FAITH THAT WORKS

James 2:14-26

Introduction: Many in the religious world do not believe that there is anything that a person needs to do to receive favor from the Lord. They believe that works are not a part of the process by which men come to the Lord. The Bible has much to say about this. For faith to be living and active it must have works.

A. In This Lesson we will look at both works and faith

B. We will also consider the proof-texts that are used to dismiss the need for works

I. What is biblical faith?

A. Always according to God's word

1. Comes by hearing the word (Rom. 10:17)

2. Expressed in doing What God’s word says (Luke 6:46-49; James 1:22-25)

B. What are Works? (Overhead #1)

1. The Bible speaks of different KINDS of works

a. Works of the law (Gal. 2:16)

b. Works of the flesh, (Gal. 5:19)

c. Works of righteousness which WE HAVE DONE (Tit. 3:5)

d. Works of God (John 6:28)

1) faith—John 6:29

2) repentance—Acts 26:20

3) confession—Romans 10:8-10

4) baptism—Colossians 2:11-12

2. God created us in Christ for good works (Eph. 2:10)

a. true faith and works GO TOGETHER

b. works that do not proceed from faith are dead (Heb. 6:1)

c. faith without works is dead (James 2:26; Heb. 11:8-40)

1) What if Noah never built the ark?

2) What if Abraham never left Haran?

3) What if the Israelites never encircled the walls of Jericho?

4) What if Rahab never received the spies?

5) Would faith have saved them being alone?

II. Can works (working) save?

A. James 2:14 talks about saving faith “Can faith save him?”

1. Some religious folk say James is not talking about saving faith

2. Works mentioned ARE NOT specifically works that follow faith – some religious folk say that works must follow faith

3. Primarily are works of (they accompany) faith (James 2:22)

B. According to Romans 5:9 one must be justified to be saved

1. Faith justifies only when it works, James 2:24

2. Works factored into Abraham’s justification (James 2:21-23)

3. Works factored into Rahab’s justification James 2:25

C. What about Romans 4:1-9, Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5?

1. The works of Romans 4:1-9 (Law of Moses)

a. READ Romans 3:20

b. READ Romans 4:15

2. The works of Ephesians 2:8-9 (Good deeds of man’s own devising)

a. No man can boast – must do God’s works (Eph. 2:10)

b. Consider Matthew 25:31-46

1) Goats tried to gain access by boasting of deeds which were left undone

2) Sheep could not recall deeds, but the Lord knew their work

3. Works of Titus 3:5 OUR OWN ( devised ) WORKS

a. Talking about HOW the grace of God appeared (v. 4)

b. God's grace did not appear by any merit of ours

c. God is never indebted to us; we do not “earn” His grace

d. God's grace, though freely given, must be obtained through faith as seen in Ephesians 2:8

D. This helps to reconcile what James writes with what Paul writes

1. Read part 2 of Vines definition of works

2. Read part 2 of commentary by Lipscomb & Shepherd

Conclusion: Grace comes by faith only when faith works. You must “Work out your own Salvation” (Phi. 2:12). You must “Save yourselves” (Acts 2:40). You must “cleanse” yourselves (2 Tim. 2:21). Judgment is based upon works (l Pet. 1:17; Rev. 20:12-13). According to Matthew 16:27 the Lord will reward each according to his works. Each man will “Receive the things done in his body, according to what he has done” (2 Cor. 5:10). Besides, if there is NOTHING anyone can do to be saved and NOTHING any saved person can do to be lost, why will God judge and reward man according to his works (Rom. 2:6, 10)? Is your faith active?