James 2

JAMES 2 - Favoritism and deeds

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** Christian saints are heirs to Christ's kingdom as confirmed throughout New Testament writings <B26>

• The word 'heir' implies relationship and allows allotted possession of something because of sonship to God

• What belongs to Jesus will also belong to those who believe <G72>

• Since we become His children when we accept His offer of salvation and live for Him, we become heirs to His inheritance

• Believers in Christ are promised an inheritance of a heavenly kingdom that will never perish if they share in Christ's sufferings

• We share in the sufferings of Christ now and will share in the glory of Christ later

• We all tend to like the message of sharing in the riches of Christ’s inheritance, but sharing in His sufferings doesn’t have the same appeal

Romans 8:17 NIV

[17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Titus 3:7 NIV

[7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life

James 2:5 NIV

[5] Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

• Christian saints are heirs to something they won’t possess in their earthly life, for the inheritance of the saints involves eternity with the Lord in heaven

• This inheritance will neither fade nor spoil

• Jesus Himself will provide the inheritance at His second coming (Dan 7:13-14, 24; Matt 24:30, 26:64)

• Believers in Christ will rule with Him in the heavenly kingdom when He takes them to glory

John 14:2-3 NIV

[2] My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV

[3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you

Colossians 3:4 NIV

[4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

** Those that say the church is now God’s kingdom, or an outpost of it, contradict the words that Paul wrote to the Corinthians. There he identifies “the kingdom of God” as our future inheritance rather than our current possession.

Paul says it’s impossible for us to receive our inheritance of the “kingdom of God” in our current state. The apostle’s words negate all teachings that claim the church is God’s kingdom either in its current or future state. Such things cannot happen while we exist in “flesh and blood” bodies.

The good news is that Jesus will make us fit for His kingdom when he appears, raises the dead “in Christ” with “imperishable bodies,” and also gives those of us who are alive at the time immortality. <B26>

1 Corinthians 15:50-55 NIV

[50] I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. [51] Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--- [52] in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. [53] For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. [54] When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” [55] “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

James 2:5 NIV

[5] Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

** Do not show favoritism or play judge to others; God calls these judgments evil because He knows our thoughts are often not impartial

James 2:3-5 NIV

If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” [4] have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? [5] Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

James 2:9 NIV

But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

** You will be judged as you judge others

James 2:12-13 NIV

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

** Living the Christian walk is often contrary to the message of the world; for example, the poor are rich and the rich are poor

James 2:5-7 NIV

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? [6] But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? [7] Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

** Why is it wrong to favor one person over another?

• Favoritism is a sin against God’s law, for the worth of a person is not based on another’s opinion

• Every person has value because they bear the image of God

• Biblical truths are absolute

• The church should not favor or accept those in alternate lifestyles, just as it should not favor the wealthy over the poor

• We are to love one another, otherwise we are guilty of breaking all of God’s law

• When we prioritize a person’s worth due to high esteem or low self-worth, we care too much what others think

• There are consequences for choices made; no one is forced to be a believer <C31>

James 2:1,9 NIV

[1] My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. [9] But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

James 2:8-10 NIV

[8] If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. [9] But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. [10] For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

Romans 2:9-11 NIV

[9] There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; [10] but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. [11] For God does not show favoritism.

** Respond to those who want favored status as God would treat them

• God created us and loves all His creation

• Showing favoritism to those who are lowly mocks the character of God our Creator

• Let the word of God guide you which tells us not to discriminate

• Talk and act like a person who will be judged by God’s law; our actions speak (or don't speak) for Christ

• Let love and mercy be your guide; don't be quick to judge and place pressure on those who make mistakes

• "All ground is level beneath the cross" <L122>

• Don't be like the person who received mercy from his debtor yet pressured another to repay him <C31>

James 2:12-13 NIV

[12] Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 NIV

[12] Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body---whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free---and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Deuteronomy 19:16-18a NIV

