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Faith And Works Introduction: The Bible speaks about faith. We are told to add to our faith, 2 Peter 1.5. Then we noticed that by faith we understand the worlds were framed by the word of God, Hebrews 11.3. In this lesson we want to see the connection between "Faith" and "works." Some see a contradiction as we can find passages that says we are not saved by works, Romans 4.4; Titus 3.4-5a. This causes some to believe in the doctrine of faith only. James 2.14-26. I) Defining A) Faith (noun) refers to the Gospel of Christ 1. At times refers to our conviction based on the word of God. 2. In the verb form the word faith is "believe" a. It refers to our belief in, or conviction in the word of God. b. We determine the amount of faith we are going to have and its direction. B) Works and obedience goes together 1. Hebrews 5.9 shows the obedience is a condition of salvation: are the disobedient saved? 2. Obedience mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10.5; 1 Peter 1.22. II) James 2.14-26 A) What profit is faith without works? 1. Profit means advantage or blessing. 2. Verses 15-17 illustration of a "dead faith" a. Not an absence of faith but a "dead faith" b. There is no profit of a dead faith, it is a faith without life, without hope. B) Verses 18-19 our works prove our faith 1. It is easy to proclaim one's faith but that does not mean we have an alive faith. 2. What about the person who says, "I still have faith?" a. Faith is not passive but active. b. What difference is there between you, one with a passive faith, and the devil? Acts 19.15 3. Faith that is barren will not save us. a. Does faith only save us? John 12.42-43 b. Can a person be saved before turning toward God? Acts 11.21 C) There are works that will not save us 1. Works according to the Law of Moses, Romans 3.28, 21; Galatians 2.16 2. Works of our own righteousness, Romans 10.3 3. Works of the devil, John 8.41,44 D) True faith (an alive faith, an active faith, a saving faith) 1. James 2.21 is seen in Abraham, John 8.39 a. By -- out of, out of works b. Out of Abraham's works his faith was made complete. 2. Not saved by faith only, Acts 10.34-35. 3. We are justified or pronounced just by the right kind of faith, Romans 5.1; Galatians 5.6 E) True works as opposed to the works that will not save us 1. Works of God as mentioned in John 6.28-29 2. Works of faith, 1 Thess. 1.2-3 3. Works of righteousness, Acts 10.35 4. Good works, Titus 2.11-14 III) What Are Some of The Specific Works Of Faith A) Paul was sent to "preach the Gospel" 1 Corinthians 1.17 1. Believing Jesus as the Son of God is a work, John 6.28-29 2. Repenting of one's sins is a work, Acts 26.19-20 3. Confessing Jesus is a work of faith, Romans 10.9; 2 Corinthians 9.13 4. Being baptized for the remission of sins, Roman 2.28-29; Colossians 2.11-12 B) As Christians we have work to do after our conversion 1. We must continue in the faith, Romans 16.26 2. Too often profess Jesus and their faith but then live the doctrine of faith only 3. Others stop working, Galatians 6.10 a. We can mention things such as worshipping God in spirit and truth, John 4.24; not forsaking the assembling of the saints, Hebrews 10.25; contending for the faith, Jude 3 b. We can also talk about feeding the hungry, helping the poor, aiding the sick, etc. Titus 2.11-14 Conclusion: The difference between a dead faith and an alive faith is one of conviction, obedience, and works. The difference is also one of salvation, Phil. 2.12
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