James Lesson 5: Faith Seen By What You Do (2: 14-26)

James Lesson 5: Faith Seen By What You Do (2: 14-26)

By Jerry Pottorff

South Suburban Evangelical Free Church

SSEFC ABF – Winter 2005

Lesson 5 – James 2: 14-26

Main Thought

The genuiness of a person’s profession in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is evidenced more by what a person does than by what he claims.

James 2: 14–26 Production of Works

James 2: 14-17 Dead Faith

Even in the early church there were those who claimed they had saving faith yet did not possess salvation.

People with dead faith substitute words for deeds.

How is Faith a key doctrine in life?

• The sinner is saved by faith (Eph 2:8-9)
• The believer must walk by faith (II Cor 5:7)
• Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6)
• What ever we do apart from faith is sin (Rom 14:23)

Since we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, why bother with works?

• Rom 3:21 – 4:25
• James 1:2-4

What seems to be James main point? Faith not accompanied by action is dead.

What did Paul say about faith and deeds? Galatians 5:6

What kind of faith counts as genuine? Faith expressed through LOVE

Does Paul agree or disagree with James? Romans 13:8-10

What did John say about faith and deeds? I John 3:10, 17-19 – Love in actions and in truth

According to John what is a crucial piece of evidence that we belong to the truth and are children of God?

• Doing what is right
• Love for one’s brother.

What does Jesus say about faith and deeds? Matthew 7: 15-23

• there is more to salvation than outward confession Matthew 15:31-46
• Sheep and goats, responsibility for taking care of the less fortunate

How does James show agreement with Paul and John?

• James 1:27  – look after orphans and widows (less fortunate)
• 2:14-17 – those without food and clothes (less fortunate)

The point James is making is one with genuine faith will have the desire to demonstrate. Faith can be professed but demonstration of the faith shows and proves that it is genuine.

James 2:18-19 Demonic Faith

To whom or how might Verse 18 be offensive?

Compare to Paul’s teaching – Romans 12:4-8, I Cor 12:4-11

Could one interpret conflict between what Paul has written and what James has written?

James’s real meaning is that every Christian has faith and works.

What is James reference to in verse 19? – One God Reference Deut 6: 4-5

Who else mentioned this in their ministry?

Jesus – Matthew 22:37

What do demons believe about God?

1. God exists
2. Deity of Christ

The belief in one God was the primary thing that set Jews and Christians apart from the rest of the world.

What is wrong with the demon’s faith?

Choose to rebel against God and follow Satan instead.

How is a demon’s faith like that of a human faith that produces no good deeds?

What example of “dead or worthless” faith that does not save is used by James?

James 2:20-26 Dynamic Faith

How has James described “Dynamic Faith”?

Dynamic Faith is real. It has power and results in a changed life.

Two Examples of Genuine Faith

Abraham (Genesis 22:1-18)

Paul uses Abraham as an example of Faith in Romans 4: 1-25

Author of Hebrews uses Abraham as an example in Chapter 11:8-19 God promised Abraham a son from whom he would receive countless descendents – even though Abraham was 80 years old. Abraham believed God and God counted Abraham righteous because of his faith.

When Isaac was a teenager, God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son. Abraham had to risk all his dreams on the conviction that God would keep His promises. James 2:24 – “a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone”.

What did Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac prove?

• Genesis 22:12 – “Fear for God”
• James 2:22-23 – Actions followed faith and was credited as righteous. Use of words “Justification” and “Friend of God”.

How does Abraham reflect what James says about faith in James 1:2-4?

• “Testing develops perseverance”
• “Road or way to maturity and completeness”

Rahab (Joshua 2:1-24)

The Canaanite prostitute decided that the God of Israel was more worthy of her allegiance than the idols of Canaan. Then she showed or demonstrated that loyalty. Matthew 1 – Rahab is mentioned in the genealogy of David – Jesus.

Are all good deeds evidence of faith in Jesus?

Do good deeds not motivated by Faith in Jesus have any value in God’s eyes?

Is there any way to demonstrate true faith other than by deeds of obedience to God?

If deeds demonstrate genuine faith, can we judge by their works whether other people are saved?

Matthew 7: 1-5, 15-21

What can we do this week to put our faith into practice? Consider examples James has used:

• Loving our neighbor
• Caring for the needy
• Giving without resentment