James 2:14-26

In an effort to provide you with some conversations starters for your groups next week:

In verse 2:14, James speaks of a person having faith without deeds and asks, "Can such faith save him?"
No. The Faith he is talking about here is more of one of “an understanding” not saving faith as we see in other texts. This is backed up further in the chapter when he talks about even the demons “believe” or I will show you my faith by my deeds.

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.

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"?
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.

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 important 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.

Do Paul's words in Colossians 3:23-24 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).

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?

Other Questions to 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) mirror James 2:18.