[16] If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse someone of a crime, [17] the two people involved in the dispute must stand in the presence of the Lord before the priests and the judges who are in office at the time. [18] The judges must make a thorough investigation

** God used 'divorce' to symbolize His thoughts and the punishment He would issue to Israel for her unfaithfulness <G72>

• Israel often proved to be an unfaithful spouse committing spiritual adultery by worshiping false gods and forsaking her Husband, the Lord

• God used Israel to warn Judah against making the same mistakes that Israel (their neighbors to the north) had made

• Even given the example of Israel’s divorce, Judah remained unfaithful as if daring God to mete out a similar punishment on them

• Israel was in a hopeless situation, for she had been divorced by God

• According to Mosaic law, those who were the cause of divorce could never be accepted back

Jeremiah 3:8 NIV

[8] I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery.

Hosea 1:2-4 NIV

[2] When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.” [3] So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. [4] Then the Lord said to Hosea, “Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel.

• But in great mercy, God was willing to forgive Israel and take her back!

• It was unthinkable that a human husband would take back his unfaithful wife, but God is greater than that

• In the same passage in which God sets up a scenario of hopelessness for Israel, He invites His people to return to Him and He promises that His anger will end

• God can and (still) will forgive His wayward people when they repent of their sin and seek Him again

• How can a divorced wife return and be restored?

• The law forbade it, but 'mercy triumphs over judgment' and God still has a plan for Israel and His wayward Christian followers (James 2:13)

Jeremiah 3:12 NIV

[12] Go, proclaim this message toward the north: “ 'Return, faithless Israel,' declares the Lord, 'I will frown on you no longer, for I am faithful,' declares the Lord, 'I will not be angry forever.

Hosea 3:1 NIV

[1] The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes. ”

James 2:12-13 NIV

** Have Christians today lost the art of forgiveness, compassion and mercy?

1 Timothy 1:1-2 NIV

[1] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, [2] To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 5:7 NIV

[7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Luke 6:37-38 NIV

[37] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. [38] Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

James 2:13 NIV

[13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

• The world simply has to read the infighting on social media to see that many followers succumb to arguing about the inane — often reacting to someone who comments and is looking for a fight

• Satan loves when Christians devour one another and the pagan onlooker discounts the Christian way

• The world in these perilous times is looking at Christians asking whether we, as Christ followers, are the real-deal and asking whether what Christ proposes really works...?

• Many are looking for hope (a solution) and WANT the Christian way to work but easily look the other way when they see Christians being no-different than the rest of the world

• Instead of infighting, Christians are to LOVE one another and offer MERCY to those who set out to agitate; blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy! <F60>

John 13:34-35 NIV

[34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Matthew 6:12 NIV

[12] And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Micah 6:8 NIV

[8] He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

** Faith requires deeds otherwise it's dead; deeds are the fulfillment of faith

James 2:14 NIV

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?

James 2:20-24 NIV

You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless ? [21] Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? [22] You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. [23] And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. [24] You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

James 2:26 NIV

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

James 3:13 NIV

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

** We must question a faith that does not show results/works

• God knows if we believe on Him; we can say the words but not have faith

• Wheat and tares look the same but they will be separated at harvest time

• Don't believe you are a Christian because you go to church etc; test yourselves

• Those with the right words but not the right heart will be denied in the end <C31>

James 2:14 NIV

[14] What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?

