Faith: Dead or Alive?

1. Read James 2:14-17. James presents two questions (v. 14), an illustration (vv. 15-16), and a conclusion (v. 17). What kind of "faith" is James talking about? What is wrong with this kind of faith?

2. How do verses 15-16 illustrate this kind of faith? What are the answers to the questions in verse 14?

* "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:17-18, NIV)

3. Read James 2:18-19. Verse 18a presents the claim that some Christians have faith while other Christians have deeds. In other words, it is not necessary to have both. How should we respond to this claim?

4. What do demons believe about God? What is wrong with the demon's faith? How might human "faith" be like demon "faith?"

Dynamic Faith

5. Read James 2:20-24. Why was Abraham "considered righteous" (literally "justified")? What did Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrate?

6. James says, "a person is justified by what he does (literally 'works') and not by faith alone" (2:24, italics mine -). Paul says, "a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law" (Romans 3:20, NASB), and "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV). Do James and Paul disagree?

7. On what basis was Abraham saved? How was Abraham's faith "made complete" by what he did?

* Read James 2:25-26. Rahab is another example of faith evidenced by actions.

8. How would you define "genuine faith?" Summarize the relationship between faith and deeds.

 

Reflection/Application
† Are you trusting in your good deeds to make you righteous, apart from faith in Jesus Christ? The Bible says we cannot earn salvation! If you have not trusted Christ, do so.

† If you claim to be a "Christian," are you confident that your faith is genuine? Is it truly based in Christ? Is it merely intellectual belief or words, or is it evidenced by love & good deeds?

† What specific good deeds need to flow from your faith? What can you begin doing this week to put these good deeds into practice?