A Faith that Works II

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James 2:20-26 (KJV)

20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21. Was not Abraham our fahter justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

1. The Principle Introduced Again . . . "faith without works is dead" (v.20).
   James has been challenging the person who claims to be a Christian in spite of the absence of good deeds (repentance of sin, the fruit of the Spirit, compassion for the needy, etc. . . .).
   1. Only the "vain" deny this principle . . . "vain" here translates the Greek word "kene" which means "empty." John Blanchard says, "Empty vessels make the greatest sounds!"
   2. The Scriptures affirm this principle . . . "do you want evidence?" (NIV). The word "want" is strong (Gr. "Theleis") and carries the idea of "having a determined purpose."
      In other words, your study of the Scriptures will give you all the evidence you need.
2. The Principle Illustrated Twice . . . "our father Abraham . . . Rahab the harlot" (vs. 21-25).
   1. Abraham the patriarch . . . the father of ethnic Israel and "all who will believe."
      "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac" (James 2:21).
      NIV translates "justified" with "considered righteous." Abraham had genuine faith!
      1. Real faith is conscious of the problem --- Abraham had a son; called to offer him.
      2. Real faith is confident in a person --- Abraham believed God (v.23).
         The One able to bring "life out of death," and to call "something out of nothing."
      3. Real faith is consistent in progress --- the more you learn of God, the more your faith progresses. God is at work in you, in order to work through you, His works!
      Abraham's faith was the energizing force that moved him to action; his actions were energetic evidence of his faith. "Faith working together with his works" (v.22)
      In (v. 23) we see God's declaration of Abraham's righteousness (by faith), in (v.21) we see Abraham's demonstration of God's declaration of righteousness (by works).
      The Scripture was fulfilled"--- things are fulfilled when they are clearly manifested.
   2. Rahab the harlot . . . "likewise . . . justified by works" (James 2:25).
      Her condition was sinful . . . you and I are adulterous by nature spiritually.
      Her confession was similar . . . "The Lord God is God in heaven and earth" (Jos. 2:11).
      Her confirmation was straightforward . . . "by faith, Rahab his the spies" (Heb. 11:31).
      Abraham and Rahab, both, offered evidence of their justification by their lives.
3. The Principle Insisted Upon . . . "faith without works is dead" (v.26).
   This is the third time this principles is mentioned in our text (v.17, v.20, v.26).
   Faith "alone" (literally: "barren" v.17) is a dead faith. The gift of faith from God is never an alone faith. God, who gives His people faith, will also give to them a changed life!

   Justification --- Being declared "righteous" by God (received so "by faith") is never alone.
   Sanctification--- being "made righteous" (as you ought to be) is part of the process!

   A list of "rules and regulations" is not the way a person is sanctified!
   God will work in you and through you "both to will and to do His good pleasure."
   Fall in love with the object of your faith (Jesus Christ). Then you be changed!