Social Action

 What you truly believe is bleeds in how you actually behave.  

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Scripture

  • James 2:14-26

Teaching Notes

How do we experience social restoration?

PHASE 1: Social Distinction

Social restoration begins when followers of Jesus  embrace there are no social distinctions.

PHASE 2: Social Action

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 

Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 

If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17

Calling: A faith that WORKS

Faith – “a strong confidence in, and reliance upon someone or something; to believe to the extent of complete trust and reliance”

What happened to salvation by faith alone?

You are not saved BY good works; you are saved FOR good works. [Ephesians 2:8-10]

“Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action.”  - Dallas Willard

Why is a faith that works so important?

 

  • Your BEHAVIOR reveals what you truly BELIEVE. [James 1:18-19]

 

  • Action is the COMPLETION not the COMPETITION of faith. [James 1:20-24]

 

  • Faith without ACTION is like a body without BREATH. [James 1:25-26]

 

Social restoration demands that followers of Jesus put their FAITH into social ACTION.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)