Faith in Action: Glorifying God Through Good Works
Summary
Faith is not a mere intellectual assent or a private conviction; it is a living, breathing reality that must be expressed through action. As James, the brother of Jesus, so plainly states, faith without works is dead. This is not a call to earn salvation through our deeds—salvation is a gift of grace, not a wage for our efforts. Rather, genuine faith in Jesus Christ inevitably produces a life marked by good works, not as a means to gain God’s favor, but as the natural outflow of a heart transformed by His love.
Throughout history, the church has wrestled with the relationship between faith and works. The Protestant Reformation, led by figures like Martin Luther, rightly rejected the notion that we can buy or work our way into heaven. Yet, as Paul writes, we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works that He has prepared in advance for us. Our actions, then, are not the root of our salvation, but its fruit. They are the evidence that God’s grace is alive within us.
The purpose of these good works is not self-promotion or even the betterment of society for its own sake, but the glory of God. From Moses to David, Ezekiel to John, the Scriptures resound with the theme of God’s glory filling the earth. Jesus Himself calls us to let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
This calling is not abstract or reserved for some distant future. It is lived out in the here and now—when we serve the poor, welcome the stranger, care for the elderly, and meet the needs of our community. Every act of compassion, every meal shared, every hand extended in love is a reflection of God’s glory. Even when the light seems to grow dim in our culture or our land, the glory of God never diminishes. We are invited to participate in His ongoing work, to be conduits of His light, and to refuse to pass by on the other side when we encounter need.
Let us not be content with a faith that is hidden or inactive. Instead, let us embrace the privilege and responsibility of shining God’s light, so that through our actions, others may encounter the living God and join in the chorus of His glory.
Key Takeaways
- Faith and Works Are Inseparable
True faith in Jesus Christ is always accompanied by action. It is not enough to believe in our hearts; our lives must bear the fruit of that belief through tangible acts of love and service. Faith that does not move us to act is, as James says, dead—mere words without substance. [26:44]
- Salvation Is a Gift, Not a Wage
Our good works do not earn us a place in God’s kingdom. Salvation is a gift of grace, freely given through the sacrifice of Jesus. Yet, this gift transforms us, compelling us to serve others—not to gain God’s approval, but to reflect the love we have received. [29:00]
- The Ultimate Purpose: God’s Glory
The chief end of humanity is not personal success, comfort, or even altruism, but to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Every act of kindness, every sacrifice, every moment of service is an opportunity to direct attention away from ourselves and toward the majesty of God. Our good deeds are meant to be windows through which others glimpse His glory. [35:10]
- God’s Glory Is Both Future and Present
While Scripture points to a future day when God’s glory will fill the new creation, that glory is also manifest here and now. When we serve, give, and love in Jesus’ name, we participate in the ever-increasing glory that transforms us and our communities. The light may seem dim at times, but it is never extinguished. [44:32]
- Don’t Pass By on the Other Side
It is easy to become so preoccupied with our own agendas that we miss the needs right in front of us. The story of the Good Samaritan reminds us that true faith stops, sees, and acts. When we respond to the Spirit’s prompting—even in small, inconvenient moments—we become vessels through which God’s glory is revealed to a watching world. [49:56]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Scripture Reading: James and Jesus
[03:00] - Opening Prayer
[04:00] - Reflections from Carlisle, UK
[07:30] - The Importance of Language
[10:00] - Faith Without Works Is Dead
[14:00] - The Reformation and Sola Scriptura
[17:30] - Thomas Bilney and Assurance in Christ
[20:00] - Paul and James: No Contradiction
[23:00] - The Purpose of Good Works
[26:44] - Glorifying God: The Westminster Catechism
[29:00] - The Glory of God Through Scripture
[35:10] - Our Purpose: To Glorify God
[38:00] - Tree of Life Ministries: Serving the Community
[44:32] - Visions of God’s Glory: Isaiah and Revelation
[45:55] - Ever-Increasing Glory in Everyday Acts
[48:14] - The Good Samaritan: Don’t Pass By
[49:56] - A Personal Story: Responding to Need
[51:48] - Closing: Glorify God and Enjoy Him Forever
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Faith That Shines—Living for God’s Glory
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### Bible Reading
James 2:17 (ESV)
> So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
> “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
> For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to James, what is the result of faith that is not accompanied by action? (James 2:17; [10:00])
2. In Matthew 5, what does Jesus say is the purpose of letting our light shine before others? ([26:44])
3. How does Ephesians 2:8-10 describe the relationship between grace, faith, and good works? ([20:00])
4. The sermon mentioned several ways the church serves the community (like Tree of Life Ministries). What are some specific examples given of these good works? ([38:00])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James insist that faith without works is dead? What does this reveal about the nature of genuine faith? ([10:00])
