MOMENTUM—Week 7—James 2:14-26

The passage we’re about to read together was difficult for many church fathers. So much was it a problem for Martin Luther, the man who stood up against the Church of England over 500 years ago, that he considered having it stricken form the Scriptures. His issue? James seems to be in direct opposition to Paul in Ephesians 2, saying that our salvation is based on works and not faith. But as we will see together, that is not what James is saying. In fact, as we consider James’ words here and Paul’s words in Ephesians 2, we’re going to see that they do agree.

  1. Faith by itself is dead (15-17)
    1. The example of someone in need
    2. Faith BY ITSELF is dead…it needs the works to be vital
    3. Faith on its own is dead faith
  2. Faith cannot be demonstrated apart from works (18-23)
    1. Prove your faith!
    2. The example of Abraham and Isaac
    3. Signs of life
  3. We are justified by works with faith (24-25)
    1. Justification in the world’s eyes, not God’s eyes
    2. Example of Rahab
    3. What are we willing to do because we believe in Jesus?

Put your faith into action! Because if someone is going to see the difference in how we live our lives, there needs to be a 70% variance. Without it, people will never see the need to change their lives.

THIS IS THE WAY!

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