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.

 

 

2:24  The only viable conclusion to the preceding discussion

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

 

2:25 Illustration of Rahab the prostitute

 

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 Israel from Egypt - providing for them during the wilderness testing - and was destroying the peoples before them as they conquered the land.

 

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