Session 10 With Works True faith produces visible change. JAMES 2:14-26 MEMORY VERSE: JAMES 2:17 READ James 2:14-26, First Thoughts (p. 104), and Understand the Context (p. 104). Review the two Old Testament stories James referenced in verses 21-25: Abraham and Isaac (Gen. 22:1-19), and Rahab (Josh. 2:8-22). STUDY James 2:14-26, using Explore the Text on pages 105 109. As you study, try to imagine how you would respond to someone who believed this passage contradicts Paul s emphasis on salvation by faith alone and not through works (Eph. 2:8-9). Pay close attention to repeated words and phrases, such as faith, works, and justified. PLAN the group time using the ideas under Lead Group Bible Study (pp. 110 111), More Ideas (p. 112), ideas included in QuickSource, and ideas online at Blog.LifeWay.com/ExploretheBible/ Adults/LeaderExtras to customize the plans according to the needs of your group. GROW with other group leaders at the Groups Ministry blog (LifeWay.com/GroupMinistry). GATHER the following items: Personal Study Guides; A pair of scissors for an object lesson of faith and works being active together. Make copies of: PACK ITEM 12 (Handout: James, Jesus Half-Brother). For More Ideas (p. 112), gather: Pictures of statues of celebrities from a wax museum; and Statistics on poverty and homelessness in your area. Date of My Bible Study: 103
KEY DOCTRINE Salvation Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17). BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR For additional context, read Sermons in the Early Church and QuickBites: Opposites in James in the Fall 2018 issue of Biblical Illustrator. Available at LifeWay.com/BiblicalIllustrator. BIBLE SKILL Notice repeated words or phrases in a Bible passage. Biblical writers sometimes used repetition of key words to emphasize a theme or message. James used word repetition in this week s passage. Identify the word used three times in James 2:20-26. (Hint: See vv. 21,24,25.) Think about what this word s repetition helps communicate in the overall passage. Look also for the writer s use of similar, related words in the passage. (Hint: See v. 23.) What meaning does the repeated word have for Bible readers today? FIRST THOUGHTS Many people are motivated to change their eating and exercise habits. Some stop eating certain foods because of a medical diagnosis. Others move from diet to diet trying to lose weight. Others exercise to improve their mood or to boost their energy. Regardless of the motivation, many people try to eat healthier or exercise more. (In PSG, p. 91) What are some occasions when you have made visible changes in the way you live? What triggers produced those changes? UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT JAMES 2:14-26 Genuine faith produces visible change. That is the theme of James 2:14-26. James used the literary style of a diatribe in verses 14-26 to convince his readers to evaluate the nature of their faith. A diatribe raises a question often on the lips of an imaginary objector for the sake of argument. In James s case, an imaginary objector claimed to have faith but failed to demonstrate his faith by his deeds. James used this literary technique to highlight the difference in attitude between people with a dead faith and those with genuine faith. James taught that faith without any evidence of obedience is dead faith, and dead faith can save no one (2:14-17). The practitioners of a dead faith see no need to help hurting people. Contrast that with a genuine faith that motivates a believer to see the need and do something about it. James explained that faith is more than a statement of belief. He pointed to demons who believe certain truths about God but do not have saving faith (2:18-19). Apparently some in James s audience equated faith with believing a set of doctrinal truths. James s argument was that true faith is more than intellectual adherence; it is the placing of one s full trust in Jesus. Next, James pointed to Abraham and Rahab to illustrate the relationship between faith and works (2:20-26). He used these Old Testament examples to illustrate that true faith is demonstrated with actions. In this section, James is countering those who taught that works are not necessary in a Christian s life. His point is that true faith produces visible change. Works are done as a result of saving faith, not as a means of securing salvation. 104 Explore the Bible Leader Guide
EXPLORE THE TEXT DEAD FAITH (JAS. 2:14-17) VERSE 14 James and his adversaries differed on the nature of faith and works. The antagonists believed in salvation by faith. However, James exposed their faith as faulty from the beginning. In the diatribe style, James posed a question to the opponents: What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? The opponents claimed to have faith; they even used the right faith vocabulary. But anyone can claim faith by saying the right things. Genuine faith goes beyond the words that come out of our mouths. James s imaginary objector who claimed to have faith failed to demonstrate his faith by his deeds. James asked in response, Can such faith save him? The question is not, Can faith save? Yes, faith saves. The question James asked is, Can such faith save? (Italics added for emphasis.) In the Greek text of James 2:14 there s a little article before the word faith. Some English translations render as such or that. It s an important little word in that it defines a particular kind of faith a faith without deeds. Can such faith save? JAMES 2:14 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can such faith save him? Faith that is genuine is faith that works. In the Greek language, a question could be asked in such a way as to indicate if a positive or negative answer was expected. The way James asked his question indicates he expected a negative answer. No, that kind of faith does not save. James was not arguing against salvation by faith alone; he was arguing against a wrong definition of faith. Saving faith is more than knowledge; it is more than intellectual agreement. Faith that is genuine is faith that works. Salvation is by faith alone, not works. Works are the evidence of salvation. Faith and Works Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24,28; 11:6; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:5 Matthew 5:16; 7:17: John 14:15 Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:8; Hebrews 10:24; 1 John 3:18 VERSES 15-16 James illustrated his point by visualizing a brother or sister who was without clothes and lacks daily food. This person lacked the basic necessities of life. Go in peace amounted to saying Have a nice day or Bless your heart. The words were cordial words but still left the person impoverished. The well-wisher added to the greeting, stay warm and be well fed. This encouragement to enjoy the warmth of a fire and a good meal proved JAMES 2:15-16 15 If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food 16 and one of you says to them, Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed, but you don t give them what the body needs, what good is it? Session 10 : With Works 105
to be empty words. The sympathizer failed to give them what the body needs. The needs for clothes and food went unmet. The sympathizer spoke the right words but failed to back them up with good deeds. In evaluation of the well-wisher s lack of action, James asked what good is it? Obviously, James disapproved of this all talk and no action kind of faith. Good thoughts, encouraging words, and a friendly wave do not get people clothed and fed. JAMES 2:17 17 In the same way faith, if it doesn t have works, is dead by itself. VERSE 17 James summarized and applied his illustration. He said, faith, if it doesn t have works, is dead by itself. It is important to see the difference between Paul s teaching in Galatians that the law could not save and James s teaching that empty faith cannot save. The two are not in disagreement but are examining saving faith from two different perspectives. The Galatian legalists were trusting in their own ability to keep the law to save them. To them, Paul taught that Jesus alone could save. James wrote to people who claimed to have faith but had no love in their hearts. He taught that anyone can claim to have faith, but if it does not produce works it is a dead faith. (In PSG, p. 94) What evidence might a person point to as proof that his or her faith is alive? How do the works of a person reveal the genuineness of his or her faith? WORKING FAITH (JAS. 2:18-19) JAMES 2:18 18 But someone will say, You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith by my works. VERSE 18 Typical of the diatribe teaching style, James pitted his view of faith and works against that of another detractor. This someone, a member of the faith community, objected to the writer s argument. Students of James often refer to this unknown person as a straw man contrived to depict the views of the rivals. The imagined protester posed the statement, You have faith, and I have works. James countered, Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith by my works. James challenged the opponent to prove his theory. Show me, James said, a genuine faith that produces no good result. A no-works faith has nothing to verify its existence. True faith involves a vital relationship with God that results in a new person. Works authenticate the claim to faith. Faith and works exist as inseparable aspects of the genuine Christian life. True faith involves a vital relationship with God that results in a new person. Paul said it this way: 106 Explore the Bible Leader Guide
