Works That Work

1. Works That Work James 2:14-17

2. Works That Work • We continue with our series of lessons from the book of James • Tonight’s lesson deals with a bit of a controversial subject when it comes to the religious world • With no agenda and when read in it’s entirety, the Bible can be understood

3. Works That Work • Too many people go to the Bible to prove a point rather than to find the truth • We want to seek out and find the truth tonight on the idea of faith and works • Many have pushed against the idea of works having anything to do with salvation or the Christian life…

4. The Issue At Hand • Back in the dark ages (500 – 1000 A.D.), the Roman church taught very heavily that man’s salvation depended on: • Performing certain works • Performing certain rituals • Making financial contributions to the church

5. The Issue At Hand • That false teaching caused men like Martin Luther to teach that we are saved by faith alone – without works • John Calvin took it even further by teaching that we are saved by the grace of God, and there is nothing we can do – it is all the work of God

6. The Issue At Hand • The question we must answer by looking at the scriptures is simply this: • What role, if any, does works play in our salvation and Christian life? • A look at all the evidence gives us the answer we are looking for…

7. Is There A Contradiction? • There are two passages that normally are quoted by contending sides • Ephesians 2:8-10 • “not of works, lest anyone should boast” • Many point to this verse to say that Paul is teaching us that works have nopart in salvation

8. Is There A Contradiction? • Then in James 2, James comes along and tells us that our faith without works is a dead faith • So 1 verse seems to say that works have nothing to do with salvation, while the other verse seems to say the opposite • Is there a contradiction in the Bible?

9. Understanding Ephesians 2 • A careful reading and study of both passages actually shows that they work together in harmony • Let us properly understand Ephesians 2 together • Reading verses 8-10 carefully reveals to us a few things…

10. Understanding Ephesians 2 • 1. Salvation is from God • Reading the context (the entire chapter) shows us that the focus of salvation should be the source, Jesus Christ • Paul even clarifies by saying, “…it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” • Salvation is derived from God

11. Understanding Ephesians 2 • 1. Salvation is from God • “of” means to come out of or derive from • The origination of salvation is always God and His Son Jesus Christ • Paul wants us all to remember that very fact and keep it in the forefronts of our minds that we might ever be humble and grateful

12. Understanding Ephesians 2 • 2. Man should glory in the Lord • Man should not “boast” as if he has achieved salvation apart from God • There is certainly a temptation for man to do this • Deuteronomy 8:11-18 • We should give credit to God (I Cor. 1:26-31)

13. Understanding Ephesians 2 • 3. Works are not a bad thing • Paul was not trying to make “works” a taboo word • He goes on to say in verse 10 that we are created in Christ Jesus for “good works” • God prepared those things for you and I to walk in them

14. Understanding Ephesians 2 • 4. The “works” here are meritorious works • Paul is referring here to works of merit • In other words, the idea that if I do enough good works it merits my salvation • Similar to my “Pledge Week” at Faulkner… • We cannot do enough good works to earn our salvation

15. Understanding James 2 • So then what exactly is James telling us in James 2? • Again, when we look at the entirety of what James says, we can certainly understand him as well • A close look at verse 14-26 also reveals a few things to us…

16. Understanding James 2 • 1. Faith alone is not sufficient • A question is immediately asked about having faith without works • The example is given of one who is hungry, yet there are no works to help them • James plainly says that faith without works is dead

17. Understanding James 2 • 1. Faith alone is not sufficient • One’s faith is shown or proven by their works (v. 18) • Even the demons believe, yet they are not saved by their workless faith (v. 19) • There is more to the Christian life than just professing that we believe in God

18. Understanding James 2 • 2. These works are works of obedience • While works of merit (earning) will not save us, works of obedience will • Heb. 5:9 – “…He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” • It doesn’t mean that we deserve it or have earned that right

19. Understanding James 2 • 2. These works are works of obedience • “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” (Lk. 17:10) • No amount of obedience, good deeds or works will ever make us profitable servants deserving of salvation

20. Understanding James 2 • 3. Faith welcomes works • James wants us to see something through the examples of Abraham and Rahab • While many today say that works is a hindrance to faith and that it cheapens grace, James argues the opposite • Abraham was justified by works (v. 21)

21. Understanding James 2 • 3. Faith welcomes works • Faith was working hand in hand with works (v. 22) • By works, faith was made perfect, or complete (v. 22) • Faith alone does not justify, but when it is accompanied by works of obedience to God

22. Jesus and Works • It’s worth noting how Jesus looked at the idea of works as well • Matt. 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” • Jesus stressed “doing” for the Lord

23. Jesus and Works • John 9:4 – “I must work the works of Him who sent Me…” • Jesus was asked “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” • “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent” (Jn. 6:28-29)