1. WORKS THAT WORK James 2:14-17

2. Works That Work  We continue with our series of lessons from the book of James  Tonight’s lesson deals with a bit of a controversial subject when it comes to the religious world  With no agenda and when read in it’s entirety, the Bible can be understood

3. Works That Work  Too many people go to the Bible to prove a point rather than to find the truth  We want to seek out and find the truth tonight on the idea of faith and works  Many have pushed against the idea of works having anything to do with salvation or the Christian life…

4. The Issue At Hand  Back in the dark ages (500 – 1000 A.D.), the Roman church taught very heavily that man’s salvation depended on:  Performing certain works  Performing certain rituals  Making financial contributions to the church

5. The Issue At Hand  That false teaching caused men like Martin Luther to teach that we are saved by faith alone – without works  John Calvin took it even further by teaching that we are saved by the grace of God, and there is nothing we can do – it is all the work of God

6. The Issue At Hand  The question we must answer by looking at the scriptures is simply this:  What role, if any, does works play in our salvation and Christian life?  A look at all the evidence gives us the answer we are looking for…

7. Is There A Contradiction?  There are two passages that normally are quoted by contending sides  Ephesians 2:8-10  “not of works, lest anyone should boast”  Many point to this verse to say that Paul is teaching us that works have no part in salvation

8. Is There A Contradiction?  Then in James 2, James comes along and tells us that our faith without works is a dead faith  So 1 verse seems to say that works have nothing to do with salvation, while the other verse seems to say the opposite  Is there a contradiction in the Bible?

9. Understanding Ephesians 2  A careful reading and study of both passages actually shows that they work together in harmony  Let us properly understand Ephesians 2 together  Reading verses 8-10 carefully reveals to us a few things…

10. Understanding Ephesians 2  1. Salvation is from God  Reading the context (the entire chapter) shows us that the focus of salvation should be the source, Jesus Christ  Paul even clarifies by saying, “…it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast”  Salvation is derived from God

11. Understanding Ephesians 2  1. Salvation is from God  “of” means to come out of or derive from  The origination of salvation is always God and His Son Jesus Christ  Paul wants us all to remember that very fact and keep it in the forefronts of our minds that we might ever be humble and grateful

12. Understanding Ephesians 2  2. Man should glory in the Lord  Man should not “boast” as if he has achieved salvation apart from God  There is certainly a temptation for man to do this  Deuteronomy 8:11-18  We should give credit to God (I Cor. 1:26-31)

13. Understanding Ephesians 2  3. Works are not a bad thing  Paul was not trying to make “works” a taboo word  He goes on to say in verse 10 that we are created in Christ Jesus for “good works”  God prepared those things for you and I to walk in them

14. Understanding Ephesians 2  4. The “works” here are meritorious works  Paul is referring here to works of merit  In other words, the idea that if I do enough good works it merits my salvation  Similar to my “Pledge Week” at Faulkner…  We cannot do enough good works to earn our salvation

15. Understanding James 2  So then what exactly is James telling us in James 2?  Again, when we look at the entirety of what James says, we can certainly understand him as well  A close look at verse 14-26 also reveals a few things to us…

16. Understanding James 2  1. Faith alone is not sufficient  A question is immediately asked about having faith without works  The example is given of one who is hungry, yet there are no works to help them  James plainly says that faith without works is dead

17. Understanding James 2  1. Faith alone is not sufficient  One’s faith is shown or proven by their works (v. 18)  Even the demons believe, yet they are not saved by their workless faith (v. 19)  There is more to the Christian life than just professing that we believe in God

18. Understanding James 2  2. These works are works of obedience  While works of merit (earning) will not save us, works of obedience will  Heb. 5:9 – “…He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him”  It doesn’t mean that we deserve it or have earned that right

19. Understanding James 2  2. These works are works of obedience  “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” (Lk. 17:10)  No amount of obedience, good deeds or works will ever make us profitable servants deserving of salvation

20. Understanding James 2  3. Faith welcomes works  James wants us to see something through the examples of Abraham and Rahab  While many today say that works is a hindrance to faith and that it cheapens grace, James argues the opposite  Abraham was justified by works (v. 21)

21. Understanding James 2  3. Faith welcomes works  Faith was working hand in hand with works (v. 22)  By works, faith was made perfect, or complete (v. 22)  Faith alone does not justify, but when it is accompanied by works of obedience to God

22. Jesus and Works  It’s worth noting how Jesus looked at the idea of works as well  Matt. 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven”  Jesus stressed “doing” for the Lord

23. Jesus and Works  John 9:4 – “I must work the works of Him who sent Me…”  Jesus was asked “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”  “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent” (Jn. 6:28-29)