Faith Without Works is Dead
Notes
Transcript
Central Idea Statement: True saving faith is never merely intellectual assent; it is a living, active conviction that expresses itself through obedient works.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
How can this scripture be misused?
How can this scripture be misused?
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Intellectual Assent Without Transformation is Evidence of a Dead Faith
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
B. A Faith That Offers Words, Not Deeds.
It expresses sympathy or good wishes but fails to provide practical help when needed.
It talks about love or commitment but doesn't demonstrate it.
C. A Faith Based on Feelings, Not Biblical Truth
Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.
in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”
2. What is the Evidence of "Living" Faith?
2. What is the Evidence of "Living" Faith?
A Faith Demonstrated Through Obedience
And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
Works as the Outflow, Not the Source, of Faith.
3. Need for Routine Eye Exams
3. Need for Routine Eye Exams
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.”
Be very care what you take in through your eyes and into your heart. This will inevitably have a negative effect on your Christian walk and faithful work in Christ
CONCLUSION
Faith and Works Are Two Sides of the Same Coin.
Saving faith is not passive; it is an active trust that responds to God's will.
Our confession of faith must be accompanied by a life of faithful living.
Embrace the biblical truth that faith without works is dead. Strive to live a life that visibly demonstrates your devotion to Christ, knowing that your obedient actions confirm the authenticity of your faith.
