In our second in the series on James, we are reminded that while our works do not save us, genuine faith does change us, shaping the way we speak, respond to others, care for those in need, and grow in holiness as Jesus continues his transforming work in us. Read James words below:
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world…
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 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? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
(James 1:19-27, 2:14-17)
“So, James 1:19–27 and 2:14–17 challenge us not only to hear and believe the gospel, but to allow it to change the way we live. Our works do not save us, but a living faith continues to shape us as Jesus transforms how we speak, respond, care for others, and pursue holiness.
- When you think about your faith at the moment, where do you see it genuinely changing the way you live?
- Is there something you know God is saying or teaching you, but you have been hearing without really responding to it? What might it look like to “do what it says”?
- Which area of your life most needs the ongoing transforming work of Jesus at the moment: the way you speak, how you respond to anger and emotions, how you care for vulnerable people, or what you allow to shape and influence you?
- Are there any places where you are tempted to “paint the roses red” [refer to message below] – to cover over what is really going on and appear changed on the outside without allowing Jesus to deal with what is happening underneath?
- What is one area you could bring back to Jesus this week and ask him to continue his work of changing and sanctifying you?”
(Pastor Shelby O’Reilly. Como Baptist Church. 6th September 2026)
If you would like to consider the above questions in relation to your own life, then click on to either the video or one of the podcasts below to hear Shelby’s message.
Video on YouTube
Podcast on Spotify
James: Faith That Changes Us | Listen to the Podcast on Spotify
Podcast on Apple
James: Faith That Changes Us – Como Baptist Church – Apple Podcasts
In my next Post we will look at James 2:1–13, exploring the problem of favouritism and what influences the way we see and treat other people.
