Love God Greatly JamesSample

Read: James 2:14-26

SOAP: James 2:14-17

James challenges believers to evaluate themselves and see if their actions on the outside reflect the spiritual transformation on the inside. Faith-fueled obedience to God is one of the marks of true saving faith. An empty faith knows the concepts and theory of biblical truth but remains unchanged by biblical truth. A believer’s lifestyle will be the evidence of their salvation.

Salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone. Our works do not make us righteous before God – only Jesus does. However, after one has been saved, she is a new creation with new purpose, new power, and a new Lord. A believer’s actions and behavior after salvation on the outside should reflect the spiritual change on the inside. The Holy Spirit works powerfully within the believer to transform a self-focused life to an others-focused life that brings glory to Jesus. What does your life say about the gospel?

Father God, help me commit to following You wholeheartedly while also living out the gospel practically. Continue to cleanse and transform my heart, Lord, and make me more willing to genuinely love and serve others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.