Faith and Servanthood

This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Los Angeles on August 10, 2025.

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. (James 2:17 NLT)

Faith and servanthood is a topic that is central to our lives as Christians.These two concepts are deeply intertwined. You cannot have one without the other, not in the way that God intends for us.Our faith isn't meant to be a passive belief; it's a living, breathing force that calls us to action. And that action is servanthood—the humble act of serving others as Christ served us.

This internal change directly impacts how a person lives their life. The "race to accumulate more for ourselves" gives way to a desire to be "used by God for His purposes." This means that daily decisions, from how time is spent to how money is used, are filtered through a new lens: "How can I honor God with this?"

Scripture Reading

James 2:14-26 NLT [14] What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? [15] Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, [16] and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? [17] So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. [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.” [19] You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. [20] How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? [21] Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? [22] You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. [23] And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. [24] So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. [25] Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. [26] Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

Scripture Text

James 2:17 NLT [17] So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Today, we want to talk about another topic that is central to our lives as Christians: faith and servanthood. These two concepts are deeply intertwined. You cannot have one without the other.  Our faith isn't meant to be a passive belief; it's a living, breathing force that calls us to action. And that action is servanthood—the humble act of serving others as Christ served us.

We know from Hebrews 11:1 that "faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." 

It's the conviction that God is real, that His promises are true, and that His love is unending. It's about  seeking God's guidance, reflecting on His Word, and aligning our priorities with His will. It's the daily decision to trust in His plan, even when it doesn't make sense to us.

Hebrews 11:6 NLT says it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

A strong faith acts as a catalyst for internal transformation.  A transformation that fundamentally changes a person's priorities and worldview. This change isn't a superficial adjustment, but a deep-seated shift that redefines what a person values and how they perceive their role in the world.

When faith in God becomes the core of a person's identity, their perspective naturally shifts away from a self-centered view. The pursuit of worldly success—such as career advancement, accumulating possessions, or gaining social status—loses its central importance. This isn't to say these things become unimportant, but rather that they are re-evaluated in light of a higher purpose. A strong faith reveals that true and lasting fulfillment doesn't come from these temporary external achievements, but from an internal connection to something and someone that is eternal.

Instead of striving to build a personal kingdom, the focus turns to serving God's kingdom.

As Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount Matthew 6:31-33 NLT [31]  “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ [32] These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. [33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

A person starts to see their job not just as a means to a paycheck, but as a platform to exhibit integrity, kindness, and hard work. Their possessions are viewed as resources to be managed wisely and used to help others, rather than as symbols of personal success. Their status is not a source of pride, but an opportunity to influence others positively and humbly.

This internal change directly impacts how a person lives their life. The "race to accumulate more for ourselves" gives way to a desire to be "used by God for His purposes." This means that daily decisions, from how time is spent to how money is used, are filtered through the  new lens of "How can I honor God with this?"

Ultimately, a strong faith transforms a person's life from a mission of self-gain to a mission of self-giving, reflecting a deeper and more enduring purpose than what the world can offer.

A strong faith will inevitably lead to a desire to serve. As our text scripture, James 2:17, says So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Our faith finds its purpose and its proof in our actions.

Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly. He, the King of kings, and Lord of lords,  came not to be served, but to serve. In Matthew 20:28, He tells us, For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Think about that. He washed His disciples' feet, a task reserved for the lowliest of servants.  Look at this from;

John 13:1-5 NLT [1] Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. [2] It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. [3] Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. [4] So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, [5] and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

He also healed the sick, 

Jesus heals a man who is lowered through the roof by his friends, first forgiving his sins and then telling him to pick up his mat and walk. This story in Mark 2:1-12, highlights Jesus' authority to forgive sins as well as his power to heal.

He healed a woman with a chronic bleeding problem. A woman who had been suffering for twelve years touches the hem of Jesus' garment and is instantly healed. Jesus turns to her and says, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."  That encounter is recorded at Luke 8:43-48,

He healed a blind man near Jericho Luke 18:35-43 As Jesus is leaving Jericho, a blind man calls out to him for mercy. Jesus restores his sight, and the man immediately follows him, glorifying God.

