FAULTY FAITH
James 2:14-26

Introduction:     At the heart of this passage is the fact that genuine faith produces genuine works. If faith is only something we talk about, it is dead. Man is justified by faith and not by works, but this passage seems to suggest a contradiction. How does this passage fit into the Biblical theme of “justification by faith”? This passage speaks of works that are a result of being justified as a demonstration that validates a genuine believer.

I.          FAITH THAT IS WORTHLESS (VV.14-17)

3 key words:

  1. Say (vv.14, 16, 18)

This is a faith of words that must be proven by an obedient life.

  1. Show (v.18)

Others can know a person has real faith only when it is shown.

  1. See (vv.22,24)

God may see faith in the heart, but man must see faith in a person’s life.

A.        Worthless Faith’s Profession (v.14)

·        Faith that only says and never shows evidence of reality has nothing to validate that faith.

·        Works (deeds that spring from genuine faith) seen here are proof of faith, not a means of salvation (Acts 26:20) "But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." (“Meet”= deserving or worthy).

·        Can that kind of faith (empty, vain, dead) save?

            B.         Worthless Faith’s Expression (vv.15-16)

·        Profitless to the person who has it.

·        Profitless to the people who need it.

·        Talk is cheap and is worthless if not accompanied by action.

            C.        Worthless Faith’s Affirmation (v.17)

·        “Dead” = barren, fruitless; without valve.

·        “Being alone” = by itself; true faith brings life, and life produces good works.

·        The Bible strongly affirms that a person who has placed genuine faith in Jesus will have a natural desire to help others.

 

II.         FAITH THAT IS WICKED (VV.18-20)

            A.        Talks About Faith (v.18)

Notice the example of two arrogant men.

·        One says he has faith (with no validating works) (Titus 1:16 ) "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."

·        The other has works (with no faith) (Mat 7:22 ) "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?"

·        It is not a matter of faulty faith or worthless works. To profess and not possess faith will never save anyone! To follow works to become acceptable to God will never save anyone! These two arrogant men are handled with one clear statement (v.18c) (Illus: A person who truly believes in Christ works for Christ! A person who only professes Christ lives for himself!)

            B.         Talks About Fear (vv.19-20)

The faith in these verses is the kind of faith that demons have which brings no salvation.

·        Professed faith is orthodox but not active. Man does well to believe in God, but believing in God is not enough. There is a dead belief and a living belief.

·        Example of the demons – their belief about God is impeccable (Illus: The devil could join the average Baptist Church ).

·        “But wilt thou know”= therefore know this (exactly what verse 20 says) do not be vain (empty, empty, foolish), true faith is a living faith, it is a working faith, a faith that stirs a person to live for Jesus – to live a righteous and pure life and to give all he has to reach the lost with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ!

 

III.       FAITH THAT IS WORTHY (VV.21-26)

            A.        Seen In A Hero (vv.21-24)

·        Faith that witnesses (vv.21-22) – By faith he was justified before God and his righteousness was declared. By works he was justified before men and his righteousness was demonstrated

·        Faith that wins (v.23) – “Friend of God” = intimate fellowship.

·        Faith that works (v.24) – “Faith only” = dead faith; inactive, worthless, faulty faith. John Calvin - “It is faith alone that justifies but faith that justifies can never be alone.”

            B.         Seen In A Harlot (vv.25-26)

·        Faith that is declared (v.25) – Here to show that all with true living faith prove it by works. She believed God, therefore she acted; she put her faith to work!

·        Faith that is dead (v.26) – What is true of the physical life is true of the spiritual life. When the soul leaves the body there is separation (death). When demonstration separates from faith that faith become lifeless and useless.

 

Conclusion:       Abraham and Rahab are two examples of those whose faith was validated by their works. The union of faith and works is as close as the union of body and spirit. Faith that has no action (works) is Faulty Faith – and is as useless as a lifeless corpse.