if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17). Simply put, a new person acts differently from the old one. VERSE 19 James chose a basic biblical doctrine the existence of only one true God to illustrate his argument. Jews repeated Deuteronomy 6:4, known as the Shema, to affirm, The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Good! James commended those who believed in God s oneness. Saying the words and believing them to be true, however, did not prove genuine faith. A faith statement can turn out to be empty words. James reminded his readers that even the demons believe. In the Gospels and Acts, demons and demon-possessed people acknowledged the truth of Jesus and His work. (See Mark 1:24; 3:11; Acts 19:15.) Belief in God causes the demons to shudder but fails to save. True faith is more than intellectual adherence; it is the placing of one s full trust in Jesus for salvation. JAMES 2:19 19 You believe that God is one. Good! Even the demons believe and they shudder. (In PSG, p. 96) How might a person confuse acceptance of a belief with acceptance of Christ as Savior and Lord? How are the two related? How are they different? SAVING FAITH (JAS. 2:20-26) VERSE 20 Senseless person! James was growing frustrated with his opponents faulty understanding of the relationship between faith and works. He wondered if his adversaries were willing to learn the truth. Would any argument convince them that faith without works is useless? James previously said that faith without works was dead (v. 17). Now he called that kind of faith useless. This Greek word described something that was idle, lazy, useless, or unproductive. Faith without works doesn t work. JAMES 2:20 20 Senseless person! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless? Faith without works doesn t work. VERSES 21-24 James turned to two examples from the Old Testament to prove his point. The first, Abraham our father, held a revered place in Jewish thought. A contingent of Jewish Christians likely comprised a portion of the letter s readership. Mention of Abraham would have grabbed their attention. James argued that Abraham was justified by works. The term justified means that God has declared a person to be in right standing with Him. Session 10 : With Works 107
JAMES 2:21-24 21 Wasn t Abraham our father justified by works in offering Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active together with his works, and by works, faith was made complete, 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God s friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. Paul also used the example of Abraham, but he did so to make the case that salvation is by faith alone, not works. Paul quoted from Scripture to make his point: Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness (Rom. 4:3; see Gen. 15:6). In verse 23, James also quoted from this same verse in Genesis. As noted earlier, Paul and James did not differ on their understanding of faith and works. They were addressing two very different situations and stressing different points about faith and works. The apostle Paul was refuting those who taught that works were a prerequisite to salvation or a means to justification. James was countering those who said works were optional for believers. Both Paul and James believed justification to be God s gracious gift to those who trust Him. Good works flow out of that saving faith (see Eph. 2:8-10). James pointed to the account of Abraham offering Isaac his son on the altar (see Gen. 22:1-18). Abraham s faith in God had saved him, but his faith was not without the resulting works that demonstrated it. Abraham s faith was active together with his works. His obedience demonstrated the integrity of his faith. James argued that it was by works that Abraham s faith was made complete. To complete something denotes bringing it to its intended, mature state. James noted that Scripture was fulfilled through Abraham s act of faith. Often, New Testament writers used the concept of fulfillment to indicate that an Old Testament event came to its full meaning. In this case, Abraham s faith, depicted through the intended sacrifice of Isaac, interpreted Genesis 15:6 ( Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness ). James clearly agreed that Genesis 15:6 teaches righteousness was credited to Abraham when he believed God. Abraham later showed the reality of this righteousness by his willingness to offer his son in obedience to God. The event in Genesis 22 happened thirty years after Genesis 15. Thus, Abraham did not do works to secure his salvation, since he had believed God thirty years earlier. He did works as a result of his salvation. A right standing with God based on faith allowed Abraham to be called God s friend, a sign of a right relationship with God. James probably recalled Old Testament Scripture that referred to Abraham as God s friend (2 Chron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8). James expected the illustration of Abraham to help all his readers to see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. Good works naturally follow a Christian s being set right with God. Abraham s works, his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, resulted from Abraham s faith. (In PSG, p. 97) Why is it important to see faith and works as partners instead of competitors? 108 Explore the Bible Leader Guide
