September 27, 2020
Living by Faith (James 2:14-26)
Main Thing to Know:
True faith is not what I but what I
Faith & Good Works:
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:8-10)
It is therefore faith alone which justifies, and yet the faith which justifies is not alone.
—John Calvin, Antidote to the Council of Trent (1547)
Two Old Testament Examples:
The Good Works of Godliness & Obedience:
I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
—Edgar Guest
Whether the issue is marriage and sexuality or money and care for the poor, evangelicals today are living scandalously unbiblical lives . . . in many crucial areas evangelicals are not living any differently from their unbelieving neighbors.
—Ron Sider, The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience
Your faith will be in exact proportion to your obedience.
—F.B. Meyer, The Secret of Guidance
Personal Questions:
(1) Does my life give evidence of a ?
(2) What area of disobedience is my spiritual growth?
(3) How will I live by faith this week?