Faith In Christ Results in Actions

Saving Faith & Trials

The evidence of FAITH is Godly Conduct

As we face and survive our trials, we are enabled to face further trials. This may seem unappealing, but the entire process matures us in our faith and makes us stronger.

Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ may expect to be called upon to endure many tests of faith.
However, the genuineness of their calling will be manifest by their stability in trial, their fidelity to God and the principles of Christianity, their activity in good works, and also the control of the carnal nature as the overarching life reality.

Christians must be careful to never reduce the gospel to that which merely justifies us now, but has no bearing on how we live. We need to understand that the gospel not only saves us from guilt, but saves us from sin’s enslaving power. The Gospel saves us from ourselves.

Saving Faith & Works

The evidence of FAITH is Impartiality & Lifestyle

Favoritism toward certain people is wrong because it contradicts God’s own attitude, as revealed in His gracious election to save fallen mankind. Since favoritism violates the command of love, those who show favoritism are convicted by the law as guilty.

When James speaks about faith without works, he is considering man in relation to his fellowman, in which case works are the visible evidence of faith. A profession of faith which bears no fruit is an empty profession, or a dead faith, with no supporting life from Christ.

James never disputes that genuine biblical faith will inevitably be characterized by actions in our lives that are pleasing and obedient to God.

Saving Faith & Wisdom

The evidence of FAITH is Words & Godly Wisdom

James is concerned about the potentially destructive power of human speech. The tongue is a revelation
of what controls us, a wisdom from God and His word, or the worldly influence. If a person is right with God and reading His word daily, then his or her speech will consistently reveal it.

The wisdom and grace of God which enables us to control the tongue, will enable us to control all other actions.

Exercise of Godly wisdom will foster peace in the church and in individual relationships.

Saving Faith & Worldly Influence

The evidence of FAITH is Godly Attitudes & Actions

James suggests that passions aroused in us by our sin nature and the world influencing us are leading to disruptions in the church and personal relationships. Any conflict on any level is always connected to one party pushing to have personal desire fulfilled, whether it is right or wrong.

Worldly and fleshly lusts prevent contentment or satisfaction in the mind and lead to neglecting prayer and the working of our affections toward God.

Christians are to be free from the friendship of the world and submit to God in order to keep the devil out of their lives. James rebuked those who habitually think through and articulate their life plans as if God did not exist or care.

Saving Faith & Reality

The evidence of FAITH is Patience, Prayer, & Brotherly Concern

God rules over material wealth and requires our obedience to His will in our use of it. James described the greed of the rich: hoarding wealth and living in luxury and self-indulgence, while acquiring wealth by cheating workers of their wages, and condemning and murdering innocent people.

The danger of temptation is present in the midst of trials such as those inflicted by ungodly rich oppressors, to act just like them. When we face difficulties the temptation will be “to strike bargains with God,” to promise to do something if God will give us relief. That is what the world does; Christians must not fall into that trap.

The future return of Christ should motivate Christians to persevere in the endurance of suffering. Regardless of the prosperity of the wicked or the affliction of the righteous, the blessed hope of Christ’s return will keep us steady and patient. This can encourage us to participate in all the duties and privileges of the Gospel, and especially to patience and prayer.

Let’s live out our FAITH in CHRIST that we say we have in everyday life circumstances.