Scripture Text: James 2:18 KJV
“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.”
Introduction:
Beloved, today we stand at a critical crossroad in the walk of every believer — the junction where profession meets practice, where declaration meets demonstration, where belief becomes behavior.
The epistle of James challenges us to move beyond lip service and to embody a living, breathing, and working faith.
The Apostle doesn’t denounce faith; rather, he calls for a complete faith—a faith that can be seen, felt, and followed.
James 2:18 reads:
“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.”
This verse is not merely a comparison; it is a call to accountability.
I. Faith Can Be Spoken, but True Faith Must Be Shown
There are many who say they have faith, but James confronts the insufficiency of a said faith that lacks the substance of action.
• Faith without action is invisible.
You cannot see a man’s heart, but you can see his hands.
• James is essentially saying, “If your faith is real, then let me see it in how you live, how you love, and how you labor for the Lord.”
Matthew 5:16 KJV echoes this truth:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
🡺 True faith has fruit.
🡺 True belief produces behavior.
🡺 If you say you trust God, then let your trust be seen in your walk, your works, and your willingness to obey Him.
II. Faith Without Works Is Dead, But Faith That Works Is Alive
James doesn’t separate faith and works — he integrates them. He is not promoting salvation by works but revealing that saving faith is never alone.
James 2:17 KJV says,
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
Dead faith is dormant, inactive, and unresponsive. But living faith is productive, vibrant, and alive.
• Abraham believed God, and that faith was made perfect when he obeyed and offered up Isaac (James 2:21-22).
• Rahab believed in the God of Israel, and that belief moved her to hide the spies (James 2:25).
🡺 Their faith had legs. Their belief had boldness. Their trust had traction.
III. Works Are Not the Root of Salvation, but They Are the Fruit of Salvation
Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV makes it plain:
“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.”
We are not saved by works, but we are saved for works. The grace that saves us also enables us to do the will of God.
🡺 We don’t work to be saved—we work because we are saved.
🡺 Works are not a requirement for salvation, but they are the evidence of salvation.
IV. Your Faith Should Be a Living Witness to Others
The world is watching. What do they see?
• Can they see your love through your actions?
• Can they see your trust in God through how you respond to trials?
• Can they see your commitment through your service and sacrifice?
Your deeds preach louder than your words.
Your obedience is a testimony that your faith is real.
Jesus said in John 13:35 KJV:
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Love is a work of faith.
V. Conclusion: What Is Your Faith Showing Today?
If someone followed you for a week, without hearing a word from your lips, would they be able to tell that you are a believer? Would they see humility, kindness, perseverance, service, generosity, prayer, and holiness?
James challenges the Church:
“Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”
Let your faith do the talking. Let your faith walk the walk. Let your faith build the Kingdom.
Call to Action:
• Examine your faith.
• Ask yourself: Is it just confession, or is it active obedience?
• Commit today to walk in visible faith—not to impress men, but to glorify God.
Closing Prayer:
Father, I thank You because I know You hear me. Let Your will be done.
Lord, ignite in us a faith that is not only declared with our mouths but demonstrated with our lives.
Let our hands serve, our hearts love, and our lives reflect the trust we have in You. May our works testify of Your grace in us, and may our obedience be a light in the darkness.
Strengthen us to live out what we believe, that the world may know we are Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Selah Sermon by Prophetess Dr. Althea Winifred
Next Level 