James 2:14-26

CHAPTER V.

THE DEVIL'S FAITH

James 2:14-26

Introduction

Faith has come to mean some kind of magic word by which men shall do the impossible, even to the acquisition of heaven. The word really means to believe, and in most places in the scripture it could be so translated without doing violence to the intended thought of the writer. Thus, one who has faith is one who believes.

A popular song during the 1950s concerned a ram that did the impossible because he believed in himself. The ram butted a huge 10,000 kilowatt dam over and over until finally he broke down the dam. The point of the song was to believe in yourself with unwavering faith and don-'t give up; and the impossible will be accomplished. There is some point in the message of the song, for perseverance will often lead one to accomplish the seemingly impossible. The miraculous power often attached to faith in religion goes far beyond the power of perseverance.

Faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 is probably the most quoted definition of faith and perhaps the most concise statement in the Scriptures. Faith, however, is used with slightly differing variations of meanings. Sometimes the word is used of a belief in the truthfulness and accuracy of the Scriptural narrative and teachings. Sometimes it refers to the acceptance of God's grace through Christ. Sometimes it refers to the truth and faithfulness of God. It is also used for the doctrine of the gospel, which is the object of faith.

In each case, however, faith is a conviction, an assurance or trust. It is an attitude through which we put our confidence in something else. the object of faith. Faith without this object in which we can trust has no meaning. Faith in itself is valueless, meaningless, fruitless, and completely vague, being void of concrete application. Yet, many people seem to have a faith with no object. They speak of the miraculous possibility of accomplishment if they have faith. This is not faith in something, or in someone, but just have faith. Their faith is really in faith. They believe that believing will make it so. This is a form of wishful thinking that enables a person to live completely in a make-believe world. In other words since a person has faith in the power of belief, he can believe anything he wishes and all is well. Faith in itself does absolutely nothing!

Then again, all objects of faith do not accomplish things for the believer. Faith may be put in an idol made of stone, and the idol would still do absolutely nothing. Faith may be put in a god fabricated out of one's imagination, and since this god is non-existent and is not Jehovah God, nothing will be accomplished by that god. Faith may be put in a system of salvation or forgiveness not ordained by God and this system will promise nothing to the believer.
Furthermore, if faith is placed in one not worthy of such confidence, the thing accomplished by the object of that faith may be the opposite of that which is expected. One may place faith in a person, in a minister, in a loved one; and then discover that this person does not accomplish the good and noble things expected. Instead may come evil and ignoble actions that disappoint and awaken one to his misplaced faith.
In what is your faith? Have you placed your trust in Jesus? Do you implicitly trust Him who will never disappoint; and who, being the same yesterday, today and forever, will never change? Or do you place your faith in a person who is subject to change and sin? Do you place your faith in the elusive faith itself?
And again, how much faith do you have? Is your faith in Jesus strong enough that you trust Him, and believe His Word? Is your conviction in the Christ whom you cannot see strong enough that you will act on this conviction, and conform your life to His revelation in the Word of God? Such is the question in the opening Scriptures of James treatment of faith without works, or the devil's faith.

Outline

The deeds that come out of a worthwhile faith are so essential that to have a faith without such deeds would be completely profitless. Such a faith that will not cause the believer to work will not work for the believer. It is the kind of faith the devil has, and being alone without works is fruitless and will not justify.

THE RELATION OF FAITH AND WORKS James 2:14-26

(THE DEVIL'S FAITH)

CAN FAITH-ONLY SAVE? James 2:14

FAITH-ONLY IS DEAD, BEING ALONE (Example No. 1) James 2:15-17

GODLY FAITH VS. THE DEVIL'S FAITH James 2:2-26

FAITH-ONLY DOES NOT JUSTIFY (Example No. 2) James 2:21-24

FAITH MUST HAVE WORKS (Example No. 3) James 2:25-26

SERMON OUTLINE

THE DEVIL'S FAITH James 2:14-26

Introduction: John 3:16, the heart of the N.T. What does it mean? (Instead of looking for the answer in the theology of man, let us search the Scripture for God's explanation!)

Proposition: The devil has faith, he believes that Jesus is the Christ. Yet the devil's faith is not coupled with obedience. Will such a faith save him?

NO! James 2:14.

God's illustration: James 2:15-16 (faith without works will not feed nor save).

Propositional question: WHY NOT?
I. Jas. 2:17 The devil's faith is alone.

i.e. the devil deceives by separating the word of God.
thus using only part of it.

He did so with Adam and Eve.
He did so with the temptation of Jesus.

He does so in separating John 3:16 from James 2.

II.

James 2:18 Godly faith is not alone, but with works.

III.

James 2:19 Devil's faith makes him TREMBLE.

Why? He knows his destiny. (Revelation 20:10).

He believes in Jesus (Luke 8:26-33).

IV.

James 2:20 Devil's faith is dead.

V.

James 2:21-23 God's illustration about Abraham, (His obedience was necessary).

VI.

James 2:24 Faith only is the devil's faith, and is deceptive.

VII. James 2:26 Works are to faith what the spirit is to the body.

Conclusion: As the spirit is necessary to give the body physical life, so works are necessary to give faith spiritual life.

THREE-POINT SERMON STARTERS

PROFIT IN CHRIST James 2:14

1.

Begins with faith.

2.

Completed in works.

3.

Results in Salvation.

BELIEVING IN DEMONS James 2:19

1.

They do believe (Luke 8:26 ff; Mark 3:7 ff).

2.

They shudder because they only believe. Luke 8:28 b; Revelation 20:10.

3.

We do well to also believe and couple this with works.

HOW ABRAHAM WAS JUSTIFIED James 2:23

1.

He believed God enough to obey.

2.

His obedient faith was counted as righteousness.

3.

He was called the friend of God.

RAHAB HAD IT James 2:25

1.

Rahab had sin.

2.

Rahab had believing works.

3.

Rahab had justification.

DEATH James 2:26

1.

Death is apartness.

2.

Physical death is separation of body and spirit.

3.

Spiritual death is separation of faith and works.

(God and man)

SPECIAL STUDY

WORKS

WORKS THAT EARN! This kind of works emphasizes justice. It is concerned with wages deservedwith payment that is due. Righteousness that is absolute righteousness is a state of God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4) For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). If we are absolutely righteouswithout sinthen we have earned the right to be with God forevermore. Heaven is ours by right fellowship with God; it is not a matter of grace but a rightful place for a righteous man in God's image. But no man has earned such a right! All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6). For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousness are as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities like the wind, take us away. (Isaiah 64:6). For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23). If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8).

Sinfulness is the state resulting from having committed a sinany sinone sin is enough. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is become guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou dost not commit adultery, but killest, thou art become a transgressor of the law. (James 2:10-11). For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is everyone who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them. (Galatians 3:10). Having committed one sin we have earned the wages of a sinner; DEATHBe not deceived my beloved brethren. (James 1:16). For the wages of sin is death: but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23).

If I insist on being treated justlythat I get what is coming to methen I should realize I am really asking for death and hell. This is the wage I, a sinner, have earned! Throughout the New Testament the point is made clear that we cannot earn heaven if we have committed a single sin. The books of Romans and Galatians are particular in pointing out the futility of demanding wages we have earned. These wages are often referred to as the works of the law. Because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20). Yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Galatians 2:16). For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works that no man should glory. (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Works that perform. When reference is made to works in this sense, the emphasis is upon active participation. In this sense, I am admonished to have a love and devotion so strong that I give of myself. I must surrender so completely as to include my body as well as my heart. This works that perform, refers to action, as well as confession and profession. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2).

Works, in this sense, emphasizes complete Faitha complete devotiona complete surrender. This is the perfection (completeness) the Scripture continually demands of us. God does not want us to view our work as a flawless action done with a purpose of earning but rather a complete surrender that includes my way of life as well as my devotion. The blood of Christ makes me as though I had not sinned, and God does this because I have surrendered completely. This includes my bodyits deedsmy very life. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21). Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith. (James 2:24). If ye know that he is righteous, ye knoweth that every one also that doeth righteousness is begotten of him. (1 John 2:29).