James Living out one s faith Week 5 for if the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. James 2:26 S- saturated with scripture (Acts 1:11, 2 Timothy 2:15) T-tethered to the Rock (Psalm 18:2, Psalm 62:7,8) E- enduring (2 Peter 1:3-8) A- Accountability (1 Thessalonians 2:10-14, Romans 14:10-12) D- Devoted (I Kings 8:56-61, Galatians 3:1-6, Hebrews 11) F- Faithful (2 Timothy 3:10-17) A- Alert (I Corinthians 6:13, Ephesians6:18) S- Suffering patiently (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 & 16-18, Philippians 4:4-9) T- Testify (2 Corinthians 4:13, Philippians 2:1-11, 1Thessalonians 1:2-10) James continues to drive home the theme of talking vs. doing in a professing Christian s life. He drives home the point that authentic belief leads to life changing action. As we walk through the word together today, pray for the Truth to transform your heart and give you wisdom to rightly appraise your heart.
Today we will focus on James 2:14-26 but in order to tie this week s reading together with the whole of James thus far, back up to James 2:8 and read through the James 2:26. James addresses people who profess a faith in Jesus Christ. They were a group of people who were well acquainted with the Mosaic law, saving faith in Jesus Christ (recognizing Him as their long awaited Messiah) and they experienced trials and temptation in their lives. Once we ve set the context, we need to let the text speak for itself. The key here is to be OBJECTIVE. Once we see what the word of God is saying, we will know how the truth relates to us subjectively. Pay attention to what is repeated over and over. As the text speaks for itself, read with purpose by interrogating the text Ask questions to help you observe the facts: Who? What happened? What was taught? When? Where? How? Why? This is where you see and discover what the author is saying. Locate and mark any key words, repeated words or phrases, and commands (as a group, mark the key worksheet ) What does the passage say? (Observation) How do verses 8-13 of chapter 2 prepare us for the question asked in verse 14? What do you think was happening in the early church to necessitate James teaching in this section? (hint: note the examples given in vv. 15-20, 21-25) What shift has James made from verses 1-13 and now verses 14-26? (hint: is he addressing interpersonal relationships? Actions? Motives? Etc.)
What rhetorical questions does he ask (hint: see verses 14 and 19-20 How would you define FAITH, DEAD, BELIEVE & WORKS according to these scripture passages? FAITH: DEAD: BELIEVE: WORKS: What does it mean? (Interpretation) James 2:14-26 What good is it Can that faith save him? James has shifted from addressing how our interactions with others illustrate our understanding of and reliance on God s mercy (v. 13) by asking a question with the obvious answer of no. Talking about a saving faith in God is not the same as living a life that demonstrates a saving faith in God. James has given us many contrasts in the first two chapters. Let s interpret this section of scripture in light of the other contrasts we ve already covered: Trial/temptation Mosaic law/law of liberty Judgement/mercy How do these examples clarify the relationship between faith and works?
Living under the law of liberty manifests itself in tangible ways. James states that faith without works is dead after he gives a drastic example in verses 15-16. The KJV version amplifies the meaning of dead in its translation: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. What is dead faith? Let s dig a little deeper here and research what the words dead, faith and believe mean. (see BLB handout) Why is belief that God exists not the same as saving faith (vv. 18, 19)? What is the difference? How is the belief/faith of Abraham and Rahab different than the belief of demons? (note the timeline of events) ABRAHAM: Genesis 15:6, 22:9-10, Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6-9 RAHAB: Joshua 2:1-22, 6:23 and Hebrews 11:31 James closes chapter 2 with a strong statement: For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (v. 26). How does this verse parallel James 1: 22-26? 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
How does the principle apply to one specific area of my life? (Application) This week we stood before the mirror of God s word. As image bearers of God we are privileged to show the world the power of the gospel to transform lives. In the SOTM (Matthew 7:15-20) Jesus calls us to be discerning when it comes to biblical teaching and teachers. Are they bearing good fruit? What and/or who influences your life the most? What fruit are you bearing? James has been very specific about the needs we should be responding towidows and orphans, as well as those who need food and clothing. Where do these needs exist in our area? What is the best way to help these people? Are you addressing the needs within our church community? What did you learn about today that motivates you to learn more and become involved? Plan something and do it!