Faith is made complete by works! James 2:21-23
A. Abraham as an example:
Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he
offered his son Isaac on the altar? 2:21
You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith
was made complete by what he did. 2:22
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it
was credited to him as righteousness," … 2:23
1. Abraham believed God.
2. God asked him to offer his son, Isaac as a sacrifice!
3. Abraham did what God told him to do.
At time of doing what he was told, his faith was made complete!
This is the kind of faith that saved a person, a family, a nation!
B. Ro.12:9.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
1. If we hate what is wrong, we will not do what is wrong.
2. If we cling to what is good, we will not do what is wrong!
3. When we are admonished for wrong we have done, what do we do?
If we quote or blame others’ wrong as reason for wrong we have done, we cling to what is evil!
4. When wrong is done, the right thing to do is ask for forgiveness and
not do the same wrong again. If we repeat in doing the same wrong, we
lie to ourselves if we say we believe Jesus!
So, please be careful not to repeat the same wrong!
5. Remember 3 Jn.1:11--> Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what
is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God.
Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
C. Ro.16:19
For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over
you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto
that which is evil.
Please take notice, “simple” here means not good at doing!
1. Well known in obedience to the teaching is one thing to rejoice!
2. “Wise unto that which is good” is a sure sign of a Christian!
They are good, skillful, and zealous in doing what is good!
They are ignorant and unskillful unto that which is evil!
Examine yourselves, are you lively and skillful in doing what is evil or lively and skillful in doing what is good!
3. Remember Gal.6:10--> So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that
which is good toward all men, especially toward them that are of the
household of the faith.
This is reality, not prejudice, nor being unkind toward others.
When we can’t help ourselves, we can’t help others!
D. Ro. 6:18
You’ve been set free from sin and have become slave to righteousness.
1. This means, sin can no longer tell you what to do.
This means, you don’t do what sin tells you!
2. This means you have no choice but do righteousness!
For a slave to disobey is death!
3. Your result is sanctification and the end is eternal life! Ro.6:22
May the Lord bless you and keep you!