It is a pleasure to be able to post the sermon this week. I hope that you are all doing well. I am still in recovery mode from my allergic reaction, so keep me in your prayers.
Over the last couple of weeks, we took a short break from our study in the book of James in order to speak about Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter. Today, we resume our study in James. I will take this week's sermon and the next to explore what James 2:14-26 has to teach us.
I need to start out by stating that this is probably the most controversial passage in the book of James. Some will use this passage to state that the doctrine of justification by faith alone is not Biblical. In the past, one of the Protestant Reformers disliked the book of James because of this portion of the text. If we study what James is trying to say, we will clearly see that James is not contradicting Paul's teaching, and Paul is not contradicting James.
First of all, James is not saying that we obtain salvation by doing good works. He is making the point quite well that true faith in Jesus manifests itself in action. An example of this is found in Hebrews 11. In this great chapter, many of the important heroes of faith are listed. Some have called this chapter the Hall of Fame of Faith.
One thing that you will notice in studying those mentioned in Hebrews 11 is that these people's faith was manifested in action. They didn't just acknowledge the power of God mentally, they believed God and set about doing what God asked them to do.
James tells us that mental assent to the reality of the things of God is not enough to bring salvation. Even the devils know the truth. They know all about God and what Jesus did on the cross and in His resurrection. However, they clearly demonstrate in their rebellion that they do not acknowledge the authority of God.
Anyone can say that they are a Christian. Just about anyone can go to a church, say the right things and then become a member. That doesn't mean that they have had a real encounter with the Lord. There is a difference between a mere profession of faith and a true possession of faith.
Someone who has truly placed their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ will have works in their life that demonstrates that they have been born again and that Jesus is Lord. That person is not saved by works, that person is demonstrating that Jesus is Lord of their life by the way that they live in the world for the Lord Jesus.
James provides two examples of what he is trying to teach. Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. He believed that God would deliver Isaac even if it meant that Isaac would be raised from the dead. Abraham had to show by what he did that he really believed God. He had to do what God said to demonstrate that he really had faith in God.
Rahab is the other example. When the spies came into the city of Jericho, she hid them away. In order to be safe when the city was taken, the spies told her to hang a scarlet cord from her window. She could have said that she believed all day, but if she didn't hang out the scarlet cord, she would not have been safe. Her action demonstrated that she truly believed what the spies told her.
In our world today, there are many people who make the claim to be Christians. However, their beliefs and actions do not line up with what has been revealed by the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. They are not manifesting their faith by their works.
No one can do enough good works to earn salvation. Jesus came to save us because we could not and cannot save ourselves. What we do demonstrates that we are truly redeemed by Jesus Christ. We are saved unto good works. A follower of Jesus should lead a life centered around the teachings and the admonitions of Jesus.
Next week, I want to look at this passage with a different angle, and speak about taking action in this world. Amen.
Prayer Requests
Please keep praying that I will get better. I thank you for your prayers.
Continue to pray that the coronavirus pandemic will end soon. I heard on the news this morning that Brazil is having a really rough time right now. Pray that those who are sick will recover.
Pray for peace in this world. Syria, Yemen, Mozambique and Libya are in need of our prayers for peace.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those who live in the nations of Iran and Sierra Leone. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, we will continue in our study of James. On Monday I will post the verses. I will try to post something midweek. May God bless you all.
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