187 James: A Faith That Works, pt. 2

The Apostle Paul declared that we are saved by faith alone. James agreed but noted that the faith that saves is never alone.

Paul's teaching is consistent with James': “For it is by grace, you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works...” (Eph. 2:8-10)

There are three important phrases in this passage: “by grace,” “through faith,” “unto good works.”  If you get those out of order, you’re in trouble.  If you think works save you, you’re back into the “performance plan.” Salvation is by grace through faith.  But, if you don’t recognize that good works are to follow, you’re also in trouble.

This is James’ focus.  According to James...

Real faith is not just something you say.

All too many who call themselves Christians are all talk. Oh, they may be religious. They may even be active in their churches. But as it relates to a walk that’s “beyond belief’ – that just isn’t there. 

Real faith is not just something you feel.

A lot of people confuse emotions and sentiment with faith. You can go to church and get a "quiver in your liver" but it may never make any difference in how you live.     

Becoming a part of God’s family means more than enjoying the privilege of sharing the family name.  It also includes embracing the responsibility of bearing the family burdens. 

Real faith is not just something you believe.

In James’ day, as in ours, a lot of people have great thoughts about and even a strong belief in God. James says in effect, “That’s all well and good, but the fact is Satan and his minions know theology backwards and forwards.” No one believes in God more than they do.  But that “belief” is a far cry from saving faith because they’re still in rebellion.

The belief God is looking for isn’t mere mental assent. Faith means to trust in, to rely on, and commit oneself to completely.

Real faith is something you act on. 

James then gives two examples of a faith that works: Abraham and Rahab. You couldn’t find two more opposite characters, yet each of them possessed a faith that went beyond words and into action.

While we are saved by faith alone, the faith that saves is never alone. 

Text: James 2:20-26 

Originally recorded on March 28, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN