Active Faith: Living Out Our Beliefs Through Action
Summary
In our journey through the book of James, we have been exploring the profound truth that faith is not merely a mental or emotional state but an active, living force that must be demonstrated through our deeds. This morning, we delved into the heart of James's message: "Faith without works is dead." This statement aligns perfectly with the teachings of Jesus and the entirety of Scripture, emphasizing that while our salvation is a gift of grace through faith, our actions are the evidence of that faith's vitality.
The story of the man in the valley, who refused help during a flood because he believed God would save him, illustrates a crucial point: God often provides us with the means for our deliverance, yet we must take the initiative to accept it. Faith is not passive; it requires us to act, to "get in the boat" when God extends His hand.
Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, confirms that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast. However, he immediately follows this by stating that we are created for good works, which God has prepared for us to do. Our works are not the cause of our salvation but the result of it, the way we live out the free gift we have received.
We also examined the common barriers to living out our faith: fear and feelings of inadequacy. Fear can manifest as a dread of the unknown or a fear of unfavorable outcomes. Yet, the Bible is replete with examples of God's faithfulness in the face of fear. Abraham's journey into the unknown, the steadfastness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, and Moses's reluctance at the burning bush all teach us that God is with us, guiding and equipping us for the tasks He calls us to.
Feelings of inadequacy, whether feeling unfit or unequipped, can also hinder us. But God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. Moses felt inadequate to speak for God, yet God provided Aaron to speak on his behalf. The disciples felt unequipped to feed the 5,000, yet Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes. The Salvation Army's history reminds us that we are not responsible for solving every problem, but we are called to do something, to participate in God's plan.
In conclusion, our faith must be alive, demonstrated through our actions. We must confront our fears and feelings of inadequacy, trusting that God is with us and that He will use us, despite our limitations, to accomplish His purposes.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith is an active force that requires our participation. When God provides opportunities for deliverance or service, it is our responsibility to act. Just as the man in the valley was sent a canoe, a boat, and a helicopter, God sends us clear signals and resources. Our faith must be coupled with action to be genuine and alive. [49:33]
- Salvation is a gift of grace, but we are created to perform good works. These works are not a means to earn salvation but a way to live it out. Our actions are the tangible expression of the transformation that has occurred within us through faith in Jesus Christ. [46:24]
- Fear should not paralyze us from living out our faith. The biblical accounts of Abraham and the three Hebrew men in the fiery furnace teach us that God is with us in the unknown and through unfavorable outcomes. We must trust in His sovereignty and step out in faith, knowing that He is in control. [58:54]
- Feelings of inadequacy are common among believers, but they should not prevent us from serving God. Moses felt unfit to lead, yet God used him powerfully. We must remember that God equips those He calls and that our weaknesses are opportunities for His strength to be displayed. [01:02:10]
- Our faith is authenticated by our works. As James emphasizes, faith without works is dead. Our actions are the proof of our faith's vitality. We must examine our lives to identify where fear or feelings of inadequacy are holding us back and take steps to live out our faith in tangible ways. [01:07:13]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 2:14-17 (NIV)
> "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 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? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
2. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)
> "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
3. Hebrews 11:8 (NIV)
> "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 2:14-17, what is the relationship between faith and deeds?
2. How does Ephesians 2:8-10 describe the role of grace and works in our salvation?
3. What example of faith is given in Hebrews 11:8, and how did Abraham demonstrate his faith through action?
4. In the sermon, what were the two main barriers identified that prevent us from living out our faith? ([50:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James emphasize that faith without works is dead? How does this align with the teachings of Jesus? ([47:17])
2. How can the story of the man in the valley who refused help during a flood illustrate the necessity of taking action in our faith? ([42:37])
3. What does it mean when the sermon states, "God does not call the equipped; He equips the called"? How does this apply to feelings of inadequacy? ([01:02:41])
4. How do the examples of Abraham, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and Moses help us understand the importance of overcoming fear to live out our faith? ([55:57])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to take action, but fear held you back. What steps can you take to overcome that fear and trust in God's guidance? ([50:05])
2. Identify an area in your life where you feel inadequate to serve God. How can you rely on God's strength and provision to step into that role? ([01:02:41])
3. The sermon mentioned that our actions are the proof of our faith's vitality. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate your faith in a tangible way? ([47:17])
4. How can you be more attentive to the "boats and helicopters" God sends your way, providing opportunities for you to act on your faith? ([42:37])
5. Think of a situation where you need to "get in the boat" and take action. What practical steps can you take to move forward in faith, despite any fears or feelings of inadequacy? ([43:19])
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to live out their faith through actions? What role can you play in supporting them? ([01:10:12])
7. Reflect on the story of the feeding of the 5,000. How can you trust God to multiply your efforts, even when you feel your resources are insufficient? ([01:03:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Active Faith Engages with God's Provisions
Faith is not a static state of mind but a dynamic journey that involves active participation in the opportunities and resources God provides. When faced with challenges or opportunities for growth, it is essential to recognize that faith requires more than just belief—it demands action. Like the man in the valley during the flood, one must be willing to "get in the boat" and accept the help that God offers. This may come in various forms, such as guidance from others, an unexpected opportunity, or a nudge towards a particular path. It is through these actions that faith becomes genuine and alive, moving beyond mere words to become a transformative force in one's life and the lives of others. [49:33]
James 2:17-18 (ESV)
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 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."
