What good is that?

Working through this passage on the relationship between faith and works this morning. I have probably heard a dozen sermons on this passage, but getting into the Word yourself always shows something new. Hebrews 4:12 "The word is alive and active." This morning one of the verses that stuck out to me was verse 16 "and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?" After spending most of my time rehashing the faith and works debate, this verse was challenging and convicting in a very practical way. It challenges how I respond to people's needs. It is the southern way to ask people how they are doing, and if someone breaks the unwritten rule of replying that everything is fine, it is custom to tell them that we will be thinking about them and praying for them. How many times have I said this to people and then 1. not even thought or prayed about them after walking away or 2. prayed once or twice and then left it alone. James asks us, "What good is that?" Very convicting about not wanting to sacrifice my time or comfort to help others. 

FIFTH DAY: Read James 2:14-26.

James explained works are evidence of faith.

13. What’s the difference between intellectual belief and true faith?

James says that intellectual belief is dead and does no good (profit or honor), but true faith is active and alive being evidenced by good works which glorify God. James argues that works and faith are inseparable that someone with true faith will do good works to glorify God. Intellectual belief does not lead to good works that are intended to glorify God. James uses the example of the demons that even they have the intellectual belief that God is real (and they have the good sense to shudder). The demons have a better intellectual belief and understanding of God than most of us do. Another difference is who the work is meant to glorify. There are a lot of “good” people out there that are spending their time and treasure to do good work and help the marginalized, but they are not doing this to glorify God. This can even be a temptation for believers to build up ourselves in our good works instead of giving the glory to God. I know in my life it is tempting to want to do that work that will be seen like the pharisees praying aloud on the street corners. Our pride demands that we be seen and given credit, but God calls us to be faithful and humble servants, loving and caring for our neighbors with sacrificial love. We are only able to be obedient to that call through the power of the Holy Spirit and its fruits in our lives; therefore, true faith compels us to do good works through which we credit and give glory to God.


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