Faith Lasts

Faith That Works

105We come now to a brief summary of the book of James, and we'll focus on three important themes that have come up in these five chapters.

First, faith that works is only possible by the gracious gospel of Christ. As I was working on this section of James, one of my sons climbed up in my lap and asked if I was working on my sermon. I told him I was, and I asked him what he thought I should preach on.

He said, "Jesus."

So I asked, "What should I tell them about Jesus?"

He said, "Tell them that Jesus said to be kind to others."

I asked, "How can they be kind?"

He responded, "They can share with their friends."

"What can they share?" I wondered out loud.

He said, "They can share their toys and their Mack trucks and their cars and their books and their puzzles and their vegetables."

"Why should they share, buddy?" I finally asked him.

His response? "Because Jesus died on a cross to save them from their sins."

This is it. This is gospel obedience. We obey the commands of Christ throughout the book of James through the power of the One who died on the cross for our sins.

This faith that works is only possible by the gracious gospel of Christ, and second, it is played out in the context of the body of Christ. James repeatedly addresses his hearers as "brothers,"18 which indicates that he is not simply addressing individuals. He is referring to the family of faith gathered together. Faith is lived out together, not in isolation. Whether it is walking through trials, seeking after wisdom, using our tongues, or caring for the poor, it all happens in the context of the body of Christ.

Finally, faith that works is ultimately aimed toward great glory to Christ. May God deliver us from a faith that doesn't work. Not only has Christ died to give us so much more, but the world around us is looking for so much more. What kind of difference does Christ make in your life? Let's show the world a radically different way to live—as salt and light—so that they might see our lives and give great glory to the One who has saved us.

Reflect and Discuss

Works Cited

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__________. "The Final Separation: A Sermon on Matthew 25:32." Sermon 1234 in volume 21 of The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit. Accessed March 13, 2014. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/spurgeon/sermons21.xxv.html.

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