Have you ever considered what God might want in a friend? We are more than willing to talk about his befriending us. Do we ever think about what is required in being a friend of God? Abraham “was called a friend of God” (Js 2:23). The context is holding Abraham up as an example for us all to follow.

Faith evidenced by works makes you a friend of God.

James 2:14-28

In this passage, James is going to say some things that sound very, very odd. “You see that a person is justified by works” (v 24). Paul says the exact opposite. “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9). Abraham was saved without works (Rom 4:1-5).

Three things we must remember about what Paul and James write about faith and works.

One: Paul and James use the word “faith” in vastly different ways. Paul refers to faith in the sense of trusting God (Rom 4:18- 22). Abraham’s trust in God was so deep that he even took Isaac, his son of promise, to sacrifice him to God (Heb 11:17-19).

James uses faith to mean “intellectual assent.” “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder!” (Js 2:19). The demons simply know God exists.

Two: Paul and James refer to “works” in different ways. Paul writes about works of merit. Rom 4:1-2. Eph 2:8-9. James talks about obedience. Abraham was justified by taking Isaac up a mountain to sacrifice him. Why would Abraham do such a thing? God told him to do it!

Three: Paul and James also speak of different time frames. Paul speaks of becoming a Christian (Eph 2:8-9). Does not negate obedience (Heb 5:9). But, salvation is always by grace. “When you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty” (Lk 17:10). James speaks about works after one is a Christian. He speaks of noticing “a brother or sister” who is in need (v 15).

Proper faith puts on “God-colored glasses.” James talks about clothing and feeding a brother or sister. Why does a proper faith clothe and feed people? That’s what God does: “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matt 6:30). God “did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). Scripture speaks of imitating God. “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Pet 1:15-16).

Proper faith finds completion in obedience. “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10). “The Scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’ -- and he was called a friend of God” (Js 2:23). The quote mentions Abraham’s faith, not his actions.. Faith and obedience are closely related. “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Heb 11:8). “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son” (Heb 11:17).

Faith evidenced by works makes you a friend of God. How can we do that?

One: You need to know who God is. “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder!” (Js 2:19). Why do you think the demons shudder? They know who God is: He is a God who judges. “God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment” (2 Pet 2:4). “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31).

Abraham also knew who God is: Abraham was “fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised” (Rom 4:21). Abraham knew two things about God: 1) God would keep His promise 2) God has the power to make it happen.

Who is God? God has great power (Gen 1-2). God will judge (Eccl 12:14). God gives us everything we have (Acts 17:25). God loves us, God wants us free from sin, and God has the power to raise our mortal bodies.

Two: You act on the reality of God. Demons shudder. Abraham sacrificed Isaac. Rahab hid the spies (Josh 2:8-13).

“Faith without works is dead.” How do we do it? What about some “baby steps” from James?

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (Js 1:5). What does this say about God? You declare that God is infinitely wise (Rom 16:17). You declare that God gives to those who ask Him. We cannot show partiality (Js 2:1-4). What does that declare about God? “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34). “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?” (Js 2:5).

Read the Book of James. Look for nuggets of practical truth.. Circle those nuggets and look for what those nuggets tell you about God. What does guarding my tongue tell me about God’s character? What does visiting the fatherless and windows tell me about God’s character? We are to be imitators of God (Eph 5:1).

Jesus wants to be your friend. His detractors: “Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” (Matt 11:19). Do you need Him as your friend this morning?