10th October 2024

10th October 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (James 1v26-27)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


True Protestantism has long been clear that we cannot be saved by our works. If you spend anytime in Edengrove then you will be all too familiar with the cry that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. The Gospel is not good news if it depends on us, but thanks be to God because the Gospel is all about Christ and His finished work.


With that clearly stated we must also declare that there will be evidence of the Spirit’s work in the life of someone who has received the Gospel. This is a message that James brings consistently throughout his letter - if you have been saved there will be evident fruit of that salvation in your daily walk.


What sort of evidence? The saved of God are those who bridle their tongues (v26). We’ll spend more time on this subject in later devotions but I’ll simply say today that gossip, slander and threats should not find themselves leaving the mouth of a Christian. In like manner the child of God gives evidence of their faith by their good deeds. James gives the example of visiting both orphans and widows (v27a) but our good deeds should never be limited to these groups. The Christian is to make a practice of doing good to all people and especially to our fellow Christians (Galatians 6v10).


Finally, the truly saved individual will pursue righteousness and holiness throughout their life keeping themselves unstained from the world (v27b). You and I must live and work in this world but we must always guard against becoming like it. Do our attitudes match the world around us? Do we have our thoughts and opinions shaped by Facebook? Do we notice our sin and grieve over it?


James would not have recognised the “easy believism” of our day. What is “easy believism”? This is Christianity based on a decision that subsequently produces no tangible fruit. Imagine an imaginary person called Bob. Bob went to a mission once and prayed with the visiting evangelist. For a day or two Bob thought his prayer was quite significant but he quickly forgot about it and got on with his life. Years later Bob was approached by another evangelist who asked if Bob was saved. Bob exploded with rage, called the evangelist all manner of vile names and proudly declared that he had no problem with God. Bob went on his way and never wondered why the question made him so angry but he was delighted that he’d put the evangelist in his place. This is “easy believism” - it is a false faith that claims a Christianity without Christ or His church. 


If you and I profess faith in Christ then that profession will be matched by our deeds. It is a faith rooted in the Gospel, focused on Jesus and played out in the church. Please note that you should not seek assurance in the abundance of your good works nor should the lack of good deeds cause you to believe that you are unsaved. Remember that you are saved by grace, faith and Jesus. Even so, as you have received the Gospel endeavour by all your strength to live it out. This is religion that is both pure and undefiled before Almighty God (v27a). 


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q5 Are there more Gods than one? There is but one only, the living and true God.
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