John 2:23-25 NIV

[23] Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. [24] But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. [25] He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

Matthew 13:27-30 NIV

[27] “The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' [28] “ 'An enemy did this,' he replied. “The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' [29] “ 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. [30] Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' ”

** Satan and his minions disguise themselves as Angels of Light and is why his false religion is called Doctrine of Demons <M130>

The Bible warns about its:

• Presence – which is everywhere all the time

• Prophets – advocating its lies

• Peril – to those who propagate and follow it

• False religion, even that which claims to be based on Scripture, is so globally attractive because the whole world belongs to the Evil One

• Sinners cannot understand the word of God and are resistant to the truth because they belong to the Evil One

John 8:43-45,47 NIV

[43] Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. [44] You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. [45] Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! [47] Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

• It is easy for people to be led into a damning religion and difficult for unsaved people to receive God’s truth

• It is natural for people to want to follow Old Testament works-religion and dismiss the requirement of faith Christ outlined in the New Testament

Matthew 7:13 NIV

[13] “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

Matthew 7:15-16 NIV

[15] “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

• Intellectual and verbal knowledge of Scripture is not saving knowledge of Scripture

• Christ is talking to Pharisees that egotistically had a form of godliness but denied its power

Matthew 23:27-28 NIV

[27] “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. [28] In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

[21] “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

• People who call themselves Christian can say and believe all the right things — like salvation prayer, going to church, believing a creed or even following a theology — and be lost at the same time

• Beware of a false assurance and notion of “cheap grace” in an effort to improve life and try to make the good outweigh the bad

• No, we are to self-examine ourselves to test the condition of our heart and ensure we have been changed, then ACTING on this change

If the answers to the following are centered on God, then that is the work of the Holy Spirit and your life in Christ is genuine:

• “What are my affections, desires, loves, motives?”

• “Am I more interested in the gifts than the Giver?”

• “Am I indifferent to God’s scripture?”

• “Do I act on my convictions and bear fruit?”

2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

[5] Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you---unless, of course, you fail the test?

James 2:14-17 NIV

** Are you practicing an empty faith?

• Empty confessions (14), false compassion (15-17), shallow conviction (18-20)

• Just because you believe God does not make you a Christian; even Satan believes

• If the decision to follow God does not change anything, you probably aren't saved <C31>

James 2:14-20 NIV

[14] What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. [18] But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. [19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder. [20] You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless ?

** We are saved by grace and not by works, but we show our faith by our works <G73>

• James wrote this letter specifically to the Jewish believers, but all Christians need to pay attention to his words

• Jesus paid the full price for our redemption, but shouldn’t we thank Him for His sacrifice by doing what we can for His glory?

James 2:17 NIV

[17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

** Put off what is bad in order to mature and gain spiritual growth

1 Peter 2:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

How do we put off the bad and put on good?

• Daily devotion and repentance

• DO what it takes to prove you mean business

• We can't be right with God and live in habitual sin at the same time

• Choosing and desiring Godly things is a choice and command

• God doesn't force us to make good choices but we need to desire it and act on it

• Making good decisions happens from the inside-out

• Choosing right takes effort, so study Scriptures, pray, and conduct ministry

• God helps us to accomplish this

Matthew 6:21 NIV

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The process results in spiritual growth:

• God helps us to accomplish ridding ourselves of what is bad and clinging to what is good

• A lack of spiritual growth is abnormal as it would be not if a person did not grow physically

• God does not expect us to grow in the same way as others

• One thing is for sure: we need to rid ourselves of what is considered junk and choose the truth of God; we cannot determine our own standards!

• As a result of following God's truth, we experience genuine growth and salvation

James 2:17 NIV

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

If we don't replace the bad with Christ’s good then a spiritual vacuum occurs:

• Something must go in and Satan is going to make sure it isn't good

• Focus on the fruits of the Spirit <C31>

Luke 3:8 NIV

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

** God tests the strength of every believer's faith to see if they are committed, for 'faith without works is dead' as highlighted in the book of James

• Satan must get God's permission to test the believer, like he did with Job and Jesus

• The theme of God testing believers runs throughout Scripture, starting early on with God testing His people <D40>

James 2:17 NIV

[17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 1:22 NIV

[22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Psalm 11:4 NIV

[4] The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.

