Dwelling in the Gospel: Living by Faith (James 2:14-26) {Pastor Stephen Ro}

Doesn't this passage about justification by works indicate justification by faith alone is insufficient?

This is like the naturalization process. Legally, you are declared an American. But I still wore korean shoes, korean clothes, and ate korean food.
Jesus' work for us declares us citizens of heaven. It's done.. But this is a change in STATUS... not SUBSTANCE.

A faith that is not accompanied by works is dead. Someone who understands a fellow Christian is needing food or clothes, but does not have any mercy or compassion does not have a faith that saves. This passage is addressing those who understand faith, but do not practice it.

Living Faith is demonstrated in two ways in this passage.

• Merciful actions towards the body of Christ (fellow Christians)
  
• Obedient response to the Lord
  

Rehab, the prostitute, sheltered the spies of Israel. The evidence of her faith was her willingness to hide those spies.
Abraham offered his son, Isaac on the alter. He obeyed God, even though he had waited decades for a heir.

Jesus is our LORD, not a consultant. He is not here to give recommendations, he is to take authority to make decisions in our life.
Jesus is not a life coach. He is not our therapist. He is LORD.
If we have conditional obedience, then we have allegiance to something higher than God. "I will obey God, if God gives me  _____"
Christians should understand that they are NOT in control anymore.

At the center of Christian belief, is the transfer of all authority to Christ.