True Faith Shows Itself Through Action | James 2:14–26

Knowing about Jesus and personally trusting Him are not the same thing. We can know Bible answers, attend church, and say the right words, but what does our everyday life reveal about our faith? If salvation is a gift of God’s grace, why does James say faith without works is dead?Teaching from James 2:14–26, Pastor Chris Teien explains how Paul’s teaching about grace and James’s teaching about works fit together. Through personal stories, practical examples, and the faith of Rahab and Abraham, discover why good works cannot earn salvation but should grow out of a relationship with Jesus. Learn how genuine faith becomes visible through serving, generosity, obedience, and caring for the people God places around us.IN THIS MESSAGE1. TRUE FAITH WITHOUT ACTION IS QUESTIONABLEKnowing the facts about an airplane is different from boarding it and trusting it to carry you. Likewise, saving faith means personally trusting Jesus rather than relying on Bible knowledge, religious activity, or our own goodness. Genuine faith changes our desires and moves us to serve, share, and care for others with the time and resources God provides. (James 2:17–20)2. TRUE FAITH IS SAVED BY GRACE AND REVEALED BY WORKSSalvation is a gift from God, not a reward for completing a religious checklist. Yet we are created anew in Christ to do the good things He has prepared for us, and the examples of Rahab and Abraham show how faith becomes visible through action. We demonstrate that same living faith when we respond to someone’s need instead of offering kind words while withholding help we could provide. (Ephesians 2:8–10; James 2:14–16, 21–25; Hebrews 11:17–19, 31; Galatians 6:10)3. TRUE FAITH PRODUCES SPIRITUAL FRUITGod’s grace teaches us to turn from sinful living and become people committed to doing good. Giving becomes an act of worship as we share willingly and cheerfully, trusting God’s provision and using our resources to help others. Living faith also shapes how we serve in church, care for our families, conduct ourselves at work, and share Jesus with people who need Him. (Titus 2:11–14; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8; James 2:26)BE ENCOURAGEDWhat opportunity has God already placed in front of you? You cannot meet every need, but you can use what He has given you to encourage someone, offer practical help, serve faithfully, or give generously. Do not wait for a more convenient season to follow Jesus and put your faith into action. If you have only known about Jesus, turn from your sin and personally trust Him as your Lord and Savior. Salvation is His gift, and the life He gives is meant to make a difference.26.1018de Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find more ways to listen and connect, plus links to sermon transcripts at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]