He fed the hungry, 

After a crowd has been with Jesus for three days and has nothing to eat, Jesus takes seven loaves of bread and a few small fish, gives thanks, and feeds approximately 4,000 people, with seven baskets of leftovers. That is at Mark 8:1-10.

Jesus also spent time with the outcasts of society. 

As recorded at John 4:1-42,  Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at a well. At the time, Samaritans were despised by Jews, and a man speaking to a woman he didn't know in public was highly unusual. Jesus breaks both social and religious norms by engaging her in a deep conversation. He reveals his identity as the Messiah and offers her "living water," transforming her life and leading her to share the good news with her entire village.

In another instance there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a wealthy and despised tax collector. In those days in Israel, tax collectors were considered social pariahs and traitors by their fellow Jews because they worked for the Roman government and often extorted money from people. Zacchaeus  was so eager to see Jesus that he climbed a sycamore tree. Jesus stops, sees him, and invites himself to Zacchaeus's house for a meal. This visit changes Zacchaeus's heart. He promises to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he has cheated four times over.  Read about in Luke 19:1-10

Then there was the woman caught in adultery who was brought to Jesus by the Pharisees and scribes, who intended to stone her according to the law of Moses. That encounter is in John 8:1-11. Jesus, rather than condemning her, kneels down and writes in the dirt. He then says, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." One by one, her accusers leave. Jesus, left alone with the woman, tells her, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." This act demonstrates Jesus's mercy and grace toward a person who had been publicly shamed and outcast.

Jesus showed us that true greatness in the Kingdom of God isn't about power or prestige; it's about humble service. As Galatians 5:13 tells us, we are called to "serve one another humbly in love.". Let's read it;

Galatians 5:13 NLT [13] For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 

So, what does this look like for us today? Servanthood isn't always about grand gestures. It's often in the small, everyday acts like listening to a friend in need, offering a helping hand to a neighbor, volunteering your time, or simply showing kindness to someone who seems overlooked. It's about seeing the people around us through the eyes of Christ and responding with love and compassion.

Faith and servanthood are a beautiful cycle. 

Our faith in God fuels our desire to serve, and as we serve, we see God's hand at work, which in turn strengthens our faith. It requires us to constantly ask ourselves: "Where is God calling me to serve today?" and "Are my priorities aligned with His will?"

It’s a way of life. It’s about committing to a strong foundation in faith and then allowing that faith to move us to action. It’s about remembering that the greatest joy we can experience is found not in seeking our own fulfillment, but in giving ourselves away in service to others.

I encourage you today to reflect on your own life. Is your faith alive and active? Is it leading you to serve those around you? Let's pray for the strength and guidance to live lives that truly reflect both our faith in God and our commitment to serving others.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the message we've heard today, reminding us that faith is not just a belief, but a call to action. We are grateful for the example of Jesus, who showed us what it means to live a life of servanthood—reaching out to the outcasts, healing the sick, and feeding the hungry.

Help us to move beyond simply hearing Your Word and to actively live it out. Open our eyes to the needs of those around us, and give us the courage to serve with humility and love. Guide us to align our priorities with Your will, so that our lives may be a reflection of Your grace and compassion.

Strengthen our resolve to follow Jesus's example, not just with big gestures, but in the small, daily acts of kindness. We pray that our faith would be made visible through our service to others.

In Jesus's name we pray, Amen.

Faith in God's Faithfulness

 

This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Los Angeles on August 3, 2025.

If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT)

We live in a world where promises are often broken. We experience disappointment, betrayal, and the harsh reality that people, even those with the best intentions, can sometimes let us down. In such a world, where can we find an anchor? Where can we find something—or someone—who will never fail? The answer is in the unshakeable, unwavering, and eternal faithfulness of God.

Scripture

Psalms 36:1-12 NIV [1] I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. [2] In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. [3] The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good. [4] Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong. [5] Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. [6] Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. [7] How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. [8] They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. [9] For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. [10] Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. [11] May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. [12] See how the evildoers lie fallen— thrown down, not able to rise!

Text:

2 Timothy 2:13 NIV if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Introduction

Last week the sermon was “Faith and Patience:  Waiting on the Lord”. This week we are going to talk about why we can wait on the Lord with faith and patience.  It’s  because God is faithful.  Hence our sermon today; “Faith in God’s Faithfulness

We live in a world where promises are often broken. We experience disappointment, betrayal, and the harsh reality that people, even those with the best intentions, can sometimes let us down. Where can we find an anchor in this type of world? Where can we find something—or someone—who will never fail? The answer, dear friends, is in the unshakeable, unwavering, and eternal faithfulness of God.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to "Faith in God's Faithfulness," exploring what it means to truly trust in a God who cannot lie, who cannot fail, and who always keeps His word. As we've said all year, maintaining a strong foundation in faith and aligning our priorities with God's will is a continuous process, not a quick fix, and this includes deeply understanding and embracing God's faithfulness.

Our text today is deeply significant: "If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." This verse perfectly captures a core truth about God's very nature: He is faithful. It's not just something He does, it's who He is.

Consider Numbers 23:19: "God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" 

This shows a clear distinction between human frailty and divine perfection. Humans lie; God does not. Humans change their minds; God does not. When God speaks, it is done. When God promises, it is fulfilled. 

2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV says For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. …

 All of God's promises find their fulfillment and certainty in Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection serve as the ultimate confirmation of God's faithfulness. God's faithfulness is rooted in His unchangeable character.

This is the bedrock of our faith. Think about the sun rising every morning, the seasons changing with predictable regularity, the tides ebbing and flowing. These are physical manifestations of a universe ordered by a faithful Creator. If He is faithful in the natural realm, how much more so in the spiritual and relational realm with His beloved children?

Our faith isn't built on a foundation of "maybes" and "what ifs." It's built on a bedrock of certainty because God's promises are certain.  God's answer to all of His promises is always "yes." It's a definitive, unwavering "yes" that was sealed by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

So when we pray, when we read His Word, or when we face uncertainty, we can hold onto this truth. God's faithfulness isn't a question; it's the very ground we stand on. We can have faith in His faithfulness, knowing that His "yes" is eternal.

Even when we don't understand the "why" behind our circumstances, we can have confidence that God has a purpose for every season.  We can be encouraged to stand no matter what and trust in God's perfect timing, even when that timing isn't ours;

Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

Just as God told Josuha  before he led the Israelites into Cannan Joshua 1:5: "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."

And just as He said to the nation of Israel through the prophet Isaiah in;

Isaiah 41:10 NIV  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

He is with us to strengthen us, to help us, and to uphold us. It’s a promise that goes beyond simply not leaving us; it’s a promise of His active, loving involvement in our lives, no matter what we face.

 Steadfast Love and Mercy of God

The faithfulness of God is intimately connected with His steadfast love and mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 which we read and talked about last week declares, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

What a comforting thought! Every morning God's mercies are fresh and new. This isn't because we deserve them, but because His compassion never fails. Even when we stumble, even when we fail Him, His faithfulness endures. We have the assurance of His ongoing grace and forgiveness. His faithfulness is the guarantee that His love will never abandon us, and His mercy will always be available.

Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV [13] And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV [21] Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

2 Corinthians 5:5 NIV [5] Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Being "sealed" with the Holy Spirit means God has marked us as His own. It's like a king's seal on an official document, indicating authenticity and authority.

The presence of the Holy Spirit guarantees that we are secure in God's hands and that we will persevere until the day of redemption.

The Holy Spirit's work in us now, sanctifying, comforting, guiding, and empowering us for service, is a foretaste of the full inheritance and glory that awaits us in heaven. It's like an initial installment that confirms the full payment is coming.

God's faithfulness is vast and boundless, reaching far beyond the limits of our understanding. It isn't defined by our ever-changing circumstances or confined by our human understanding. It is a faithfulness as certain and unchanging as the heavens themselves.

Psalm 36:5 beautifully affirms, "Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds." 

Our Faith in His Faithfulness

So, what does it mean for us to have "Faith in God's Faithfulness"? It means several things.  It means Trusting His Promises, Resting in His Character, Persevering in Hope, and  Living a Life of Obedience

1. Trusting His Promises: Hebrews 10:23 encourages us: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." 

When God makes a promise, whether it's salvation, provision, guidance, or ultimate victory, we can hold onto it with absolute certainty. Our faith isn't in our ability to believe hard enough, but in His ability to fulfill what He has promised.

