Faith and Deeds

We continue with our discussion of our foundation of faith. Faith does not bring into existence that what is real, but reveals that which already exists.

Today, just as James saw in his day, we have groups of people who will declare their “faith”.  But Satan is very clever.  He knows that if he can get people to focus on some sort of unanchored faith and away from a solid foundation in Jesus, people will be deceived in their beliefs.  So James brings our obedience or deeds as a sign of what faith we hold.

If you come to a hungry person on the street, if all you do is state the obvious and move on, what good are you?  Are you truly faithful to the truth in Lord Jesus?  Reflecting his love to others?  But you should not only recognize them but want to buy them a sandwich!

We are told in , if you do not pair your faith with action, you are living in sin.

But now we see another dimension to this wisdom.  In the same way that there will be those with faith but not deeds, we will also see those who will focus only on their deeds.  Even more they will say they believe in God.  But James says that even believe in God with deeds is not enough.  Even demons believe in God.

We must realize and accept that we are not worthy in ourselves to be righteous to God.  All of us deserve punishment of our sin.  But through grace and mercy though his son Jesus, we are counted righteous.  And our faith is our statement that we accept that truth.  He doesn’t ask us to fix anything.

Faith means that we take God at his word.  And the outward appears of my faith is the work I do in his name in this world.