Faith That Works | Tom Pound
Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters in faith, it is with great joy and humility that we gather here today at Spring Hills Church to explore a profound and timeless topic: "Faith That Works." These four verses from the book of James, specifically James 2:1-4, serve as our starting point on this spiritual journey.
In these verses, the central theme is unmistakable: we are reminded that believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. The issue of favoritism based on outward appearances and material wealth is not confined to the past; it remains a challenge for all who follow Christ today. It is a dilemma that has crept into Christian settings, often unnoticed. This brings us to the important question of whether we, too, have encountered favoritism within our faith communities.
As we read the beginning of James chapter two, we are confronted with a stark contrast between the values of God's Kingdom and the world we live in. The truth is clear – everyone matters to God, and each person must be treated with dignity and equality. However, living out these Kingdom values can be a struggle when our world's values continually influence us. Today, I encourage you to engage in an open and honest discussion within your groups about any unconscious favoritism you might exhibit and how you can align your values with those of the Kingdom.
Moving forward, we delve into James 2:14-17, which raises the question of whether James contradicts the fundamental doctrine of salvation by faith alone. It is imperative to understand that James does not assert that good works save us but rather emphasizes that authentic faith will naturally lead us to action. So, it's crucial for us to reflect on the times when our faith in Christ compelled us to take uncomfortable or difficult actions.
Finally, we conclude our reflections on faith that works with James' powerful analogy in verse 26, comparing faith to breath for the body. James underscores that faith in Christ should result in action. This leads us to consider the actions prompted by our faith. Providing for the needs of others is one such action, and a life of prayer is another.
Colossians 4:2 calls us to be devoted to prayer, to be watchful for opportunities to help others and share the hope found in Christ, and to be thankful for all that God has done. This verse serves as a reminder of the three essential principles that authentic faith moves us toward.
As we explore "Faith That Works" together, let us remember that authentic faith is not just a belief we profess, but a transformative force that compels us to live out our love for God and others in practical ways. May our time together deepen our understanding of faith's actions and lead us to a closer walk with our Lord Jesus Christ.
