JAMES:
A GLC BOOK STUDY
SESSION 4: FAITH THAT WORKS
Ptr. Jonathan Bradford
NAME
CONTACT INFO:
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O UTLI N E
A. Faith that works is devoted to God.
B. Faith that works is devoted to God’s people.
C. Faith that works is devoted to God’s will.
A. Faith that works is devoted to God.
As we have said from the beginning, James is speaking to a mixed
audience and determining who he is speaking to and when is one of
the greatest challenges in understanding this book.
• It is a time of transition. (Hebrews 8:13)
• It is a time of persecution. (Acts 8:1)
• It is a time of revelation. (Hebrews 2:1-4)
So we have primarily Jewish communities making the transition from
Judaism to Christianity. From the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.
• Some were saved from their sin. (Justified, righteous)
• Some were seeking salvation from sin.
• Some were still lost in their sin. (Sinners, wicked)
-- Sinner is used 43 times in the NASB.
-- Never used to describe a true believer.
1. Real faith works to resolve conflict with others. (James 4:1)
JAMES: A GLC BOOK STUDY
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JAMES BOOK STUDY: SESSION 4
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2. Real faith works to resolve conflict within ourselves. (James 4:2–3) But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO
THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” (James 4:6)
God is always offering grace to His enemies but in order to receive that
grace a person must humble themselves because God is the enemy of
the proud.
• The word “antitasso” is used in warfare and speaks of open
3. Real faith works to resolve conflict with God. (James 4:4)
hostility and resisting with force. God opposes the proud!
• But God’s unmerited favor or grace is freely given to the humble.
The final four verses are one of the clearest and most powerful calls to
repentance in the New Testament.
Having established that James has professing Christians and not true • There were professing Christians in the early church, who were
disciples of Jesus Christ in mind greatly helps us with the next verse. well aware of the gospel message.
• One of the most difficult verses to interpret in the Bible. • But they were really His enemies, friends of the world.
• Many godly men disagree.
Unbeliever Believer
• However if you recognize that James is calling unbelievers to
repentance in this passage it gets a lot clearer. They are hearers only. They are doers of the world.
They possess a dead faith. They possess a living faith.
Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously
They have worldly wisdom. They have divine wisdom.
desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? (James 4:5)
They are driven by lust. They are driven by a new nature.
Or it can be translated…
They are friends of the world. They are friends of God.
“Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “The spirit They are proud. They are humble.
which He has made to dwell in us lusts with envy”? (James 4:5)
Now James is not quoting from any particular verse here, he is referring
back to many passages that teach us about the fallen nature of man.
• He is simply pointing out that the Bible warns everyone about
the fallen nature of man and how powerful it is.
• But God offers grace to all those who truly want it.
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James now introduces 10 commands that sum up and reveal the true g. Your sin should make you weep. (James 4:9a)
components of saving faith:
a. Submit therefore to God. (James 4:7)
h. Turn your laughter to mourning. (James 4:9b)
b. Draw near to God. (James 4:8a)
i. Turn your joy to gloom. (James 4:9b)
c. Cleanse your hands. (James 4:8b)
j. Humble yourself before God. (James 4:10)
d. Cleanse your hearts. (James 4:8c)
e. Your sin should make you miserable. (James 4:9a) i. Real Repentance
f. Your sin should make you mourn. (James 4:9a) ii. Real Faith
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B. Faith that works is devoted to God’s people. 1. Real faith works to change how we view other believers.
(James 4:11)
If our faith is real it will show up in the way we speak about each other.
Our tongue will betray our heart and a person that is always speaking
evil has a heart filled with pride.
• We have just learned that God will only extend grace to the humble.
• These people are born again and have received a new heart.
• So James immediately returns to the one area that will betray
your heart over and over again. Your speech! 2. Real faith works to change how we view the law. (James 4:11)
Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against
a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the
law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge
of it. (James 4:11)
The Greek word is “katalaleo” and it means to speak against, speak
down to, defame or slander. Sometimes translated as backbiting
because it implies that the person isn’t there to defend themselves. God’s Law of Love
• For the unbeliever, slander is a way of life, it tears down others Do not worship any other gods Love is loyal
and exalts you. Do not make idols Love is faithful
• God hates it. (Proverbs 6:16-19, 10:18) Do not treat God with disrespect Love is respectful
• The term devil “diabolos” means to slander or falsely accuse. Set aside a day for worship Love is devoted
Honor your parents Love is submissive
What James is NOT saying!
Do not murder Love is protective
It is very popular today for church going people to play the “don’t judge” Do not commit sexual sin Love is pure
card when people point out sin in their lives. So let’s be clear! We are
Do not steal Love is selfless
commanded to confront sin in each other. (Matthew 18:15-19)
Do not lie Love is truthful
-- We are to confront sin personally. (Galatians 2:11, 6:1)
Do not covet Love is content
-- We are to confront sin publically. (Acts 5:1-11,
1 Corinthians 5:4) 3. Real faith works to change how we view God. (James 4:12)
-- We are to confront sin forcefully. (2 Thessalonians 3:14,
Titus 3:10)
• The difference here is the righteous intent. Acting to bring
your brother or sister in Christ to repentance and restoration.
(1 Peter 4:8)
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C. Faith that works is devoted to God’s will. What is God’s Will?
The final five verses deal with a simple yet important truth. Real faith is a. God’s will is that you be saved. (1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9)
not only devoted to God and His people, it is also devoted to His will.
b. God’s will is that you be filled with His Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)
• The true disciple of Jesus Christ follows Him. (John 10:27)
c. God’s will is that you be set apart for Him, pure. (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
• He came to do the will of the Father. (John 4:34, 5:30, 6:38, 17:4)
d. God’s will is that you be submissive to authority. (1 Peter 2:13)
• So if our faith is real it will be seen in how devoted we are to
e. God’s will is that you be thankful for everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
His will.
f. God’s will is that you be just, kind and humble. (Micah 6:8)
1. Real faith does not disregard God’s will. (James 4:13-14)
g. God’s will is that you be willing to suffer. (1 Peter 3:17)
Remind ourselves...
A. Faith that works is resilient in trials.
2. Real faith does not deny God’s will. (James 4:16) B. Faith that works is resisting temptation.
C. Faith that works is responding to truth.
D. Faith that works is vindicated by love.
E. Faith that works is vindicated by works.
F. Faith that works is manifested in speech.
“It matters not how strait the gait, how charged with punishments G. Faith that works is manifested in wisdom.
the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” H. Faith that works is devoted to God.
WILLIAM HENLEY (INVICTUS) I. Faith that works is devoted to God’s people.
J. Faith that works is devoted to God’s will.
3. Real faith does not disobey God’s will. (James 4:17)
“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!
Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ
is in you – unless indeed you fail the test?”
2 CORINTHIANS 13:5
4. Real faith is dependent on God’s will. (James 4:15)
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Discussion Questions
1. Define what “friendship” with the world means. Why do you think God
gave this command to choose between loving Him or loving the world?
Can there be a middle ground? Please discuss. (Read Matthew 6:24 and
1 John 2:15-16)
2. Have you been the object of gossip and slander? Have you yourself
gossiped and slandered anyone? What steps can you take to avoid
these sins of the tongue? (Read Proverbs 6:19, 28; Proverbs 26:22)
3. Is James (in verses 13-16) opposed to planning for the future? How would
you reconcile that with these verses, Proverbs 16:3, 9; and Proverbs 3:5-6?
12 UPGRADES
