Depending on your Bible translation two words in this verse can be different. Personally I prefer the KJV translation in this verse.
Last week while studying for our Sunday Bible study I began to ponder this verse. I began to consider how faith could be substance or proof. What is it about faith that gives it substance?
I have often considered faith as an intangible... something you either have or you don't. However, as I began to dig deeper I began piecing together verses in Hebrews and James that I've known all my life but just haven't considered together (in the same context). I guess it wasn't really that much of a revelation... it was something I have known somewhere inside all my Christian life but just have never been able to really lay hold of... to be able to communicate adequately to others.
In chapter 2, James makes the point that faith without works is dead. He gives the example of someone wishing a person who has nothing well, but not doing anything to help them. In verse 17, after giving the example, he said that "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (NIV). I like the NIV here because it uses the word "action". Faith is a verb... just like love. It's an action word!
James continues... "But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do". James is going to show people his faith by his actions. The substance of his faith is what he does. The evidence of his faith is how people see him act on that faith.
That's why faith without works is dead (nekros)... because without action it's powerless!
- Faith becomes faith because you act on it, not because you have it.
- Faith becomes faith when you determine to wait on God's timing instead of your own.
- Faith becomes faith when you take the initiative and make sure that hungry person has food to eat, that hurting friend has a shoulder to cry on, that elderly church member doesn't have to get out and rake their own leaves, or that town in Oregon gets to hear the Gospel of Christ!!
James said "I will show you my faith by what I do". What are you doing? is your faith becoming faith?
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.