Romans 1:4-5; 16:25-26

Introduction:

1. Having embraced the process of conversion, the newly sanctified one (saint) is ready to begin the “…newness of life” flowing out of conversion (Romans 6:4).

2. This is a lifelong process of living by faith (cf. Romans 1:16-17; Hebrews 11).

Discussion:

I. Faith Misunderstood

A. From the time of Martin Luther, faith has been grievously misunderstood.

B. The basic argument says saving faith requires nothing from humanity beyond simple belief in Jesus (John 3:16, 36; Romans 3:28-5:21; Galatians 2:15-16; Ephesians 2:8-9).

C. The biblical concept of faith does not sustain this idea.

II. The Obedience of Faith

A. Consider a sample of the passages that show saving faith is obedient faith:

1. John 3:16-21 contrasts the believer and the unbeliever, not simply based on the thoughts of their minds, but based on the deeds generated by those thoughts.

2. John 3:36 contrasts believing with disobedience (cf. Hebrews 3:18-19; 4:2, 6).

3. Romans 1:4-5 and 16:25-26 give Paul’s purpose statement for the entire letter, to bring about the obedience of faith; literally flowing out of/produced by faith.

4. In Galatians, it is “…faith working through love” that avails (5:6).

5. The new creation in Christ was intended “…for good works” (Ephesians 2:10).

6. James 2:21-24 shows that faith works with deeds of righteousness.

B. This list could go on and on, but this sample establishes our premise.

III. On to Maturity

A. Armed with the proper understanding of faith, upon conversion we begin the process of living by faith, that which flows from the word of God (Romans 1:16-17; 10:17).

B. This demands a hunger and thirst for that word (Matthew 5:6; Hebrews 5:12-6:3;1 Peter 2:1-3).

C. Growing in grace and knowledge guards us from deadly deception (2 Peter 3:14-18).

Conclusion:

1. As appealing as the doctrine of faith only may be, the Bible plainly militates against it.

2. We must press on to maturity, discern good and evil, and live the obedience of faith.

Further Food for Thought

1. Have you ever encountered a faith only advocate who thinks we pervert the gospel?

2. Are you prepared to give a biblical answer to show faith and works are congruent?

3. If not, what can we do to help prepare you to give that answer?