January 30, 2005 James Series – M-5 First Baptist Church, Dillon MT
Text: James 2:14-26 The Error of a Dead Faith
Introduction: The Statement that James makes in verse 24 “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” has been used by many to pervert the Gospel of Jesus Christ into a works religion. This often-misunderstood paragraph has become a theological battleground, where people try to pit Paul against James. We must admit that there is an apparent contradiction between Paul’s statement, “That a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law” (Rom 3:28) and James’ statement that “by works a man is justified” (James 2:24). Can these two statements both be true? And if so how can they be reconciled? I believe that by understanding the context of James’ statement that we can discern that their “teachings run parallel and do not cross. They are not antagonists facing each other with crossed swords; they stand back to back, confronting different foes of the Gospel. Paul is combating a Jewish legalism which insisted upon the need for works to be justified; James insists upon the need for works in the lives of those who have been justified by faith.” (Hiebert p. 174)
Theme: A Dead Faith is Void of Good Works — A Living Faith Results in Good Works
I. The claim of faith must be backed up by a corresponding work of faith to be a
living faith. -Key word- “say” vs.14,16,18
A. Two Questions –vs.14 Can a faith that produces no works be profitable? Can that faith save him?
B. An Illustration –vs.15-16
Saying is not the same a doing
Repeat of 1st question
C. Statements of truth — vs.17
Faith without works is dead
True faith and works are inseparable
D. First observation vs. -18a One can claim anything
1. “Thou hast faith” The claim by one that another person has faith
2. “I have works” The claim of having works in your own life
E. A strong challenge vs. –18b Show me!!!!!!!!
Illustration: I can make the claim of faith that I believe an old rocking chair will support me without breaking and causing me to fall to the ground. How do you know if I really believe it will hold me up?
F. Second observation: vs.19 Correct doctrine is not enough
Even demons have a response based upon their belief.
G. A concluding Appeal -vs.20 Won’t you acknowledge that Faith without works is dead?
Transition: Now James appeals for scriptural examples do drive his point home.
II. The works of faith justify (vindicate, verify, show) the claim of faith before
those who are observing. Key word- “See” vs.22,24
A. We see Abraham’s faith by his obedience to God’s command (vs.21-24).
Vs. 22 – “By works was faith made perfect” -Passive voice – God is doing the perfecting – Was perfected – means to bring to an end or ultimate goal.
Philippians 2:13 “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his
good pleasure.”
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
B. We see Rahab’s faith by the way she helped the children of Israel (vs25).
Hebrerws 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Conclusion: Works that glorify God are inseparable from a true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord taught the same message when He said, “by their fruits ye shall know them!”
Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The work and will of the Father is explained by the Lord Jesus Christ in John 6:28-29 & 40
John 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
“True faith, like a living tree, will reveal its life by the fruit if produces.” Hiebert p. 181
