Tim Woods | February 15, 2026
Each and every sermon we listen to, each teacher we hear, each Bible verse we read, and even the article you’re reading right now has only so much effect. We can listen and agree with what is being said. We can agree that the words we read hold truth. But then what? Do we give our “Amen” in agreement and swiftly move on? Do we skip the prayer and application process, hoping it will fill and meet our needs? Are we simply only hearing the Word? If we say we are faithful followers of Jesus Christ, are we living out that truth every day, or are we just listening?
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22 NKJV)
When we truly trust in God, it doesn’t mean we are only listening to God’s Word. To have a genuine trusting faith is to act on what the Word says. As we listen to a sermon or read the Bible, it’s through faith that we accept the Word and agree within our hearts and minds. We take time to hear, study, and understand the truth that is being put forth. We take to heart what is said in the Word and act on it—praying over God’s Word and applying it to our lives by doing God’s will for our lives. That’s action, that’s a doer of the Word.
Simple listening isn’t enough; faith takes action. Faith doesn’t save us. Works won’t save us either. The blood of Jesus saves us through faith. Faith is the delivery method by which we come to Christ. Once saved, genuine faith will produce good works – faith in action. We read or listen to the Word and apply it to our lives through acting on our faith.
Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:17)
Having knowledge isn’t the same as trust or faith. We can agree on all the facts surrounding Christ. His life, death, resurrection, and His ascension; however, simply agreeing on the facts won’t save us. The demons believe and tremble. We all agree on this. We say “Amen,” but this simple belief or trust requires no action. It requires no response from us. “Yes,” I agree, “Amen,” next chapter please.
To be saved by faith, through Christ, is active. It is transformative within our lives. By acting on faith, we live a life through faith that changes our direction. We make new choices that draw us closer to Him. By doing so, we begin to show action through good works.
By no means am I saying that salvation requires good works, and neither is James. When we obey our Heavenly Father and place our complete trust and faith in Him, it’s our faith and love that produce action. Again, we are saved by Christ, through faith. It’s that faith that will produce good works. Having trust or faith without action or works shows a lack of true faith.
Faith in action means we are doers of the Word and not hearers only. Where would we get with “The Great Commission” if we only read or listen to it? We see the truth and hear the truth, but are we doing what Jesus speaks? Are we hearers of the word or doers? Is our faith in action, being obedient to His commandment? Growing up and going to school, all of us learned about verbs. When reading Matthew 28:18-20, we see action verbs. We read the words of Jesus Christ and know that action must be taken. Merely nodding our heads or saying “Amen” in agreement isn’t enough. We apply “The Great Commission” to our lives by doing.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matt. 28:18-20) To “go” requires action. To “make” requires action. “Baptizing” requires action. “Teaching” requires action. What we “do” is a direct result of what we truly believe. The commandment from Jesus was and is to “Go.” Christ’s own words required action. Claiming to have faith is ultimately meaningless; therefore, true faith results in action. 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. (James 2:18) How can one show you evidence of their faith without any works or action? When a person truly believes something, they will act on it. A faith that doesn’t cause a person to produce action is a dead faith. We are only saved by Christ through faith; however, this faith is much more than a simple agreement. Those who are saved will demonstrate good works. They will live out their faith through actions. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Tim. 4:12)
Paul is instructing Timothy to be faithful and prepared. He is also showing him the importance of a good, steadfast, and spiritual life. His response to the false teaching surrounding him was to live out his faith and be an example to those who believed. To be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity, we must take action. Timothy put his faith into action because of Whom he believed.
The actions or works we do are never intended for self-glorification or recognition. Christians are to work from their souls, demonstrating passion and honoring God. To live for God is to live out your faith in a way that honors Him, not men.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Eph. 2:8-9)
Salvation’s source is the grace of God, and the means is faith. It’s by faith we believe to be saved. Works do not save. Salvation is a gift from God that we truly don’t deserve. By grace through faith, we become a new creation in Jesus for good works. We turn away from our old lives and start living a life for Him. Our actions or works will reflect this change. These works will not and do not give us salvation; they are a direct result of salvation.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. (James 1:23-24)
It’s absurd to think that a man can look into a mirror and ignore what he sees. To be unable to recognize our own face. It is equally ridiculous to believe that one who states they are a follower of Jesus Christ can read and listen to the Holy Word of God and ignore what it says. Belief and faith are shown through action. This demonstrates trust in Him by obeying Him and His Word. Those who choose not to follow, do they really have faith and trust in Him completely? True faith will produce good works. When we think we are good enough to listen, we are only deceiving ourselves.
The life of the Apostle Paul serves as a testament to faith in action and to the transformative power of Jesus Christ, wholly dedicated to serving Christ. He faced hardships and persecution but remained steadfast in his calling—a life of faith in action with no alternative but obedience. Paul’s life continues to be a personal example and model for Christian living, often illustrating Christian principles of faith and conduct.
Throughout all of Paul’s writing, we see faith in action. Romans explains many aspects of faith and concludes with the application. Believers are called to live their lives differently from the world. In 1 Corinthians, he instructs the church in Corinth to resist the ungodly practices of the surrounding culture. He continues to provide direction for marriage and spirituality, and in 2 Corinthians, the church heeded his instructions. In Galatians, we see Paul defending himself and the true gospel. In Ephesians, he lays out spiritual truths and how to apply them to a believer's life. Philippians emphasizes how Christians think and what attitude they have, and how this affects the way they live out their faith. In Colossians, we see discussions of Christian conduct, and Paul addresses the Christian household and how a Christian should speak. 1 Thessalonians, Paul urges the church in Thessalonica to live a life that pleases the Lord. 2 Thessalonians, we see a warning against idleness. Paul’s life is meant to be an example of hard work and meeting the needs of others. In 1 Timothy, Paul is advising on the form and function of church leadership. He instructs church leaders on how to prioritize their time. 2 Timothy, Timothy was to be faithful in his work, to continue in sound doctrine, and preach the Word. We see encouragement towards Timothy to stand firm in his faith. In Titus, the Christians in Crete are addressed on proper behavior and how to treat people. In Philemon, we see Paul’s gentleness.
Action!
From Paul preaching the Word to those receiving his instructions, there’s action. The church then and the church today could say, “Amen” and move on. But would that show true faith in Christ by not following instructions? A faith that is transforming will be demonstrated through our actions. Receiving instructions and changing so that we live a life pleasing to God requires action. Show me Scripture where faith doesn’t call for action. Faith calls for action. It requires a Christian to be a “doer” of the Word and not just a “hearer.” Put your faith into action and be a doer of the Word!
About the Author
Tim Woods, M.Min.
Tim WoodsTim Woods lives in West Frankfort, Illinois, where he serves as Director of Student Ministries at First Christian Church and Jr. High/High School Teacher and Chaplain for New Covenant Christian School. Woods earned his B.Min. in Discipleship and M.Min. in Biblical Studies from Veritas Theological Seminary and is currently working toward a D.Min. He is the author of the forthcoming (2025) book, Battle for Souls (Illative House Press).
