Key Verse:
What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
(James 2:14)
WHAT DOES "SAVING" FAITH LOOK LIKE?
James presents a very simple formula for real authentic faith in Jesus Christ . . . Faith = Obedience + Works. James really dials in on the results and by products of faith - a faith that originates with a love "relationship" with God through Jesus Christ.
The relationship with Jesus is the key and motivation for authentic faith. Our love and gratitude for all that God has done for us properly places our motive for obedience and good works. Our good works are initiated by love for God and His love for us and our fellow man. Our deeds no longer become obligatory and burdensome. Even the simple acts of kindness or not participating in gossip conversation yield the blessing of obedience. Again, our motive of pleasing our Savior encourages a life of good works and obedience. A life of living faith!
The following verses communicate God's emphasis of how Faith, Obedience, and Works validate a real and loving relationship He desires with us.
Phil 2:12, 13-So, then my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
1 Cor. 3:13- Each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and fire itself will test the quality of each man's work.
1 Timothy 6:18- Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share...
Hebrews 11:8- By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.
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.
Relationship with Jesus + Works/Obedience = Saving Faith
Want Faith?? Get Jesus and Go To Work!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment