Think of faith like a seed. Buried deep in the soil, it may possess the potential for life, but without sunlight, water, and the turning of the earth, it will remain dormant. Similarly, our faith, if it remains solely an intellectual exercise, will never bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Scripture
James 2:14-26 NIV [14] What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. [18] But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. [19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. [20] You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? [21] Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? [22] You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and 0his faith was made complete by what he did. [23] And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. [24] You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. [25] In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? [26] As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Text
James 2:14-17 NIV [14] What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Today, we're not just going to talk about faith – we're going to put it into motion. Faith is a vibrant, living thing, not a stagnant belief. We'll explore how our convictions should translate into real-world actions that impact ourselves, our community, and the world.
Let’s begin with a story.
God commanded Abraham, a deeply faithful man, to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering.
Genesis 22:1-2 NIV [1] Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. [2] Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
You can read the entire story in Genesis chapter 22.
This was a devastating and unthinkable request. But despite his love for Isaac, Abraham obeyed God without question.
Genesis 22:3 NIV Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.
He journeyed with his son to the designated mountain, prepared the altar, and even bound Isaac to it.
Genesis 22:9-10 NIV [9] When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. [10] Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
This was a severe test of Abraham's faith in God. Was his obedience to God truly absolute, even when it meant sacrificing his beloved son?
Now God had already said that the promises God made to Abraham, including the land of Canaan and the blessing for all nations, would be fulfilled through Isaac and his descendants.
Genesis 21:12 NIV But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.
This signifies Now let’s go to
Hebrews 11:17-19 NIV [17] By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, [18] even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” [19] Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.
At the last moment, just as Abraham raised the knife to slay Isaac, an angel of the Lord intervened. He stopped Abraham and provided a ram caught in a thicket as a substitute for Isaac. God praised Abraham for his unwavering faith and obedience. He knew that Abraham would not withhold anything from him.
Genesis 22:13-18 NIV [13] Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. [14] So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide (Jehovah-jireh). And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” [15] The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time [16] and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, [17] I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, [18] and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Let’s look at another story, the one about Rahab that is in Joshua chapter 2.
The Israelites, led by Joshua, were preparing to conquer the city of Jericho. Two Israelite spies were sent to gather information. The spies sought refuge in Rahab's house. Rahab, who was a prostitute in Jericho, knew of the Israelites and the powerful God they served. She had heard stories of the miraculous ways God had delivered his people.
Joshua 2:8-11 NIV [8] Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof [9] and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. [10] We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. [11] When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
Rahab believed in the God of the Israelites and knew that they would conquer Jericho. To protect herself and her family, she made a courageous decision: she hid the spies from the king's men. She acted on what she based on previous information that she had about what God had done before. Rahab made a covenant with the spies. In exchange for her help, she asked them to spare her life and the lives of her family when the city fell. The spies agreed, instructing her to hang a scarlet cord in her window as a signal to the Israelite army.
Rahab's actions demonstrated her faith in the God of Israel. She risked her life and the lives of her family by defying the king and helping the Israelite spies.
When the Israelites conquered Jericho, Rahab and her family were spared, as promised.
Joshua 6:24-25 NIV [24] Then they burned the whole city and everything in it, but they put the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the Lord’s house. [25] But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day.
Hebrews 11:31 NIV By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
These stories are powerful examples of how faith in action can lead to unexpected and remarkable outcomes
Many of us can recite creeds, articulate theological doctrines, and even debate complex religious arguments. But as our text challenges us: "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Think of faith like a seed. Buried deep in the soil, it may possess the potential for life, but without sunlight, water, and the turning of the earth, it will remain dormant. Similarly, our faith, if it remains solely an intellectual exercise, will never bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that the Spirit promises in Galatians 5:22-23.
Jesus himself emphasized the importance of action. He declared, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 7:21-23 NIV [21] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ [23] Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
True faith is not a passive acceptance of doctrines; it is a heartfelt response to God's love and grace. True faith is:
Trust and Hope: It’s maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of despair, knowing that God is ultimately in control.
Psalms 23:4 NIV [4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalms 34:17-19 NIV [17] The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. [18] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. [19] The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
True faith produces Love: Demonstrating genuine care and concern for others, reflects the love of God that has been poured into our own hearts.
