Worship Services Featured

Developing a Dynamic Faith

Christopher Alderman

• 3 min read

Faith can feel strong in the quiet moments—during prayer, in worship, or while reading Scripture. But when life demands action, when obedience costs something, or when someone needs help right in front of us, belief is tested. Words are easy. Action requires trust.

In James 2:14–26, we are confronted with a faith that moves. James points to Abraham and Rahab as examples of trust expressed through obedience. Their lives show that genuine faith responds to God and serves others. Faith and works belong together as evidence of a living relationship with Christ.

Consider what it means for our faith to be active in daily life, shaped by obedience, compassion, and courage.

Sermon Notes

Scripture References

  • James 2:14–26
  • Romans 3:28
  • Proverbs 26:4–5
  • Revelation 20:7–10

Introduction

  • Pastor Tim has shifted the current sermon series from Philippians to James, encouraging the congregation to read the five-chapter epistle in one sitting.
  • Today’s focus: James 2:14–26, a passage that raises the perennial question, “Are we saved by faith or by works?”
  • The sermon opens by illustrating how seemingly opposite proverbs (“Look before you leap” vs. “He who hesitates is lost”) can both be true, preparing hearers for the perceived tension between Paul (faith alone) and James (faith shown in works).

Key Points / Exposition

1. The Apparent Conflict: Paul vs. James

  • Paul (Romans 3:28) teaches justification by faith apart from works of the Law.
  • James (James 2:24) states that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
  • The preacher clarifies: Paul denies earning salvation through works; James denies that genuine faith can remain inactive. Two sides of the same coin.

2. Dead Faith (James 2:14–18)

  • Definition: Verbal assent without accompanying action.
  • Illustration: A believer dismisses a destitute brother with, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” yet offers no tangible help—hypocrisy exposed.
  • Warning: Claiming Christ’s name without adopting Christ’s character renders faith lifeless.

3. Demonic (Intellectual) Faith (James 2:19)

  • Even demons believe in God’s existence and shudder.
  • Their knowledge affects emotion (fear) but never the will—no obedience, no transformation.
  • Sobering comparison: If our faith stops at mental agreement, demons are “one up” on us.

4. Dynamic (Saving) Faith (James 2:20–26)

  • Works in harmony with belief, completing and proving it.
    • Sub-Point A: Abraham
      • Trusted God enough to offer Isaac.
      • His obedience “was credited to him as righteousness” and earned the title “God’s friend.”
    • Sub-Point B: Rahab
      • A Gentile prostitute who sheltered Israelite spies.
      • Her risky action aligned with belief, leading to salvation for herself and family.
  • Metaphor: “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (v.26).

5. Modern Portrait of Dead Faith

  • Story of Chairman Mao’s gruesome embalming: an outward attempt to preserve what is already dead—parallel to cosmetic religion.
  • External trappings (church attendance, dusty Bible, certificates) cannot animate a faith devoid of life.

Major Lessons & Revelations

  • True salvation produces visible obedience; faith is authenticated by works.
  • Intellectual assent or emotional reaction is insufficient; the will must submit.
  • God welcomes every social class—from patriarch Abraham to prostitute Rahab—on the same basis: active, trusting obedience.
  • Spiritual tension in Scripture often resolves through correct application, not contradiction.

Practical Application

Believers were urged to examine five “spiritual vital signs”:

  1. Worship: Is it a Sunday ritual or a daily lifestyle of praise?
  2. Life Goals: Are they self-centered or God- and others-centered?
  3. Giving: Do you give grudgingly or cheerfully, seeking ways to bless God?
  4. Compassion: Do you meet practical needs or offer hollow words?
  5. Bible Study: Is Scripture rarely opened or eagerly studied for transformation?

Conclusion & Call to Response

  • The congregation is challenged to move from dead or demonic faith to dynamic faith that glorifies God and blesses people.
  • Invitation: Allow the “sword of the Spirit” (James’ words) to pierce complacency and produce obedient action.
  • Dismissal: “Go and serve a world that desperately needs Jesus.”

Recorded Sunday, February 15th, 2026
Message by Pastor Tim Ward
Scripture: James 2:14-26