Memorise: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Read: James 2:17-26
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
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.
19 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?
21 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?
23 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.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 25-27, Philippians 1
AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL
1. The title of today’s devotional presupposes at least two categories of faith: living and dead faith.
2. In James 2:17-26, the Holy Spirit confirms to us that there is indeed dead faith, and He also teaches us what makes faith have life. My prayer for you is that any aspect of your faith that is dead will come alive today in Jesus’ Name.
3. Is it not amazing that faith, as powerful as it is, cannot stand on its own without works? This is not contestable, because it is the word of God. James 2:18 puts it this way: “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.”
4. Faith sees into the invisible and beholds what the Almighty God is capable of doing.
5. While the act of exercising faith can spur God into action, there is also an obligation on the part of the one exercising faith. This obligation is the work of faith which we are talking about today. Without this, faith is seen to be lifeless.
6. Apostle James expounded on this truth with the classical example of the father of faith, Abraham: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 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.” James 2:21-23.
7. Beloved, what would have been left of Abraham’s walk of faith if he had refused when God asked him to offer his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering? Thank God Abraham acted on the demand of God. In response to the demonstration of his faith that had moved from theory to practical, God said to Abraham: “…..Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” Genesis 22:12
8. After all the time that Abraham had been walking with God, why did God say “It’s now I know you fear Me?” It’s because his works had collided with his faith, which then came alive and became substantial.
9. Beloved, do you have living faith in God?
SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS
Faith is so important that salvation of every believer starts with it. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2:8. Afterwards, faith still keep and sustain our relationship with our maker. Faith helps us in pleasing God. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Hence, let’s ensure our faith is always alive to keep enjoying our relationship with God. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye and strengthen him in Jesus name.
Prayer Point:
Father, please impart in my spirit the living faith that pleases You in practical terms from today, in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.
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