Romans 5:5 NIV And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Ephesians 3:14-19 NIV [14] For this reason I kneel before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. [16] I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
We can translate our faith to action by Serving Others:
Galatians 5:13-14 NIV [13] You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. [14] For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Trusting in God provides a sense of security and peace in the face of life's challenges. Knowing that God is in control can alleviate anxieties and fears about the future.
Faith in God inspires love for others, encouraging compassion, forgiveness, and acts of service. This love frees individuals from selfishness and promotes a life of selfless giving.
Matthew 25:37-40 NIV [37] “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ [40] “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Serving others is not just about charitable giving; it's about extending a helping hand, offering a listening ear, and showing genuine compassion to those around us. We have seen and continue to see faith in action even by non-Christians in sincere compassion for victims of the fire. Yes politicians see this as an opportunity for political reasons and I’m not talking about them. I’m talking about the churches, non-profit organizations and just plain folk adding action to their faith.
James 2:14-17 NIV [14] What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
We translate faith to action by Seeking Justice:
Micah 6:8 NIV He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
This calls us to speak up for the voiceless, to advocate for the oppressed, and to strive for a more just and equitable society. It means challenging systems of injustice and working towards a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
We translate faith to action by Loving even Our Enemies:
Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, issued a radical command;
Matthew 5:43-48 NIV [43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [46] If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The beauty of faith in action is that it is not just about benefiting others; it transforms us too.
When we live out our faith, we deepen our relationship with God. We cultivate virtues like humility, compassion, and selflessness. We cultivate and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We become more like Christ.
Philippians 2:5-8 NIV [5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
When we add action to our faith we are encouraged to live a life of humility, service, and obedience, mirroring the example of Jesus Christ.
Just as Jesus served others, we should be willing to put the needs of others before our own. Jesus willingly obeyed God's plan, even though it meant facing a painful death. We should also strive to obey God's will, even when it's difficult.
Adding action to our faith can strengthen the bonds within our communities. We can build bridges of understanding, foster a sense of belonging, and create a more supportive and loving environment for everybody.
Imagine a world where every Christian lived out their faith with integrity, showing evidence of their faith in God, His Word and His plan for mankind.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV[1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
2 Peter 3:9 NIV The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
If every Christian lived out their faith with integrity we would see a world filled with acts of kindness, compassion, and justice. A world where love conquers hate, and peace prevails. The transformative power of faith in action would be evident.
So what have we learned today? We have learned the profound truth that true faith is not a passive belief system, but a dynamic force that compels us to engage with God and the world around us. It is not enough to simply profess our faith; we are called to live it out in tangible ways.
So as we leave this place today, let’s reflect on how we can more fully embody the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. Perhaps it's volunteering to help those in need, advocating for social justice issues, forgiving someone who has wronged us, or simply extending a kind word to a stranger.
Perhaps it's finding creative ways to share our faith with others – through our words, our actions, and the love we radiate to the world. Maybe it's simply committing to spending more time in prayer and seeking God's guidance in all that we do.
In 1866, Charles Spurgeon preached from Galatians 5 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. Spurgeon said: “The very essence of Christianity is trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. But mark, we are told that this is faith of a certain kind; it is ‘faith which works by love’— not a faith that merely talks, much less a faith that goes to sleep, or a faith that bolsters men up in presumption, and makes them live in sin; but a faith which works by love, a practical faith, a faith which has arms and hands; not a crippled faith, but a living thing, which cannot help working; not a frozen river that is like stone in its bed, but rolling on, increasing, and swelling until it comes to the sea. It is a living thing, a working thing. My faith is no faith at all if it does not operate upon my daily life.”
Let’s be a people of action, driven by love, compassion, and a deep desire to make a positive impact on the world. Let us remember that even the smallest acts of kindness, inspired by our faith, can have a ripple effect, creating a more just, loving, and compassionate world.
Let us pray.
Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of faith, a precious seed planted within our hearts. We acknowledge that true faith is not merely a set of beliefs we hold, but a vibrant, living force that compels us to action.
Forgive us, Lord, for those times when our faith remains dormant, buried deep within, unable to blossom into acts of love and service. Help us to cultivate our faith, to nurture it with prayer, study, and reflection.
Grant us the courage to step outside our comfort zones, to embrace opportunities to serve others, and to seek justice for all. Give us the strength to love our enemies, to forgive those who have wronged us, and to extend compassion to all whom we encounter.
Give us the courage and the grace to live out our beliefs authentically and impactfully. May we be a light to the world, reflecting the love and mercy of God in all that we do. As Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount we are “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14)
We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
