Making Faith Credible
HUNGRY MAN, HOLLOW FAITH
Read: James 2:14-19
Intro: Wayne Jacobsen tells a story about walking through a city street and seeing a man slumped against a building—dirty, shaking, clearly in need. His first thought was, “Someone should help him.” His second thought was, “But not me—that’s not my calling.” He walked right by. But as he kept going, the Spirit whispered, “You’ve got a full belly. A few bucks in your pocket. A warm place to sleep tonight. And I brought this man across your path… and you think that’s someone else’s job?” It stung. He turned back—but the man was already gone. That’s the kind of moment James is talking about. James wants to know: What good is that kind of faith?
By the end of the message, you will see that real faith doesn’t just talk about love – it takes the first step of compassion. When you faith moves your hands and feet, it convinces a watching world that Jesus is real.
James 2:14–19 doesn’t let us off the hook with polite intentions. James presses us to ask: Does my faith work? Not just at church. But when someone’s hurting. When someone’s lacking. When someone’s left out.
We have come to the point in James’ argument where he defines genuine faith as faith that always produces good works. It is not “anti-faith;” it is “anti-fakery.”
James gives us three vivid examples of false faith. Each one looks religious on the surface—but underneath, they’re dead.
- Does My Faith Talk Without Walking? (v. 14)
James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
James doesn’t say this man has faith. He says the man claims he has faith. To the question of “Can faith save him?”, the grammar expects a resounding “no” for the answer.
He is targeting “verbal faith.” It is “faith in and of itself.” It lives in your mouth but never reaches your hands and feet.
This kind of faith can save no one. Not the one who has it. And not the one who is watching.
We would call this kind of faith, “all talk but no walk.”
Let’s be clear: James isn’t against salvation by faith. He’s against salvation by fake faith. The kind that talks big but loves little.
James is thinking about the poor man from earlier in the chapter. He’s the “him” in verse 14. The one who shows up in shabby clothes. He’s the one the rich believers pushed to the back of the room while they praised Jesus from their front row seats.
James isn’t only asking if that kind of faith can save the person who has it. He’s also asking, can it save the person who’s watching?
The one who’s been pushed aside. The one who’s been ignored. The poor man in verse 6. Dead faith rescues no one.
All of chapter 2 is asking: How can you claim to know Jesus… and still mistreat the people He died for?
R.T. Kendall – “If we do not show love to the poor man, he will never believe the gospel. If we have no works, he will say, ‘That person is no different from anybody else.’”
Did you know that the poor man, the outsider, and the skeptic are all gauging the credibility of the gospel by watching us?
Paul echoes James here:
Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
And here’s the kicker: When you live from the overflow of how deeply God has loved you, you don’t need a checklist. You’ll just go. Just help. Just love. Because that’s exactly what Jesus did for you.
- When I See a Need, Do I Just Feel Sorry – or Do I Step In? (vv. 15–17)
James 2:15–17 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
There’s a chilling scene in this passage. You see a family in need. They’re hungry. They’re cold. They’re embarrassed.
And all we say is: “Be warmed. Be filled.” Another way we say that is, “I wish you the best. Let me know if you need anything.”
Those are religious words. They even sound like a benediction prayer.
But if we don’t do anything? James says that kind of “faith” has not pulse.
It’s like posting a sad-face emoji on someone’s tragedy… and then scrolling on with your day.
“This man doesn’t wish harm; he wishes well—but his ‘faith’ stays in his mouth, not in his hands.”
Is this man a violent oppressor? No. But he is just a religious observer. He wishes well but does nothing. His faith stays in his mouth.
1 John 3:17–18 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
R.T. Kendall – “The one who walks by a hungry man with a full wallet and a full heart—and does nothing—proves that his gospel is only skin deep.”
Luke 10:33–34 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds…
That’s what love in action looks like. It crosses the road. It goes to the wounded. It doesn’t pass by on the other side.
Faith that works always stops to help.
Do we need perfect faith? No. But we do need living faith. A faith that picks up a towel. A faith that opens the door. A faith that makes room at the table. Because the poor man is still waiting. And he’s still watching.
James insists that compassion and credibility rise together.
When sympathy stops at words, nobody profits. The poor man stays hungry. The believer stays unmoved.
- Do I Know the Truth but Live Like I Don’t? (vv. 18-19)
James 2:18-19 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
This verse lands like a hammer. It is easy to think rightly but live wrongly.
