Sermon Cloud

Good morning! Today, we continue our series Fit Faith with one of the most confused, abused and misunderstood passages in the New Testament, James 2:14-26. We have a lot of work to do in order to understand the truth behind the words that James is writing to the believers who are dispersed throughout the known world, so let’s get right to it.  Read James 2:14-26

Let’s pray for God to illuminate this passage through the guidance and direction of His Holy Spirit as we seek to workout what James is trying to work into our lives.

Mythbusters. There are many myths when it comes to Faith, Works, and Salvation and only one correct view. The first myth is that WORKS = SALVATION. This myth states that we are justified by our works and we receive salvation on the basis of those works. Paul makes it very clear in Romans 3:28 that this is not the case, For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. So, we can label that as a myth as busted. The second myth that we often encounter is that FAITH = SALVATION This myth states that faith and salvation are equivalent with nothing added to or subtracted from either side. Those that hold this view would correctly state that salvation comes only by faith, but incorrectly that this faith does not necessarily lead to life change. James busts this myth in James 2:17, So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. While the equation is true, it is incomplete, therefore this myth is busted. The third myth is that FAITH + WORKS = SALVATION. This myth states that both faith and works are requirements of salvation. That a person must have faith, but that faith is not enough so they must add works in order to be saved. Paul again makes it clear in Ephesians 2:8-9 that this is not the case, 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. Salvation does not result from our works, it is a gift of God. Faith alone leads to salvation by God’s grace, so this myth is busted as well. So what is the truth when it comes to salvation? As we study the whole counsel of God’s Word, we discover that FAITH = SALVATION + WORKS. Both Paul and James would agree that Faith is the only requirement for Salvation, but that works are a necessary result of salvation. Look how Paul ties the two together in Ephesians 2:10, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Salvation comes from faith in Jesus Christ alone, but God is finished with us when He justifies us. The same faith that leads to salvation produces good works in response to salvation.

The BIG IDEA that both James and Paul would agree on is that: We are saved by faith alone, but the faith which saves is never alone. The same faith that leads to our justification (our right standing with God), bears the fruit of sanctification (our progress in our relationship with God) which is works of love. What James is addressing in James 2:14-26 is a false faith that does not bear this fruit of salvation. He is saying that this faith cannot justify anyone. He is calling out those who claim to have faith in Jesus Christ, yet show no signs of a renewed mind and a changed heart. Theirs is not a fit faith, it is a false faith.