What scriptural examples show faith accompanied by works? Anchoring Truth: James 2:17 “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” Abraham—Belief That Built an Altar • Genesis 22 records Abraham placing Isaac on the altar. • Hebrews 11:17 says, “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac.” • His trust in God produced unmistakable obedience, proving his faith was alive. Rahab—Courage at the Window • Joshua 2:15: “Then Rahab let them down by a rope through the window…” • James 2:25 cites her as evidence that “faith was working with her deeds.” • She risked her life because she believed the God of Israel would save her. Noah—Trust That Took a Hammer • Hebrews 11:7: “By faith Noah… in holy fear built an ark to save his family.” • Genesis 6 shows decades of labor powered by faith in a coming flood none had seen. Moses—Faith That Stepped Into the Sea • Exodus 14:21-22: waters part, Israel walks through on dry ground. • Hebrews 11:29 notes, “By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land.” • Their feet moved before the walls of water toppled back. Gideon—Confidence That Shattered Jars • Judges 7:20: trumpets blast, jars break, torches blaze. • God pared the army to 300 so the victory would spotlight faith-driven obedience, not human strength. David—Boldness That Ran Toward a Giant • 1 Samuel 17:48: “David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.” • He trusted God’s deliverance, swung the sling, and acted on what he believed. Widow of Zarephath—Generosity in a Famine • 1 Kings 17:13-15: she bakes bread for Elijah first; the flour and oil never run out. • Her small act of obedience unlocked God’s miraculous provision. Four Friends—Determination That Tore a Roof • Mark 2:4-5: they removed the roof and lowered the paralytic. • “When Jesus saw their faith, He said… ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” • Their belief got physical, overcoming barriers to reach Jesus. Woman with the Alabaster Jar—Worship That Poured Out • Matthew 26:7-13: costly perfume poured on Jesus’ head. • Her sacrificial act confirmed her faith in His worth, and He promised her story would be told worldwide. Living the Pattern Scripture never separates genuine belief from responsive action. From patriarchs to unnamed widows, faith speaks loudest when hands, feet, and voices move in obedience—demonstrating that, just as James teaches, living faith always works. |
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