Justify by faith or justify by works?
A. Scriptures for this study:
Abraham believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Geneses 15:6
B. In Romans 4:1-3
Apostle Paul used it to prove sinners are justified by faith in the Lord!
1. What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh?
For if Abraham was justified by works, he had whereof to glory; but not toward God.
For what said the scripture?
And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.
2. From precedent scriptures in Romans 3:28-30
***We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
Or is God (the God) of Jews only? is he not of Gentiles also?
Yea, of Gentiles also: if so be that God is one,
and he shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the un-circumcision through faith.
***We know he was talking about -->
A man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
Works of the law here means do what the law says!
3. Abraham was justified before he was circumcised and long before the law of Moses existed!
4. Thus this uphold his argument against those who said:
The Gentile Christians must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses. Acts 15:5
C. James used this verse to prove faith without works is useless! James 2:20-24
1. Scriptures as written: You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without works is useless?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?
You see that faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect;
and the scripture was fulfilled which said, and Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness.
2. The action in that Abraham offered up Isaac his son on the altar proved that he believed God!
We cannot see faith, but we can see action!
When we see action we see faith!D. We see this logic in James 2:1-3
1. Scriptures: My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. 2:1
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes,
and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.
If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say: Here is a good seat for you.
But say to the poor man: "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet."
2. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,
but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,Romans 14:17
When people in the church show favoritism, they are not righteous!
This has to change!
3. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are:
One who does not do righteousness is not God’s child; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. 1Jn.3:10
E. Outward works displace invisible faith within! Eph.4:21-26
1. The scriptures as recorded: You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self,
which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; Eph.4:22
to be made new in the attitude of your minds; Eph.4:23
and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph.4:24
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Eph.4:25
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Eph.4:26
2. How do we know a believer has take on a new mind?
a. If he used to lie, he has become truth telling. b. If he used to love money, is he still love money?
c. He used to look only to his own interests, does he look also to the interests of others? Phil.2:4
d. You used to practice favoritism, do you still practice favoritism? James 2:1-3
e. Is he still angry with you in the next day? Eph.4:26
May the Lord bless you and keep you always! Preach this on April 29, 2012.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oJVUNM7-p4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlXPhd4wS3Q