SHOW YOUR FAITH BY YOUR WORKS

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

REVIEW the connection James makes between faith and works; EXPRESS what it means to declare one's faith through actions or works; and IDENTIFY people in their heritage and their church who have lived out their faith in action.

FOCAL VERSES JAMES 2:14-26

KEEP IN MIND

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:26).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Vain Faith (James 2:14-17)

2. Faith on Display (vv. 18-19)

3. Examples of Faith (vv. 20-26)

IN FOCUS STORY

A Few Who Put Faith Into Action

(Adapted from Hebrews 11)

* Abel - Offered God a more excellent sacrifice.

* Noah - Prepared an ark for the saving of his house.

*Abraham - Went out, not knowing where, and traveled to the land of promise.

* Isaac - Blessed Jacob and Esau.

* Jacob - Though dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph and worshipped.

* Moses - Refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter and led the people of God.

* Rahab - Received the spies with peace.

 

Why Not Us? Can't We...

* Subdue kingdoms?

* Bring Justice?

* Stop the mouths of lions?

* Fight valiantly?

* Put the enemy of flight?

* Help our brothers and sisters?

Can't we represent Christ by actions of faith?

Believers is Jesus Christ must exhibit faith by our actions. Today we learn that there is a divine relationship between faith and works.

PEOPLE, PLACE, and TIMES

Faith and Works. Faith is belief and trust in Jesus Christ. Works are character traits of faith. Character traits of faith are elements of unconditional submission to God and His Son, Jesus Christ: "You must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility,, gentleness, and patience" ( From Colossians 3:12, NLT). Works contain the love of God. God's love is displayed when we respond to the needs of others: "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father" (v. 17, NLT).

Faith without Works. One still has a belief and trust in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. However, instead of one's actions displaying the love of God, the behavior reflects earthly, sinful things. "What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, 'Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well' - but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?" (James 2:14-16, NLT).

BACKGROUND

This is a continuation of James' letter to the believers on why the actual practice of one's faith in day-to-day living is more important than one's statement of faith. With the completion of teaching on the practice faith, James shifted to the underlying principles of faith's lifestyle - the attitude of faith followed by actions of faith. James clearly states, "Faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless" (from James 2:17, NLT).

The saints' attitude of faith puts God's love in motion. God's love is shown when saints open their hearts to receive the poor and those who are not like them. "So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do,  not by faith alone" (v. 24, NLT). James referred the believers to the Bible with two illustrations, one of Abraham and one of Rahab. Both believed in God, but their faith was made complete by their actions for God.

SEARCH the SCRIPTURES

1. When faith is coupled with action, what outcome can be expected (James 2:14)?

2. What argument does James 2:19 make for why just saying we believe God is insufficient?

3. Faith is dead if it does not do what (vv. 16-17 and 26)?

DISCUSS the MEANING

1. Faith in God is very important. God is pleased when we worship Him, but is faith alone pleasing to God?

2. Compare verses 15-17 to 1 Corinthians 13:1.

LESSON in OUR SOCIETY

Every day we see scandal rock our political landscape. The news, however is even more devastating when religious leaders, regardless of denomination

or faith or faith tradition, are found to be fraudulently representing Jesus Christ. What accountability does James 2 demand? What has the failure by a few in prominent position done to the collective witness of the Church?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

This week, give yourself over to prayer and seek God's revelation of where your walk is not matching your talk. Then seek God for strategies to get back on track and represent Him more fully in all aspect of your life.

(Except from The Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World)