Lesson 41 September 26
Review:
11. James adds a
result of Abe's obedience not mentioned in Gen 22.
12. That is the designation as friend of God.
13. This status of
`friend of God` is available through utilization of the grace provisions to all
believers. John 15:14-15
14. To the extent
that you obey God and honor His word, to that extent He is a close and special
friend.
You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith
alone.
This brings into view once again
what we noted earlier there are 2 types or kinds of justification:
#1 a by faith justification apart
from works - salvation
#2 a by works
justification where the truth we know is vindicated before others as we live
out that truth.
- What does this
statement do to the hearer only type?
Summary:
1. For Ph-2 justification to be a reality it demands DGP.
2. BDRS does not
automatically produce Ph-2 justification - one must consistently make the
necessary choices to reflect that DVPT in the life.
Note: object of faith
must be correct for bonifide results.
Ph-1 - faith / belief is in person and
work of Jesus Christ - result is the individual is declared righteous before
God (all the work is on the part of God) man is the beneficiary.
Ph-2 - faith / belief is in the word of
God, the revelation of His thinking and vpt given to us.
- by
obedience to that revelation we produce works (DGP) and are vindicated before
God and others.
3. If we are to
attain to the status of friend of God it demands a total commitment to God and
to His word. Lk
10:27
In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified
by works
- What an
illustration of grace - the greatest patriarch of the Jews lumped together with
the most famous prostitute of the WOG; truly illustrates that God is no
respecter of persons.
What made the difference in Rahab's
life?
when she received the messengers and sent them out by
another way?
Summary:
1. James purposely
put together two examples of two people of very different backgrounds. Highest patriarch and the lowest, the prostitute.
2. Does this to show
that the doctrine of faith plus works for Ph-2 justification is applicable to all
under a wide variety of circumstances.
3. Rahab's identity
as a prostitute is placed right up front to show that grace and positive
volition know no boundaries.
4. The author of
Hebrews cites Rehab as a believer worthy of mention in the roster of heroes of
the faith. Heb 11:31
5. The record of
faith is seen in Josh 2:9-13.
6. She heard the
testimony of what God had done in delivering
7. Her conclusion
(after evaluating the reports vs. what she knew of her pantheon of gods and
their impotence) was that they indeed worshiped the true God - the God in
heaven above and on the earth below.
8. Her works which
vindicated her faith were:
- providing hospitality under
adverse circumstances; if caught, it would result in her death
- she
provided info for their safe departure and return
9. Her immediate
blessing from her works was her deliverance and safety when the Israelites
conquered the city.
10. Her actions would
be viewed as treason by her people while in reality they were righteous and good -
consistent with BD she knew.
11. She had mentally
separated from the evil of her people which had brought much cursing on them. (shortly to be conquered)
12. She was finally
permitted to separate physically and enjoy life with a new people.
13. She became the
great-grandmother of David therefore she became an ancestress of Jesus. Mt 1:5
cp 1 Chrn 2:11-15
14. Both Rahab and
Abe risked what was dear to them, placing God and His interests first.
15. Principle is seen
in both examples: Wisdom (BD) is
vindicated by her works. Mt 11:19; Lk 7:35