InstaStudy

Faith and Works

An outline exploring the biblical understanding of faith and its inseparable connection to righteous works, emphasizing the transformative power of God's grace and the essential steps of obedience for a life rooted in Christ.

1. The Foundation of Faith

1.1 Defining True Faith

Verses: Hebrews 11:1; Romans 10:17
  • Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
  • Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1.2 The Object of Our Faith

Verses: John 1:1,14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
  • Our faith is in the one true God, who was manifested in the flesh as Jesus Christ.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

1.3 Faith as a Divine Gift

Verses: Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 12:3
  • Salvation is by grace through faith, not of ourselves, it is the gift of God.
  • God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

2. Understanding Righteous Works

2.1 Distinguishing Works of the Law from Righteous Works

Verses: Galatians 2:16; Titus 3:5
  • We are not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.
  • Salvation is not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy.

2.2 Obedience as a Manifestation of Faith

Verses: John 14:15; James 2:17-18
  • If you love Him, keep His commandments.
  • Faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

2.3 Works as Evidence of a Living Faith

Verses: James 2:20-22; Matthew 7:16-20
  • Faith is made perfect by works.
  • By their fruits you will know them.

3. The Essential Connection: Faith, Obedience, and New Birth

3.1 The Call to Repentance

Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3
  • Repentance is a change of mind leading to a change of action.
  • Except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.

3.2 Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Colossians 2:12
  • Be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
  • It is a burial with Christ, identifying with His death and resurrection.

3.3 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey Him.
  • Speaking in other tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the Spirit.

3.4 Living a Transformed Life

Verses: Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22-23
  • We are to walk in newness of life.
  • Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
  • The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of His indwelling.

4. The Journey of Faith and Its Reward

4.1 Perseverance in Faith

Verses: Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 10:36
  • He who endures to the end shall be saved.
  • We need endurance to receive the promise.

4.2 Faith Working Through Love

Verses: Galatians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
  • Faith works by love.
  • Without love, even great faith is nothing.

4.3 The Promise of Eternal Life

Verses: Revelation 22:12; Romans 6:23
  • God will reward every man according to his works.
  • The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.