Yesterday we saw two evidences of our faith:
1) True faith shows no partiality.
2) True faith will show mercy toward others.
Today we will see that 3) true faith will result in good works. Faith is not "true faith" unless it produces good works. v. 17 True faith is not just something we talk about. It motivates us to think of others and serve them and the Lord. God can see our faith, but others cannot unless that faith results in action. v. 18.
James uses 2 examples from the Old Testament:
- Abraham. vv. 21-24 Abraham showed that he believed God, had faith in God, when he was willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. (Genesis 22) "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." Abraham was justified because he believed God. His actions proved that his faith was genuine.
- Rahab vv. 25-26 In the same manner as Abraham, Rahab showed that her faith was real when she protected the spies. (Joshua 2; 6:17-27)
I know we looked at this yesterday, but it's been on my mind again today, and I think it's worth another look. I'm not saying we should pray that God will send burning coals down on our enemies' heads! But I think the lessons we learned from this Psalm are useful in almost any kind of trouble or anxiety.
- Pray about it. If the problem involves other people, pray for them too.
- Remember God's promises. Meditate on scripture that promises God's provision and protection. Remember that He is sovereign and that nothing happens without His permission. Don't forget that He can use difficulties to strengthen us. And He has promised never to leave us!
- Praise the Lord. Remember that God is all-knowing and all-powerful, that He loves us; that He has been faithful in the past. Thanksgiving is an important part of praise so we must not neglect to be thankful to the Lord.
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