** Let us not love with only words and speech, but with actions and in truth <D502>

James 2:17 NIV

[17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

1 John 3:18 NIV

[18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

** God continues to provide the only truth that will free men from the bondage of sin

• This scares those who want to remain in control of their own lives

• That's why people make every effort to quash God’s truth

• Similar to the Pharisees who did not want their world upset when they encountered Jesus

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 18:37 NIV

[37] “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

• True genuine disciples are recognized because they continue in God’s truth in His Word

• False faith often starts with a selfish motive (such as alleviating fear and guilt, attaining success, getting direction in life, healing, joining a social club, etc) but ends with serious eternal consequences

John 8:31-36 NIV

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. [32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [33] They answered him, “We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” [34] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. [35] Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. [36] So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

[24] “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

• True genuine faith requires total allegiance to Jesus Christ

• This means persisting through the hard times and obeying God’s commands even though life is tough

• Continue in perseverance and sanctification in God's truth <M130>

Luke 12:8-9 NIV

[8] “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. [9] But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.

James 2:17 NIV

[17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Luke 14:26-27 NIV

[26] “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters---yes, even their own life---such a person cannot be my disciple. [27] And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Hebrews 12:14 NIV

[14] Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

** The Lord protected the Israelite spies through a prostitute named Rehab

• The spies would not be conspicuous in Rehab's home

• God wanted the spies at Rahab's home for the salvation of the harlot

• Consequently, Rehab's family was spared when the Israelites laid siege on the inhabitants

• Rehab became an example of God saving by faith someone at the bottom of the social strata <M130>

Joshua 2:12-14 NIV

[12] “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign [13] that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them---and that you will save us from death.” [14] “Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land.”

Joshua 2:15-16 NIV

[15] So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall. [16] She said to them, “Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way.”

Joshua 2:17-20 NIV

[17] Now the men had said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us [18] unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. [19] If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them. [20] But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear. ”

James 2:18-25 NIV

[18] But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. [19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder. [20] You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless ? [21] Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? [22] You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. [23] And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. [24] You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. [25] In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?

** The book of James should act as a 'measuring stick' to determine whether the Christian is correctly walking with God <M1501>

• What is the evidence of a faith in Christ that is different from a demon who also believes in Christ?

• Those who have a heart for God will continuously seek His ways and the outpouring of this heart will be evidence of a walk with God to others

• Look at the disciples of Christ who stood out from the crowd and were praising God even through suffering; God's presence was evidenced by the way they were conducting their lives!

James 2:18-19 NIV

** Belief in God alone does not qualify you as a Christian

James 2:19 NIV

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder.

** God is absolutely righteous and omnipotent which should make us stand in absolute AWE of Him, even as the demons recognize God and shudder! God has zero tolerance for sin and must deal with it.

James 2:19 NIV

[19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder.

** Deciding to believe in God is the 'start' of a person's life in Christ; the Christian's faith is then measured by how they put their belief into action

James 2:19-24 NIV

[19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder. [20] You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless ? [21] Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? [22] You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. [23] And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God's friend. [24] You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

** An essential part of living as a believer in Christ is depending on the Holy Spirit all day, everyday

• Christ Himself knows HOW we should move forward and gives us the STRENGTH to do so

• Those who merrily go along without an intimate connection with the Holy Spirit need to question their spiritual status as a Christian

Acts 2:38 NIV

[38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 NIV

[13] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Question to ask: what's the difference between a 'believer' without the Holy Spirit and an enemy evil spirit who also believes in God and trembles?

James 2:19 NIV

[19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder.

** Our salvation comes by faith but is evidenced and matured through good works

• Salvation is given by God

• We cannot be saved by our works lest anyone should boast

• We are saved (created) to do good works

Faith that saves is evidenced by good works

• The heart condition changes which changes our outward actions

• Abraham offered his son as proof of his faith; Abraham was tested long after he was declared righteous

• Rahab proved her faith by protecting the messengers of God

• Early church members sold possessions to give to the poor, they gave the best they had

• Can others see how faith has affected you? <C31>

James 2:21-22,26 NIV

James 2:25 NIV

[25] In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?

