THE DANGER OF THEORETICAL FAITH
March 24, 2025
TEXT: For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26)
Today, we shall be examining the best approach for believers to exhibit and demonstrate their faith. The word “Faith” is not a strange concept to us, as we already have it clearly conceptualised in Hebrews 11:1 as the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen. Apostle James (the half-brother of Jesus Christ) wrote in his epistle that a faith not backed up by good works is, more or less, dead on arrival. Jesus Christ also painted a good scenario of practical faith when He stated point-blank that not everyone who addresses Him as “Father” will make it to heaven, but mainly those who do the will of the Father. You may declare and profess Jesus as the Lord and Saviour of the world, but unfortunately, if you fail to demonstrate good works, you are not quite different from the person who does not profess or confess Christ. (Matthew 7:21-23). Apostle Paul stated further in his epistle to the Ephesians that we are saved by grace through faith and not by works; that is, salvation was a free gift to us. However, it is necessary to state that genuine and authentic faith will surely produce good works. How can you claim to exhibit faith when all you do is orally profess your sonship without physical actions to back it up? You do not even demonstrate concern towards the needs of others around you, yet you claim and profess faith? The kind of faith which we need as believers is one that shows genuine commitment to following Jesus and not just a passive expression, a desire to obey commands (whether convenient or not), and a manifestation of good works to those around us.
SEARCHLIGHT: Works do not produce salvation, but genuine faith will certainly produce good works.
PRAYER: O Lord, I need the grace to back up my faith with practical works, in the name of Jesus.
BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 22-24, 2 Corinthians 2
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
