Works That Mature our Faith

do you see, that his faith energized his works and from his works his faith matured (James 2:22)*

When James writes faith without works is dead the above is the best way to explain it. It is similar to understanding grace, it doesn't stand alone but produces effects.* Faith also has effects, as Paul writes when we believe in our hearts something happens inwardly and the effect is the confession from the mouth of that inward change. Faith is also energized by love, which strengthens us. Faith without love is nothing thus Love is an action, a work of faith, so as the scriptures tell us love is a bond that leads to our maturity. Here we see that faith energizes us unto good works and our faith is matured through this kind of work.

now, faith exists assurance, hope, persuasion of things not seen. For in it the elders testified of God (Hebrews 11:1-12)

Faith exists substance and evidence, and the effect of that is meant to energize us into works. And as we are energized through works and practice, not being a hearer only, but a doer our faith matures. So faith is not a passive believing, when faith is practiced it becomes a driving force in a believer's life that matures. Now, faith without works is dead, which means works without faith is dead. Faith without love is nothing, which means love is a primary force that energizes our faith.

what good is it my brother if someone says I have faith but has no works? (James 2:14)

James gives example of faith that is not dead, through deeds of loving your brother through action. If you see him in need and you have the world's goods to help him but say to him "go in peace, stay warm, and eat your fill" but do nothing your faith is dead. Today, people say "be blessed" or "God bless you" but if they see the need and do nothing, this kind of faith is dead.

It is to receive in meekness the implanted work of God that changes us, and the effect of this is that we are becoming active doers. If we hear and see the truth, and do not apply it and practice it, it is like looking in a mirror and seeing who we should be but immediately turning away forgetting the wisdom God gave us, and missing the opportunity to be more like Jesus.

show me your faith without the works even as I will show you my faith from my works (James 2:18)

More difficult lessons of being doers and not hearers only is living to the words of Jesus, walking in this world as he did. He tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. In the parable of sowing persecution is one of the thorns that tries to choke us out so we do not bear fruit. We want justice and vengeance, and the offense can consume us and bitterness can defile us. Jesus said love and pray for those who persecute you. For our faith to mature we must be active doers not hearers only.

... his faith energized his works and from his works his faith matured (James 2:22)

Faith is energized through love, as love is the bond or motivating force that leads our faith to maturity. Thus the church grows into maturity, truth in love, not truth alone. We are to be known as disciples of Jesus by our love for one another for this reason, thus we serve one another in love. So we see the process of growth, faith should energize us unto good works, and from this work we are matured to walk more like Jesus walked in this world.

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