A Dead Faith
There has been a long going discussion that has transcended centuries, nations, and peoples, many have observed those who claim to be Christians and inspected the individual’s actions in hopes of identifying an authentic child of God verse imitators. Actions define the person, we identify those breathing air and capacity to utilize their senses as living people. Conversely when we are not able to breathe and our senses are not operating we are classified as dead. Actions, negative or positive, will help identify the state of the person. James captures this basic human understanding and helps identify the spiritual similarity. Wanting the Jewish Christians to understand this foundational truth, he paints a picture of two types of faith found in James chapter two.
“14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
Keep in mind, that at the time of this writing many were still with the belief that they needed to commit acts in order to be seen as righteous by God. James takes it upon himself to argue against this belief by pointing out two different types of faith. This week we will be discussing the first identified type of faith known as dead faith.
This is someone who sees the suffering of those around them and does nothing. It is the person James is describing in verses 15-16 “15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? ” This type of faith is seen in those “Christians” who have the head knowledge of Christianity. They know the scripture and can give all of the Sunday school answers, but when it comes down to it their walk in the world does not match up to what they profess to believe. Jesus would describe this type of faith as being a whitewashed tomb, “27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you too, outwardly appear righteous to people, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:27-28
A “faith” that does not respond to others is a dead faith. Our works cannot save us, however, it is by our works that we show evidence of a changed life when we come to Christ. Those of us who have submitted to God for salvation understand that it is out of love for us that Christ died for our sins. Therefore, faith will produce works out of love as argued in Galatians 5:5b, “ The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” And again in 1 John 3:17-18, “17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” A dead faith will not produce fruit, a person with a dead faith will not care about those around them. They will sit in the service nodding along with the sermon but in the world they will not have the fruit of the spirit, “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
James likens the dead faith to that of the demons“19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” When demons were confronted by Jesus, they often stated a fact that many people today fail to admit to. That Jesus is the Son of God, “2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him…6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”” Mark 5:2-8
While demons have the knowledge that there is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, this does not mean that they are saved. After all, the demons believe in God but they do not serve Him. A dead faith is much the same, someone who has the knowledge of God but does not produce the works expected by a changed life.
We now have a better understanding of what it means to have a dead faith. James is a book that is designed to cause the reader to reflect upon their walk with God. If you are one who is simply going through the motions, I regret to inform you that your faith is that of one who does not have a living relationship with Jesus Christ. It is telling that even demons have a greater faith than one such as this. However, there is still time! You can come before Christ and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, that no works by yourself can save you. Only the works of Jesus Christ! If you ask Him to come into your life and change it, watch how quickly He does just that! Then join us next week as we look at two individuals who have that changed living faith in Jesus Christ.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex