Faith That Saves: Evidence Through Works
Summary
In today's sermon, I emphasized the critical nature of possessing a faith that aligns with the biblical definition and example of faith in Jesus Christ. I began by making a bold statement: if the faith you hold is not the faith identified and defined in the Scriptures, it cannot save you. This means that any faith, no matter how sincere, if it does not conform to the teachings of Jesus Christ, is ineffective for salvation. I specifically mentioned various religious groups whose faith, as they define it, falls short of the scriptural standard.
I then delved into the concept of justification, clarifying that we are justified by God judicially, by Christ meritoriously, by faith immediately, and by works evidentially. Works are not the grounds of our justification but are the evidence of it. A living faith, as opposed to a dead faith, will naturally produce good works as a demonstration of its genuineness.
Using the Book of James as a foundation, I presented three examples to illustrate the nature of true faith. The first example highlighted the inadequacy of an emotional faith that speaks compassionate words but fails to act. The second example critiqued an intellectual faith that acknowledges correct doctrine but does not translate belief into action. The third example, drawn from Scripture, showcased the active faith of Abraham and Rahab, who not only believed God but also acted on their faith in ways that aligned with God's will.
I stressed that faith is invisible and can only be made evident through works. These works do not validate faith but confirm its existence. I challenged the congregation to examine their own faith, to see if it is producing good works and spiritual growth. I urged everyone to consider whether their faith is merely verbal and habitual or if it is truly heartfelt and transformative.
As we approached communion, I encouraged self-examination to ensure that our faith is living and active, producing fruit that is visible to others and consistent with the teachings of Scripture. I closed with a call to respond to God's Word, to seek the Lord for answers, and to align our lives with the faith that saves and transforms.
Key Takeaways:
- True faith is not merely an intellectual agreement or emotional response; it is a transformative power that produces tangible evidence in the life of a believer. Just as faith without works is dead, a faith that does not result in changed behavior and good works is not the faith of the Scriptures. [53:15]
- Justification is a multifaceted concept that involves being declared righteous by God, the meritorious work of Christ on the cross, the immediate access to peace with God through faith, and the evidential nature of works that demonstrate the reality of our faith. Understanding these aspects helps us grasp the full picture of salvation and the role of faith and works. [55:40]
- The examples of Abraham and Rahab in Scripture are not just historical accounts but are instructional for us today. They demonstrate that genuine faith is not passive but actively engages with God's promises and commands, leading to obedience even when it requires personal sacrifice or goes against cultural norms. [01:00:04]
- The Christian faith is not a private affair but has a communal aspect that is evidenced by a desire to gather with other believers. Forsaking the assembly is not an option for a living faith, as it is one of the basic evidences of a believer's commitment to Christ and His body, the church. [01:03:28]
- Self-examination is a necessary practice for every believer. It is not about comparing oneself to others but about measuring one's life against the Word of God. This introspection should lead to a deeper understanding of the nature of our faith and its manifestation in our daily lives. [01:16:12]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 2:14-26 - This passage discusses the relationship between faith and works, emphasizing that faith without works is dead.
2. Romans 8:33 - "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies."
3. Isaiah 53:11 - "After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 2:14-26, what is the relationship between faith and works?
2. How does Romans 8:33 describe the role of God in justification?
3. What does Isaiah 53:11 say about the role of Christ in justification?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the nature of true faith? ([54:13])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James argue that faith without works is dead? How does this align with the examples of Abraham and Rahab? ([01:05:05])
2. How does the concept of justification by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone, help us understand the relationship between faith and works? ([48:11])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of self-examination in the life of a believer? ([01:16:12])
4. How does the communal aspect of faith, as mentioned in the sermon, reflect the teachings of the New Testament? ([01:03:28])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own faith. Is it producing good works and spiritual growth? If not, what steps can you take to align your faith with the teachings of Scripture? ([01:16:12])
2. The sermon mentioned that faith is not just intellectual or emotional but transformative. Can you identify areas in your life where your faith has led to tangible changes? If not, what might be hindering this transformation? ([01:00:04])
3. How can you ensure that your faith is not merely verbal and habitual but truly heartfelt and transformative? What practical steps can you take this week to demonstrate your faith through actions? ([01:16:12])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of gathering with other believers. How can you make a more intentional effort to participate in your church community? ([01:03:28])
5. Self-examination is crucial for every believer. What specific areas of your life do you need to examine more closely to ensure your faith is living and active? ([01:16:12])
6. Think about the examples of Abraham and Rahab. How can their actions inspire you to act on your faith, even when it requires personal sacrifice or goes against cultural norms? ([01:05:05])
7. The sermon challenged us to respond to God's Word and seek alignment with the faith that saves and transforms. What specific actions can you take this week to respond to this challenge? ([01:16:12])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Beyond Mere Belief
True faith is not simply an intellectual assent to a set of doctrines or an emotional response to a moving experience. It is a transformative power that reshapes one's life, producing tangible evidence of a changed heart and mind. This faith is active and alive, compelling the believer to engage in good works not as a means to earn salvation, but as the natural fruit of a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a faith that moves beyond words, impacting every decision and action, aligning one's life with the will of God. This kind of faith is not content with the status quo but seeks to grow and manifest itself in love and service to others. [53:15]
James 2:17-18 (ESV)
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: How is your faith currently manifesting itself in your daily actions and decisions?
