Worship

SEEING FAITH THAT WORKS

(James 2:14-26)

Happy New Year! We welcome 2025 with a new theme: “Faith in Action: Minding the Mission.” This year, we hope to live by faith, which is evident in love through works (Gal. 5:6b). As we know, “faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone.” We see the reality of this faith that is not alone through the reality of works that fulfills God’s mission. In other words, we can know faith that works. Based on Jam. 2:14-26, how do we know faith that works?

1. Faith that Works Is Tangible (2:14-20)

Faith that does not lead to works has no value (“What good is it?” [2:14a, 16b]), is dead (2:17, 26), & is useless or empty (2:20; an empty boast or false claim). Faith by itself (i.e., faith in & of itself without evidence of action) is dead (has no vital signs, no heartbeat, no pulse/ worthless, unproductive, barren). James is not pro-works/anti-faith nor is he pro-faith/anti-works, but he is advocating that faith & works are inseparable (not for salvation but for sanctification). James is also not against Paul, because Paul talks about declared righteousness (Rom. 3:28) while James talks about demonstrated righteousness (Jam. 2:18; cf. Tit. 3:8). In 2025, let’s show tangible faith.

2. Faith that Works Is Visible (2:21-26)

Faith in action must be seen: “You see that his faith & his actions were working together” (2:22a); & “You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do & not by faith alone” (2:24). This faith that is seen or evident in 2 different O.T. persons: (1) Abraham (2:21-23)—the respected patriarch & friend of God whose faith was in full bloom (obeying God); & (2) Rahab (2:25)—the redeemed & righteous prostitute whose faith was about to blossom (protecting God’s people). The lesson of faith from Abraham is this: trust in God does what God tells the person to do (even if it does not make sense). The lesson of faith from Rahab is this: trust in God helps God’s people (despite much risk & cost). In 2025, let’s show visible faith.

LIFE WORTHY OF GOSPEL

(Philippians 1:27-30)

Welcome to the first Sunday service of 2025! As we set our goals and resolutions for the year ahead, let us remember the mission God has entrusted to us. May we live not solely for ourselves but with a deeper awareness of the greater purpose and calling for our lives on Earth. As we explore today’s passage more deeply, may we come to see that a life dedicated to God is truly worth living. In 2025, let us actively live out our faith and lead lives that reflect the worthiness of the Gospel.

1. Live to Inspire: Encourage Faith

²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 

2. Live to Ignore: Eliminate Fear

²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

3. Live to Identify: Endure Faith

²⁹ For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him