QT 4/26/2023 2 Sam 22:26-31, Real faith is evidence by works, but not necessarily the other way around

2 Samuel 22:25 (ESV) —

25 And the Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness,

according to my cleanness in his sight.

 

2 Samuel 22:26–31 (ESV) —

26 “With the merciful you show yourself merciful;

with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;

27 with the purified you deal purely,

and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.

28 You save a humble people,

but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.

29 For you are my lamp, O Lord,

and my God lightens my darkness.

30 For by you I can run against a troop,

and by my God I can leap over a wall.

31 This God—his way is perfect;

the word of the Lord proves true;

he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

 

NOTE: I think David's argument "my cleanness" is a variation of James' argument in the New Testament. You need both. Works can show that faith is at work in you. If there are no works, was there ever any faith?

 

James 2:14–20 (ESV) — 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

 

As a result of David's faith, he could do great works. He could run against a troop or leap over a wall. God his refuge but not because of works. The works confirm his faith. Works are not faith. And neither is faith, works. If we are not seeing a continual change in our life, year over year, then we are not being sanctified by Christ. If we are not being sanctified -- works within (changed life) and works without (impact on others) -- were we ever justified? And if we were not justified by faith, we have no hope in glorification.

 

It starts with faith but faith is confirmed by works.

 

PONDER:

1. Can I point to changes in my life that confirm I have faith?
2. Can I point to changes around me that confirm I have faith?

 

PRAYER: Father, I fear that too many in the church are dead logs, sitting in the pews on Sunday, but no different from anyone else on Monday. They are not changing and becoming like Jesus. They have no idea what it means to "taste and see that the Lord is good." They are religious and destined to hell. Open their eyes and help them to see their sin so that they can repent, turn to you, believe, and receive the Holy Spirit within them.