The Works that are of Faith

Most recently, I had explained that faith, fundamentally, is a revelation in the

knowledge of God. You now understand something that strikes joy in your heart

even if you don't see any personal gain (your personal lot is not enhanced) by

the understanding. It is a knowing what is right even if it COSTS you something!

It seems these revelations serve to order our conduct aright! There is joy in the

Lord Jesus that accompanies the revelation.

It is important to understand we have a decision to make when we receive
faith in Christ. I don't remember a time, having received an understanding
from God, where there wasn't some action I was required to take in response.
The most significant being those that sponsored a change of behaviour
and/or attitude. God was trying to change my will, but would I receive and
act accordingly?

James 2:14-22 says  "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says
he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? (Comment: Faith
- the revelation - is meant to save our souls. It is the root of our salvation in Christ.)
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 that are needed for the body, what does it profit?
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works
(corresponding, obedient action) is dead.  But someone will say,
'You have faith, and I have works'.  Show me your faith without works,
and I will show you my faith by my works.
(Showing humanity what you understand about God's Word
and will by your actions)
You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe
- and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith
without works is dead (useless)?"

So. Even hearing from Him is useless if we are not willing to act accordingly!
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son
on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works,
and by works his faith was made perfect?

Abraham received an understanding of God's will- to sacrifice his son
Isaac to Him. Looking back upon that portion of scripture, we see
Abraham arose early the next morning to set off to to accomplish what God
had commanded him to do. This is as pure an example of belief as seen
in scripture. He heard God speak, he received the command and acted
accordingly. Belief is hearing and obeying!

One would say, "how do I know if I am hearing Him or the adversary?"
If we seek Him we will find Him. If we knock on His door, He will open
up to us. If we ask Him, He will give to us. This adaptation will take time
but is directly proportional to the individual's hunger for Him, His ways.
God clearly wants to help us! The one who asks is hungry.

Again notice. We can hear His conviction upon our spirits
yet make a decision not to agree with Him, resulting in uselessness in hearing.