Episode Overview

Title: Do Something | James 2:14-26 | Arik Hayes
Date: February 9, 2026
Host/Speaker: Arik Hayes
Theme:
This sermon explores the deep relationship between genuine biblical faith and action, centering on James 2:14-26. Arik Hayes challenges the congregation to examine whether their faith produces real-world good works and obedience, asserting that true belief in Christ cannot be separated from genuine life change and practical acts of love.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Welcoming Online and In-Person Communities

• Warm welcome to “Digital Disciples” worldwide, emphasizing that the church is a place to belong before one believes.
• “We absolutely believe this is a place where you can absolutely belong before you actually believe.” (02:08)

2. Introduction: The Call to Action—"Do Something"

• The message uses a personal story and a scene from the movie “John Q” to illustrate desperate, urgent action in the face of suffering.
• Quoting the movie’s mother: “Do something.” (08:31)
• Arik reveals how this resonates as a wake-up call—if we truly care about the Son (Jesus), we must respond with action.

3. Faith and Works According to James 2:14-26

a. Genuine Faith Must Produce Good Works

• James 2:14-17 is read aloud and discussed.

  “Genuine faith produces good works.” (12:16)

• Using humor and personal anecdotes (such as needing a thermal in London), Arik illustrates how offering well wishes without real help is useless—paralleling dead faith.

  “If I was out there shivering... and you just telling me, ‘Be warmed,’—what help is that going to do?” (15:18)

b. The Difference Between Religious Claims and Real Faith

• Faith and works are not in opposition; good works are evidence of authentic faith, not a substitute or cause.
• “You cannot have true biblical faith and not have works of obedience and fruit of righteousness. It cannot happen.” (22:39)
• Simple confession or mental agreement ("I believe in God") is not sufficient—“even the demons believe and shudder.” (19:04)

c. Biblical Examples: Abraham and Rahab

• Abraham (21:33–28:04): Faith justified through obedience, not by claim alone. The willingness to sacrifice Isaac was a demonstration of true faith.

  “Biblical faith right there—it can’t be hidden.” (28:05)

• Rahab (30:59–34:52): Even a “pagan lying prostitute” was justified by acting in faith. Cleanliness or perfection is not a prerequisite for being used by God.

  “You can have faith and still not be all the way cleaned up... she had faith.” (32:46)

d. Faith Without Works is Dead

• Summing up: “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith, a confession of faith... apart from works of obedience, works of submission to Christ, righteous good deeds is dead.” (35:25)
• Works should not be performative or for man’s approval, but genuinely connected to faith in the Son (36:31).

4. Practical Application & Obedience

a. Heart Check: Is There a Seed of Obedience?

• “Is there at least a seed of obedience?... Something moving on the inside saying, ‘I gotta live right, I gotta love, I gotta forgive, I gotta be generous, I gotta serve…’” (25:15)

b. Doing Works: Not Just Activity, but Spirit-Led Action

• Activity is not always obedience; works must be connected to intimate faith and God’s timing.
• “You just can’t run out and just start doing stuff. Is it connected to the faith in the Son—not manipulation, not to be seen?” (36:32)
• Timing and Sensitivity: Some delay obedience out of discomfort or endless preparation; others act impulsively without seeking God.

  “How many different tabs or bookmarks you gonna make before you just make a move?” (39:11) “You won’t ever learn everything in a book or research. Never.” (39:38)

c. Distraction and Spiritual Sensitivity

• Recognizing distractions—particularly constant engagement with screens—prevents sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s nudging.

  “Sometimes you’re dealing with something because you just refuse to be bored enough to listen to the Holy Ghost.” (38:12) “Our disobedience is not out loud, but we’re being disobedient.” (37:52)

d. Encouragement to the Weary

• For those who have been faithful but are weary: “Hold on, beloved. Don’t give up. Don’t abort the mission.” (44:44)

5. Grace and Identity in Christ

The Example of Paul (1 Corinthians 15:9-10)

• Even Paul—who had a troubled past—was used by God because of grace, not past performance.

  “But by the grace of God, I am what I am. Maybe you don’t think I deserve to be on this platform, but by the grace of God, I am what I am.” (45:25)

• Grace is not idle:

  “I worked harder than all…though it was not I, but the grace of God… which was with me—faith connected to works.” (46:44–47:04)

Calling to Action

• Every believer’s works will be unique—whether it’s church service, reconciliation, generosity, or just one act of obedience.

  “It’s not about doing stuff, it’s about doing it because he died on the cross for us. And that faith—real faith—produces good works.” (47:47)

Memorable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• “Different continent, same Christmas, different country, same God, Different city, same Savior.” (01:28)
• “Do something.” — referencing “John Q” (08:31)
• “Genuine faith produces good works.” (12:16)
• “Just by having a mere confession or a mental ascent or a belief that God is the true and living God, that puts you in the same designation as the demons.” (20:00)
• “You cannot have true biblical faith and not have works of obedience and fruit of righteousness. It cannot happen.” (22:39)
• “Faith is connected with the umbilical cord to obedience and good works. They are not separate.” (18:02)
• “If you have faith, it will result in obedience.” (24:11)
• “Sometimes you’re dealing with something because you just refuse to be bored enough to listen to the Holy Ghost.” (38:12)
• “Hold on, beloved. Don’t give up. Don’t abort the mission.” (44:44)
• “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” (45:25)
• “Faith connected to his works. Grace to be impregnated with the gospel. Grace and favor to do the works.” (47:04)

Key Timestamps

• 00:46–03:38 — Welcoming Digital Disciples and setting the tone of belonging
• 08:31–09:35 — “Do something” illustration from “John Q”
• 10:56–13:08 — Introduction to James 2:14–26
• 18:02–24:11 — Faith, obedience, and the “pregnancy” metaphor
• 25:15 — Heart check: examining for obedience
• 30:59–34:52 — The example of Rahab and grace for the imperfect
• 36:32–41:11 — Discernment, timing, distraction, and obeying the Spirit
• 44:44–47:04 — Encouragement to the weary and the example of Paul
• 47:47–48:39 — Final call: faith produces good works; prayer closes

Conclusion

Arik Hayes calls listeners to examine whether their faith is alive—with tangible evidence in transformed living, obedience, and acts of love. It’s not enough to believe in God; real faith always “does something.” Whether you’re just beginning faith or feeling weary in well-doing, the call is the same: trust Christ’s finished work, listen to the Spirit’s prompting, and respond with obedient action—because faith without works is truly dead.