INTRO
Though a nylon rope is thick and strong, it cannot transfer electricity. The wire should be conductive to make use of electric power. The power comes from the electricity that the wire transfers not from the wire itself.
We often say, ‘I want to grow in faith.’ I also say this way. However, this is not the correct expression about faith. Jesus said, ‘Faith of mustard seed can move a mountain.’ In faith, the size doesn’t matter. What matters is whether authentic or counterfeit. Authentic faith is truly conductive link to Jesus Christ. It has no resistance for Jesus’ words and power to flow through. Genuine faith will make you reflect Jesus’ characters through your life. As long as you have true faith, that means you are truly connected with Jesus with a conductive link, His infinite power can accomplish anything through your small but genuine faith.
Now, we will see what kinds of characters such authentic faith has. And check our faith and make your faith right.
Faith doesn’t show favoritism (2:1-4)
1 My brothers and sisters, do not show prejudice if you possess faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 For if someone comes into your assembly wearing a gold ring and fine clothing, and a poor person enters in filthy clothes,
3 do you pay attention to the one who is finely dressed and say, "You sit here in a good place," and to the poor person, "You stand over there," or "Sit on the floor"?
4, “If so, have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil motives?”
Does anyone of us do this way? Not that much obvious, but a little so do we. This morning, when you enter this room, how did you decide where to sit? In our minds, there are favorites and non-favorites. That’s why we say BFF.
When you discriminate against someone, you set yourself distinguished from that person and elevate yourself over that person. Whether you favor or discriminate, it is from your evil motives. That is seeking own-righteousness and selfish love.
If you say you believe in Jesus, you are supposed to be a little Jesus. He didn’t show any favoritism. Though He was holy, he became a friend of sinners and tax collectors. If this Jesus lives in you, you would not discriminate against anyone.
The second character of faith is love and mercy (v8-13)
8 But if you fulfill the royal law as expressed in this scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well.
How many times do you argue with your parents or siblings last week? Because of our weakness, we often break the law of God. When you have said bad words to your family or friend, what should you do? Apologize and ask forgiveness from that person and from God. Then you are freed from the penalty of sin. This gives us freedom if you don’t mind a little humiliation.
On the opposite, when someone has been mean to you, don’t harbor grudge in your heart. Forgive that person. That is how you live out mercy.
12 Speak and act as those who will be judged by a law that gives freedom.
13 For judgment is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over judgment.
We know we are sinners. We need God’s mercy in the final judgment. Do you want mercy? Then show your mercy to others. “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Third, faith tells by its works (2:14-26)
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacks daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm and eat well," but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it?
17 So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself.
When we say, ‘I believe in Jesus.’ That doesn’t only mean that Jesus is real. That means, ‘I surrender to Jesus.’ ‘I fully submit myself to Jesus.’ That is authentic. If your faith is real, it would make changes in your life and behaviors.
19 You believe that God is one; well and good. Even the demons believe that– and tremble with fear.
Even Satan knows that God exists and Jesus died for sinners. But he doesn’t obey God but hates God. Therefore, if you confess your faith with mouth, but not with your life, your faith is the same as the demon’s faith. Faith without works is like this.
On the opposite, faith with work has great value.
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
22 You see that his faith was working together with his works and his faith was perfected by works.
23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Now Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness," and he was called God's friend.
24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
In Gen ch 15. When Abraham had no children, God said to him, “Your descendants will be like stars in the sky.” Abraham believed God’s promise. And his faith was credited as his righteousness. However, his faith is imperfect. In Gen ch 16, he got a concubine and to have a son, not from God’s will. He made many mistakes after he confessed his faith. Until at ch 22 his faith was confirmed by God, his faith was disciplined and tried for 30 years. In ch 22, finally, Abraham’s faith was perfected and confirmed when he obeyed God’s command to offer Isaac on the altar.
Your faith is not testable until you encounter certain situations. When you obey God for something that you don’t want to do, this obedience tells your faith. One Sunday, you don’t want to come to church and instead, you want to go out with friends. However, as you know coming to church is God’s will, you come. That tells your faith. And such faith brings God’s reward, Abraham was called God’s friend. Don’t forget this, God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Bible so clearly says “faith without work is dead and not-working.”
26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
However, if your faith is real, it will motivate you to come closer to God. It will make changes in your life.
From today’s sermon, you might have some questions. Does salvation come through works?
We are saved by faith. But, our work witnesses to our faith. If you don’t have works of faith, your so claimed faith might be counterfeit. Your trust and obedience show your faith. Though your obedience is not perfect, God looks at your intention and your will to obey. That is how God sees your faith through your works. Seek God’s wisdom on what to do. Rely on His grace for fear of failures. Ask God and follow His guidance. This is a Christian life.
CLOSING
Is your faith authentic? Are you connected to Jesus with a conductive link? If you are connected with Jesus, His characters will come out from you. No favoritism. No judgment. Mercy and love. Trust and obedience. If not, make sure your faith conductive, authentic one. Then your faith will become conductive to transfer God’s infinite power.