Repurposed Day 15
Faith In Action

James 1:22-27
James 2:14-20
Jeremiah 31:31-34 

Are you ready for some encouragement to live more effectively for Jesus? The book of James has been a great resource to me, bringing so much delight in the Scriptures.

We have been remade after His heart, repurposed for His kingdom,
what are we waiting for?!

If you’re anything like me, you wish you read the Bible more, studied it better, and more often. Not to mention, had someone really break it down for you, point out the highlights, and give you something to ponder on as you go through your day.

Take it from me, I’m not a Bible scholar, and even just a couple of years ago would have told you that I had no idea how to study or read the Bible with understanding. But, with practice, intentional study, and Christian community around me, the Bible has come alive! Be encouraged that Bible study is for every Jesus follower!

James was a leader in the Jerusalem church, and the half-brother of Jesus Christ (since Jesus didn’t have an earthly biological father). His book outlines the importance of faith through genuine fellowship in community and daily living to “see beyond ourselves” as we interact with the world around us.  Good works aren’t the reason one gets into Heaven, but walking in faith, living by the Word of God, doing good for others and God, as well as engaging in a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, prove the authenticity of saving faith.

It’s faith in action!

Studying James helps us discover how we can equip our hearts for action as we engage in real life circumstances like hardship, temptation, guilt, conflict, gossip, fear, pain, conviction, and so much more.

James’s letter makes living the Christian life super practical. We all walk through tough stuff in life, but James teaches that the purpose of a test or trial is to point us to God. It’s in fire that our character is built and, if we allow Him, He will train our hearts to lean into His sufficiency.
The testing of our faith produces
perseverance, maturity, wisdom and strength. James 1:3-4

Little else reveals our heart as clearly as the temptation to compare ourselves to others, especially as women. Whether it’s comparing our appearances, our possessions, or our spiritual gifts, pride has no place in the life of a Christ-follower. Rather, James calls us to take pride in our position as believers in Christ.

“Believers in humble circumstances
ought to take pride in their high position.” James 1:9-10

Sisters, nothing gets us in trouble faster than the tongue! James says it is set ablaze from the fires of hell! As James talks about this little muscle that does so much damage, he identifies the meaning of words and the way we use them.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father,
and with it we curse human beings,
who have been made in God’s likeness” James 3:9
We are called to tame our tongues, using words to praise our Lord, be kind and spread God’s love and faithfulness because of the great gift of love Christ has unleashed in our hearts! By submitting to the Lord and resisting the devil, we can have victory in taming the tongue!

The theme of James is faith, yet faith and good deeds are both significant.
“As the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26
Dead. Flat-lined.
A new creation cannot be called “alive” if their “life” is proving nothing but death.
Christianity is characterized by both faith and good works.
According to James, genuine faith in Jesus and fellowship in community allows us to perform good deeds for others and God.

It’s faith in action!

That life-transforming faith shows up again when James talks about patience in suffering and faith-fueled prayer, which brings blessings from the Lord who is compassionate and merciful.  Through faith and prayer, God will bring healing!  Through suffering, God will not leave us, but provide us with the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
That’s real confidence for life!

God’s Word is powerful, living, and active!
Take just 60 seconds and let the Spirit encourage you through His Words!

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:
Everyone should be slow to speak and slow to anger,
because human anger does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20

“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge,
the one who is able to save and destroy.
But you – who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:12

“My brothers and sisters,
believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ
must not show favoritism.” James 2:1

“Don’t grumble against one another,
brothers and sisters, or you will be judged.” James 5:9

“Therefore confess your sins to each other
and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

While it is easy to get wrapped up in the busy world, God-honoring deeds become a lifestyle, rather than a to do-list when fueled by faith.
Allow your faith to be active and sincere, not useless!

Do actions save us?
Does plugging in and using our gifts
to further God’s kingdom score us spiritual points?
Not in the slightest!
But, lean in ladies, if our lives aren’t diligently chasing after Christ and the proof isn’t seen in the life choices we are making, then we should carefully consider whether our faith is sincere!

Faith in action.
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Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Repurposed Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Repurposed!