Day 2: Justification: The Multifaceted Gift
Justification is a rich and complex gift from God that encompasses several dimensions. It is the divine act of declaring a sinner righteous based on the meritorious work of Jesus Christ on the cross. This justification is received through faith, which provides immediate peace with God. However, it is also evidenced by the works that flow from a life transformed by grace. These works are not the root of justification but rather the fruit that confirms its reality in the believer's life. Understanding this helps one to appreciate the depth of God's grace and the comprehensive nature of salvation. [55:40]
Romans 4:4-5 (ESV)
"Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness."
Reflection: In what ways have you seen evidence of your faith through your actions since you first believed?
Day 3: Active Faith in Action
The biblical accounts of Abraham and Rahab are not merely historical narratives; they serve as powerful examples of active faith. Their stories teach us that genuine faith is not passive but is characterized by a willingness to act on God's promises and commands. This active faith often requires personal sacrifice and may challenge cultural norms, but it is always marked by obedience and a deep trust in God's faithfulness. These examples encourage believers to not only hear the Word of God but to also put it into practice, demonstrating a faith that is alive and effective. [01:00:04]
James 2:22-24 (ESV)
"You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
Reflection: Can you identify a recent situation where you had to choose between cultural norms and active obedience to God?
Day 4: Faith's Communal Expression
Christian faith is not meant to be lived in isolation but within the context of a community of believers. Gathering together for worship, encouragement, and mutual edification is a vital expression of a living faith. It is one of the primary ways faith is nurtured and sustained, and it serves as a witness to the commitment to Christ and His body, the church. Forsaking the assembly is not consistent with a vibrant faith, as it neglects the communal aspect that is integral to spiritual growth and accountability. [01:03:28]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How does your participation in church gatherings reflect the vitality of your faith?
Day 5: The Practice of Self-Examination
Self-examination is a crucial discipline for every believer. It is not a comparison with others but a personal audit of one's life against the standard of God's Word. This introspection is intended to lead to a deeper understanding of the nature of one's faith and its manifestation in daily living. It prompts believers to consider whether their faith is merely verbal and habitual or if it is heartfelt and transformative, producing spiritual growth and fruit that is visible to others. [01:16:12]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: What specific aspect of your life needs to be realigned with the Word of God to reflect a living faith?
Quotes
"A living fate is a productive fate and it will produce good works. The topic at hand is does the fate that you proclaim produce work in your life?" [48:31] ()
"Can I see faith without works? I cannot. You cannot show me your faith without works because faith is an invisible thing. Only God can see faith." [01:16:12] ()
"The faith that's presented right here is forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, even the more so as you see the day approaching." [01:03:28] ()
"An actual faith has life and produces works and fruit. It is certain from this passage that there is an inseparable correlation between work and faith." [01:13:02] ()
"If the faith you have is not the faith identified and defined in the scriptures, that faith cannot save you." [53:15] ()
"James is not presenting a work here that needs to be done. He is showing you an example that if that work needs to be done and the way you approach it is verbal only, the work doesn't get accomplished." [55:40] ()
"Faith that only requires you to attend a church service occasionally or to give to a charity occasionally or to has no requirements or expectations over your life and love and liberty. That is not a true Christian faith." [01:13:02] ()
"The second example it gives in verses 18 and 19 is a suppositional example, but really what he's talking about is an intellectual faith that thinks the right things but doesn't follow through." [01:00:04] ()
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