Faith or Works?

James 2:14-19, 26

"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble! For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

While it is true that our "good works" do not save us or make us holy in God's eyes, if we are true followers of Christ, then we will manifest outward evidence of our inward faith.

vv. 16,17 - Just as spoken compassion without evidence is useless, faith that is empty of godly works is mere profession and not genuine salvation.

v. 19 - Belief in God is a beginning, but even the demons believe in God and tremble in awe of Him. Faith consists of so much more than a mere acknowledgment that God exists.

It is a realization that we are lost sinners and nothing we do can earn merit in the eyes of God. It is admission and repentance of our sins and accepting the substitutionary sacrifice that Christ provided on the cross for our salvation.

It doesn't end there, however, for God gives us a living faith - one that we are to live day by day so that we can be a testimony of the forgiveness of God before all men. Our purpose in life is to glorify God and that is done through our personal thoughts, our every word, and our daily actions. Faith is not simply a belief that there is a God; but it is a living, daily application of the gracious love of God that we show through our obedience to His word in every aspect of our lives.

Ephesians 2:8,9

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

6 Characteristics of Godly Wisdom

James 3:13-18

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Spiritual wisdom is not offensive, rude, selfish, envious, or proud, for those are the characteristics of our former sinful life. True wisdom is from God and has His characteristics, of which 6 are mentioned in this passage.. 

First, it is pure: We must be upstanding in the way we act out our Christian life and must have constraint on our personal thoughts and desires.

Second, it is peaceable: Essentially meaning that we should not be argumentative with one another or wish to cause strife.

Third, it is gentle: We should be willing to go through mistreatment for the cause of Christ in all humility and kindness.

Fourth, it is yielding: We ought to be teachable and obedient to God's Word, knowing that we are always to continue to grow and become more mature in our faith.

Fifth, it is merciful and helpful: We are to be compassionate on all who need, whether spiritual or physical, and to always be willing to forgive.

Sixth, it is without partiality: We are to demonstrate Christian love and fairness to all men, making no distinctions, for all are equal in God's eyes.

If we love peace, seek it out, take hold of it, and live it daily, and if we do not cause strife, are gentle to all, even to those who disagree with us or wish to harm us, then the result will be the righteousness of Christ and the wisdom of God.

Proverbs 16:16

"How much better to get wisdom than gold!
      And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver."

Reflections in the Water

Proverbs 27:19

"As in water face reflects face,
      So a man’s heart reveals the man."

Just like a tea bag releases it's contents when placed into hot water, in a similar manner we reveal our true nature when faced with overwhelming trials. God peers intently into the hearts of His people to seek its hidden motivations and desires. He accordingly sends trials and permits us to be tempted in order to help refine our spiritual character. If our hearts are full of anger and disobedience towards God, we will often react with harsh words and actions when faced with heavy trials. If, however, we have the peace and joy of God hidden deep within our hearts, we will react in humble prayer and faith. We may not be "happy" when faced with trials, but if we understand that they come from God in an effort to purify and encourage spiritual growth, then it will enable us to respond in a more joyful manner. Therefore, let us submit to the trials that God allows us to endure with all patience and faith, knowing that He will never give us more than we can handle. Ultimately, let us hide God's word deep within our hearts so that when we are brought low by various trials our hearts and lives can reflect the character of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Revelation 2:23b

"... I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works."

Unwavering Prayer

James 1:5,6

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind."

As we are overcome by various trials, we begin to realize how vital the wisdom of God is to combat the hard situations we find ourselves dealing with. The wisdom of God reveals the purposes and results of trials and, therefore, allows us to joyfully submit to God in all circumstances.

Although God freely gives of His wisdom, He desires that we would seek diligently for it as we realize our own inadequacy at handling the trials of life. We, as believers, are humbled by the trials we face, for we cannot bear them alone. God is attentive and responsive to the cry of His humble people as they request His strength and guidance. A believer is to ask in complete faith with no wavering on whether God can or will answer his prayer, for God is faithful to answer every believer's prayer! 1 John 5:14,15 "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." His answer may not always be what we were expecting, but He knows what is needed in every situation to help us grow stronger in our faith and to refine our character. Therefore, we must stand firm in His Word and pray for His wisdom and guidance with a doubtless faith so that we may glorify Him even in the midst of life's fiery trials.

Proverbs 2:6-8

"For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints."