Dead Faith (James 2:14-26)

Sermon on 13 April 2025 by Pastor Justin

Introduction

Faith can be genuine or counterfeit. Faith can be alive, but it can also be dead. James emphasized what dead faith is three times, reflecting the importance of this message.

Message

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. - James 2:17

But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? - James 2:20

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. - James 2:26

Faith without works (action) is a dead faith; it is lifeless, ineffective, and useless. We have already buried our old man when we accepted Christ, and we are a new creation with Christ living in us. When Christ is in you, you will not want to sin, you will want to have the fruits of the Spirit. It is natural. Faith that naturally produces good works and righteous living is known as living faith. Works are a natural result of living faith.

Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? - James 2:22

Perfect faith leads to transformation and obedience. Your faith will produce work and your work will sustain your faith.

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? - James 2:14

Matthew 7:21-23 tells us that Jesus does not recognise everyone who professes to know God, because they “practise lawlessness”, which means they practise sin. God knows exactly how we live our lives. Let us examine ourselves. Faith and work are inseparable. A sincere, living faith, will produce good works, leading to a transformed life, a willingness to obey God.

1. A Christian with a living faith is a Christian with righteous action.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says that we are saved by faith, not by our good works. There is no contradiction in the bible.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9

Good works do not save us. Rather, we are saved to do good works.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for  good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

2. A Christian with a living faith is a Christian with the right doctrine, right practice, and right conduct.

Living faith naturally leads to a transformed life that reflects Christ’s character and mission. You can recognise them by their fruits.

Therefore by their fruits you will know them. - Matthew 7:20

But someone will say. “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble! - James 2:18-19

Even demons know the right doctrine and they believe it. They can masquerade themselves to appear holy. The difference between demons and Christians is that the former do not obey - they do not have the right practice and conduct.

Is your faith genuine and alive? Is your faith influencing your daily walk?

This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. - Titus 3:8

Closing

True living, perfect faith leads to transformation and obedience. Your faith will thrive through your actions, and your actions will be sustained by your faith.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. - James 2:26