Living Out a Dynamic Faith in Action
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! It's wonderful to be here with you all, both in person and online. This week has been filled with highlights, from our Zoom Bible study to our new Northern Digital initiative, and even a whale-watching trip. We also celebrated the start of Arise Finland, where many of our members are actively involved. Let's keep them in our prayers.
Today, we continue our series "A Faith That Works" by diving into James 2:14-26. This passage is central to the book of James and is often misunderstood. The key question James addresses is not "What must I do to be saved?" but rather, "What should I do because I am saved?" James emphasizes that true faith is not just about intellectual belief but about actions that reflect that belief. He contrasts dead faith, deceptive faith, and dynamic faith.
Dead faith is merely intellectual, without works. Deceptive faith involves both mind and emotions but lacks action. Dynamic faith, however, involves the whole person—mind, heart, and will—and is evidenced by actions. James uses examples from Hebrews 11 to show that true faith always results in action. He highlights figures like Abraham and Rahab, who demonstrated their faith through their deeds.
Faith is not a blind leap but a confident trust in God that manifests in our actions. It's about living as part of God's kingdom in this world, making decisions that reflect our trust in Him. This kind of faith transforms us and those around us, making the invisible kingdom of God visible through our lives.
James calls us to move beyond mere intellectual assent and emotional response to a faith that is active and alive. This dynamic faith is what makes us true followers of Jesus, not just fans. It’s about living out our faith in practical ways, showing love and compassion to others, and being the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Beyond Words: True faith must extend beyond mere words and intellectual assent. It should manifest in our actions and the way we live our lives. James challenges us to consider what good is a faith that doesn't reach beyond words. If our faith is real, it must show in our love for God and others. [36:07]
2. Biblical Faith Defined: Biblical faith is not a blind leap but a confident trust in God. Hebrews 11 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. This faith is demonstrated through actions, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Abraham and Noah. [38:09]
3. Dynamic Faith: Dynamic faith involves the whole person—mind, heart, and will. It is not just about intellectual belief or emotional response but about actions that reflect our trust in God. This kind of faith is what makes us true followers of Jesus, not just fans. [41:07]
4. Faith and Works: James emphasizes that faith without works is dead. True faith will always result in actions that demonstrate our trust in God. This is not about legalism but about living out our faith in practical ways, showing love and compassion to others. [58:10]
5. Living as Part of God's Kingdom: Faith is the mechanism that allows us to live as part of God's kingdom in this world. It transforms our vision of ourselves, others, and God, leading us to make decisions that reflect our trust in Him. This kind of faith makes the invisible kingdom of God visible through our lives. [49:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:33] - Weekly Highlights
[31:07] - Northern Digital Initiative
[31:50] - Whale Watching Experience
[32:59] - Arise Finland
[33:28] - Introduction to James 2:14-26
[34:14] - Key Question: What Should I Do Because I Am Saved?
[34:49] - Dead Faith vs. Dynamic Faith
[36:07] - Faith Beyond Words
[38:09] - Defining Biblical Faith
[41:07] - Dynamic Faith Explained
[49:53] - Living as Part of God's Kingdom
[58:10] - Faith and Works
[01:16:05] - Jesus' Teachings on Faith and Works
[01:29:54] - Closing Prayer and Reflections
[01:30:30] - Announcements and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. James 2:14-26 - "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. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
