FAITH WITHOUT WORKS

Sermon Notes, September 28, 2014

Rev. Jan Sinozich

Pastor Jan’s sermon was titled “Faith Without Works,” and was based on James 2, where  James talks about real faith.  Paul discusses the root of salvation—is it faith or works?  James discusses the root of sanctification—faith equals works.  There’s no conflict here: Ephesians 2:8-10 says we were saved by grace through faith for good works that God has already prepared for us to do.

Real faith is more than a thing.  It is the one thing that changes everything. (v. 14)  Real faith is not just a feeling.   It is a feeling that calls us into action. (v. 15-16)  Faith without action is dead. (v.17) We are to be generous givers (1 John 3:17)  Real faith is not just different thinking.  It can be seen; James says “Show me.” (v. 18)  Different thinking prepares us for action.  We are new creations in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)   Real faith is not just something to believe.  The fool says in his heart “There is no God,” (Psalm 14:1) but even Satan knows there is.  Belief brings us to the commitment of action.  Real faith is something you do.

We see examples of real faith in the Old Testament.  Abraham’s faith was made complete by what he did.  He obediently took his son to the top of the mountain to be sacrificed, and God DID provide the sacrifice.  Rahab was a Gentile woman who by faith hid the Israelite spies in Jericho, and was not only saved from death, but was one of Jesus’ ancestors.

Our faith is not determined by what we do; it is demonstrated by what we do.  2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to test ourselves—is our faith is real?  Real faith is something we do.  And God already has our work prepared for us.