Scripture: James 2:14-26
Family Theme: Faith in action
Objectives:
Know: Genuine faith results in good works.
Think: Constantly be aware that my lifestyle naturally demonstrates my faith.
Do: Serve God and others because of what God has done for you.
Notes and questions:
B1 Outline
C1 Favoritism is wrong James 2:1-13
C2 Faith and works James 2:14-26
B2 What is faith? (Believing God and showing it. See Numbers 20:7-12 (God said, “You did not believe me,” but Moses had disobeyed. There is a relationship between faith and works).
B3 The chapter answers the question who is a Christian and who is not. How can we tell? False gospels were already being preached; see Galatians 1:7-8. Basically, all religions teach faith plus works and many Christian
B4 James 2:14-17,
C1 What is meant by faith in these verses? (Mental assent).
C2 Can merely believing that God exists, His characteristics, and beliefs enough to enter the Kingdom of Heaven? Is having a correct theology enough to save? See “You believe that God is one? You do well; the devils also believe and shudder.” James 2:19. (For cross reference see Matthew 8:29). Just believing correct doctrine is not enough.
C3 So how can we know? If I am truly saved, I will show by my motives, attitudes, words, and actions what I really am.
C4 What is the perfect measuring tool? The Bible, in particular, the New Testament which is the New Covenant for Christians. There are over 1,000 rules for Christians (consider the 8 rules of Philippians 4:8).Consider, the devils, unclean, evil, spirits know what correct doctrine is, but do they lie? See Colossians 3:9, Titus 1:2, Revelation 21:27, John 8:44.
C5 In James 2:14, James asks, “Is that faith able to save him?”
C6 James 2:15-16, so James (writing under inspiration of the Holy Spirit) gives an example, “If a brother or sister becomes naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you say to them, “Leave in peace, may you be warm and filled [with food],” yet you do not give them those things which they need for the body. What good [is it]?” Will giving food and clothes to those who lack, bring salvation? No! Why? What happens if we have but to not give? What is an evidence that a person has Biblical faith? What is the motive to help our brethren? (Love). If I do give, what does that show about me? If I do not give, what does that show about me?
C7 James 2:17, is mental assent enough? So mental assent is shown to be _______.
C8 Is action, works, all that is needed, or does faith have to be present?
C9 What is the purpose of good works? See Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Timothy 2:10, 1 Timothy 6:18, etc.
B5 James 2:18-26
C1 James 2:18, do both say they have faith? What is the difference between the two?
C2 James 2:19, is “God one?” Compare: there is one God who is three persons. God is one (there is only one God) Deuteronomy 6:4 — Father is called God in 2 Peter 1:17-18 and 2 Thessalonians 2:16, etc. Son is called God in John 20:28, John 8:58 (Exodus 3:14). Holy Spirit is called God in Acts 5:3-4.
C3 What kind of faith(?) do the devils have? What is wrong with their faith(?)?
C4 James 2:21, was Abraham justified by works or did works show that he was justified. See Genesis 15:6.
C5 James 2:22, what is the importance of the words worked together? What work is the James referring to?
C6 James 2:23, how is faith credited to him for righteousness? (He was justified by God on account of meeting the conditions that God had set down for salvation).
C7 James 2:25, how did Rahab show her faith? Who did she believe?
C8 James 2:26 is a summary statement of the doctrine.
C9 James 2:24, what does it mean justified by works?
B6 Questions from others
C1 College Press commentary on this passage
D1 Why did James choose this particular obedience of Abraham to prove his working faith?
D2 If Abraham’s faith was reckoned unto him for righteousness, how can James conclude that we see clearly that the man was justified by works?
C2 Our study guide
D1 How is our witness affected by our life-style?
D2 How would you describe the difference between intellectual belief and true, saving faith?
D3 What are some examples of how people in our culture have an intellectual belief in God, but do not what He says?
D4 What is the difference between being motivated by gratitude and being motivated by fear?
By Choco on 11 Sep 16