VERSE 25 In his final illustration, James used Rahab the prostitute to show how faith and works go together. The choice of Rahab the prostitute contrasted dramatically with Abraham. Abraham was revered as the father of the Jews. Rahab was a Gentile and a sinner, yet she was justified in the same way Abraham was. Rahab lived in Jericho during the time of the conquest of the promised land (Josh. 2:1-21). The Hebrews needed help to escape Jericho. At great risk, Rahab hid the messengers and then sent them out by a different route. Her people considered these men enemies and her king called on her to turn them over to him. She received God s protection because of her good works. The New Testament records her elevated place in the history of God s people. By faith Rahab the prostitute welcomed the spies in peace and didn t perish with those who disobeyed (Heb. 11:31). Rahab s good works confirmed her faith. JAMES 2:25 25 In the same way, wasn t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works in receiving the messengers and sending them out by a different route? A person who claims to have faith without works is a spiritual corpse; there is no life in him. VERSE 26 James drew his argument about the relationship between faith and works to a conclusion. He stated that the body without the spirit is dead. By body James meant the human form of a person. By spirit he meant the living force or breath that enlivens a human being. A body can be seen. The spirit, however, remains invisible to human eyes. A body plus a spirit equals life. Separate them and only a dead corpse remains. When the spirit leaves the body, the body begins to decay and returns to the earth because it has no hope of sustaining itself. In the same way, faith without works is dead. James restated the essence of his thought in 2:17. A person who claims to have faith without works is a spiritual corpse; there is no life in him. JAMES 2:26 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. How would you explain the difference between a dead faith and a living faith? Session 10 : With Works 109
LEAD GROUP BIBLE STUDY FOCUS ATTENTION (FIRST THOUGHTS) GUIDE: Divide a whiteboard or large sheet of paper into two columns. Label the first column Triggers for Change and the second column Evidence for Change. As the group arrives, invite them to reflect on changes they or someone they know have been told to make in their lives. What are some occasions when you have made visible changes in the way you live? What triggers produced those changes? (PSG, p. 91) Write responses as the group calls them out. ASK: Have you ever seen visible changes to a person s health or financial situation that came about simply through talking about it or believing something about it? Why or why not? EXPLAIN: James 2 deals with the relationship between faith and works. As we study this passage, we need to continually ask, What is the difference between saving faith and evidence for faith? EXPLORE THE TEXT READ: While a volunteer reads aloud James 2:14-17, direct the group to listen for the questions James asked in these verses. Point out verse 17 is this session s memory verse. ASK: What were James s questions? How might people try to answer these questions? From the PSG (p. 93): Why might a person claim to have faith without any resulting works? DISCUSS: Direct someone to read the paragraph on page 93 of the PSG beginning The second question James asked was important. Lead the group to discuss their understanding of James s teaching. Emphasize that James was not contradicting Paul s assertion that we are saved by faith and not by works (Eph. 2:8-9). Rather, he was teaching that a faith without works is not the kind of faith that saves. EXPLAIN: Most of us have been to a funeral. We often say that the person in the casket looks so natural, or that they look like they are just sleeping. But we know that there is no life in that body. No matter how good a job the mortician did, no one can deny the person is dead. REVIEW: Draw attention to the Evidence for Change list you compiled earlier. Ask: If we were looking for evidence that the person described in verses 15-16 truly desired that the brother or sister be taken care of, then what would we expect to find? ASK: What evidence might a person point to as proof that his or her faith is alive? How do the works of a person reveal the genuineness of his or her faith? (PSG, p. 94) TRANSITION: James seemed to anticipate people would want to argue with him on this point. So in the next section, he dealt with the objections people would have. READ: Invite a volunteer to read aloud James 2:18-19 and another volunteer to read Deuteronomy 6:4-5. EXPLAIN: James reminded his readers of the most important faith statement in the Old Testament Deuteronomy 6:4-5. Notice that in the Old Testament Moses didn t just tell the Israelites to listen to the truth that the Lord our God is one but also to love God. Recall the previous session, in which we studied James s command that we not merely listen to the Word but that we do what it says. 110 Explore the Bible Leader Guide
