October 09, 2025 | Be God's Family
Faith Without Deeds is Dead
Scripture: 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.
Devotional
Didn’t we just go over this a few weeks ago? I thought we were told faith is all we need? So, which is it? Faith or works?
We’re not the only ones to wonder about this. Theologian Martin Luther struggled with how to reconcile these ideas. John Wesley pondered the contradictions. But he concluded these two seemingly opposite ideas are truly complementary. He argued that there are two kinds of faith - “dead” (passive faith that lacks good works) and “alive” (active faith expressed in love and service to others). We are saved by faith alone (“sole fide”), but true faith will reflect God’s love in action – this was essential for Wesley.
Works are not required for salvation but are an outgrowth of our active and alive faith. Wesley said this, “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion, but social; no holiness but social holiness.” I love what the Tony Evans Study Bible said about this: “Paul is talking about how a sinner becomes a saint, whereas James is talking about how a saint brings heaven to earth.” Someone can have faith, but we are expected to have FAITH!
James gives us an example of someone with “dead” faith. If we see a brother or sister in need and don’t do anything to help them, our faith is dead. It’s not alive and active. If we encounter someone homeless or hungry, telling them “I’ll pray for you but go get a job” isn’t following the example of Christ. “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:17-18) Our congregation’s support of our food pantry and involvement in Family Promise are examples of faith that is alive. Action springs forth from our faith. “If a brother is hungry, he doesn’t need a sermon. He needs a ham sandwich!” (Tony Evans Study Bible)
One day, Satan held a council of his closest advisors and wanted their ideas for ways Christians could be tempted. After rejecting several proposals, Satan’s most intelligent demon suggested that they tell people three things: 1) Believe in God, 2) Believe Jesus is God’s Son, and 3) Only belief is necessary, and they can continue to live as they always have. This is the tactic that Satan chose and continues to use today. (Paraphrased, Thru the Bible Commentary)
Those with true, alive, active faith recognize Satan’s lies. True, alive, active faith results in a transformed, changed life. Ask yourself – is your faith alive or dead?
Poem
Faith
Faith is the foundation but action builds the house.
~A proverb
Faith in Christ—the Cornerstone—a justified beginning
Yet not enough to build a life—at least a life worth living
Belief is pow’r to fuel God’s work
The action demonstrates new birth
For faith without its partner, work,
Is but a great deceiving