James sets up a “mock debate partner” in v.18. “You have faith; I have works.” He’s not splitting hairs; he’s exposing how absurd it is to separate faith from actions (belief from behavior). It’s like trying to show someone your heartbeat without taking your pulse.
The imaginary opponent may sound reasonable – “You focus on deeds; I’ll focus on faith.”
But James reply is razor sharp: “You can’t show faith without good works; I can prove my faith by them.”
True faith is visible, not theoretical.
Next, James makes an astonishing comparison. He said, “Make sure you have more faith than Satan’s demons.”
“Faith without obedience is worse than useless—it’s demonic imitation.” Let that sink in.
Demons are doctrinally sound. They believe in God. They know Jesus is the Son of God. They even tremble (emotional response).
The devil is orthodox. He knows the creed. He knows the gospel. And he hates it.
One author put it sharply: “Even demons believe. The difference is they’ve never surrendered.”
Luke 6:46 But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?
Jesus Himself warned us—calling Him “Lord” means nothing without the obedience that proves it.
Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
This is James closing the gap between what we know and how we live. Obedience doesn’t earn salvation. It displays it.
Conclusion: Faith that works is a faith that does. Faith isn’t just something you claim. It’s something you carry.
Compassion On-Ramp: Bless-Bag Faith
Let’s make this simple—and visible. On your way out today, take a Bless-Bag starter kit. It’s small enough to fit in your car but big enough to make a difference.
It contains bottled water, snacks, hygiene items, and a card with a simple Bible verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all peace as your trust in Him” Rom 15:13. You can even handwrite a note that says, “You are seen and loved.”
This is where faith leaves the sanctuary and hits the street.
Ask the Lord to show you someone who needs it. When that moment comes—don’t just say, “Be warmed and filled.” Open the door. Hand it over. Offer a prayer if they seem open. Then watch what the grace of God does next!
This week, let’s make James 2:14–19 come alive in metro Olive Branch.
Real faith moves toward the poor man. Fake faith makes excuses.
For Prayer Ministry:
“Lord, give me a faith that moves.”
— Ask God to awaken you to needs around you and give you courage to act.
“Lord, expose any dead faith in me.”
— Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart for places where you’ve substituted words for obedience.
“Lord, help me love the ones others overlook.”
— Pray for eyes to see the “poor man” in your world—and faith that moves toward him.
-------------
Come and join us this Sunday at the Great Commission Church for a truly remarkable and uplifting experience. Great Commission Church is a family-friendly church in Olive Branch, MS. Great Commission Church is not just any ordinary place of worship; it's a vibrant community where faith comes alive, hearts are filled with love, and lives are transformed. Our doors are wide open, ready to welcome you into the warm embrace of our congregation, where you'll discover the true essence of fellowship and spirituality. At Great Commission Church, we are more than just a congregation; we are a family united by a common mission – to follow the teachings of Christ and spread His love to the world. As you step inside Great Commission Church, you'll find a sanctuary that nurtures your faith and encourages you to be part of something greater than yourself.
We believe in the power of coming together as a community to worship, learn, and serve. Whether you're a long-time believer or just starting your spiritual journey, Great Commission Church welcomes people from all walks of life. Our vibrant services are filled with inspiring messages, beautiful music, and heartfelt prayers that will uplift your soul. Every Sunday at Great Commission Church is an opportunity to deepen your relationship with God and connect with others who share your faith and values.
At Great Commission Church, we believe that faith is not just a solitary endeavor but a shared experience that strengthens and enriches us all. Our church is a place where you can find purpose, belonging, and the encouragement to live a life in accordance with Christ's teachings. Join us this Sunday at Great Commission Church and experience the transformative power of faith in action. Be part of a loving and supportive community that is committed to making a positive impact in our world. Together, we strive to fulfill the great commission to go forth and make disciples of all nations. We look forward to having you with us at Great Commission Church this Sunday, where faith, love, and community intersect in a truly amazing way.
Great Commission Church is a non-denominational, family-friendly Christian church located in Olive Branch, Mississippi. We are a short drive from Germantown, Southaven, Collierville, Horn Lake, Memphis, Fairhaven, Mineral Wells, Pleasant Hill, Handy Corner, Lewisburg and Byhalia. Great Commission Church is conveniently located, making it easy to find and attend. Many people have even called it their go-to “church near me” or the "Church nearby" because of how accessible it is and how quickly it feels like home.
See you Sunday at Great Commission Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi!
