James 2:14-26 (Part 7) The Relationship of Faith and Works

Introduction

• James’ major concern is performance without reality

• The theme of this section is 2:14, “says”

• Two kinds of non-saving faith:

o Belief in God’s existence

o Belief in one powerful God

What is true of faith?

• Faith is the means of observing facts that you cannot see.

• Faith is not opposed to reason; it is opposed to sight.

• The total value of faith lies in its object.

• Faith is capable of increase by means of only sincere Bible study.

Paul and James on justification

• They both harmonize

• Paul views justification from God’s standpoint (God does not need a demonstration)

• James is talking about demonstrating to people (not to God)

Faith without works is dead, 2:14-17

• He makes his point, v. 14

• Illustration of his point, vv. 15-16

• The conclusion, v. 17

Faith without works is no different than the orthodoxy of demons, 2:18-26

• Second cycle of his argument, vv. 18-20

• Abraham’s justification before men, vv. 21-24

o Genesis 15:6,--genuine faith but it is invisible—inception

o Genesis 22—visible (open to the eyes of man)—demonstrated

o James affirms Genesis 15 even though his focus is on Genesis 22—this is James 2:23

• Rahab, vv. 25-26

o God knew she had faith when the spies went in

o Man knew it when they came out