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  ACTIVE FAITH
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: A true and living faith is demonstrated by our actions towards
others, not just our words or profession.

Topics: "Faith in Action", "Active Faith"
Scripture References: James 2:15

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of active faith, warning against the
tendency to use prayer as a substitute for action. He critiques the
hypocrisy of offering prayers for those in need without taking tangible
steps to help them, referencing James and John's teachings on the
importance of love expressed through deeds. Tozer argues that true faith
manifests in both prayer and service, urging believers to engage in
faith-filled actions rather than relying solely on religious words. He
concludes that a proper understanding of faith leads to an increase in
godly works and a deeper connection to the teachings of the New
Testament.

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CONTENT
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In practice we may detect the subtle (and often unconscious)
substitution when we hear a Christian assure someone that he will "pray
over" his problem, knowing full well that he intends to use prayer as a
substitute for service. It is much easier to pray that a poor friend's
needs may be supplied than to supply them. James' words burn with irony:

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of
you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does
nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? (2:15-16)

And the mystical John sees also the incongruity involved in substituting
religion for action:

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has
no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us
not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then
is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at
rest in his presence (1 John 3:17-19).

A proper understanding of this whole thing will destroy the false and
artificial either/or. Then we will have not less faith but more godly
works; not less praying but more serving; not fewer words but more holy
deeds; not weaker profession but more courageous possession; not
religion as a substitute for action but religion in faith-filled action.

And what is that but to say that we will have come again to the teaching
of the New Testament?

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/active-faith/
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