Bearing Fruit for God
Introduction:
God saves mankind on the basis of faith. When we speak of faith, we are referring to a complete and total surrender to God where we will trust God to do whatever God wants. For example, read Romans 4:2-8. We are saved on the basis of faith. But then consider James 2:17-26. Does James contradict Paul? When we learn that they are not contradicting each other, but upholding the doctrine of Christ, we learn a very powerful lesson concerning the difference between works of merit and works of faith.
I. Understanding Paul’s Focus on Faith & Works
A. Much of Paul’s writing was written to Christians under Jewish influence.
B. Galatians – Paul’s contention with Jews in Galatia was on the means of justification.
1. 2:16 – man not justified by works of the Law – but thru faith.
2. 3:11 – no one is justified by the law.
C. In Romans, Paul teaches that righteousness cannot be attained by works of the Law.
1. 3:23 – all people are unrighteous and in need of God’s grace.
2. 5:1-12 – God’s grace was demonstrated in the giving of Jesus on the cross.
3. 6:23 – salvation is a gracious gift to those who have faith.
D. Paul: faith is a complete trust in, and obedience, toward Jesus.
II. Understanding James’ focus on faith and
works – 2:14-26.
A. James usage of “faith” is different from Paul’s.
1. 2:19 – even the demons believe and shudder.
2. James: faith is belief in who Jesus is, the resurrection, and salvation.
B. James’ focus on works is different from Paul’s.
1. He is speaking about works motivated by faith. Mercy, kindness, generosity.
C. We might summarize the way James & Paul speak of faith and works in this way:
1. Paul:
a) Faith is a complete trust in, and obedience to, Jesus Christ.
b) Works are outward acts of ritual and adherence to a code to attain merit.
2. James:
a) Faith is believe in Jesus Christ, the resurrection, and salvation.
b) Works are spontaneous acts of love that spring from the fruit of the spirit.
III. A look at John 15:1-8
A. John 15:5 - Those who abide in, or who have faith in Jesus will bear fruit.
B. 15:1-2 – Jesus is the source of works for those who have faith.
1. In John 15 – works is presented as “fruit.”
C. John 15: 4 – Abide in Me & I in You. A branch depends on the vine for life.
D. 15:4b – the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine.
E. John 15:5 – I am the vine…you are the branches.
1. As we live in Christ – we begin to take on the nature of the vine.
2. Lk. 6:40; 2 Cor. 3:17-18; Rom. 12:1-2
a) Apart from Me, you can do nothing. Works outside of Christ are useless.
F. John 15:6 – Abide in Me. Note our dependency on Jesus.
G. John 15:8 – as we bear fruit we glorify the Father and prove to be My disciples.
Conclusion:
A. The understanding of this principle can be the difference in salvation.
1. Belief only is not sufficient for salvation – Mt. 7:21-23.
B. Those who trust in, and obey, Jesus will produce works that are influenced by the Spirit.
C. Act on your faith. Repent. Confess. Die to your old self by being baptized.