Faith SavesChikamu
Faith Then Works
Are you struggling to understand the relationship between faith and works? Do you want to know how to live out your faith in a way that brings glory to God and helps those in need?
The message of faith and works is not a new one. As believers in Christ, we know that faith must come first. Through it we come to know Christ and are transformed. Faith allows us to be seated in heavenly places with Christ. But it is not enough to have faith alone. Our faith must lead to action, to works. We are called to help those in need, to be a source of aid and comfort in times of disaster. As believers, we are commissioned by God to walk in obedience and to live out our faith in tangible ways.
In Romans 4:9–12, we see Abraham being talked about in relation to circumcision. This outward symbol was a way of showing that he belonged to the Jewish people. But the important thing to note is that Abraham had faith before he was circumcised. His faith came first, and the outward symbol of circumcision followed. This same message is echoed in Hebrews chapter 11, where we are introduced to the Hall of Fame of faith. It is through faith that these Old Testament figures were able to accomplish great things. It was not through their own strength or abilities, but through their faith in God.
We must have faith in Christ before anything else, but let us not stop there. Let our faith lead us to action, to works that bring glory to God and help those in need. May our faith and our works be inextricably linked, a testament to the transforming power of Christ in our lives.
Are you living out your faith through your works? Are you taking action to help those in need, to aid and comfort those who are hurting? Or, are you content with simply believing in Christ, without letting that belief transform your life? Are you truly following Jesus where He leads you, or are you only willing to go where it’s comfortable and convenient? These are tough questions, but they are important ones. Let us examine ourselves and make sure that our faith is leading us to action, to works that bring glory to God and serve others.
About this Plan
Even the best must be saved by belief. Faith humbles. Faith receives salvation as a gift, not a wage. We need to place our faith in Christ, and then walk, in obedience, in His works. Ours is a simple faith. In this devotional plan, Pastor Matte shares truths from Paul’s letter to the Romans about how to live out our Christian faith.
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