WORKS THAT WORKJames 2:14-17

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

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…

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

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

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…

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

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?

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…

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

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

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)

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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)