ASK: How does it impact you to know that demons believe the same thing about God that you do? Why did James point out that they both believe and shudder? CLARIFY: Use the information under Verse 19 (PSG, pp. 95 96) to explain how the demons belief in God didn t bring them peace with God but only multiplied their fear of Him. DISCUSS: How should our belief in God be different from the demons belief? How should our fear of God be different from the demons fear of God? ASK: Direct everyone to turn to a person close by and discuss the questions on page 96 of the PSG. After their discussion, ask: Did anyone share anything today that impacted your first response to these questions? READ: Call on a volunteer to read aloud James 2:20-26, and instruct group members to listen for the two Old Testament examples of faith James cited, as well as the word that is repeated three times in the passage. COMPARE: Form two groups. Direct the first group to read Genesis 22:1-19, and the second to read Joshua 2:8-22. Give each group a few minutes to answer the question, How was the person in this passage justified? EXPLAIN: Remember that James was talking to Jewish believers. Holding up Abraham as an example of faith for them wasn t a stretch. He was the Jewish patriarch. But it had to be a bit of a surprise to also hold up a Canaanite prostitute as an example of one who was justified by what she did. SUMMARIZE: Emphasize what verse 22 means by faith and works being active together, using information from your study on pages 107 108 (PSG, p. 97). ILLUSTRATE: Hold up a pair of scissors. Ask: Which blade of the scissors is more important? Emphasize that it takes both blades to cut through material. Explain that this is what is meant by faith and works being active together. ASK: Why is the body without the spirit like faith without works? What other illustrations might a person use to explain James s point? (PSG, p. 98) SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE (IN MY CONTEXT) DISCUSS: Review the statements under In My Context (PSG, p. 99) to present a summary of the study. Ask: Why is true faith more than intellectual adherence? How do we explain that salvation is truly by faith alone in Christ alone but that the evidence for saving faith is action? CHALLENGE: Call attention to the third question set under In My Context (PSG, p. 99): Discuss as a group actions the group can take as a way of demonstrating faith in Christ. How can you make sure that the group is acting based on their faith as opposed to as an effort to secure it? PRAY: Lead in prayer, asking God to help the group know how to put their faith into practice. Session 10 : With Works 111
PRACTICE Immediately after the session, text or email the group, thanking them for their participation during the Bible study group time. Text or email the group, encouraging them to write James 2:17 on sticky notes and place on their mirror, their steering wheel in their car, or the corner of their computer screen. Contact group members who were not present. Remind them they can stay up with the group using their PSGs. Allow them to share prayer requests, asking for permission to share the requests with others in the group. MORE IDEAS FOCUS ATTENTION (FIRST THOUGHTS) Print off several pictures of statues of celebrities from a wax museum. Without saying that it is a picture of a wax figure, ask group members to identify the celebrity. Then ask if it is a photo of the actual celebrity. How can they tell it isn t real? Transition to a discussion of what sets us apart as genuine Christians as opposed to wax impressions of Christians. EXPLORE THE TEXT To supplement discussion of James 2:14-17, research statistics on poverty and homelessness in your area. Note that every Bible believing church in your area would agree that Christians should help the poor. Ask: Would a visitor be convinced that we were concerned about the poor if he or she looked at our budget or our calendar? Why or why not? To add to your study of James 2:18-19, place a chair in the center of the room. Ask: How many of you believe that this chair would support your weight? What evidence do the rest of us have that you actually believe that? Turn to someone who raised a hand and say, Prove it. Discuss how the only way to truly demonstrate your faith in the chair is to actually sit in the chair. For further study on James 2:20-26, take time to review the life of James and his progression from an unbeliever to a believer in action, using Pack Item 12 (Handout: James, Jesus Half-Brother). SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE (IN MY CONTEXT) Acknowledge that today s discussion may have led some in the group to wonder whether or not they are truly saved. Affirm that God wants us to be able to settle that question, and that you would be honored to talk further with anyone who has questions about what it means to be saved by grace through faith. SUGGESTED MUSIC IDEA To close the session, play If We Are the Body, by Casting Crowns. Remind them of the image of the body in the casket, and encourage the group to think about giving evidence to the living body of Christ by what we do. 112 Explore the Bible Leader Guide