James Chapter Two, verses 14-26 NKJV Interactive Bible Study by Pastor Mike Sasso Introduction: James does not allow us get comfortable in our reading. We can t just have a bible study for study sake alone. He continues to press us and force us all to think through the basics of living the faith. As we continue to read this book we realize that if we are real Christians and have true faith, then our behavior must match our beliefs. Thus, we move into the theological topic of faith without works vs. Faith alone. But keep in mind that James is not giving us a formula by which we get saved if we follow it. Instead, James is laying out for us a picture of what real salvation should look like. Thus giving us a sort of test by which we can tell if our faith is in actual fact saving faith. True Vs False FAITH Before taking a close verse by verse look at this text, take the time to read the entire section James 2:14-26 out loud and in context Group discussion Assuming the Bible doesn t contradict itself, read Eph 2:8-9 and discuss how James assertion and Paul s assertion can both be true Part of the problem occurs when we don t read far enough into a text. See Eph. 2:10. What a difference this next verse makes! Martin Luther said, Faith alone saves. But saving faith is never alone. In other words, God s GRACE produces a FAITH that WORKS! Interactive Bible Study Notes / James 2:14-27 Page 1 of 6
See Titus 2:11-14 Study Notes: V:14-16 What does it profit? Or What good is it? (NIV) Let s take this illustration and replace the word faith with the word love. If someone repeatedly tells you that they love you and yet never does anything to meet your needs or help you when you are in trouble, is that real love? The fact is, it is not love at all. It may be lust or infatuation, but not true love. It is a fake love. Faith can be faked as well. Jesus illustrates this truth in Matt 25:31-40. The ones with true faith are called sheep. The ones with an artificial faith are described as goats. V:17 faith by itself, if it doesn t have works is dead - In other words, a faith without action is not real faith! V:18 Show me / show you The Christian faith should have noticeable evidence accompanying it. If you can t see a difference between a nonbeliever s life and someone who claims to be a Christian, something is very wrong. There is an old saying, If you were arrested for being a Christian, would they find enough evidence to convict you? The point is, If our faith is real, the people should be able to see our faith working itself out in our lives. V:19 Even the demons believe and tremble Even the devil and his demons have a more real faith than the one described here. At least a demons behavior is slightly affected by it s faith. The great preacher Spurgeon said, If there be a faith (and there is) which leaves a man just what he was, and permits him to indulge in sin, it is the faith of devils. Perhaps not so good as that, for "the Interactive Bible Study Notes / James 2:14-27 Page 2 of 6
devils believe and tremble," whereas these hypocrites profess to believe and yet dare to defy God and seem to have no fear of him whatsoever. Discussion Questions: 1.) See V:14 Is faith what saves you? (Cp. Eph 2:8-10) What in your opinion is James saying here? 2.) What are the kinds of things you would look for in a person s life to discover whether they are of the true faith? (V:18) Is believing the correct doctrine alone enough? 3.) In what way can a human have less faith than a demon? (V:19) What would make a human s faith rise above that of a demon s faith? Study notes Interactive Bible Study Notes / James 2:14-27 Page 3 of 6
V:20-25 James now gives two examples from Jewish history Abraham and Rahab. Read about their faith at work Abraham - Gen. 22:12, Heb 11:8 & 17 Rahab Josh 2:1-3, 6:17-25, Heb 11:31 You couldn't find two more different people. Abraham was a JEW; Rahab was a GENTILE. Abraham was a godly man. Rahab was a sinful woman. (A prostitute!) Abraham was the friend of God, while Rahab belonged to the enemies of God. Yet each found favor in God s sight through their faith. And each demonstrated their faith to be genuine through their ACTIONS. V:24 A man is justified by works, and not faith alone - This statement seems to contradict Paul s teaching - Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Romans 3:28, NKJV. There is no contradiction when you realize that Paul was specifically dealing with those who believed that obedience to the Old Testament Laws could save you. While James is dealing specifically with those who believe you can claim to be a Christian and yet have no evidence in your life. Jesus said, But why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do the things which I say? Luke 6:46, NKJV. Group Discussion Paul said, Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20, NKJV. What do you think the difference is between the works of the law and the works James is speaking about here? And what should that mean to me in my Christian walk? V:26 Faith without works is dead Again, we must remember the difference between Paul s teaching on faith and James. Paul, in Romans Interactive Bible Study Notes / James 2:14-27 Page 4 of 6
3:28 was describing a living faith. James here is talking about a dead faith. A dead faith is an artificial fools faith that can be often mistaken for the real thing. A true saving faith looks to Jesus alone for salvation and then ACTS like it believes. The question for every good Bible student should be, How do I know if my faith is real & living? Paul wrote: Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified. 2 Corinthians 13:5, NKJV. Following are some heart searching questions for you to ask yourself. If you are a group leader, it might be a good idea for you to read these questions out loud to the group and then go directly into a time of group prayer. Was there a time when I honestly realized I was a sinner and admitted this to myself and to God? Was there a time when my heart stirred me to flee from the wrath to come? Have I ever seriously been delivered from my sins? Do I truly understand the Gospel, that Christ died for my sins and arose again? Do I understand and confess that I cannot save myself? Did I sincerely repent of my sins and turn from them? Or do I secretly love sin and want to enjoy it? Have I trusted Christ and Christ alone for my salvation? Do I enjoy a living relationship with Him through the Word and in the Spirit? Has there been a change in my life? Can others tell that I have been with Jesus? Interactive Bible Study Notes / James 2:14-27 Page 5 of 6
Do I seek to grow in the things of the Lord? Do I have a desire to share Christ with others? Or am I ashamed of Him? Do I enjoy the fellowship of God's people? Is worship a delight to me? Am I ready for the Lord's return? Or will I be ashamed when He comes for me? Conclusion Though we are focusing so much on the importance of works, it is vital to remember that true Christianity is all about Jesus and not about our personal performance! The foundation of Christianity is the work of Christ for us, not our work for him. Read - John 6:28-29, Romans 4:1-5, Titus 3:5 A historian who made a thorough study of the various religions of the world summarized their chief doctrines briefly as follows: The GREEK says, The ROMAN says, The CONFUCIAN says, The BUDDHIST says, The BRAHMAN says, The MUSLIM says, But JESUS says, "Man, KNOW thyself." ''Man, CONTROL thyself." ''Man, IMPROVE thyself." ''Man, DESTROY thyself.'' ''Man, ABSORB thyself.'' "Man, SUBMIT thyself." ''Without Me ye can do nothing.'' Interactive Bible Study Notes / James 2:14-27 Page 6 of 6