Faith That Works: A Living and Obedient Faith
(James 2:14–20)

Faith Must Be Active to Be Alive
In James 2:14–20, the inspired writer stresses a truth the religious world has long neglected—faith alone does not save. James makes it clear that true, saving faith must work. It must be visible in obedience. He illustrates this plainly: “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” (v. 14). The implied answer is "No." He gives an everyday example: if a person sees someone cold and hungry and says, “Be warmed and filled,” but offers no food or help, what good is that? Likewise, faith without works is dead—useless and powerless.

Paul and James: No Contradiction
For centuries, some have claimed a contradiction between Paul and James. Martin Luther famously rejected James’s epistle because he misunderstood the difference between types of “works.” Paul, in Ephesians 2:8–9, speaks against meritorious works—works that attempt to earn salvation. But James is speaking about works of obedience. Paul himself taught obedient faith in Philippians 2:12, urging Christians to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Peter also agreed in Acts 10:35, stating, “in every nation, whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” The apostles are united—obedient faith is essential.

Faith Without Works Cannot Save
James refutes the idea that a simple profession of faith is enough. Belief without obedience is dead. That kind of faith cannot save. Even the demons believe (v. 19)—and they tremble! They believe fully that Jesus is the Son of God, yet their belief is not coupled with obedience. Therefore, it has no power to save. Faith without action is like a corpse. It's still “faith” by definition, but it’s lifeless.

Real Faith is Obedient Faith
James challenges the critic: “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Faith is invisible until it is acted upon. In Mark 2, Jesus healed a paralytic only after seeing the faith of the men who lowered him through the roof. Their faith was active. Every example of faith in Hebrews 11 includes obedient action. Noah built an ark. Abraham left his homeland. By faith, they obeyed—and then received the blessing.

Faith Alone Is the Devil’s Doctrine
James dismantles the “faith-only” doctrine. Demons have faith. They believe deeply. They even confess Christ—but they are still lost. If all someone does is believe and confess but does not obey, they are no better off than the demons. That’s not saving faith. That’s dead faith.

Obedience Is Essential, Not Optional
The religious world must accept that no one has ever been saved by faith alone—not in Adam’s day, not on Pentecost, not today. Saving faith leads to action: repentance, confession, and baptism. Not one of these alone saves, but they are all steps of an obedient, living faith. Baptism alone doesn’t save—but neither does belief alone, repentance alone, or confession alone. Faith that saves is faith that obeys.

Sermon Outline: Faith That Works (James 2:14–20)

I. Faith Must Work to Be Alive

• James 2:14–17: Faith without works is dead
• Illustration: Offering words instead of help

II. Paul and James Teach the Same Thing

• Ephesians 2:8–9 vs. Philippians 2:12
• Acts 10:35—Peter’s agreement with James
• Works of obedience, not merit

III. Dead Faith Cannot Save

• Faith alone is not enough (v. 17)
• Even demons believe and tremble (v. 19)

IV. True Faith is Demonstrated by Works

• James 2:18—"I will show you my faith by my works"
• Mark 2: Paralytic healed when faith acted
• Hebrews 11: Faith that acts is blessed

V. The Danger of Faith-Only Doctrine

• Demons believe, confess, tremble—but are still lost
• Saving faith leads to repentance, confession, and baptism

Applications for Us Today:

• Examine your faith—has it led you to obey?
• Has your belief in Jesus prompted real submission?
• Do not rest on tradition or emotion—rely on the word of God.

Call to Action

Where has your faith led you? Has it moved you to obey? If not, James says it is dead. A living faith repents, confesses, obeys, and continues to serve. Don’t settle for a faith that demons could claim. Submit today to God’s will in full obedience—repent of sin, confess Jesus, and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38). Then walk by faith, working and growing in obedience each day. Faith without works is dead—but obedient faith brings life.