Topic: FAITH AND WORKS [Church of God Mission International] CGMI SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
11 JUNE 2023
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CGMI SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
DATE: SUNDAY, 11th JUNE 2023.
HYMN: S.S & S 235 “My Faith Looks Up To Thee…”
CENTRAL THOUGHT:
Good works are the fruits of faith in God.
TOPIC:
FAITH AND WORKS
TEXT:
James 2:14-26; Titus 1:16; 3:8
INTRODUCTION:
Faith and works are twin characteristics that present a pure balance in the Christian race. Two great ministers took out time to address both characteristics. Paul gave an exposition on the futility of works done in obedience to the law of Moses in availing for salvation. On the other hand, James teaches on the necessity of works done in response to gospel faith to cement our perfection. James was advocating that believers who have faith in the gospel message of Christ must allow good works to follow as evidence of their faith. A sincere profession of faith must be accompanied with the evidence of works of piety and obedience. And the works which are evidence of true gospel faith must be such as God Himself as commanded, not fruits of our own imagination and devising.
With the foregoing in view, does it mean our faith is incomplete without works ?
This and other related issues will form the focus of this study.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are to:
- Explain the scriptural teaching of faith and works
- Explain the manifestations of faith without works or vice versa
- Discuss the joint operations of faith and works in some practical life situations
- Draw lessons from Abraham’s and Rahab’s experiences and
- Explain the place of good works in true Faith
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1A. WHAT IS FAITH ? (Heb 11:1)
Faith is a firm persuasion and expectation that God will perform all He has promised to us in Christ. It is an attitude of trust and commitment to a godly cause. It is also a system of beliefs with doctrines that govern lifestyle.
QUESTION 1B. EXPLAIN THE TERM “WORKS”
In the context of this study, “works” refers to outward or practical actions and activities that shows the internal mechanisms operating in a person. Works may also be seen as physical services rendered to God or to another person or the moral qualities or character that is typical in an individual.
Works in this study are supposed to be the practical positive response to the injunctions of faith.
QUESTION 2. EXPLAINS VARIOUS WAYS ONE MAY MANIFEST FAITH WITHOUT WORKS OR WORKS WITHOUT FAITH. (Tit 1:16)
Faith without works is a figure of speech that refers to theoretical assent and recitation of articles of faith without the evidence of practice. It may be in the form of vocal expression of commitment without repentance from sin or with poor record of participation and unwillingness to make personal sacrifice in response to the demands of faith in God. It may also be a lip-service that has no root in Christ. On the other hand, works without faith is an attempt to project our philanthropic activities above the redemptive work of Christ. With no salvation experience and without knowledge of the word, such a person reduces faith in Christ to self-righteousness and moralism.
Faith and works are essential ingredients of salvation but works must come as a fruit of faith
QUESTION 3. DISCUSS THE JOINT OPERATIONS OF FAITH AND WORKS IN SOME PRACTICAL CHALLENGES OF LIFE
Believers are not totally immune from practical challenges of life. Some of these challenges can be in the areas of ill-health of one-self or family members and others, unemployment and financial difficulties, delay in child bearing, academic and school examination issues, getting a befitting life partner and meeting other basic needs of life. In any of these challenges, there are no magic formula for success, but we can harness our faith and actions in our search for solutions. The first thing is to properly put our trust in God. This we can do by searching out the scriptural positions and promises of God concerning such conditions. We then believe the word and make it the basis of our fervent prayers. Then we regulate our senses and activities to align with our faith in God. We must not submit to the down casting suggestions of our circumstances.
Furthermore, we must take necessary godly steps in the direction of getting to the desired solution.
We must prayerfully respond to God inspired directives about the solution. It may call for medical evaluation and intervention, more studies to pass an exam, an examination of one’s habits, learning new skills or knowledge and exploring new opportunities as the case may be. As we wait in faith, we must take commensurate steps that align with our faith.
QUESTION 4. WHAT LESSONS CAN WE DRAW FROM THE FAITH AND WORKS OF ABRAHAM AND RAHAB ? (Jas 2:21-25)
Abraham by what he did, show that he truly believe God. His faith was a working faith. Abraham heard God, believed, obeyed and waited on Him. His obedience to His instructions is the work that evidenced his faith in God.
Rahab was one noted for a sinful lifestyle. She heard of the God of Israel and believed. The sincerity of her faith was manifested when she received and his the spies at the peril of her life. She o trained favour from God because of her great Acts (works) of self-denial.
Actions in obedience to faith makes our faith to grow perfect and draws us closer to God.
QUESTION 5. WHAT THEN IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRUE FAITH AND GOOD WORKS ? (Phil 3:4-9; Gal 6:14).
Good works are relative to places and situations. Under Judaism, the ‘good works’ of Paul were actually a confrontation against God. So good works are not necessarily the result of true Faith.
Some ‘good works’ are satanic and result from blindness to the truth of the gospel. Good works can also be just a natural disposition of a person and not a manifestion of faith.
True faith must come first, and must take precedence over good works. Good works are the fruits of true faith and must align with the command of God. Good works that accompany true faith must give glory to God and must point receptions to the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. They are more than moral or social obligations.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
It is not enough to assent to and recite some articles of faith on a regular basis. Faith based on bare speculations and head knowledge is mock-faith, even the devil has the same. Commensurate actions and works of obedience must of necessity, follow our profession of faith. Otherwise, that faith is deceptive and dead. Works done in obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ will perfect our faith and will put us in more of God’s favour.
MEMORY VERSE
James 2:26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
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