Faith Without Works “Real Life” [James] Series [13] James 2:14-20

THREE MARKS OF REAL FAITH IN LORD JESUS (2:1-13) My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. (v.1) Mark #1: Real faith transforms our value system.  Show no partiality to anyone on the basis of externals— e.g., one’s wealth/possession (vs.2-7). Mark #2: Real faith keeps the royal law.  It is the law of Christ’s Kingdom—the “supreme law” that sums up all other laws (Leviticus 19:18). Mark #3: Real faith produces works.  [TODAY] Faith Without Works (vs.14-20).  [NEXT WEEK] Faith With Works (vs.21-26).

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF “FAITH WITHOUT WORKS” 1) Faith without works is NOT able to save us. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? (v.14)  James here differentiates “faith without works” from “disbelief” [no faith]. Danger? It is self-deception.  The point is neither works vs. faith nor faith + works; but it is true saving faith—i.e., produces works as its fruit.  By “works” James doesn’t mean mere religious/good work. It is not works of the Law but works of faith that authenticates.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” Matthew 7:21-23

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF “FAITH WITHOUT WORKS” 1) Faith without works is NOT able to save us. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? (v.14)  James here differentiates “faith without works” from “disbelief” [no faith]. Danger? It is self-deception.  The point is neither works vs. faith nor faith + works; but it is true saving faith—i.e., produces works as its fruit.  By “works” James doesn’t mean mere religious/good work. It is not works of the Law but works of faith that authenticates.  In short, works of faith is obedience to the will of God principally shown in loving our neighbors.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF “FAITH WITHOUT WORKS” 2) Faith without works is a dead faith. 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (vs.15-17)  This example of works of faith is simple and practical: we are to live out tangible love that reflect our faith.  If we merely conceptualize our faith in words only, our faith is a dead faith.  True living faith expresses itself by genuine obedience to God and love for others.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. Galatians 5:6

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF “FAITH WITHOUT WORKS” 3) Faith without works is easy believism. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? (vs.18-20)  Dead faith stops at a mere mental assent [= information without transformation].  Even the demons have this kind of faith and shudder [their sound doctrine of God has no relationship with God.  Easy believism is useless but we easily deceive ourselves.  Therefore, we must give heed to this: James’ warning is to check on our faith whether it is dead or living.

True Saving Faith True saving faith is a very different kind of thing. True faith will always show itself by its fruits; it will sanctify, it will work by love, it will overcome the world, it will purify the heart... Sanctification is the invariable result of that vital union with Christ which true faith gives to a Christian. “He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit” (John 15:5). The branch which bears no fruit is no living branch of the vine. The union with Christ which produces no effect on heart and life is a mere formal union, which is worthless before God. The faith which has not a sanctifying influence on the character is no better than the faith of devils (James 2:19). It is a "dead faith, because it is alone." It is not the gift of God. It is not the faith of God’s elect. In short, where there is no sanctification of life, there is no real faith in Christ. True faith works by love. - J. C. Ryle

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1.Examine YOUR FAITH.  Test yourself whether you have a living faith or a dead faith.  Don’t just assume—Beware of self-deception! Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Corinthians 13:5

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1.Examine YOUR FAITH.  Test yourself whether you have a living faith or a dead faith.  Don’t just assume—Beware of self-deception! 2.Live out YOUR UNION WITH CHRIST through which you have been saved.  Abide in Christ who gives you the fruit of your faith.  Turn from easy believism and act your faith!