3. Ephesians 2:8-10 - "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."
### Observation Questions
1. According to James 2:14-26, what is the relationship between faith and works? How does James illustrate this relationship? [34:14]
2. In Hebrews 11:1, how is faith defined? What are the key components of this definition? [38:09]
3. What examples from the Old Testament does the sermon use to illustrate dynamic faith? How did these figures demonstrate their faith through actions? [41:07]
4. How does Ephesians 2:8-10 describe the role of grace and works in salvation? What does it mean to be God’s handiwork? [50:41]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James emphasize that faith without works is dead? How does this challenge common perceptions of faith? [58:10]
2. How does the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 differ from the common idea of a "blind leap of faith"? What implications does this have for how we live out our faith? [38:09]
3. What does it mean to live as part of God's kingdom according to the sermon? How does faith transform our vision and actions in this world? [49:53]
4. How can the examples of Abraham and Rahab in James 2:14-26 inspire us to live out our faith in practical ways? What specific actions did they take that demonstrated their faith? [41:07]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own faith. Are there areas where your faith is more intellectual or emotional rather than active? What steps can you take to make your faith more dynamic and action-oriented? [36:07]
2. Think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to help someone in need but didn’t. How can you prepare yourself to act differently in similar situations in the future? [58:10]
3. How does your current lifestyle reflect your trust in God? Are there specific decisions or actions you can take this week to better align your life with God’s kingdom values? [49:53]
4. Identify one person in your community who might need support or encouragement. What practical steps can you take to show them the love and compassion of Jesus this week? [41:07]
5. Consider the concept of "costly grace" mentioned in the sermon. What sacrifices might God be calling you to make in order to live out your faith more fully? [59:33]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God that moves beyond mere intellectual assent to a faith that is active and alive? What spiritual practices can help you in this journey? [34:14]
7. Reflect on the idea that faith is the mechanism to live as part of God's kingdom in this world. How can you make the invisible kingdom of God visible through your actions this week? [49:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
True faith must extend beyond mere words and intellectual assent. It should manifest in our actions and the way we live our lives. James challenges us to consider what good is a faith that doesn't reach beyond words. If our faith is real, it must show in our love for God and others. [36:07]
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: Think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to help someone but chose not to. How can you act differently next time to ensure your faith is demonstrated through your actions?
Day 2: Confident Trust in God
Biblical faith is not a blind leap but a confident trust in God. Hebrews 11 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. This faith is demonstrated through actions, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Abraham and Noah. [38:09]
Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you had to trust God without seeing the outcome. How did that experience strengthen your faith, and how can you apply that trust to a current situation in your life?
Day 3: Whole-Person Faith
Dynamic faith involves the whole person—mind, heart, and will. It is not just about intellectual belief or emotional response but about actions that reflect our trust in God. This kind of faith is what makes us true followers of Jesus, not just fans. [41:07]
James 2:22 (ESV): "You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where your actions do not align with your professed beliefs. What steps can you take to bring your mind, heart, and will into alignment with your faith?
Day 4: Faith and Works in Harmony
James emphasizes that faith without works is dead. True faith will always result in actions that demonstrate our trust in God. This is not about legalism but about living out our faith in practical ways, showing love and compassion to others. [58:10]
Titus 3:8 (ESV): "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people."
Reflection: Think of a practical way you can show love and compassion to someone in your community this week. How can you make this a regular part of your life?
Day 5: Living as Part of God's Kingdom
Faith is the mechanism that allows us to live as part of God's kingdom in this world. It transforms our vision of ourselves, others, and God, leading us to make decisions that reflect our trust in Him. This kind of faith makes the invisible kingdom of God visible through our lives. [49:53]
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: Consider how your daily decisions reflect your trust in God. What is one specific change you can make to better align your actions with living as part of God's kingdom?
