James Chapter Two Faith and works  

Faith cannot exist where there is pride Nebuchadnezzar

Why is faith alone inadequate? Ø              Faith = Doctrine : Even mentally deranged people can believe correct doctrine (James 2:19) Ø              Faith = Conviction : Conviction without action is smugness (James 2:16)

Verse 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.  Objection Ø                   Surely we are all different? We each have strengths and weaknesses. So some people show more faith than others while others show more works. Ø                   Therefore faith does not have to be accompanied by works.

An answer to objections A car is not a car unless it has BOTH wheels and a motor James’ response : But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (v20)

A principle we must apply to our lives : Because I believe [ ], I must now act by doing [ ]   EXAMPLES : 1. Type of and number of movies watched 2. Genuine attempts to help someone who cannot pay me back 3. Seeing trial as a blessing because it is teaching me endurance

PROBLEM:   Romans 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Abraham offers Isaac in faith

RESOLUTION TO PROBLEM Faith + works springing from faith = acceptance Works are a necessary part of salvation but Works without faith is an inadequate basis for salvation.

Trial, Faith and Sacrifice Trial is the testing of what we believe Why? Because trial involves choices Job: Remain close to God Job’s wife: Curse God and die Trial will involve sacrifice   Faith was at work in his actions, and that by these actions the integrity of his faith was fully proved James 2:22 NEB

ABRAHAM Why test Abraham if he had already been accepted in Genesis 15 through faith ALONE? (James 2:23)   Answer: Because faith must be put into practice as well as professed. The test demonstrated that Abraham’s faith was real (Heb 11:17) Now I know that you fear God, because you did not withhold your son Genesis 22:12 NET

SO what is the role of works at the Judgment Seat?   Answer: Works will be used as a means for determining a person’s faith (2 Corinthians 5:10) Case 1: When did we see thee blind, naked etc Matthew 25:37 Result: Accepted Why? : Works based on faith   

SO what is the role of works at the Judgment Seat?   Answer: Works will be used as a means for determining a person’s faith (2 Corinthians 5:10)    Case 2: Lord your ten pounds has made another ten pounds Luke 19:16 Well done thou good and faithful servant Result: Accepted Why? : Works based on faith

SO what is the role of works at the Judgment Seat?   Answer: Works will be used as a means for determining a person’s faith (2 Corinthians 5:10)    Case 3: Lord have we not done many wonderful works in thy name? Matthew 7:22 Result: Rejected Why? : Works based on self. Therefore styled worker of iniquity

SO what is the role of works at the Judgment Seat?   Answer: Works will be used as a means for determining a person’s faith (2 Corinthians 5:10)    Case 4: afraid… went and hid thy talent in the earth? Matthew 7:22 Result: Rejected Why? : No faith (fear only), no works

LESSON: Even if you have one talent, use it. ·       A speaker needs an audience to energise him. ·       Leaflets are easy to put in letterboxes ·       A smile costs nothing but gives a lot to a lonely person