and works. He explains that although we are saved by faith and not by works, genuine faith always produces good works. Faith without works results into nothing because living faith naturally expresses itself through obedience and practical deeds. James emphasized this because the Jews of his day had abandoned the righteous acts of faith and had taken on a misunderstanding that we do not need the works of faith once we are saved.

Illustration: The Boat with Two Oars

The relationship between faith and works can be illustrated by a boat and two oars. One oar is labelled Faith and the other Works. Rowing with only one oar causes the boat to go in circles. Only when both oars are used together does the boat move forward to the desired destination. So is the same with our Christian walk. It requires faith that expresses itself through actions/works.

What Is Faith?

Faith is belief that is accompanied by action. In simple terms, it's belief in something and backed with an action. We demonstrate faith every day when we sit on a chair believing that it won't break, drive a car believing that it will reach where we intend to go, or enter a building trusting that it will remain standing. These are all acts of faith backed by actions. Works prove the vitality of the faith that we have on the inside. Likewise, faith in God produces corresponding actions.

Definition of Living Faith

Living faith is the ongoing commitment of our lives to Christ and His purposes, producing good works as its natural fruit. Living faith is always on the inside waiting to be manifested through our actions. It's like a planted seed that has potential not only to grow into a tree but also a forest. This seed is always only waiting for someone to plant it into fertile ground in order to grow. In this case, we make the decision to believe and trust in the Lord Jesus, walk with Him and serve Him and then His likeness is manifested in what we do- producing the fruit we ought to.

Types of Faith

James helps us understand the different kinds of faith. He contrasts dead faith, intellectual faith and living faith.

Dead faith is all talk without action just like the illustration of seeing someone in need and you only tell them 'depart in peace, be filled and warmed' ignoring their physical needs. Even our love for Jesus is proven by what we do. In John 14:15 Jesus said 'if you love me Me, keep My commandments'.

Intellectual faith merely acknowledges and believes that God exists, just as demons do, but refuses to obey Him. This represents people who claim to be Christians but their lifestyles show otherwise. They have intellectually assented to the fact that God exists but they do not obey Him just like demons believe that God exists but do not willingly submit to His will.

Living faith acknowledges and believes in the one true living God, obeys Him and then produces good works and transforms lives.

Examples of Living Faith

 Abraham. Our father Abraham was considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar in obedience to God's instruction. You see that his faith and his actions were moving together. His faith was made complete by what he did. The Scriptures say that because Abraham believed God, it was credited to him as righteousness and was called a friend of God. Therefore, a person is considered righteous by what they do (which shows the faith they have on the inside).
 
Rahab. Rahab a prostitute was considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the Israelite spies and sent them off in a different direction. Rahab demonstrated living faith by risking her own safety to protect the Israelite spies because she believed in the God of Israel.

James concludes that just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. Works do not save us, but saving faith always produces works. Living faith already contains within it the good works God intends us to accomplish and it's the kind of faith that we are called to demonstrate as Christians.