HAVE WE REALLY CONSIDERED "FAITH WITHOUT DEEDS?"

HAVE WE REALLY SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED "FAITH WITH NO DEEDS"?

James 2:14-26 - Faith and Deeds
Memory verse: James 2:26

In verse 2:14, James speaks of a person having faith without deeds and asks, "Can such faith save him?" Can it?

No. Faith without works is what might be called intellectual assent or agreement with a Christian set of teachings, but it would be an incomplete faith. True faith transforms our conduct as well as our thoughts. If our lives remain unchanged, we don't truly believe the truths we claim to believe.

From a worldly perspective, why is it some important to have deeds along with faith?

It demonstrates to others what it means to be a Christian. H.L. Wilmington says, "a silent believer may indeed be a saint before God, but he remains a sinner before man until he walks the walk and talks the talk of Christian service."

Is this part of James a "Saving" text or a "Sign" text?

Sign. It is not instructing us on how to be saved, but how to demonstrate our faith to God and man.

What does Jesus say about faith and works (Matthew 7:26-27)?

Faith without deeds is no different than building a house on sand, which is quickly washed away.

Proper motivation is important in understanding the value of our works. What are we being asked to do and why? (1 John 3:16-18)

We are to reach out with the love of God to anyone in need, not with words, but with actions. We are to do so because Christ gave his life for us.

Give a modern example of the situation described in verses James 2:15-16.

Does someone need to be picked up at the airport and you tell him of a good limo service instead of offering to get him? Did you go to the last clean-up day at your church? If not, why not? Today, giving up one's time to help someone in need is often more difficult than giving money.

Explain the meaning of verse 18.

The Living Bible explains it as well as any: But someone may well argue, "You say the way to God is by faith alone, plus nothing; well, I say that good works are important too, for without good works you can't prove whether you have faith or not; but anyone can see that I have faith by the way that I act." James is saying that faith and deeds cannot exist independently of one another.

Doesn't James 2:18 contradict Paul in Romans 3:28 when he writes "man is justified (saved) by faith without the deeds (works) of the law"?

They appear to, but actually Paul is speaking out against those who attempt to be saved by deeds instead of true faith. Paul was also speaking to Jews who believed that to be saved, one must obey the laws of Moses. While it is true that our deeds cannot earn salvation, true faith always results in a changed life and good deeds. Bottom line: faith brings us salvation; active obedience demonstrates that our faith is genuine.

What is the point of verse 19?

Again, the Living Bible explains it well: Are there still some among you who hold that "only believing" is enough? Believing in one God? Well, remember that demons believe this too--so strongly that they tremble in terror! The point is the "only believing" is definitely not enough.

Was Abraham saved by faith or works? (Genesis 15:3-6, Romans 4:3).

By faith when he believed that Sarah would have children that would inherit the earth. Furthermore, Abraham's act of faith (Genesis 15:6) occurred before he offered up Isaac, which was only a proof of the genuineness of his faith.

Chronology is an important word when it comes to faith and works. Explain this example noting the sequence (Eph 2:8-9 and Eph 2:10).

First: God loves you so much that He is willing to save you by His grace. Second: you must have faith and believe in God's grace. Third: you must act on your faith.

Was there a similar sequence in Abraham's story in James 2:21-24?

Yes. Take time to understand it. The whole story is in Genesis, chapters 12 to 23, but look especially at 15:6.

Summarize the story of Rahab the prostitute in James 2:25 (Joshua 2:1-24 and 6:17-27, Hebrews 11:31).

Briefly, when Moses' spies came to Jericho, she hid them and helped them escape. In this way, her deeds demonstrated faith in God's purpose for Israel. As a result, she and her family were saved when the city was destroyed.

Explain the "job description" God gives us in Colossians 3:23-24.

Rephrase the passage in your own words.

Do Paul's words in Colossians 3:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:10 provide motivation for letting your deeds demonstrate your faith?

In Colossians, Paul tells us that we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward and then in 2 Corinthians he says that in the final judgement, we will be held accountable for our actions while in human form, (not just for our faith). Scary, eh?

What are some examples of works that pass through the fires of God's judgement and are rewarded as described in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15?

Think of examples from your own experience. Be specific!

Think about:
1. Improper motives that get you involved in doing good works.
2. Excuses you have given the Lord for not being more involved in His service.
3. Does your life prove (or lack evidence) that you believe the statement: "Only one life, t'will soon be past, and only what's done for Christ will last.

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Ramona P.