As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26
When our action doesn’t show our faith, our faith is dead. Our true faith requires us to have action. By your actions, do you have true faith?
Let’s read Hebrews 11. Abel offered God a better sacrifice . By faith he was approved as a righteous man. He speaks through his faith. By faith Enoch was taken away so he did not experience death. God took him away. Without faith it is impossible to please God. By faith Noah built an ark. He was warned what was yet not seen and motivated by godly fear. By Faith Abraham obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out not knowing where he was going. Joseph gave instructions to bury his bones in the promised land. By faith Moses, Chose to be mistreated along with God’s people, Left Egypt, and kept the Passover. By faith Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho. By Faith Rahab welcomed and hid the Israelites spies. Have you noticed while reading Hebrews 11 that a faithful life doesn’t mean it always brings the same results in the human terms?
Let’s look at Hebrews 11: 32-38. What are the good outcomes and the bad outcomes?
These verses 33-25 describe the victory and deliverance of some peoples faith experienced. In verses 35b- 38 are describing the torture, mockery, and death of other peoples faith experienced. These people thought that getting a “well done” from God was more important than life itself.
The outward appearance of success does not always indicate faith. The outward appearance of failure doesn’t always indicate a lack of faith either. A faithful servant is one that always does what the Master tells him to do.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your word. I thank you for the role models you have given to us that show their true faith. I pray that we will have true faith, that no matter what we will do what you ask us to do.
In Jesus Name
Amen
