Week 5 - The Book of James
This week, we are
discussing the relationship between faith and works. James argues that faith
without works is not really faith at all. While works in and of themselves do
nothing to save us, works are an indicator of what Christ has done in and
through us. Our faith demands that we respond by hearing and acting on the word
we have received.
James
2:14-26
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[b] 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? 21 Was
not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on
the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was
completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham
believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” — and he was called a
friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith
alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by
works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For
as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is
dead.
The Holy Bible:
English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), James 2:14-26.
The Point: Faith in
our hearts is shown in the fruit of our lives.
Study
Notes
In this passage
James continues with the theme of “being hearers and doers of the word” by
focusing on the relationship between faith and works. The word “faith” has the
sense of trust in and commitment to Christ for salvation. The openness to
receive God’s grace brings redemption, and the redeemed live out that grace.
The term “works” refers to good deeds — actions on others’ behalf that
demonstrate Christ’s love (see v. 8). James’s question called for an obvious
answer — an inactive faith accomplishes nothing.
James drew the
parallel between words without actions and faith that produces no good works.
Apart from works, such faith is dead in and of itself — inwardly lifeless and
outwardly unproductive. Mere words, no matter how kind or well-meaning, are not
substitutes for helpful actions. Destitute people need more than good
wishes — they need practical provisions.
Understanding this
point could literally save your soul. Especially if you’ve grown up in church.
You might mistakenly think salvation is a matter of believing the right things
about Jesus, like a code that unlocks the gates of heaven. The demons also believe — and
they shudder in answer to the mistaken assertion that belief in God by itself
is sufficient for salvation. Demons believe, but it’s impossible for them to be
saved. Saving faith entails more than mere knowledge. It includes trust and
obedience, for faith without works is useless.
For examples of
authentic faith, James turned to the Old Testament. First he pointed to
Abraham, the father of the Hebrews — the first patriarch. The example of Abraham
and his offer of Isaac as a sacrifice (Gen. 22:1-19) affirms James’s teachings
about faith. Abraham’s faith was proven genuine by his obedience to God’s
command. His faith made his good works possible. Faith’s purpose in a
believer’s life is to produce good works. Without good works, faith is
incomplete. Good works demonstrate faith’s integrity and maturity. James’s
second example of faith demonstrated by works was Rahab the prostitute (Josh.
2:1-24). James emphasized that she had demonstrated her faith by protecting the
spies. Her actions were evidence of her having a right relationship with God.
Questions
for Discussion
What is the most incredible display of faith in Jesus you have ever heard about or seen?
Is it possible for
a person to be a Christian in name only? Explain.
How is keeping the
law different from faith-based works of righteousness?
What is your
reaction to James’s statement that even demons believe in God (see v. 19)?
How does the
reality that the demons believe convict us about the nature of saving faith and
works?
How do the examples
of Abraham and Rahab, who seemed to be polar opposites in every earthly way,
encourage you in your faith?
What fruit have you
noticed in your life?
END
