Useless “faith” Words without actions James 2:14 2) Emotions without actions James 2:15-16 Knowledge without actions James 2:19

The Christian life 1) Salvation by grace “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.” James 2:8-9

The Christian life: 2) Service is evidence of salvation “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” James 2:10

(by grace)

EVIDENCE OF GENUINE FAITH: Abraham Rahab Man Woman Jew Gentile Patriarch Prostitute Social elite Social outcast

Includes a change in priorities. Faith that serves…   Includes a change in priorities. Abraham – “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’” Genesis 12:1

1) Includes a change in priorities. Rahab – “But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them…” Joshua 2:4a

“When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” Joshua 2:11

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“This is a trustworthy saying “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” Titus 3:8

Faith that serves… 2) Leads to sacrifice   2) Leads to sacrifice Abraham – Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love – Isaac -.and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.’” Genesis 22:2

“Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.” Genesis 22:5

“So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall.” Joshua 2:15

Faith that serves… 3) Is always under construction.

  Is my faith alive? “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26