Redeemer Church Mauritius
Faith and Deeds - Phil Kendon
There are several misconceptions people have about faith and deeds. Some people think that our good deeds make us right with God. Others think that good deeds don’t matter because we are saved by what we believe. Some people revere those who seem to live very good lives and look down on others who don’t seem as good. What does the bible teach about the authentic relationship between faith and deeds? The apostle James (half-brother of the Lord Jesus) addresses this topic in chapter two of his book. He describes our deeds as evidence of our faith.
Locations & Times
Redeemer Church Mauritius
Mauritius
Sunday 9:30 AM
Example 1: Abraham sacrificing Isaac
Hebrews 11:17–19 (NIV)
By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.
Hebrews 11:17–19 (NIV)
By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.
Example 2: Rahab helping the spies
Joshua 2:10–13 (NIV)
We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. "Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”
Joshua 2:10–13 (NIV)
We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. "Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”
Example 3: Jesus giving up his life
John 10:17–18 (NIV)
The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
John 10:17–18 (NIV)
The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
4. I grow in good deeds through obeying God’s word
- For example, I give financially because my obedience shows that I believe God is my provider.
- For example, I give financially because my obedience shows that I believe God is my provider.
5. I grow in good deeds by relying on God’s help
Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
- I share my faith despite feeling inadequate because my reliance on God’s help shows that I believe that he will never leave me or forsake me.
Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
- I share my faith despite feeling inadequate because my reliance on God’s help shows that I believe that he will never leave me or forsake me.
6. I grow in good deeds by listening to God’s people
Galatians 2:14 (NIV)
When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?
- I change my behaviour when friends point out my faults because my repentance shows that I believe that God forgives and restores me when I fail.
Galatians 2:14 (NIV)
When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?
- I change my behaviour when friends point out my faults because my repentance shows that I believe that God forgives and restores me when I fail.
Let's Apply It:
I will show you my faith by my deeds!
I will show you my faith by my deeds!
