Faith Works Summer Devotions

When we SUBMIT to Christ in this way, we can see Satan’s lies more clearly.

Clearly James is saying that each of us must choose between the world and God.

Our pride and our selfish pursuit of pleasure always compete with our humility before God.

We all seek wisdom and understanding, yielding insight into our circumstances and hope for the days ahead. We all know those people whose words are wise and seem to see through us to the hope of Christ. We see that wisdom proven in their life. As we said at the beginning of the week, works do not save us, but they do help confirm our faith. We will see our faith in our actions and in our words, particularly so in our teachers and leaders.

The world has so much brokenness, so much ugliness, when you see beauty, truth, grace, call it out. To our best, we as Christians should use our words to edify. This does not mean they are all happy messages, positive in the eyes of the world, building self-esteem. They are words that encourage us to be holy, to look more like Crist, and guide one another in that walk.

Even the best of us will say hurtful things in a weak moment. Jesus’ words that we are not defiled by what goes into us, but what comes out of us is so, so true. Only through the grace of the Holy Spirit can words of hope and healing come from us.

As Christians, we must control of our words, fight these winds and waves to use language to edify and build up one another. Similarly, we must fight the nature within us to boast of great things¬¬––to demonstrate our pride. We tend to think of ourselves often, and what is in us comes out in what we say. We are called to be conscious and careful in how we impact those around us.

We are certainly not saved by our works, but our faith will demonstrate itself in what we do. Chapter 3 begins with an admonition that not many should become teachers as they will be held to a higher standard, that the works of faith should be even more prevalent in the lives of teachers.

Works alone are no litmus test for salvation. Anyone can do good deeds, just as anyone can say they believe. But only those whose works are a genuine product of their faith in Christ can avoid the fate of those Jesus mentions in Matthew 7.

Yesterday, we began looking at the issue of faith and works. James tells us that faith apart from works isn't really faith at all. Today, James uses Abraham to help us understand his point.

James clarifies what faith is and what it is not.

Today, we'll look at God's way and why James is making such a big deal out of treating people equally.

Today, we'll being looking at chapter two and what being a "doer" of the Word means.

We demonstrate true faith through our acts of compassion concerning those who are unable to fully take care of themselves.

In verse 25, James gives us the picture of someone with true faith.

Instead of merely being a hearer of the word, be a doer.

James finishes his thought about being slow to anger by telling us that human anger does not grow our faith or lead us toward God’s righteousness.

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

In Christ, we do not lack for anything that we need, we have a promise assured, andmost importantly, we have a Father who, by His own choice, gives us new and eternal life.

“Begin with the end in mind,” and allow your eternal destiny to shape your present reality.