Faith That Works – James 2:14–20

Faith That Works – James 2:14–20

Introduction

James 2:14–20 reminds us that true faith must be active. It is not enough to believe or profess belief; faith must be demonstrated through obedience. James reveals that faith without works is dead, emphasizing that only a working, obedient faith brings life and salvation through Christ.

Faith Without Works Is Dead

James begins with a direct question: “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” The obvious answer is no. A faith that produces no obedience, no action, is lifeless. James illustrates this truth with a simple example—if a brother or sister is hungry or destitute and someone merely says, “Be warmed and filled,” without helping them, what good is that? Empty words never feed the hungry or clothe the naked. Likewise, a profession of faith without obedience accomplishes nothing.

For centuries this passage has been debated, especially since Martin Luther struggled to reconcile it with Paul’s writings. Luther claimed that James contradicted Paul and even dismissed this letter as “an epistle of straw.” Yet both apostles spoke the truth of God. Paul taught against works done to earn salvation, while James taught that faith must express itself through obedience. The contradiction exists only in misunderstanding.

Paul declared, “By grace you have been saved through faith... not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). He referred to works that try to earn God’s favor, as if salvation were a debt owed. But James spoke of obedient works—the actions of a heart that trusts and submits to God. When Paul said we are saved “through faith,” he meant a faith that moves us to obey, not an idle belief.

Obedience Is Essential

Paul himself urged believers to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). He commended them for their obedience, saying, “As you have always obeyed… continue to do so.” Peter agreed, teaching that “in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:34–35). Both apostles taught that obedience does not earn salvation but is absolutely necessary to receive it.

James makes this same point: faith that does not act cannot save. It is dead because it produces nothing. A dead body is still a body, but without breath or movement, it has no life. Likewise, a faith that never works is faith in name only.

Faith Proven by Action

Hebrews chapter 11 shows what living faith looks like. Every example—Noah building the ark, Abraham leaving his home, Moses forsaking Egypt—demonstrates that faith acts. They were not blessed when they merely believed God but only after they obeyed Him. God’s blessings always followed action born of trust.

James teaches that obedience is the heartbeat of faith. Without it, faith cannot please God. Professing belief in Christ is not enough. Many people say they believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but unless that belief leads them to obey His will, it remains empty and powerless.

Faith Seen Through Works

James imagines an objector who claims faith and works are separate: one person has faith, another has works, and both are acceptable. James refutes that reasoning. He says, “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Faith apart from works cannot be seen—it is invisible. But faith expressed through obedience is visible, living, and effective.

James adds a striking example: “You believe that there is one God; you do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” (James 2:19). The demons believe in God with absolute certainty. They confessed Jesus as “the Holy One of God” during His ministry, yet their belief could not save them. They believe, but they do not obey. Their faith brings terror, not salvation. James warns that anyone who claims to be saved by faith alone has the same kind of faith the demons possess—belief without obedience.

Faith That Saves

True faith always leads to obedience. Belief must lead to repentance, confession, and baptism. None of these alone brings salvation, but each is part of a living faith that submits to God’s will. Baptism without faith is just getting wet, and faith without obedience is dead. But a faith that obeys—one that trusts, repents, confesses, and submits—is alive and powerful.

Faith alone has never saved anyone—from Adam and Eve to the apostles themselves. God’s people have always been saved when their faith acted. It is never the profession that saves but the obedience that follows. James, Peter, and Paul all taught that truth. The living faith that saves is the faith that works through love and obedience.

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

• Introduction: James 2:14–20

  • Theme: Faith must act to live. Faith without obedience is dead.

• I. Faith Without Works Is Dead (James 2:14–17)

  • James’ central question: Can that kind of faith save? No.

  • Illustration: Saying “Be warmed and filled” without action.

  • Application: Faith that never acts is lifeless and fruitless.

• II. Paul and James Agree (Ephesians 2:8–9; Philippians 2:12)

  • Paul condemns works that try to earn salvation.

  • James commends works of obedience that demonstrate faith.

  • Both affirm that salvation is by grace through a living, obedient faith.

• III. The Testimony of Peter (Acts 10:34–35)

  • God accepts those who fear Him and work righteousness.

  • Obedience is necessary, not optional.

• IV. Living Faith in Action (Hebrews 11)

  • Noah, Abraham, and Moses acted in obedience before receiving blessing.

  • Faith always moves before it is rewarded.

• V. Faith Shown by Works (James 2:18)

  • Faith is invisible without works.

  • Works make faith visible and real.

  • Together, faith and obedience form a living faith.

• VI. The Faith of Demons (James 2:19)

  • Demons believe and tremble but do not obey.

  • Mere belief without obedience is demonic faith.

  • Saving faith obeys God’s commands.

• VII. The Obedient Faith That Saves (Acts 2:38)

  • Faith must lead to repentance, confession, and baptism.

  • None of these alone saves; together they express a living faith.

  • Faith that obeys brings forgiveness and eternal life.

• Conclusion:

  • Faith alone cannot save.

  • The only faith that pleases God is an obedient, active, working faith.

Call to Action

Let each of us examine the condition of our faith. Has it led us to repentance and obedience, or does it remain idle and unproductive? James says that faith without works is dead. Let your faith live by acting upon what you believe. Obey the Lord while time remains, and let your obedience prove that your faith is alive.

Key Takeaways

• Faith without works cannot save (James 2:14–17).

• Paul and James teach the same truth: obedience demonstrates faith (Ephesians 2:8–9; Philippians 2:12).

• Faith is seen only through works (James 2:18).

• Demons believe but are lost because they do not obey (James 2:19).

• Salvation requires an obedient faith expressed in repentance, confession, and baptism (Acts 2:38).

Scripture Reference List

• James 2:14–20 – Faith without works is dead.

• Ephesians 2:8–9 – Salvation is by grace, not by earning it.

• Philippians 2:12 – Obedience is necessary in working out salvation.

• Acts 10:34–35 – God accepts those who fear Him and do righteousness.

• Hebrews 11 – Every act of faith involved obedience.

• James 2:19 – Demons believe but do not obey.

• Acts 2:38 – Faith must lead to repentance and baptism for forgiveness.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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