Faith has a starting point

James 2:20-22

“You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that  his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” NIV

Faith in the life of a believer has a starting point. You have heard the statement and if you have not heard it before, let me tell you what it is, “faith begins where the will of God is known”. This is how faith begins. Then we also know from Scripture where faith has to begin from; “…for with the heart man believes unto righteousness…”.  Our text for meditation introduces something more, it talks about faith being made complete. What does the Scripture mean by faith being made complete?

“You fool! Faith that does nothing is worth nothing. Do you want me to prove this to you? Our father Abraham was made right with God by what he did. He offered his son Isaac to God on the altar.   So you see that Abraham's faith and what he did worked together. His faith was made perfect by what he did.”

“Was not our forefather Abraham [shown to be] justified (made acceptable to God) by [his] works when he brought to the altar as an offering his [own] son Isaac? You see that [his] faith was cooperating with his works, and [his] faith was completed and reached its supreme expression [when he implemented it] by [good] works.” AMP

We see from the amplified translation that his being made complete meant the exercise of his faith was perfected or reached its supreme, full or highest expression. What brought the exercise of his faith to its supreme, full or highest expression? Corresponding actions! But I believe specifically sacrifice! You see there are different things you can do as actions that back up your faith, for example, confession of God’s word is a corresponding action. 

But actions that are sacrificial in nature is what brings the exercise of faith to its full expression and sometimes in your exercise of faith, it will be stretched to that level where a sacrifice will be required. That is the corresponding action will cost you something.