“Walk the Talk” James 2:18-20 Purpose: To see the correct place of our good works after saving faith. If you claim to be a Christian, are you living what Jesus taught? If you are not living what Jesus taught, then what does that show about your claim to be a Christian? 1. Are There Two Classes of Christian? James 2:18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Are There Two Classes of Christian? No! There’s only one true faith that also leads to living the Christian life. 2. The Wrong Way: The Faith of the Demons James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. Another statement of orthodoxy. Compare with Deut. 6 “The orthodoxy of demons was well known not only in Judaism but also in the New Testament, where the demons frequently give fuller confessions of Christ than the apostles (Mark 1:24; 5:7; Acts 16:17; 19:15). Their problem is that their response to the name of God (the reminder of their orthodox knowledge) is to shudder, because they are in rebellion against that God. All their orthodox knowledge simply makes them tremble, for their “faith” does not lead to obedient action. Likewise, those who can only claim an orthodox confession of faith are doing no better than Satan if they have not committed themselves to lives of obedience.” -Peter H. Davids, James, New International Bible Commentary (Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Pub., 1989), p. 66 (emphasis added). Therefore, the right way is to see that saving faith produces the good works of Christian love and service. I.e., Walk the talk, and talk the walk!! 3. The Right Way: Saving Faith Produces Real Fruit James 2:20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? The statement is reiterated yet again (see James 2:14, 17) The Wrong View is Faith + Works of the Law = Salvation The Right View is Faith unto true Salivation => results in good works James Paul Both have “Faith” First “faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” (James 2:1) Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith [first]; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works [second], which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Both teach “Good Works” are a necessary result of being saved by grace through faith For James, the good works he is emphasizing are based in impartial love to brothers and sisters in Christ according to the law of the king. This is not about keeping OT Law, it is about James’ presumption that a person who has faith in Jesus Christ will prove that faith by the resultant life of love in the community of Christ. He is not arguing that good works leads to salvation, but that those who are truly saved show forth good works if they are truly saved. James’ “works” are not the same as trying to keep the OT Law to earn salvation, but rather are the fruit of those who are already saved. James 2:17 Even so faith [first], if it has no works [second], is dead, being by itself. Paul’s references to “works of the Law” are directed to people who try to use the OT works of the Law to earn salvation, something Paul clearly teaches goes against the gospel of grace. This is a false gospel, because salvation is never earned on the basis of works of the Law. However, Paul does teach that “good works” are what we were created in Christ Jesus for (Eph. 2:10). These good works are the works of living in love and righteousness after we have been saved by grace through faith apart from “works of the Law.” So, to understand Paul, we need to see how he uses the phrase “works of the Law” differently from “good works” (Eph. 2:10). Neither of them leads to salvation. But we were “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Works of the Law will never save you. Good works will come of your life if you are saved by grace through faith. Justified/Righteous James is concerned about the horizontal relationships of justification/righteousness. I.e., how does any person know if another person is a true Christian? How should Christians act toward one another? Answer: we are shown to be righteous before men by living according to the “royal law” or “law of our King” by loving your neighbor, our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, without partiality (James 2:1, 8). Notice the horizontal focus: James 2:18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Paul is concerned with the vertical understanding of justification/righteousness. I.e., how is any person made righteous before God? Only made righteous before God on the basis of faith in Him and His promises fulfilled in Christ. Notice Paul’s vertical concern, “before God”: Rom. 3:27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Romans 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. Gal. 3:11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” Abraham Used as an example of good works flowing from trust/faith in God’s commands, focused on what Abraham did, his actions, his good works, because he first believed. James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and 1as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God. 24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. Used as an example of being called “righteous” and “just” because Abraham believed God, focused on the fact that Abraham’s relationship with God was first and foremost based on his faith/belief in God and His promise. God’s New Covenant is a fulfillment of the Old Covenant in Christ, according to faith in His promise, not nationality, not our works of the Law. Gal. 3:6 1Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. 7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.
