Faith in Action: The Union of Belief and Works

Summary

James 2:20-26 calls us to a faith that is alive, active, and inseparable from good works. Just as a Lego set is meaningless if the pieces remain in the box, so too is faith empty if it never moves us to action. The knowledge of God’s Word and the understanding of His promises are not the end goal; rather, they are the instructions that guide us toward a life transformed by Christ. Faith and works are not rivals or alternatives, but partners—like Batman and Robin, or salt and pepper—meant to be joined together. The life of Abraham, who acted in obedience by offering Isaac, and Rahab, who risked everything to protect God’s people, show us that faith is completed and made visible through action.

This union of faith and works is not about earning God’s favor, but about responding to the overwhelming love He has shown us in Christ. We cannot meet God’s perfect standard on our own, but Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit as our Helper. As we grow in our awareness of God’s holiness and our own need, we see more clearly the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice. This realization fills our hearts with a love that overflows into good works—not out of pride or self-justification, but as a natural outpouring of a transformed heart.

There are dangers on both sides: faith without works is dead, and works without faith is empty humanitarianism. True transformation comes when we surrender to Christ, allowing His love to fuel our obedience. Our good works are not a means to earn salvation, but a response to the grace we have received. Christ Himself modeled this for us—He did not merely speak of love, but demonstrated it on the cross. As we follow Him, our lives become a testimony to the world, showing the reality of a faith that works through love.

Key Takeaways

- Faith and works are inseparable realities in the Christian life. Just as a Lego model is only complete when the pieces are assembled, faith is only genuine when it is expressed through loving action. To claim faith without works is to hold out empty hands to a world in need, offering nothing of substance. [06:32]

- The source of our good works is not our own effort, but the overflow of God’s love poured into our hearts through Christ. As we grasp the enormity of what Jesus has done for us—bridging the chasm between us and God—our hearts are transformed, and good works become the natural fruit of that transformation. [13:28]

- Obedience to Christ is the evidence of true faith. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will do my commandments.” This is not a standard we can achieve on our own, but one that is made possible by the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, empowering us to live out what we believe. [12:24]

- Works without faith may look impressive, but they lack the root of salvation. Humanitarian deeds done apart from Christ are ultimately empty, like fruit stapled to a dead tree. Only when our works flow from a heart transformed by grace do they have eternal significance. [27:10]

- Christ is both the cornerstone and the master builder of our faith. He laid the foundation by His sacrifice, gave us the instructions, and walks with us as we build. Our good works are not a means to earn His love, but a grateful response to the love He has already shown us, and a way for others to glimpse the reality of Jesus through our lives. [31:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[04:37] - The Lego Illustration: Faith and Action
[06:32] - Empty Faith: The Risk of Inaction
[08:16] - Reading James 2:20-26
[09:38] - Faith and Works: Knitted Together
[11:02] - Lord and Savior: What Does It Mean?
[12:24] - The High Standard of Obedience
[13:28] - The Chasm and Christ’s Love
[14:57] - Overflowing Love Fuels Good Works
[16:00] - Rahab: Faith in Action
[19:38] - Costly Choices and Trusting God
[20:47] - The Problem of Dead Religion
[21:22] - Three Problems: Faith Without Works, Works Without Faith, Earning Grace
[22:29] - The Foundation: Obedience and Transformation
[25:04] - Testimony: Faith Made Whole Through Service
[27:10] - Humanitarianism vs. True Faith
[28:26] - Salvation by Grace, Not Works
[29:29] - Jesus’ Warning: “I Never Knew You”
[31:14] - Christ’s Example: Love in Action
[31:55] - Jesus, the Cornerstone
[32:59] - The Necessity of Action
[34:07] - Serving Others: The Antidote to Selfishness
[35:34] - Repentance, Obedience, and Discipleship
[36:36] - The Bible: More Than Instructions
[38:30] - Completion in Christ

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: James 2:20-26 – Faith That Works

