Coachlight Bible Study – James Chapter Two, Verses 14-26

True Faith Vindicates Itself By Works

It is most unfortunate that most messages from Christians today is focused on a one time experience with God, and then go through a mixture of ‘Christian principles’, Psychology, and counseling to get through the tough times ahead.

We have been taught in the Book of James, that the Christian is going to go through trials, and each trial is the method that God uses to give His child patience. The word translated patience in Greek is hupomone, which actually means endurance.

We have also learned that an inheritance will be received by the person who endures temptation. James illustrated this by comparing two cycles – one cycle of life and the other cycle of death. On one hand we have the cycle of a person whose affections are centered on things that satisfy his own fleshly desires, which James called lust, or wrong affections. This lust conceives and brings forth sin, and when sin is finished it brings forth death.

This “death cycle” is compared with the eternal life cycle. In this cycle the persons affections are set on things above (Colossians 3:2), and the gift from God then is re-birth, by the Word of God. We are then a kind of firstfruit of His creation, and will be able to go through the trials and temptations thus receiving the Crown of Life, James 1:12.

I truly believe that James is teaching that our salvation is a continual experience with God, that ends with being with Him forever as in other Scriptures such as I Peter 1:7-9; and I John 3:1-3; and I Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Focus	What Is True Faith?
Scripture	1:1-----2:1-------------3:1------------3:13------4:1----------------5:7----------5:13
Plan	Makes Doers of the Word	Vindicates Itself by Works	Controls the Tongue	Produces Wisdom	Demonstrates Humility	Endures Loving Christ’s Appearing	Prays for the Sick
Intention	James was inspired by God to exhort the scattered Jews, who were going through many trials of faith to endure, anticipating Christ’s return.
Location	Jerusalem
Time	Circa AD 45-49

I. True Faith Vindicates Itself By Works

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

A. James is asking the question: What good is professing faith, if we are unwilling to help one truly in need?

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. {alone: Gr. by itself}

James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. {without: some copies read, by}

B. James states that faith “being alone” – (of itself) is dead.

1. Being alone stems from two Greek words

a. kata – a preposition meaning of

b. heautou – a reflexive pronoun, meaning in this sense “itself”

2. Then James compares it to a body without a spirit is dead. – verse 26

James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

C. James says that faith in God is no enough – Even Satan believes

James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect<5048>? {Seest…: or, Thou seest}

5048 teleiow teleioo tel-i-o’-o - from 5046; TDNT-8:79,1161; v

make perfect 12, perfect 4, finish 4, fulfil 2, be perfect 1, consecrate 1; 24

1) to make perfect, complete 1a) to carry through completely, to accomplish, finish, bring to an end

2) to complete (perfect) 2a) add what is yet wanting in order to render a thing full

2b) to be found perfect

3) to bring to the end (goal) proposed 4) to accomplish

4a) bring to a close or fulfilment by event 4a1) of the prophecies of the scriptures

D. James illustrates that faith without works is dead with the life of Abraham

1. At the time when Abraham brought Isaac to the alter.

2. James states that Abraham’s faith was made perfect, or complete by works

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. {spirit: or, breath}

Are we justified by faith or works?

Does the New Testament contradict itself in teaching the legal term ‘justification’?

Do Paul and James teach different theology?

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

We Have Two Different Books With Different Meanings Of The Word, Different Context, And Different Illustration
	James	Paul
Context	Faith that is genuine results in good works, showing the justification in front of men	Justification by God alone and by means of faith alone and not by works.
Text	James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.	Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Illustration	James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?	Romans 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? Romans 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
What’s Different? – Both concern Abraham.	We can see the difference in the illustrations is the time of the event.
What’s Different? – Both concern Abraham.	Genesis 15:6	Genesis 22
Paul summed this all up in the Book of Ephesians
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Justification In The Book Of Romans

Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

I. External Helps: (Vines)

(1344) Dikaioo - Justification – Two meanings

a.) The legal and formal acquittal from guilt by God as Judge, pronouncing the sinner righteous, by means of his faith about Christ’s death in the stead of the sinner

b.) To show to be right or righteous – Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:35

II. Context: (Open Bible)

Romans 3:1-5:1 – By what means is an individual justified?

III. Main Idea:

Subject: How is a man justified?

Compliment: By faith without works

IV. Historical Study: (Open Bible)

a.) Paul’s intension was that through prayer to God and instruction, the groups at Rome would be equipped to admonish one another. Romans 15:13-14

b.) Paul’s plan is carried out with three main sections: the revelation, the vindication, and the application of God’s righteousness. Our Passage is part of the first section or the revelation of God’s righteousness. God’s righteousness is revealed in that Christ became our substitute (propitiation) and took away out guilt. Justification is by Christ’s works, not our own

c.) Romans illustrates this by the story of Abraham being justified – Genesis 15

V. Sense of the word “Justification” in this passage

The first sense – (a.) above to legally stand before God in a state of righteousness

VI. Theological Interpretation

A man is imputed the righteousness of Christ, or put another way, reckoned righteous by God, when the man believes God’s Word about Christ’s work completely apart from his own works.

Justification In The Book Of James

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

I. External Helps: (Vines)

(1344) Dikaioo - Justification – Two meanings

a.) The legal and formal acquittal from guilt by God as Judge, pronouncing the sinner righteous, by means of his faith about Christ’s death in the stead of the sinner

b.) To show to be right or righteous – Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:35

II. Context: (Open Bible)

James 1:2-5:7 – What is true faith?

III. Main Idea:

Subject: How is a man justified?

Compliment: By works and not by faith only.

IV. Historical Study: (Open Bible)

a.) James’ intention was to encourage Jewish Christians beset with problems that was testing their faith.

b.) James’ plan is carried out in three main sections: the test, the characteristics, and the triumph of true faith. Our Passage is part of the first section or the characteristics of true faith. A genuine faith will produce real changes in a person’s conduct and character, while an absence of a change is a symptom of a dead faith.

c.) James lustrates this by the story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac on Mount Moriah. Genesis 22

V. Sense of the word “Justification” in this passage

The second sense – (b.) to show, or vindicate to be righteous

VI. Theological Interpretation

After a man has been reckoned righteous by God, since it is by true or living faith, (not dead faith), good works will follow. By these good works the man is shown or vindicated to be righteous in front of men. (God justifies because of His foreknowledge)

Justification Is By Faith Alone

A. Justification is a legal term

1. The picture is the sinner before the court of God

2. The sinner has merited only of condemnation & death – Romans Chapters 1-3

3. But instead, God Himself, Demonstrates His love for the sinner

a. God pronounces not guilty - On the basis of the sinner’s faith in God’s Word

b. God recons His own Righteousness to the sinner’s account

B. It is not that the sinner is righteous

1. He is declared righteous by God

2. This declaration - based on the sinner’s belief in God’s Word – Christ’s Sacrifice

C. Salvation is more than forgiveness of sins – Also receiving Righteousness

1. We are in Christ

I Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

2. Because of Christ’s substitution for us and death

II Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

3. We have peace with God and can glory in tribulations

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:

4. There is no more condemnation – We can mind the things of the Spirit

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: {for sin: or, by a sacrifice for sin}

Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Salvation Is Much More Than A One Time Event
Definition	Man’s Deliverance From God’s Wrath And Resulting Death Caused By Man’s Sin, Including Reconciliation To God Brought About By God’s Love Thru His Son’s Blood. Romans Chapter 5
Time	Title	When	Scripture
Past	Justification	Belief	Romans 10:9-13
Present	Sanctification	Progressive	Romans 8:6-14
Future	Glorification	Resurrection	Romans 8:14-25