Quotes
1. "So the key idea is what good is a faith that doesn't reach beyond the words. Beyond the speech. Right that's essentially what he's saying. What's the point of your faith? If it doesn't go beyond merely what you think and what you say. What's the point of it? Another way of saying it could be like this. If love is real it's got to show. If God has done something in your life. If you're connected to Jesus. If you have trust in him. If you're following Jesus as not merely a fan but as a follower. As a disciple of Jesus. It will be seen in the way that you love. Love God and love other people." [36:07] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith is the mechanism to see. And to live as the kingdom of God. In the kingdom of this world. What does that mean? It means that when Christ comes into your life. When you are moved and animated by the Holy Spirit. You will have a vision of this world. And a vision of yourself. And a vision of God. That people of this world cannot see. And do not live under. But you come as a follower. Not just a fan. But a follower of Jesus. And you say. I follow him now. I am a part of his kingdom. I am a part of his household. And so now I will move. And live and make decisions. In this world. That is not of this world." [49:53] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Imagine in this community. If all of us lived so in line. With God's gospel vision for this world. Do you think that people will see a difference in our community? In our world? When we all truly live like Christ. Because here's the thing. The faith that we have in Jesus. Is calling us to be like Jesus. Paul. James' point is that. When you have a faith that's dead. It means nothing. Because it's not leading you. Or the people around you. Towards Jesus. And this vision. Of what true good life is about." [52:54] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith is trusting God. Believing that he loves us. And knows what's best for our good. It's saying. The world is telling us a narrative. The world is telling us certain things. That say this is good for you. And this is good for you. And this is good for you. But you're saying. No, no, no. I actually trust God. And I'm going to follow what he says. Because I know that whatever he calls me to. Is the best for me. Thus instead of our own. It leads to choose his way. In place of our ignorance. It accepts his wisdom. In place of our weakness. His strength. In place of our sinfulness. His righteousness." [53:25] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How many stories of these should we listen to before we realize. Man. Maybe what Jesus said was actually true. Maybe the good life. The true life. Is found in scripture. It is found in the way that he tells us. And then she says this. She says. It is faith that puts us in possession of these principles. Faith is like the key in the ignition that gets the engine started. It's the thing that's the gateway. It's the mechanism. It's the way that we get there." [56:34] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So real faith. Is a faith with reach. It goes beyond mere words. It goes beyond mere speech. It goes to the point where we are saying. Lord I am tired of being just a fan. And looking from afar off. And knowing all of these things about you. Lord I desire to be a follower of you. I want the Bible that I read. To have the leather of shoes on it. To go about. So that I can be the hands and the feet of Jesus. To move me beyond that. And as I live this faith. As I breathe this faith. It not only redeems me. But it will redeem the people around me." [01:21:23] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "How many of you want to be like Jesus? How many of us want to truly be like Jesus? Jesus is the ultimate human being. So to be like Jesus. We cannot merely have faith as an intellectual exercise. But we need to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. We need to become like him. Which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in him. Dwight Moody put it very succinctly when he said. Every bible should be bound in shoe leather. The faith that we proclaim in scripture. In the Sabbath school room. Should be seen in the streets the way that we live. People should know who we are. By the love that we display. That's what James is calling us to." [01:18:52] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Dead faith touches only the intellect. Deceptive faith involves both the mind and the emotions. But it's not enough. But the dynamic faith involves the will. The whole person plays a part in this true saving faith. The mind understands truth. It's important for us to understand truth. I'm not minimizing the importance of truth. In terms of theological truth. Because that's the basis of understanding. James completely goes through this point. Over and over and over again. When he says. Faith is this thing. Scripture is the thing that saves us. Because it helps us get in contact with Jesus. It's the medium that helps us. Right? So the mind understands the truth. The heart desires the truth. And the will acts upon the truth. If you really believe that it's true. You will do it." [01:20:18] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So the first mark of a dead faith. Is this idea of words without works. Words without works. And he is straddling a line between two things. Firstly, works-based religion. And word-based religion. Works-based religion is legalism. That's what Paul was fighting against. This idea that I have to do all of these things to be saved. That's cheap grace. That I have to do stuff because God's grace is not enough to save me. On the opposite ends is words-based religion. That's also cheap grace. Because you speak about discipleship. You speak about all of these things that God is calling you to. But you're not living that way. You're saying that Jesus is your savior. You're saying that Jesus is your Lord. But you're not living as if he is." [58:55] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So faith then according to Hebrews chapter 11. Faith is the mechanism to see. And to live as the kingdom of God. In the kingdom of this world. What does that mean? It means that when Christ comes into your life. When you are moved and animated by the Holy Spirit. You will have a vision of this world. And a vision of yourself. And a vision of God. That people of this world cannot see. And do not live under. But you come as a follower. Not just a fan. But a follower of Jesus. And you say. I follow him now. I am a part of his kingdom. I am a part of his household. And so now I will move. And live and make decisions. In this world. That is not of this world." [49:53] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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