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### Bible Reading

James 2:20-26 (ESV)
Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to James 2:20-26, what examples does James use to show the connection between faith and works?
2. In the sermon, what illustration was used to describe faith that never leads to action? [[06:32]]
3. What does James say happens to faith if it is not accompanied by works?
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith and works—are they rivals, alternatives, or something else? [[09:38]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think James chose Abraham and Rahab as examples of living faith? What do their stories have in common?
2. The sermon says, “Faith and works are not rivals or alternatives, but partners—like Batman and Robin, or salt and pepper—meant to be joined together.” What does this partnership look like in real life? [[09:38]]
3. The pastor mentioned that “works without faith may look impressive, but they lack the root of salvation.” What does this mean, and how can someone tell the difference between good works that flow from faith and those that don’t? [[27:10]]
4. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will do my commandments” (John 14:15). How does this statement help us understand the connection between love, faith, and obedience? [[12:24]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon used the Lego illustration: having all the pieces and instructions but never building anything is like having faith without action. Is there an area in your life where you know what God wants you to do, but you haven’t acted yet? What’s holding you back? [[06:32]]
2. The pastor said, “Our good works are not a means to earn His love, but a grateful response to the love He has already shown us.” Can you think of a recent time when you served or helped someone out of gratitude for what Jesus has done for you? How did that feel different from doing it out of obligation? [[31:55]]
3. Rahab risked everything to protect God’s people, even though it was dangerous. Is there a situation where you feel God is asking you to step out in faith, even if it’s risky or uncomfortable? What would it look like to trust Him in that? [[19:38]]
4. The sermon warned about the danger of “works without faith”—doing good things for the wrong reasons, like pride or self-justification. Are there ways you’re tempted to do good works for recognition or to feel better about yourself? How can you check your motives? [[27:10]]
5. The pastor said, “Serving others is the antidote to selfishness.” Who is someone in your life you could serve this week, not for your own benefit, but simply to show Christ’s love? [[34:07]]
6. Jesus is described as both the cornerstone and the master builder of our faith. What would it look like for you to let Jesus “build” your life this week? Are there any “pieces” you need to surrender to Him? [[31:55]]
7. The sermon mentioned that as we grow in our awareness of God’s holiness and our own need, we see more clearly the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice. How has your understanding of God’s grace changed over time? How does that affect the way you live and serve others? [[13:28]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see where your faith needs to move into action, and to give you the courage and love to serve others as a response to His grace.

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Without Works Is Dead

Faith is not just belief but must be lived out through action, as true faith is completed by works. Just as a Lego set remains incomplete and meaningless if never assembled, so too does faith remain empty if it is not put into practice. We can know all the right things, understand the instructions, and even picture the end result, but unless we act, our faith is like an empty hand—offering nothing to those in need. James makes it clear that faith and works are inseparable, and that a living faith is one that is visible in the way we love and serve others. [08:16]

James 2:20-26 (ESV)
Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can put your faith into action today, turning belief into a tangible act of love or service for someone in need?


Day 2: Loving Jesus Means Obeying His Commands

True love for Jesus is demonstrated by obedience to His commands, not just by words or feelings. Jesus sets a high standard: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” This can feel overwhelming, but He promises the help of the Holy Spirit to empower us. As we grow in our understanding of God’s greatness and the depth of His love for us, our hearts are transformed, and obedience becomes the natural overflow of that love. Our good works are not attempts to earn God’s favor, but are fueled by the love He has poured into us through Christ. [12:24]

John 14:15-17 (ESV)
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”

Reflection: In what area of your life is Jesus calling you to deeper obedience, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit’s help to take that next step?


Day 3: Good Works Flow from a Transformed Heart

Good works are the natural outpouring of a heart transformed by God’s love, not a means to earn His approval. Rahab’s story shows that even when the path is risky or unclear, faith in God leads to courageous action that blesses others. Our acts of service and kindness are not rooted in pride or self-advancement, but in the overflow of Christ’s love within us. When we serve others, we reflect a fraction of the love and sacrifice Jesus has shown us, and our faith comes alive in the process. [19:38]

1 John 4:19 (ESV)
We love because he first loved us.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can bless today with an act of kindness, motivated by the love Christ has shown you?


Day 4: Salvation Is a Gift—Not Earned by Works

We cannot earn our way into God’s grace; salvation is a free gift, and our good works are a response to that gift, not a prerequisite. Many may appear godly or do good deeds, but without a relationship with Jesus, these works are empty. Jesus warns that not everyone who does good in His name truly knows Him. Instead, we are called to accept His grace and let our good works flow from a heart that belongs to Him, so that others may see Christ through us. [28:26]

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: Are there ways you have been trying to earn God’s approval through your actions? How can you shift your mindset to receive His grace and let your good works be a joyful response?


Day 5: Transformation Is Visible in a Life Surrendered to Christ

As faith matures, transformation becomes visible through a life surrendered to God’s will, marked by repentance, obedience, and service. It is not enough to simply know about Jesus or experience the good things of the kingdom; true discipleship means putting off the old self and putting on the new, allowing God’s Word to shape us and guide our actions. When we focus on God first, others second, and ourselves last, we find a more complete faith and a heart that is continually being made new. [34:53]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: What is one old habit or attitude you need to “put off” today, and what new action or mindset can you “put on” to reflect your growing faith in Christ?

