Join us for part two of James! Such a trigger worthy issue when it comes to faith and works, lets dive in:
Clearing up confusion:
Paul - We are given Romans and Paul’s heavy hitting discussion on how justification is by faith alone to combat those driving believers to legalism and old Judaism law keeping as requirements.
James - We are given James and James’ heavy hitting discussion on how its by Faith alone, but not a faith that is alone! James is combating that realm of "Easy Believerism" that is the opposite extreme of legalism.
The teamwork of Paul and James gives us this final picture for chapter two: We are justified in grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. His finished work justifies us (Paul). And it is the completed work of Jesus that makes us new and wanting to live as He now calls us to (James).
Points:
1. We love on the broken! Favoritism has no room in the gospel, so it can’t have room in us!
2. Faith is active and alive, something truly life changing will change your actions also!
3. Our Salvation is evident in our faith and works, not faith in our works!
Questions:
1. When we think about sharing our faith, do we willingly share? Or do we judge all the aspects of the situation and person first?
2. Which is easier, claiming to love Jesus with our words only or allowing those words to prompt faith filled actions/ reactions?
3. The world has proven that people can have “good faith” and “good works” separately. Why is it so important to get Faith and Works right?
a. Justification is by grace alone through Faith alone, but not by faith that IS alone.
