Message by Steve Drudge – July 19, 2026
James 2:14-26 NRSV “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Surely that faith cannot save, can it? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead…”
Big Idea: Faith that works is faith that acts
Credibility gap: A spoken faith without corresponding actions.
“What good is it, …if you say you have faith, but do not have works? Can such faith save you?” (James 2:14)
Illustration of credibility gap: a dead faith.
“If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food,and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill’, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” (James 2:15-17)
Objection and response
“But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” (James 2:18)
Example of knowing about God without doing God’s will: the demons.
“You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder. Do you want to be shown, you senseless person, that faith without works is barren?” (James 2:19-20)
First Old Testament example of faith in action: Abraham
“Was not our ancestor Abraham justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was brought to completion by the works. Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness’, and he was called the friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:21-24)
Second Old Testament example of faith in action: Rahab
“Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road?” (James 2:25)
Concluding statement
“For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.” (James 2:26)
About Steve Drudge: Steve served as a pastor for 38 years in Markham and Baden. Along with his wife, Lynelle, of 43 years, Steve has 4 children and 7 grandchildren, all of whom live close by, which both surprises and delights them. Steve retired from ministry 3 years ago and enjoys gardening, DIY jobs, hiking, cycling, reading and some travel.
You can listen to the sermon on YouTube here.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | RSS