Faith Demonstrated by Works
Scripture reading for November 3: James 2
“But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is One; you do well. Even the demons believe–and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”–and he was called a friend of God.” James 2:18-23
In today’s culture, believing God and having faith is often a nebulous concept that is defined by feelings or confession. Feelings depend on our circumstances and can often be misleading. It is easy to confess that we believe in God and go on living for ourself. On the other hand, some in our culture are strong proponents of works and are into working to please God. From James’ letter to the church, we see that this tension between faith and works was something that God wanted to address. James taught that true faith would always produce works that demonstrated our beliefs. Our works complete our faith! Faith without corresponding works is dead faith.
James pointed to Abraham, father of the Jews, as an example of faith. Abraham believed God’s promise of descendants that would be as numerous as stars in the sky. After giving Abraham a son in his old age, God then tested his faith in a most unusual way. God asked Abraham to take his son Isaac and offer him to God as a sacrifice. Abraham did as God had asked, demonstrating that he believed that God would fulfill His promise, although it looked like sacrificing his only son would destroy the promise. God was pleased with Abraham’s faith, demonstrated by his obedience. Abraham was credited with righteousness by God through faith and obtained the blessing of being a friend of God.
If God tested your faith in His ability to do what He promises, would your faith be supported by obedient actions and works? How do you show your faith through your works in your current life in this culture? Could God call you His ‘friend?’
Prayer: Father God, thank You for your amazing grace through the sacrifice of Your only Son on our behalf. Through Him, I have received the gift of justification and righteousness for which I am thankful. I ask daily to be filled with Your Holy Spirit that I might obey Your command to love You and my neighbors. Amen.
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