Faith and Works - Do They Save?

 

Do Faith and Works Go Together?

“The grace of God and the grateful response of man are both important.”

Read James 1:22-25.

vs. 22 – KEY VERSE IN JAMES

See also Luke 11:28

How might we deceive ourselves is we only “listen” to the Word? (v. 22)

Who is the person like that only hears the Word but does not do what it says? (vs. 23, 24)

Thought question: How might the church today be characterized? As “hearers only” or as “hearers who do it?”

How are we to look into the “perfect law?” (v. 25)

“The Word should make a lasting impression on our lives – so much so that we act on it.”

How does the “perfect law” give freedom or set us free? It almost seems a contradiction. Freedom is gained by doing what the law says??? It sounds like we have to do it. How can that be tied to freedom? (See John 8:31-36)

What is the positive outcome for those who “hear and do” the Word? (v. 25)

Read James 2:14-26.

List all your observations about faith.

Read Romans 3:28; 4:1-5; 10:9-10.

List all your observations about faith.

Some say these passages contradict each other. Martin Luther would have thrown James out of the Bible if he could have. But then Martin Luther also wanted to say you are saved by faith “alone.”

It is vital to pay attention to context.

*In Romans, Paul is writing about how one gets “into” God’s kingdom. Pre-conversion!

*James is addressing Christians. James insists that works are required by those who are “in.” Post-conversion!

*In Romans, Paul is saying that works have no value in bringing us into relationship with God. Faith is the conduit through which God’s grace is applied to our lives.

*James is saying that once the relationship is established, works are essential. A living faith is essential in sustaining our Christian life.

Read Ephesians 2:8-10.

How might these verses show the agreement of Paul and James?

Important point: James is saying that faith must be accompanied by works in order for it to be a “living faith.”

“Genuine faith must go beyond intellect and the will; it must affect our attitudes and actions as well as our beliefs.” (Moo, pg. 107)

What two Old Testament examples does James give of people who showed their faith through their actions? (v. 20-26) How did they show their faith?

Interestingly, in Romans 4:3, 12 it is Abraham that Paul uses to point out that Abraham was found righteous by his faith not by his deeds.

Read James 4:17.

Finish the statement.

Sin is not only something bad I’m told not to do, it is also ...

How does this verse relate back to James 1:22-25?

Challenge Statement: This week as I read the Word of God, I will try to identify one thing I need to do as a result of my faith and write out the steps I need to take to do that.