Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Daniells addresses the perennial confusion between faith and works. Faith alone justifies, but the faith that justifies is never alone: it works by love and purifies the heart. He shows that works are the fruit and evidence of salvation, never its root or price, and that the believer's obedience flows from gratitude and indwelling life. The chapter answers both the legalist, who makes works a ground, and the antinomian, who makes them optional.
Key points
- Faith alone saves; the faith that saves is never alone.
- Works are the fruit of the tree, never the root.
- Love, not fear or reward, is the motive of gospel obedience.
- James and Paul agree: Paul speaks of the root, James of the fruit.
Key passages
- Galatians 5:6
- Ephesians 2:8-10
- James 2:17-22
- Titus 2:11-14
Study questions10 total
- 1.Comprehension
How does Daniells reconcile Paul's 'not of works' with James' 'faith without works is dead'?
- 2.Scripture
Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Where do works appear in Paul's order, and why does the order matter?
- 3.Scripture
Define 'faith which worketh by love' from Galatians 5:6 in practical terms.
- 4.Contrast
Contrast the motive of the servant working for acceptance with the son working from acceptance.
- 5.Doctrinal Clarity
Why is it dangerous to say 'works don't matter' as a reaction against legalism?
- 6.Doctrinal Clarity
What test does Daniells offer for distinguishing living faith from mere assent?
- 7.Scripture
Read Titus 2:11-14. What does grace itself teach and do in the believer?
- 8.Comprehension
How can a church emphasise obedience without drifting back into legalism?
- 9.Application
Which motive most often drives your obedience — fear, habit, reward, or love? Be specific.
- 10.Application
Name one work in your life this week that clearly grew out of faith rather than duty.