Faith IRL: Faith That Works - September 13, 2026 First Service

FAITH THAT WORKS Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 2.14-26 James 2.14 (ESV) What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? James is confronting the difference between a PROFESSED faith and a PRACTICED faith. James 2.15-16 (ESV) If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? Having the right theology—the right beliefs—without a life that follows is like having a perfect set of blueprints for a house you never build. Verse 14: A non-saving faith Verse 16: A no-good faith Verse 19: demonic faith Verse 20: Useless faith Verse 22: Incomplete faith Verse 24: Inauthentic faith Verse 26: Lifeless faith Genuine belief always affects behavior. James 2.19 (ESV) You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Biblical faith is more than agreement. Biblical faith is allegiance. Romans 3.28 (ESV) For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. James 2.24 (ESV) You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. Paul says: Works are not the root of salvation. James says: Works are the fruit of your salvation. 1 Corinthians 15.10 (NIV) . . . By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. James 2.22 (ESV) [Abraham’s] faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works. . . Romans 5.8 (ESV) God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. James 2.26 (ESV) For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. What act of obedience have you postponed while continuing to tell yourself that you believe?