“Faith Without Works is Dead” James 2:14-17 Purpose: What applied mercy does not look like, urging us to do better than this! 1. The Faith That Does Not Save James 2:14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? The issue is stated in the form of a question with the anticipated answer, “No!” “There is no salvation for the person who stops short of discipleship. If faith is only intellectual, only expressed in religious practices, it will not save. The Old Testament also condemns piety without action (Amos 5:21-24, Micah 4:1-4), as do John the Baptist (Luke 3:7- 14), Jesus (Matt. 7:15-20), and Paul (Rom. 1:5; 2:6-8; 6:17-18; Gal. 6:4-6). James follows the rest of Scripture: faith without actions (discipleship) will never save.” -Peter H. Davids, James, New International Bible Commentary (Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Pub., 1989), p. 64 (emphasis added). 2. Mercy Applied ““ A Scenario James 2:15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, 1be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? “Go in peace” is a Jewish form of farewell. “Be warmed and be filled” is an expression that could probably be a prayer. In Luke 16:19-31, the rich man’s lack of compassion on the poor lands him in hell. So, Mercy Applied would go beyond well-wishing and pray into action! 3. Without Works of Mercy, Faith is Dead James 2:17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. James repeats the statement for emphasis Dead Faith is”¦ -a dead tree with no roots in Christ, therefore it produces no fruit for Christ -empty faith -a claim to faith that has no other life change -not born again (John 3), is not a new creation (2 Cor. 5) -focused on what I can get, not what God has given me to bless others -mental assent without change of heart, mind, soul, strength, or love for others -faith for yourself without love for fellow Christians -not alive to God but empty of Jesus Christ’s transforming power by the Holy Spirit -a lie that self-deceives, offering no true salvation from sin because it remains ununited to Jesus who died for sin and rose again for righteousness -has not died to self in order to live to Christ Dead Faith is false faith that does not save Dead Faith is religiosity Real Faith is “faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” (James 2:1), a relationship! Real Faith causes you to be born again in Jesus Christ then to live like Him and for Him! 4. Comparing James to Paul, Which Way is it Then? They Actually Agree! Romans 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith [first]; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works [second], which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. James 2:17 Even so faith [first], if it has no works [second], is dead, being by itself. We affirm that works is powerless to save us from sin. We also affirm that good works based in loving your neighbor is a necessary and absolute result, flowing out of true saving faith. Note the concept of “on the basis of” (Rom. 11:6) and “as a result of” (Eph. 2:8-10) versus “if it has no” and “by itself” (James 2:17). That is, Paul’s argument is what must come FIRST! Faith. James’ argument is what must come SECOND. Works. Paul and James actually have the same theological framework, saving faith (first) results in good works (second). Both teach that faith is primary. Both teach that works result from saving faith. Faith is the root of the tree, works are the fruit of the tree. Christ is the vine, we are the branches (John 15). Faith in the grace of God in Christ connects the roots to the fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may be saved and live to the glory of God. Therefore, it is wrong to think that either of these New Testament writers is teaching: Faith + Works = Salvation (wrong view) That is a false gospel (see generally Galatians) But was is being taught by both James and Paul is: Faith unto true Salivation results is good works, or Faith => Salvation produces Righteousness between God AND others True Salvation changes us, causing us to love God and love the family of God!
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment James 2:12-13 Purpose: Speak and act mercifully because we are all judged by the law of liberty! 1. Talk the Walk & Walk the Talk! James 2:12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. “Speak and Act” = Talk the Walk & Walk the Talk! Don’t pretend to be what you don’t intend to be! Matthew 7:15-23; Luke 6:43-45 James 1:25 “Law of Liberty” 2. Triumphant Mercy! James 2:13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. Meditating on Judgment and mercy, mercy and forgiveness Micah 6:8; Matthew 6:14-15; Zech. 7:9 Matthew 18:21-35; Matthew 5:7 Mercy triumphs over judgment! If we claim to be people of Jesus, we must let His law of liberty fill our being, actions, intentions, heart, and words so as to show the love of God as He loved us.
Being a Whole Christian James 2:8-11 Purpose: James’ Bible Lesson #2 – Being a whole Christian following the whole of God’s Word 1. Begin by Loving Your Neighbor Thus Fulfilling the Royal Law”¦ James 2:8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well. Royal Law Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5-6 The Great Commandments upon which the whole law and prophets hang Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28 2. Then Follow Through by Living the WHOLE Royal Law because it comes from God James 2:9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,” also said, “DO NOT COMMIT MURDER.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. We must forsake partiality because it is a ___________ What does lawlessness say about one’s respect for the Lawgiver? James 2:1 ““ this is all tied to our “faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” So this is OT Law finding its true fulfillment in Jesus Christ
God Chooses the Poor James 2:5-7 Purpose: Bible Lesson Concerning Partiality #1, seeing people with God’s eyes 1. God Chooses the Poor James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? Luke 4:18; Luke 6:20; James 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Because God chooses the poor, we are living in God’s will when we accept and do not discriminate against the poor brother or sister in Christ. 2. Showing Partiality Makes Us No Different Than the World James 2:6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? 7 Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called? The “rich” are characterized as: First, exploitative Second, dragging members of the church into court Third, by blaspheming the name of Christ Because God chooses the poor, we are NOT living in God’s will when we fail to accept or discriminate against the poor brother or sister in Christ. We cannot carry the partiality of the world into the church.