Quotes

And when we see how much Jesus' blood has covered by closing that gap between the Father and us by his blood and his sacrifice on that, we start to understand how much God actually covered and how much he actually loves us. And it is through this abundance of love in our heart that our hearts are filled with a supernatural love that we can't begin to understand how big that is for us. [00:14:09] (32 seconds)  #CoveredBySacrificialLove Edit Clip

Through this outpouring of our love for other people through good works, we are making this attempt to show people a sliver of a fraction of a percent of a fraction of a percent of the good work that Jesus Christ did for us. [00:16:00] (25 seconds)  #ReflectingChristsGoodness Edit Clip

It's possible to have works without faith isn't it I mean humanitarianism is is a thing it looks like God it walks like God it talks like God but it lacks one key ingredient and that's salvation it's worldly God is blunt about how we are to view this type of faux faith or imitation faith or or or fake faith or false or artificial maybe if you prefer Paul teaches Timothy that there will be people quote having the appearance of godliness but denying its power and he says very plainly in the next line avoid such people it's simply called humanitarianism humanitarians have good deeds without the root if they had the root they'd be Christians it's that simple [00:26:05] (62 seconds)  #WorksWithoutSalvationFail Edit Clip

``If we could work our way into heaven, then Jesus hung on that cross for nothing. He died on that cross for our sins for zero. If we can do something that earns our way into heaven, then who needs Christ? Salvation is a free gift, as Pastor Aaron reminded us last week, Ephesians 2, 8 through 10, and we're going to read this again this week. [00:28:09] (26 seconds)  #SalvationNotEarned Edit Clip

Works without salvation is nothing more than a whitewashed tomb. It looks pretty on the outside, but it's full of dead bones inside. Some of these folks, these humanitarians, lack the salvation necessary, and they think that their good works are going to somehow get them into the kingdom. [00:28:59] (29 seconds)  #GraceInActionFreelyGiven Edit Clip

Their hearts were never with Jesus. They are trying to work themselves into grace instead of accepting grace and the outpouring of that love of our hearts, spreading that so that we can minister to other people so they can see the image of Jesus Christ through our good works and helping them. And there's not a condition on kindness. Okay? There's not a condition on good works. Nobody has to earn good works. from any of us. They don't have to earn them from me. They don't have to earn them from you. It is something that we freely give because Jesus first loved us. [00:30:09] (45 seconds)  #TransformationThroughChrist Edit Clip

However, Jesus accomplished the work that we could not. Through faith in him, we are made new and true transformation begins. Christ demonstrated his love by action. Christ and the cross have paved a way that we could not do for ourselves. If we would have been given this choice, we would have chosen our selfish selves because me, me, me. Because our flesh. [00:31:09] (34 seconds)  #CornerstoneOfFaith Edit Clip

He wrote the instructions. He came alongside us the entire way. He gave us a helper. He helped us to complete our model by giving us other Lego builders, master builders in some cases. But before we even began to build this Lego model, Jesus laid the first block, the cornerstone. Jesus laid that for us. And he says, build from this. [00:31:49] (26 seconds)  #ActionValidatesBelief Edit Clip

Let's imagine for a moment if Jesus came on the scene. He tells his disciples and the apostles what he's going to do for us, right? He predicts his death and all of these things and goes back to being a carpenter. He gives us all of that belief, has all this belief, but he takes no action. It would have amounted to nothing and the entire basis of our Christian faith is shattered, broken. You see, action matters. Good works matter. Christ gave us this example in the most extreme way so we can follow his teaching. And any good work that we do, any effort of good work that we do on this part pales in comparison to his example. So it should seem really easy when we look in contrast to the cross. [00:32:59] (64 seconds)  #GodFirstOthersSecond Edit Clip

It is not enough to experience the good things of the kingdom. It's not enough to just know that Jesus is with us. Repentance and obedience must follow. Life transforming discipleship must fill the void left by sin and evil. That's that put off and put on example. We put off the old man, we're renewed in the spirit of our mind, and we put on the new man. If you're removing sin and evil, you must replace that with good works. Otherwise, that that left and was cast out will come back stronger than before. Otherwise, it'd be better to not be freed from such slavery at all, end quote. [00:35:34] (51 seconds)  #ReconcileToAdvance Edit Clip

What a glorious reality it is that Jesus accomplished a work we could not. That's the reality. Through faith in Him, we are made new, and true discipleship begins. [00:38:30] (17 seconds) Edit Clip