Introduction

The concept of “faith without works is dead” is emphasizes in this passage. It teaches that genuine faith must be active faith and demonstrated through actions. A powerful illustration of this truth can be found in the story of Abraham. Another moving example is the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 Jesus answers the question who is my neighbor? Was it the priest, Levite or the Samaritan? These true stories reinforce the idea that true faith is not merely intellectual acceptance but it is alive and active, expressed through love and good deeds. But you say, that is in the Bible that is not today…

Melissa Morgan, illustrates the biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:17 & 26). Melissa initiative is an undeniable example of how faith can be translated into actions that uplift those in need.
Morgan, inspired by her Christian faith, felt a deep calling to address homelessness in her community. While many around her had a strong awareness of the issue and expressed sympathy, Morgan wanted to go beyond mere sentiment. She recognized that people often overlooked the homeless for various reasons. She believed they were invisible in society. Morgan reached out to those struggling on the streets of her city, employing a boots-on-the-ground approach. She spent time listening to their stories, learning about their struggles, and understanding their needs. Morgan’s efforts bore fruit as many participants of her developed program secured jobs and began to reintegrate some back into society.

Rather than merely praying for change or lamenting the plight of the homeless, she embodied the Christian principle of serving others. She demonstrated that faith without action is dead. Her actions inspired many to donate food, clothing, and even their time, creating a ripple effect of kindness and support in the community. Through her community engagement she began a ground roots ministry called “The Invisible People”.

When we last studied James we talked about how at times we can show partially to people base on their appearance and we learned that this violate the royal law of God. Let’s evaluate our lives and ask the question to ourselves, “Do I have a profitable faith or a dead faith?” James has already introduced this subject back in verse 22 of chapter 1. He said, “Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving your own-selves.  James makes a strong statement, challenging the people to live out what they profess. In fact the whole epistle written by James is a series of tests by which you can evaluate whether your faith is a living faith or whether it is a dead faith. That’s our challenge. I came across a statement in a book that says: “If you don’t live it, you don’t truly believe it.” …If you don’t live what you believe don’t expect your children to.

What kind of faith do you live? James uses a question in verse 14 to explain how faith reveals your true colors… James is dealing with dead faith, non-saving faith… do you have…

I An Unprofitable Faith?

 1. One who claims to be a Christian and does no good works to validate it has an unprofitable faith. The first thing we must point out is that this faith is a “DEAD FAITH”. Note verse 14: “if someone says he has faith” James is talking here about a person who CLAIMS to have faith, and he is testing that claim. This kind of “faith” substitutes words for deeds. It is not enough to just believe unless that faith is the faith that saves and transforms.

2. Next he gives an example. Someone “claims” to have faith, but when they see a brother or sister who doesn’t even have the food or clothing to get through one day (v15), what is their response? “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled”. “Good luck to you! I hope you’ll quickly find some relief – Is that true compassion? Note Proverbs 3:27 states — Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. [28] Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

3. James says, v.17; “Any faith you claim to have, that isn’t accompanied by action, is DEAD. Whatever it is that you’re claiming to have, it’s not the LIVING, life-changing, motivating, constraining FAITH in Jesus Christ that comes from God! Matthew 7:15-21

 It’s not “saving faith” at all. Can a dead faith save?…no it is no faith at all. In chapter 7 of Matthew, the same Sermon on the Mount, verse 21, “Not everyone that says, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven, but he that does the will of My Father.” It is not the talkers, it is the doers. Trust not in what people say, trust in what they do.

4. The so-called “faith” of the Priest and the Levite was what James would have called DEAD faith. People with this kind of “faith” know all the right vocabulary to fit in at church – they can pray eloquently, they might know the teachings of the church, they might even be able to quote the Scriptures, BUT their WALK does not measure up to their TALK! Their works don’t measure up to their words.

Application:

Sadly, most churches and church members plod along week after week, year after year, stuck in a “do nothing” rut, all the time wondering, “Why don’t people want what we have?” and “Why doesn’t God send us new members?”

The answer is simple: We are the reason why the people around us don’t want what we have! Christ and the church have made such little difference in our lives that those around us don’t see any point in trying it out! Our walk doesn’t match our talk.

6. Too many people have only an intellectual faith. In one’s mind they know the doctrine of salvation – they can state the truths of Christianity but they have never really submitted themselves to God never trusted in Jesus for salvation and Jesus Christ alone!

Now come back to where we were in James – verse 14. Note the question Jesus asks: “… if someone says he has faith, but does not have works? Can faith save him?” Now this can cause quite a bit of unnecessary confusion. People have read that, “Can faith save him?” and have concluded that James is flatly contradicting Paul.

7. What a valid question, isn’t it! Can “THAT” kind of faith that people claim – one that is long on words, but short on action – can it be “saving faith”? There is no dilemma between James and Paul. The problem is simply with the translation of James. The word “faith” here (in the original Greek), has the definite article, literally, it should read like this: “… if someone SAYS he has the faith, but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” NO

 It is important to understand that the Greek language has a definite article (‘the’), but does not have an indefinite article (‘a’ or ‘an’).  In certain instances, when the Greek omits a definite article, it may be appropriate to insert an indefinite article for the sake of the English translation and understanding.  But we cannot assume that this is always appropriate.  Greek does not operate in the same way as English does in regard to the use of the words ‘the’ and ‘a’.  In many instances in which English would not include the word ‘the’, the Greek text includes it. 

In John 15:5-6 Jesus said, “Take the branch that has no fruit, cut it down, tie it up and throw it in the fire.” That fruitless branch, I believe, represents a Judas type disciple, somebody who is outwardly associated but inwardly is a fake.

8. In the ancient world, someone who came upon a person who appeared to be dead would hold a mirror up under the person’s nose. If marks appeared on the mirror, then they knew the person was still breathing – they were still alive. If no marks appeared, they knew the body was dead. In much the same way, James puts the mirror of God’s Word under our nose. If the marks of works appear, then faith is alive. However, if no marks of good works appear, then our faith is without fruit and it is a dead faith.

9. James and Paul are not standing face to face in a confrontation but they’re standing back to back fighting two common enemies. Paul is fighting those people who want salvation to be by works. James is fighting those people who want a salvation that doesn’t demand anything. Paul is saying salvation is only by grace. James is saying that salvation only by grace produces works. There’s no debate here. 2 Timothy 2:19

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Conclusion:

This principle emphasizes that belief must be complemented by action; it is not enough to profess faith without demonstrating it through deeds. Folks when true salvation takes place, sovereign grace reach down and totally transform a person there will be good works.