Lesson 14: Faith & Works (part 2)
Read James 2:14-26 - www.bible.com/bible/59/jas.2.esv

 James 2:21-25 - Abraham and Rahab. Dynamic faith is real faith, faith that has power, faith that leads to a changed life. Both Abraham and Rahab heard and believed God’s word and acted accordingly. James says, these don’t just talk faith, they live faith. Faith is only as good as its object. Faith directed at the wrong object will produce nothing. I “believe” is the testimony of many sincere people but the question is, in what and in whom do you believe? The men and women of faith in Hebrews 11 were people of action, God spoke and they obeyed. True saving faith leads to action is James’ point.

James 2:21 – before God Abraham was justified by faith, before men he justified his faith by his obedience - works. James 2:23 and Genesis 15:6 – so in front of men we are justified by our works. James 2:24 – Alas, there are still Christians, church members, today who fit the description of Titus 1:16 - They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

*What did Paul write in Titus 3:8 about our works? _____

Characteristics of Genuine Faith

1. It is not indifferent but involved (James 2:15-16) Words are there but real food and real clothes are missing.
2. It is not independent but in partnership (James 2:17) Love and marriage, horse and carriage, faith and works. Dissolve the partnership and faith dies (unhitch the carriage)
3. It is not invisible but on display (James 2:18) the word SHOW means bring to light, to display or exhibit. James’ whole point is if it doesn’t show you don’t have it. (Birth certificate)
4. It is not just intellectual but from the heart (James 2:19-20)


Concluding Principle

James 2:26 - For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
When there is a separation, there is death. It’s true physically (breath), and it’s true spiritually (works from faith)- without works, faith is nothing but a corpse, void of life and useless to everyone but the undertaker.

What results do you see in your life? Is your faith involved? Is your faith in partnership with your action? Is your faith on display? Is your faith from the heart?

Remember, James is not saying that our salvation is dependent on our works. Nor is he trying to produce more works in us out of guilt and fear. He is only questioning those who claim who have faith in Christ yet their lives show no evidence of that faith. If you say that you are saved, why doesn’t your life show it? James asks us a fair but penetrating question.