17th October 2024

17th October 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (James 2v14-17)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


The book of James has long been considered a controversial book. Why? The Apostle Paul was inspired to write the majority of the New Testament and it seems to some that his Gospel was different from that of James. The thinking goes that Paul preached grace while James preached works.


I hope you don’t believe this and I trust that our look at James has already shown what he thought about salvation. Allow me to give you a brief reminder. James believed that Christians were not made by their works but by the Word of God which brought them forth (James 1v18). To underline this point, James also stated that it was the implanted Word of God which was able to save (James 1v21). None of this sounds to me like a Gospel of salvation by human endeavour. God alone brings Christians into life by His Word and Spirit. 


Even so, James still makes many people uncomfortable by insisting that faith must always be accompanied by works. To drill down into the issue James asked three questions. Firstly, what good is faith that isn’t accompanied by works (v14a)? Secondly, can faith without works save (v14b)? Finally, is is good to see a brother poorly clothed and hungry and to give him your words but not the things he needs (v16)?


I preached recently that most people in Ballynahinch believe that they are fundamentally good and bound for heavenly glory. To this I must say that no one is righteous, all must turn to Christ by faith and what overflows from this saving faith are God glorifying good deeds. If someone’s profession of faith is not coupled with evidence, then that faith is useless and dead. In answer to James’ second question, such a faith cannot save anyone. If a Christian can give a freezing brother a blanket then the gift should be given without delay. To tell the cold man “I hope you warm up soon!” is less than useless and no good whatsoever.


As far as Paul was concerned we have been saved by grace alone leaving us no room to boast (Ephesians 2v5) with the result of this salvation being you and I walking in the good works that God has prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2v10). James speaks in a different manner but he says essentially the same thing - if your faith never results in works then it is an unsaving dead faith (v17).


Some will ask “but what about the thief on the cross…he had no time to do good works.” You are correct and many are saved in the final moments of their life. Nevertheless, the most common Christian conversion is not on the death bed. The thief on the cross was the exception rather than the rule. Others might ask “I don’t see much growth in my life…is my faith dead?” Brothers and sisters, if you ask this question then it gives evidence that you are wrestling with God’s Word. This is a good sign because those who do not trust Christ equally do not wrestle with God’s Word. Finally, still others will wonder “Should I do more good deeds just to be sure?” My friend if you hear God’s call to the mission field then go and if God is calling you to preach then preach. But understand that the majority of Christians will live out their ordinary lives in ordinary towns and villages doing ordinary jobs. These men and women will never preach or give testimony and will have no books written about their lives.


What then does living faith look like for the majority of us who are everyday ordinary Christians? Go to church and rejoice in the ordinary means of grace - the Word read and preached, prayer and the sacraments are for your spiritual growth and good. Then when Monday comes make sure your children are clean and fed. Consider if your elderly neighbour might need a pint of milk from Iceland. Be courteous and kind when everyone else rages about the length of the queue in the Post Office. These are ordinary works done by ordinary people in thankful praise of their extraordinary God.


I never tire of considering Paul’s description of the radical Christian life. He said “aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” (1 Thessalonians 4v11-12). Right there in two wonderful verses is a life pleasing to God and sure evidence of faith accompanied by works. May you and I live out such a life all the more as we see the Day approaching - to God alone the glory!


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q11 What are God’s works of providence? God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.
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