Title: The fruit of faith.
Scripture Base: James Chapter 2 : 14 - 26.
It seems that there is much discussion on the subject of faith today, but there is an aspect of faith that is often overlooked, and that is the relationship between our faith and our works.
In this passage of scripture James leaves absolutely no doubt that if faith is not accompanied by the works of faith, it is not really faith at all. In verse 26 please observe how he describes faith without works as being DEAD.
'Faith' is defined as 'confidence in, or dependence on a person, statement or thing as trustworthy'.
Therefore to have 'faith' in something, literally means that you are confident that it is true and correct, dependable and reliable, and as such it is worthy of your trust.
Another word associated with faith is 'believe' which means to accept as true and real.
Let's examine these definitions and understand how we could use these terms in a secular sense. If you think that when you flick the switch, the light will go on. It could be said that you 'believe' that the light will go on when you flick the switch, because you have accepted this as being a true and real statement. Furthermore, if you are confident in the switch performing as it should, and you believe the switch is reliable and you are depending upon it, to do its job, it would be correct to say that you have 'faith' in that switch.
At this point, let's ask a very basic yet important question. If I have 'faith' in my light switch and I 'believe' that the light will go on whenever I flick the switch, what is the fruit of my faith and belief?
So let's paint the picture! Here I am, sitting in my office, night has fallen and it's so dark that I can't see. I need light to continue my work and so that I can safely move around my office. I have a ' belief ' that if I flick the switch my light will go on. I have depended on that light switch for many years to do its job. It has always proven to be very reliable. It is worthy of my trust. I rely on it whenever I need to have light in my office. In fact I have 'faith ' in this light switch. It has always performed, and here I am, sitting in the dark, in need of its services once again. What is the fruit of my faith in this light switch?
The answer is obvious! Flick the switch! You see, in this simple example, that in order for my faith to come to life an action was required. I had to act on my 'belief' and 'faith' in order for that faith to be real. This action when performed as a result of my faith, is known as a 'work of faith'.
What would you say about my faith if I didn't flick the switch? I professed a particular belief system. I said I had faith in my good old reliable switch. Then I elected to sit in the dark and not perform the action that my faith demanded. I think we would all conclude, that my so called faith was 'dead', and as such it wasn't really faith at all.
As you can see the fruit of your faith is literally performing the action that your faith demands.
And just like the example given above, when we have faith in God, the fruit of our faith in Him, is seen, in doing those things that our faith demands. In other words, if God commands me through His Word or His Spirit to perform an action, then the fruit of my faith in God is literally obeying that direction.
Remember, real faith in God is having confidence in Him, depending on Him and relying upon Him because He is worthy of our trust. If we profess to have faith in God and then elect to do things our own way instead of His way, and we choose not to obey Him and take Him at His word, what kind of faith is that? Where is the so called 'trust' in Him and reliance upon Him?
In verse 17 James describes faith without the works of faith as "dead being alone". In other words it's not really faith at all.
It's interesting to note that in verse 19 of this scripture passage, James reminds us that the devils also believe, and tremble. He continues in verse 20 with a question "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Let's reason this together! We see that the devils believe in God and they tremble. Why are they trembling?
Because they know He is real and they know that judgement is coming because they chose not to obey Him.
The devils believe in God but they don't obey God! It could be said that faith without obedience is a 'devil like faith' and as such it is dead.
James finishes this passage by giving us a couple of examples of real bible faith. The kind of faith that saves us. He shows how the actions, or 'works of faith' that were demonstrated by Abraham, saw Abraham justified in his faith and saw him referred to as a 'Friend of God'. James tells how Rahabs actions on her faith led to her salvation.
Is it any wonder that James makes the statement at the end of verse 18 .....and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Saints of God, in closing I want to encourage each and every one of you to obey God's Word and keep His commandments, because that is the action that your faith in God demands. Your obedience unto God is your 'works of faith' and as we have discussed it is the very fruit or evidence of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Real faith is a faith that is accompanied by the action of that faith or belief system. Put simply it is a faith unto obedience.
In Luke 18:8 Jesus asked whether He would find faith when He returned.
I exhort you all to determine in your hearts and minds, "yes Lord you will find faith in me!"
God Bless.
Pete.
