ACTIONS OF FAITH
"But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is
dead?"
James 2:20 (NKJV)
This passage of the Bible is one of the most misinterpreted and misunderstood passages of the Bible. The writer, Apostle James, says: "FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD!"
Some have come to believe that James was talking about secular works. If you read the passage from verse 14 of the same chapter 2; he was actually talking about actions of faith.
What he referred to as works of faith are actions of faith. It means, what you do to prove that your faith, the faith that you claim that you have, is practical.
Hypothetically, James gave the example of someone in need who comes to you, and you told the person that God would provide, if you actually believed that God would provide for the person, you should be the first person to give whatever you have to help the person. If you did that, It means you truly believe that God will provide for the person (James 2:14,15).
The work in the illustration is the giving of food or any other material thing to the needy person. Likewise in the case of Abraham which he gave as an example, that Abraham was willing to offer his son before God stopped him (James 2:21-23).
James also talked about Rahab the harlot who helped the spies sent to Jericho. She hid them and sent them through another way, which shows her faith in the God of Israel which she said they had heard of (James 2:25).
In James conclusion, faith should be with works, which are, actions of faith. In other words, there should be a corresponding action when your faith is being demonstrated. The proof that you have faith is the work, what you do to show that you believe—the corresponding action. James was not talking about secular works at all here.
The aspect of the Bible that you refused to practice or praticalize is the one you did not believe or agree with. If you did believe the Scripture that says give and It shall be given to you, you would not hesitate to give when an offering is called for in any believers' gathering—you would be eager to give.
If you find it difficult to give, even with the knowledge of that Bible passage, it means you do not believe that passage of the Bible that said it. It is a mental assent. You assented the passage of the Scripture with your brain but never believed the reality of it.
The work of faith or the corresponding action in this last illustration is the Giving of the money. For your faith to work and produce results, there must be a corresponding action or work.
Peace.