2. The sermon says our good works are not to earn salvation, but to glorify God. How does this perspective change the motivation behind serving others? ([29:00])
3. The story of the Good Samaritan was highlighted as an example of not “passing by on the other side.” What does this story teach about the kind of action God desires from us? ([48:14])
4. The sermon describes God’s glory as both a future hope and a present reality. How can believers experience and reflect God’s glory in everyday life? ([44:32])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us not to be content with a hidden or inactive faith. Is there an area of your life where your faith has been more private than active? What is one step you could take this week to express your faith through action? ([10:00])
2. Think about a time when you saw a need but, like the priest or Levite in the Good Samaritan story, you “passed by on the other side.” What held you back? How might you respond differently if a similar situation arises? ([49:56])
3. The pastor shared a personal story about being convicted to help a young man in need, even when it was inconvenient. Have you ever felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit to help someone? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([49:56])
4. The sermon emphasized that our good works are meant to point others to God’s glory, not our own. When you serve or help others, what helps you keep the focus on God rather than yourself? ([35:10])
5. The message mentioned that the “light” can seem dim in our culture, but God’s glory is never extinguished. Where do you see God’s light shining in your community, even in small ways? How can you join in or support that work? ([44:32])
6. Ephesians 2:10 says God has prepared good works in advance for us to do. What is one practical way you can look for and step into those opportunities this week? ([20:00])
7. The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. What is one way you can intentionally glorify God in your daily routine this week—at home, work, or in your neighborhood? ([51:48])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help you live out a faith that shines through loving action, for His glory.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Without Action Is Dead
True faith in Jesus Christ is inseparable from actions that reflect His love and character; faith that does not result in tangible good works is lifeless and incomplete. The call is not to earn salvation through deeds, but to let genuine faith overflow into acts of compassion, service, and mercy that reveal the fruit of a transformed life. As believers, we are reminded that our faith is authenticated and made visible by the way we live and serve others, not by mere words or beliefs. [07:40]
James 2:17 (ESV)
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to demonstrate your faith in Jesus to someone in need?
Day 2: Good Works Glorify God, Not Ourselves
The purpose of our good deeds is not to earn favor or recognition, but to direct all glory to God, so that others may see His love and power at work through us. Every act of kindness, generosity, or service is an opportunity for the world to witness the character of our heavenly Father and to be drawn to Him. Our lives become a living testimony, shining light into darkness, when we serve with the intention of honoring God above all else. [13:55]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you intentionally shift the focus of your good deeds from yourself to God’s glory in your daily interactions?
Day 3: Salvation Is a Gift, Not Earned by Works
Salvation is a free and unearned gift from God, given by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our own efforts or achievements. While good works are important, they are the result of salvation, not the means to it; we serve others because we have been saved, not to be saved. This truth brings freedom from striving and invites us to rest in the finished work of Christ, allowing gratitude to fuel our service. [11:10]
Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself trying to earn God’s approval, and how can you rest more fully in His grace today?
Day 4: The Glory of God Is Revealed in Serving Others
God’s glory is not only a distant reality but is revealed here and now when we serve the poor, the needy, and the marginalized with the love of Christ. Every meal shared, every act of compassion, and every hand extended in service becomes a reflection of God’s radiant presence in the world. As we care for others, we participate in God’s ongoing work of transformation and allow His glory to shine ever more brightly through our lives and communities. [45:55]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: Who is someone in your community you can serve this week to reveal God’s glory in a practical way?
Day 5: Don’t Pass By—Let Compassion Move You to Action
It is easy to become preoccupied with our own schedules and concerns, but God calls us to notice those in need and to respond with compassion, just as Jesus taught in the story of the Good Samaritan. When we allow the Spirit to interrupt our plans and move us toward others, we become vessels of God’s love and grace, and His glory is made visible in unexpected moments. Each day presents opportunities to cross the road, reach out, and let our faith come alive through action. [49:56]
Luke 10:33-37 (ESV)
"But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
Reflection: When was the last time you allowed your plans to be interrupted for the sake of someone in need, and how can you be more open to such divine interruptions this week?
Quotes
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