False Versus True Profession
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?
James 2:14
A good tree not only can but also will bear good fruit. However, anyone who professes to be a good tree (a Christian) but does not bear the fruit of good works has no part in the body of Jesus Christ. The person who truly professes to be a Christian will be able to echo James’ sentiments, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead…. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:17-18).
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 258). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: Having faith is important, and the object of your faith is even more important. But if you never act on your faith, then it is dead and useless. By works, faith is made complete (Jam 2:22). Without good works, you are like a fruit tree which won't bear fruit. This is disobedience to God's word and not in keeping with a true profession of faith. Faith requires action. "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone" (Jam 2:24).
Applications: Study God's word and let it's commands dictate your actions. Do not just talk about faith in God, but take action on that faith. Submit to and obey God's will in faith. And don't give up on doing good works, because ultimately it will pay off. Help out everyone you can, especially your brothers and sisters in Christ (Gal 6:9-10).
Prayer Subjects: Pray that I would be filled and made alive by the Holy Spirit. Pray that my faith would not be dead, but that it would be alive with action (Jam 2:26). Pray that I would always act according to God's will without compromise, and that my good deeds would glorify God and cause others to praise Him as well (Mat 5:16).
Listen to this entry
James 2:14
A good tree not only can but also will bear good fruit. However, anyone who professes to be a good tree (a Christian) but does not bear the fruit of good works has no part in the body of Jesus Christ. The person who truly professes to be a Christian will be able to echo James’ sentiments, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead…. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:17-18).
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 258). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: Having faith is important, and the object of your faith is even more important. But if you never act on your faith, then it is dead and useless. By works, faith is made complete (Jam 2:22). Without good works, you are like a fruit tree which won't bear fruit. This is disobedience to God's word and not in keeping with a true profession of faith. Faith requires action. "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone" (Jam 2:24).
Applications: Study God's word and let it's commands dictate your actions. Do not just talk about faith in God, but take action on that faith. Submit to and obey God's will in faith. And don't give up on doing good works, because ultimately it will pay off. Help out everyone you can, especially your brothers and sisters in Christ (Gal 6:9-10).
Prayer Subjects: Pray that I would be filled and made alive by the Holy Spirit. Pray that my faith would not be dead, but that it would be alive with action (Jam 2:26). Pray that I would always act according to God's will without compromise, and that my good deeds would glorify God and cause others to praise Him as well (Mat 5:16).
Listen to this entry
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