2. Having faith in God’s faithfulness means Resting in His Character, Even When We Don't Understand

Life often presents us with situations that don't make sense. We face trials, suffering, and unanswered questions. In these moments, our faith in God's faithfulness means trusting His character even when we cannot trace His hand. It means believing that He is good, He is sovereign, and He is working all things for our good, even if we can't see the full picture. 

3. Having faith in God’s faithfulness means Persevering in Hope

Because God is faithful, we have a living hope. We can persevere through challenges, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us. 

Hebrews 13:5: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

Consider for just a moment the Great Commission, a cornerstone of Christian faith and action.

Matthew 28:19-20 NIV [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The truest test and expression of our faith is our obedience to the Great Commission, because that obedience is founded on the unshakable promise of God's presence and faithfulness "always, to the very end of the age."

Our hope is not based on fleeting emotions or favorable circumstances, but on the unchanging faithfulness of God.  

4. Having faith in God’s faithfulness means Living a Life of Obedience, Rooted in Trust 

When we truly believe in God's faithfulness, it changes how we live. 

Romans 1:17: "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"

A genuine belief in God's character (including His faithfulness) is not just intellectual assent but results in a transformed way of life.

As it says in Romans 12:1-2 NIV [1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

This is a powerful call to a change in perspective and thought, urging us to align our thinking with God's truth rather than the values of the world. It's about an internal transformation that leads to a new way of living.

Living a Life of Obedience, Rooted in Trust  frees us from anxiety and empowers us to obey His commands, not out of fear, but out of a deep trust that His ways are always best. We align our priorities with His will, confident that He will guide us and sustain us.

Freedom from anxiety comes from trusting His provision and seeking His kingdom first.

Matthew 6:28-34 NIV [28]  “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Our obedience is motivated  by His faithful goodness

Romans 12:1-2: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Our obedience leads to a transformed mind that recognizes and embraces God’s "good, pleasing and perfect will," because we trust that His ways are indeed best.

Psalm 19:7-8 says: "The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes."

Our obedience is born out of appreciation for the goodness of God’s commands, and not fear.Trusting God completely by submitting our ways to Him, leads to His guidance which makes our paths straight. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

God's faithfulness means He is actively working in us to align our desires and actions with His purpose. 

Philippians 2:13 says: "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

All of this  paints a picture of a life transformed by a deep, abiding trust in God's unshakeable faithfulness, leading to freedom, joyful obedience, and confident alignment with His perfect will.

Conclusion

In a world that constantly shifts beneath our feet, the faithfulness of God stands as an unmovable rock. He is faithful even when we are faithless, for He cannot deny Himself. His love never fails, and His mercies are new every morning.

So let’s hold steadfastly to the hope we profess. Let’s cast our anxieties upon Him, knowing He cares for us. Let’s walk in obedience, trusting His perfect plan. And above all, let’s build our lives on the solid foundation of "Faith in God's Faithfulness," knowing that He who has promised is utterly and eternally faithful. Let this truth be a source of comfort, strength, and unwavering hope in your lives.

Prayer

Thank you for being the unshakeable rock in a world of shifting sands, for being a God who cannot lie, who never fails, and who always keeps His word.

Lord, we confess that there are times when our own faith is weak and our trust falters. We get distracted by the worries of this world, and we sometimes lean on our own understanding. Forgive us for our faithlessness, and remind us that even in those moments, you remain faithful, for you cannot disown yourself.

We pray that the truth of your faithfulness would sink deep into our hearts and minds. Help us to see your faithfulness in the changing seasons, in the new mercies you provide every morning, and in the promises you have made to never leave or forsake us.

Strengthen us to hold fast to the hope we profess. Help us to rest in your character even when we don't understand our circumstances. Give us the courage to persevere through every season of life, knowing that your perfect timing and purpose are at work.

May our lives be a testament to our trust in you. We pray for the freedom from anxiety that comes from seeking your kingdom first, and for the joyful obedience that springs from a deep love for you. Work in us, O God, to will and to act according to your good purpose.

We thank you for the sealing of the Holy Spirit, the guarantee of our inheritance, and the constant reminder that we are your treasured possession.

It is in your faithful and holy name we pray, Amen.