Genesis 15:6 NIV

[6] Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV

[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--- [9] not by works, so that no one can boast. [10] For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

** It is possible for a Christian to be carnal for a time. However, for a true Christian, carnality will only be a lapse; he will not remain carnal for a lifetime.

A true Christian:

• Is a new creation (2 Cor 5:17)

• Seeks to live for God in all he does (Col 3:23)

• Bears fruit (James 2:14–26; John 15:16)

The Spirit who lives in believers is the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. This changes our life for eternity but also gives us life “to the full” here on earth (John 10:10). To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded—living by God’s Spirit—is life and peace. <G72>

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Colossians 3:23 NIV

[23] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters

Romans 10:10 NIV

[10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

James 2:21-24 NIV

[21] Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? [22] You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. [23] And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God's friend. [24] You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

John 15:16 NIV

[16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit---fruit that will last---and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

John 10:10 NIV

[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

** Our Christian life demonstrated through our faith is a muscle like others in our body that need to be used & tested in order to grow

• We lose muscles we don’t use and the same will happen to our faith if we don’t exercise it

• Put into action your belief in God, that He hears you, loves you, wants what is best for you, is sovereign above all else… and then leave the results to Him

2 Corinthians 1:24 NIV

[24] Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV

[3] We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

James 2:22-24 NIV

[22] You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. [23] And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God's friend. [24] You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

** A study in the difference between salvation and sanctification as outlined by Paul in the book of Galatians; Christians began to be confused when false teachers proclaimed their need to follow legalistic rituals in order to be saved and sanctified <M130>

Galatians 3:1-3 NIV

[1] You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. [2] I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? [3] Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?

SALVATION is by a professing faith

(Galatians 1-4)

• It is by faith alone that we are saved

• It is the work of the Holy Spirit IN you, not ceremony performed on the OUTside

Galatians 5:1,4 NIV

[1] It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. [4] You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

Romans 10:10 NIV

[10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

SANCTIFICATION is the act of becoming holy

(Galatians 5)

• We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit and walk one step time via His power

• The flesh (sin desire) is in conflict with the Spirit (who is opposed to sin)

• Our predicament: even though we are raised to a new life, our flesh still clings (like the burial clothes of the risen Lazarus initially clung to him)

• The power of the Holy Spirit is the only way a person can overcome the desires of the flesh

• The Holy Spirit restrains sin so you are not overpowered by the things of the flesh (what you desire)

• As we become more holy (sanctified), sin decreases while righteousness increases

Galatians 5:16-18 NIV

[16] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

James 2:24 NIV

[24] You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

Galatians 5:22-25 NIV

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Romans 6:5-8,11-12,14 NIV

[5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--- [7] because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. [8] Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. [11] In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. [12] Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. [14] For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 6:19 NIV

[19] I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.

** Occasionally, readers of Scripture will come across what appears to be contradicting passages; they need to be read keeping the author's purpose in mind

• If we read the Bible at face value, without a preconceived bias for finding errors, we will find it to be a coherent, consistent, and relatively easy-to-understand book

• Yes, there are difficult passages

• Yes, there are verses that appear to contradict each other

• But we must remember that the Bible was written by approximately 40 different authors over a period of around 1,500 years

• Each writer wrote with a different style, from a different perspective, to a different audience, for a different purpose

• We should expect some minor differences; a difference, however, is not a contradiction <G72>

• For instance, some will read James 2:24 states that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone, which can seem to contradict Romans 3:28 which says a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law

• However, applying the principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture reveals that they are addressing different issues

• Paul is refuting legalism in earning salvation, while James is addressing a lack of evidence for genuine faith

• Together, the passages explain that while salvation is by faith, a true faith will inevitably produce good works as evidence <W2201>

James 2:24 NIV

[24] You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

Romans 3:28 NIV

[28] For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

James 2.

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