Reflection: What is one opportunity or resource God has provided recently that you have yet to act upon, and how can you take a step of faith towards it today?
Day 2: Good Works Flow from Transformed Lives
Salvation is a divine gift, not a human achievement. It is by grace through faith that one is saved, and not by the works they perform. However, this gift of salvation is designed to bear fruit through good works. These works are not the root of salvation but the fruit of it. They are the tangible expression of a life transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. Believers are created to perform good works, which God has prepared in advance for them to do. These acts of service and love are the evidence of a faith that is alive and active within the believer's heart. [46:24]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What is one good work you feel God has prepared for you, and how can you begin to walk in it this week?
Day 3: Confronting Fear with God's Sovereignty
Fear is a common barrier to living out one's faith, but it should not paralyze believers from stepping out in trust and obedience. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who faced the unknown and seemingly insurmountable challenges, yet they trusted in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Whether it is the fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown, believers are called to confront their fears with the truth that God is in control and that He is with them. By stepping out in faith, they can experience God's provision and presence in ways that would never be possible if they remained captive to fear. [58:54]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What fear is currently holding you back from taking a step of faith, and how can you trust in God's sovereignty to overcome it?
Day 4: Embracing Inadequacy to Display God's Power
Feelings of inadequacy are not uncommon among those who seek to serve God. Many biblical figures felt unfit or unequipped for the tasks God called them to. However, God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. When believers feel inadequate, it is an opportunity for God's power to be displayed through their weaknesses. It is not about personal ability but about God's ability to work through human vessels. By acknowledging their limitations and relying on God's strength, believers can be used in extraordinary ways to fulfill God's purposes. [01:02:10]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel inadequate, and how can you invite God to use that very weakness for His glory?
Day 5: Works Authenticate Our Faith's Vitality
The authenticity of one's faith is demonstrated through their actions. As James emphasizes, faith without works is dead. It is not enough to claim faith; one must live it out through deeds that reflect the love, compassion, and righteousness of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to examine their lives and identify where fear or feelings of inadequacy may be hindering them from fully embracing and acting upon their faith. By taking steps to live out their faith in tangible ways, they provide evidence of the transformative power of the gospel in their lives. [01:07:13]
1 John 3:18 (ESV)
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Where in your life is your faith lacking in action, and what is one step you can take today to demonstrate your faith's vitality through works?
Quotes
1) "Faith in Jesus Christ is something we do. It isn't just something we believe. Our actions speak louder than words." [45:22] (Download)
2) "Our works, our actions, are not the cause of our loving relationship with God. That is a free gift. Our works are what we do with our free gift." [46:24] (Download)
3) "James is telling us in no uncertain terms that not only is it a privilege to participate in God's plan, but as faithful believers, it's an obligation." [01:09:40] (Download)
4) "If we truly have the faith we claim to have, then taking action is not an option. We must act, trusting God with the outcomes." [01:11:42] (Download)
5) "God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. Moses felt unfit, yet God used him powerfully." [01:02:10] (Download)
6) "We cannot save anyone. Only God can do that. We just need to get people close enough to him to make the introduction." [58:54] (Download)
7) "Sometimes we need to step out in faith and leave the rest up to God. We are never alone; God is always with us." [59:57] (Download)
8) "The true question we need to ask ourselves is not what inadequacies do I have, but what is it that God is calling me to do?" [01:08:35] (Download)
9) "Logic and reason tell us that we can't solve every problem, but faith compels us to go and do something, to participate in God's plan." [01:06:22] (Download)
10) "Fear should not paralyze us from living out our faith. We must trust in God's sovereignty and step out in faith." [51:13] (Download)
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