Showing Our Faith By Our Works
Text: James 2:17-18 IBCWPM July 1, 2026
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
Genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ must not be misleading, but be well-defined so people can differentiate what is real and what is questionable faith. A man who advertises his faith without a notable changed life is questionable. The Apostle Paul wrote in II Corinthians 5:17, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (KJV)
Saved people have their own testimonies how the Lord changed their lives from carnality to righteous living. Concerning their spiritual growth, some are fast growing and some grow gradually; the good thing, however is, they both grow according to the measure and level of their faith.
(I) Genuine Faith In God Produces Good Works James 2:17-18
Genuine faith is not a dead faith, but it produces God-glorifying works. In James 2:17, it is written, Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (KJV) True faith is active and working. It produces good works that point others to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Apostle Paul said in I Thessalonians 1:3, Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; (KJV) The Thessalonians were not boasting about their faith, and yet their testimonies were amplified beyond their place. (See I Thessalonians 1:8)
-Let your faith be justified by your works James 2:17, 24
Believers should not only tell others about their faith in God, but show their faith-related works as well. The Bible says in James 2:18, Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (KJV) Let others see your active faith that is bearing God-honoring fruits.
Don’t be associated with devilish belief and practices James 2:19
The devils know the Lord Jesus Christ more than what many people have in mind. They believe that there is only one God, but their works are evil and will never follow the way of righteousness. In James 2:19, it is written, Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (KJV) Believe God and show to the world that you really love Him by obeying the Word of Truth.
One’s faith reveals and points others to its true object, and it cannot be hid from the eyes of men especially in the sight of God. The Lord Jesus said in Jonh 8:44, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (KJV) People whose object of faith is the devil will surely do wicked things that give delight to the father of all lies.
People whose object of faith is the True and Living God will surely do good works that will glorify Him.
Excellent examples of well-justified faith James 2:21-25
True faith in God brings forth righteousness. The Bible says in James 2:23-24, And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (KJV) The righteousness of God will be imputed to every repentant sinner who will put his faith in Christ.
Abraham was a man of faith and his faith was justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar. His faith was historic and well-remembered from generation to generation. In James 2:21-22, it is written, Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (KJV) What an inspiring work of faith that pleased the Lord. As a great result, he was called the Friend of God.
Rahab’s faith was extraordinary because she was not of the nation Israel, and yet, she put her trust in the True and Living God. James 2:25 says, Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? (KJV) Her faith was justified by works. She received the servants of God as a manifestation of her reliance on the God of Israel. Her faith led her to have a special part in the Savior’s genealogy. True faith makes a man acceptable to God, and it can break barriers as well. (See Matthew 1:5)
Spiritual insights to live by:
Our faith reveals the God whom we worship, and our good works vindicates our genuine faith. The Bible says in James 2:26, For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (KJV) The believers’ working faith and not their words only must be shown publicly in this lost and unbelieving world.
The Bible reminds us that believers can obtain salvation by the grace of God through faith in Christ, and not by works. Salvation is the gift of God. In Ephesians 2:8-10, it is written, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV) After genuine conversion, it is only proper to do good works as fruits of our faith in Christ.
The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV) True believers must keep on shining for Christ in this lost and dying world until His glorious coming.