“No Partiality” James 2:1-4 Purpose: for us to be like God, not showing partiality or favoritism 1. The Command: Love Equally and Unconditionally James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. Deuteronomy 10:17 Galatians 2:6 Implications for the society called the church Implications for the ministry and mission of the church Loving others unconditionally is not the same as condoning sin 2. A Test Case James 2:2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, 3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? What motivates partiality? Partiality based on others’ outward appearances reveals your inward motives
“Jesus is Alive!” John 20:1-18 Purpose: To believe in, and follow, the resurrected Savior Jesus Christ I. Jesus is Alive! Do you understand the Scriptures? (20:1-10) Psalm 16:8-11 & Acts 2:27, 31 Psalm 49:15 Psalm 86:13 II. Jesus is Alive! Has He called you by name? (20:11-18) Isaiah 40:26 Isaiah 43:1 John 10:3 If you now understand the Scriptures, and if you now know Jesus and He knows you, then how will you follow Him the all the days of your life?
“Palm Sunday: The Call of Discipleship” John 12:12-26 Purpose: To Join Jesus in His Salvation Plan 1. God’s Prophecy Fulfilled In Jesus Christ (John 12:12-19) Psalm 118 approximately 1,000 B.C. Zechariah 9:9-13 prophesied between 500 and 470 B.C. When, exactly, did the disciples figure this out? (v. 16) So how should we read this today, for us? 2. Following Jesus Christ Wherever He Leads Us! (John 12:20-26) a. Jesus’s “hour” coincides with Passover! This is God’s Providential & Eternal Plan Jesus’ “hour” is “not yet” John 2:4; John 7:6, 30; John 8:20 Jesus’ “hour has come” 12:23; 13:1;16:32; 17:1 b. “The Son of Man” is from Daniel 7:13-14 Daniel is a 6th century B.C. prophet in Babylon c. “Follow Me” in John 1:43; 10:27; 12:26; 13:36; 21:19; 21:22 d. Lose yourself in Jesus Christ (John 12:25-26) Jesus is calling you today to “Follow Me”! What is your answer?
Good Fruit v. Bad Fruit James 1:18-26 Purpose: we are brought forth to live a life of pure (not worthless) religion 1. Good Fruit = “Pure and Undefiled Religion” James 1:18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. 19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word”¦ 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does”¦27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. What is the instrumentality of the change?______________________ (James 1:18) How are we to receive it, in what state?_____________________________ List the “good fruit” What is pure and undefiled religion? 2. Bad Fruit = “Worthless Religion” James 1:22b and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was”¦ 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Jesus’ teaching about good fruit versus bad fruit (Matthew 7:13-27) As yourself, “Which one of these descriptions am I most like?”
Passing the Test of Trials James 1:12-18 Purpose: to trust God in spite of the trials, a.k.a. check your “sources”! 1. Don’t Blame God! James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. Can God be tempted by evil? ___________________ Does God tempt anyone? ____________________ 2. Know the Source of Your Temptation James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. What is the source of our temptations? _________________________________ 3. God is the Source of Truth and Life James 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. Source of all good gifts is ________________________, especially endurance in trials Who does the action? ___________________ Why?_______________________ Who receives the result of the action? _____________________ What is the outcome of the action? __________________ How is the action carried out? ___________________________
Poverty and Riches James 1:9-11 Purpose: to see and value our lives by God’s measure, not the world’s 1. God’s Poor People, Glorified James 1:9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; Blessed are the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3) A biblical reality-check between the rich and the poor (Luke 12:13-21) 2. The World’s Rich, Humbled James 1:10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. Isaiah 40:6-8 and 1 Peter 1:24 Where’s your treasure? Where’s your heart? (Matthew 6:19-21) Who’s your master? What is the first thing you seek? (Matthew 6:24-34)
Faith and Wisdom James 1:5-8 Purpose: pursuing wisdom with single-minded faith 1. A Picture of Faithful Wisdom James 1:4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Are you lacking wisdom? Then ask God! God is the source of wisdom True wisdom is seen when a Christian considers it all joy! (James 1:2-3) 2. A Picture Showing Lack of Faith and Wisdom James 1:6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Is your faith driven by the fads or by the Word? God wants you to be single-minded, trusting in Him Are you stable or unstable in your faith?
Trials Are Gold, So Don’t Waste Them James 1:1-4 Purpose: To show believers how they can have joy in the face of trials 1. Have Joy in Your Trials James 1:1-2 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials Acts 5:40-42 The command ensures the possibility of joy in your trials 2. How to Pass the Test of Faith James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. God does not tempt us (James 1:13-14) Do we have endurance like Job? (James 5:10-11) 1 Peter 1:6-9 How to pass the test! React to the test with joy. (Compared to 1:19-21). In trials, we must not run from God or blame Him, but run to Him! 3. We Need Endurance James 1: 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. You will be able to emulate Jesus & His teachings (Matthew 5-7 Sermon on the Mount) Not only is He not to be blamed, but God is to be praised. He is the redeemer of our trials. He takes what is bad and sinful and uses it, in the context of our faith, for our endurance and perfection.