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17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?James 2:18-20 Living faith can not be separated from action. James says, how can you see someone's faith, is it not in their actions and everyday life. Demons have no godly actions, just the opposite. So, in Jesus's words, a good tree bears good fruit, and any fruit from an evil tree is worthless. To say my faith is in Christ, but your words and actions do line up with His. This faith is powerless. Abraham was ready to sacrifice his only son, with the faith that God could restore his life. And God sent an angel to stop him. But said Abraham was a friend of God because he believed. Faith brings regeneration, becoming new, and the old is past. If there is no evidence of new life, then there is no genuine, saving faith. Spurgeon said, " The grace that does not change my life will not save my soul." Amen. 12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.13. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.James 1:12-15 James is a book of wisdom. James states that those are blessed that endure temptation. This word in Greek means an enticement to sin, a testing of a person's fidelity, integrity, virtue, and loyalty to God. When we say no to sin, we say yes to God. And we are approved by God. The reward for those who love Christ, this being the main motive to resist sin, is a crown of life. This can only be received from Christ. Those who love God and are faithful, will resist sin because it is not pleasing to Christ who gave His life to defeat sin and death. The sin is in us, and we are drawn away from God as we desire the very things that would destroy us. The battle is for the mind. Therefore, the helmet of salvation needs to be applied. Seek the things of God. For the world is full of Satan's traps. And sin itself is death. It is a constant assault on the inner man. When we resist, we are choosing Christ over death and will obtain the promise of eternal life. Amen.