1. JAMES JAMES 2

2. James 2  Faith that does not work is faith that will not save  Salvation by “faith only” is a most destructive doctrine and very full of deception! 2

3. Faith does not harbor prejudice, Jas 2:1-13  Faith and favoritism do not coexist, 2:1-9 Partiality (respect of persons): Has respect for outward circumstances Partiality (respect of persons): Has respect for outward circumstances Makes outward judgments, 1 Sam 16:6-7 Makes outward judgments, 1 Sam 16:6-7 Peter was taught this necessary lesson as the gospel spread to Gentiles, Acts 10:34-35 Peter was taught this necessary lesson as the gospel spread to Gentiles, Acts 10:34-35 ○ God does not show partiality! 3

4. Faith does not harbor prejudice, Jas 2:1-13  Partiality is an unrighteous judgment against others and against God’s law, Jas 2:1-4; cf. Jno 7:24; Jas 4:11-12 The LOM commanded righteous judgment and justice, Lev 19:15 The LOM commanded righteous judgment and justice, Lev 19:15 Israel was taught it is sin to despise your neighbor, Prov 14:20-21 Israel was taught it is sin to despise your neighbor, Prov 14:20-21 “Do all things without partiality”, 1 Tim 5:21 “Do all things without partiality”, 1 Tim 5:21 4

5. Faith does not harbor prejudice, Jas 2:1-13  Partiality is against God’s nature and purpose, Jas 2:5  Partiality is dishonorable, Jas 2:6 (Rom 12:9-10)  Partiality does not change minds, Jas 2:7  Partiality fails to love neighbor as self, Jas 2:8-9 5

6. Faith does not harbor prejudice, Jas 2:1-13  Faith does not rationalize and minimize sin, Jas 2:10-13 Uncorrected sin brings death! Jas 1:15-16 Uncorrected sin brings death! Jas 1:15-16 Sin by commission and omission, Jas 2:11; 4:17 Sin by commission and omission, Jas 2:11; 4:17 Judged by the law of liberty, not by partiality toward self and others, Jas 2:12 (1:25) Judged by the law of liberty, not by partiality toward self and others, Jas 2:12 (1:25) Judged by the judgment we give, 2:13 (Matt 5:7; Lk 6:36-38) Gal 6:7 Judged by the judgment we give, 2:13 (Matt 5:7; Lk 6:36-38) Gal 6:7 6

7. Faith is at work when it obeys God, Jas 2:14-20  Many kinds of works in the NT, Eph 2:8-10  Faith without works of faith will not save Heb 10:36-39 No spiritual profit, 2:14-16 No spiritual profit, 2:14-16 Is alone and dead, 2:17 Is alone and dead, 2:17 Is unseen, 2:18 Is unseen, 2:18 Is held by demons, 2:19 Is held by demons, 2:19 7

8. Faith is at work when it obeys God, Jas 2:14-20  Faith without works (of faith) will not save Heb 10:36-39 Is barren and fruitless, 2:20 Is barren and fruitless, 2:20 Is incomplete, 2:21-22 Is incomplete, 2:21-22 Is not accounted for righteousness, 2:23 Is not accounted for righteousness, 2:23 Cannot justify, 2:24-25 Cannot justify, 2:24-25 Is dead, 2:26 Is dead, 2:26 8

9. Faith is at work when it obeys God, Jas 2:14-20  Faith without works (of faith) will not save Heb 10:36-39 Obedience faith is necessary to be saved from past sins, Jno 6:29; Rom 10:10; Acts 2:37-38; 22:16 Obedience faith is necessary to be saved from past sins, Jno 6:29; Rom 10:10; Acts 2:37-38; 22:16 Works of faith are essential in order to remain true to Christ, Eph 2:10; Gal 5:6 Works of faith are essential in order to remain true to Christ, Eph 2:10; Gal 5:6 9

10. Faith is made complete in obedience, Jas 2:21-26  The faith of Abraham was perfected by his obedience, Jas 2:21-23 Justified (declared righteous) by works, 2:21 Justified (declared righteous) by works, 2:21 ○ He obeyed by faith, Heb 11:17 ○ Trusted God would keep His word, Heb 11:18-19 ○ His faith was active in his obedience – this pleased God, Jas 2:22; Gen 22:12 ○ Obedient faith counted for righteousness, 2:23 10

11. Faith is made complete in obedience, Jas 2:21-26  The faith that saves is the faith that obeys God, Jas 2:24-26 Justification by “faith only” is false! 2:24 (Heb 5:9; Lk 17:10) Justification by “faith only” is false! 2:24 (Heb 5:9; Lk 17:10) ○ Rahab: Example of deliverance because she had an active faith, Jas 2:25 ○ Death: Example of faith without works – Lifeless, Jas 2:26 11

12. God has prepared good works for us, Eph 2:10  Be faithful to walk in the works of faith  If we believe we can walk in favoritism and not obey the word of God, then we are faithless  In such unbelief one forfeits God’s mercy and is a guilty transgressor 12