Tomorrow morning, if God allows, I will preach further into the series of James from 2:14-26. This is the well known passage concerning faith and works. James provokes us to consider whether or not a belief system concerning Christ which does not result in normal outflow of good works could ever be considered as the type of faith that affords hope in eternity. In a shorter summary, “Can a faith with no visible results be considered legitimate?” If you are interested in a thorough examination of this question, show up at Meadow tomorrow at 10:30 AM or download the free sermon entitled “Believing Hearts With Busy Hands” on Monday.
None of us has reached the pinnacle of our salvation. We can simplify salvation in this manner: Justification (past activity of God on our behalf) > Sanctification (present activity of God on our behalf) > Glorification (full act of God on our behalf). Because we are living in the process of sanctification we should be well aware that we are not yet fully what we could be or should be. We still sin. We wrestle with the world and the flesh. We fail to properly resist the devil and, therefore suffer consequences in unnecessary defeats. No, we are not yet glorified but…we have certainly been justified. It is because of our justification that we are no longer what we once were, nor are we what others who have not been justified currently are. We are most definitely new creations, though clearly imperfect for the time being. In spite of the reality of our current imperfections, James’ letter reminds us that an inner faith undeniably flows with outer actions. It is not that we are saved by our good works but, rather, that our good works evidence our true salvation.
I think it would serve us well to create two lists that will enable us to 1) be encouraged by God’s gracious transforming of our lives and 2) to be humbled that there are acknowledged areas of further change needed within us.
List #1 – Celebration: Take some time to write down areas wherein you clearly see the evidence of your faith resulting in good works. It may be that you have been made generous. It might be an inner thirst for prayer or a love for the Word. Perhaps you have experienced the eagerness to forgive others or that you have been graced to serve anonymously behind the scenes with no desire for credit. You may never want to preach or sing but you have a zeal for sending a card, making a phone call or offering a meal to those in need. What evidence is there in your life that God has made you new? What can you celebrate as His gracious work in and through you? Be thorough and patient and welcome God to show you how He has changed you since you received Jesus Christ by faith. Celebrate the good works that He has given as evidence of His saving you.
List #2 – Hope: Not as enjoyable as the first, this list should focus on areas where your faith should be revealed more clearly. Don’t avoid the conviction here but rather embrace it as God’s nudging that herein is opportunity to bring Him further glory. This list might include your need to invest more energy in personal service to others. You may discover a reluctance to exhibit faith in your financial giving, relying on the presumed security of keeping instead of the joy of releasing. Perhaps you struggle with fear of embarking on new opportunities which will test your trust in God. Are you nursing a grudge against someone else? Jesus spoke of the reality of your light being potentially hidden under a basket of some sort; you’ve not allowed that to occur have you? Linger here for a moment and welcome God to speak to you about areas that are not revealing your trust in Him through resulting good works. Petition Him in hope as you welcome Him to bring good works from dammed up portions of your life-stream.
It would be incredibly helpful to us if you would share one or two from each list by commenting below. Be as brief or thorough as you choose; put your name with them or remain anonymous. Even doing this might qualify as a “good work” which edifies others. Risk it, open up and share with us.
List #1.. the incredible trust and faith God has in me by gifting to my family my wonderful children. confidence to demonstrate God’s glory with my gifts (yes, I do have some!) releasing money back to God without knowing how that pipeline will be filled tomorrow.
List #2.. the one that could put War and Peace to shame for sheer volume. you hit several of the biggies. fear of embracing new opportunities. fear to be open and not caring what others think about me in the process. enough for now…