"You Can't Have One Without the Other" Part 1

Scripture Reading: Phil. 2:1-13

Introduction: What are some examples of this saying?

Bow & Arrow

Hammer & Nails

Water & Container

Transition:

Context of the Text:

Elaborating on the concept of faith (1:3, 2:1,5).

Expanding upon the theme of treatment of others (2:1-13).

Being guided by faith in treatment of others is a case in point for...

The relationship between faith and works.

Outline for the Text:

Evidence of Faith (vv. 14-20)

Problem? (vv. 14-17)

Point? (vv. 18-20)

Examples of Faith (vv. 21-26)

Abraham (vv. 21-24)

Rahab (vv. 25-26)

I. James, what’s your problem? (vv. 14-17)

Knowing the issue he is dealing with clarifies so much.

And he tells us specifically what he is addressing in these verses.

I. A. That Faith (vv. 14-16)

What is faith?

Belief in the Lord Jesus Christ (2:1).

The same faith that James had (1:1).

What is that faith?

The definite article points out a particular faith as if James thinks that there is more than one kind of faith. And he’s dealing with that particular kind of faith.

Described: says he has (v. 14)

Illustrated: says to them (vv. 15-16)

James is dealing with stated faith/proclaimed faith.

It is one thing to say you believe, it is another thing to actually believe.

What are works?

Generally, good deeds of a Christian. Right actions, words, thoughts, living, etc.

Specifically in context, it is good deeds in relation to others (1:26-27, 2:8).

It is what James is encouraging in the commands of his letter.

James’ primary goal is to move his readers to good works not to move them to genuine faith (secondary benefit). He doesn’t preach a lot of basic gospel truths.

He doesn’t tell his readers what they should have faith in. He tells them what they should be doing.

He doesn’t want them to feel like non-Christians who need to stir up better/real faith in their life (they can’t do that). He wants them to feel like bad Christians who need to live better.

What is the answer to his questions?

No good/no (v. 14)

No good (vv. 15-16)

No benefit/help, it makes no difference

Save him? (v. 14)

Saved by grace alone though faith alone in Christ alone.

Is it saving faith, the faith of salvation?

Not alone it isn’t. Why? Because it is...

I. B. Dead Faith (v. 17)

What is dead faith?

By itself - this faith he’s dealing with is nothing without works

Dead - not living, unresponsive, makes no difference

What is living faith?

The opposite - not by itself/not alone

James is addressing one of two kinds of faith.

Stated faith - proclaimed faith; which may or may not be...

Actual faith - living faith, genuine faith

Actual faith will include stated faith, but stated faith may not include actual faith (Mt 7:21-23).

So this is the problem that James is dealing with.

II. James, what’s your point? (vv. 18-20)

He’s already stated it (v. 17), but he makes it more clear and states it again here (v. 20). Then he will state it once more after giving some examples when he concludes (v. 26).

I. A. Faith and works belong together (vv. 18-19).

Faith is expressed in works (v. 18).

This hypothetical statement from someone else can be taken at least two different ways...

The entire verse is the quote (NASB) - But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” This person agrees with James that works are necessary in showing or proving faith.

Just the first phrase is the quote, and the pronouns are not specific - “one has faith and another one has works” as if faith and works are two separate unrelated things. To this James object with the need for works to show or prove faith.

Either way, it seem obvious that the only way to show or prove faith is with good works. Not that proving your faith to people is necessary, but can you humbly see the evidence of faith in your life?

James never denies that salvation is through faith alone. But he insists that where there is saving faith there will always be good works.

Faith is more than just knowledge/believing (v. 19).

Proven by the fact that demons know/believe the truth, but they don’t have faith.

What is their response? Shudder - tremble in fear. They wish the truth wasn’t the truth. They don’t want it to be true, the Gospel that is. They dislike it passionately.

What is the significance of this point? Well, the demons are actively involved in opposing the truth because they believe the truth but they hate the truth.

Faith is similar in that there will be a response but different in the response. Demons believe and they respond against. Those who have faith believe and respond for/in favor of (i.e. works).

I. B. Faith and works cannot be separated (v. 20).

Because, if you completely remove works from the equation, then you don’t have saving faith anymore.

James’ statement in verse 20 is like saying that this point should be obvious.

NASB - “But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?”

“Don’t be a fool. Can’t you see it? Can’t you admit it?

This brings us back to that fact that James wants them to respond.

Not in faith - what could they do about that? They could examine the truths of the gospel again. But James doesn’t direct them there.

He is moving them to works as if they have been denying the need for them.

Useless

Idle, inactive, makes not difference.

Same as “dead” (vv. 17, 26) - not living, unresponsive, makes no difference

So, James is still referring to the same faith as in verses 14-17 - stated faith alone void of good works.

So this is the point that James is making: Faith

Application: Good works?

Do you see any good works in your life?

You should see some but not enough.

James is opposing the temptation to dismiss good works.

Yes, it is true that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

But, where there is faith, there will be works. You can’t have one without the other.

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Benediction: 1 Thess. 3:12-13