14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
- What is the main topic of this passage: faith or works?
- Why is it easier to say you believe something than to fully live it?
- Why is it easier to believe that you believe something than to fully believe it?
- How do works demonstrate faith?
- When might works not demonstrate faith?
- Which comes first: faith or works?
- What things do you believe that you are not living fully? Do you really believe them?
- How does knowing that God might use you to answer your prayers change your prayers?
The faith versus works battle has been raging since the first century. James is believed to be the earliest New Testament books. He has been leading up to this point from early in chapter 1. Things are going to happen in your life. Pray and don't doubt. Study God's word and do it. Now we see the argument clearly stated, but when you have already taken sides it is difficult to see clearly. James is addressing those people who say they believe but are not living a life that shows their faith. People are showing partiality to rich people and ignoring the poor that God has elevated. This passage does not say that works are better than faith or that you can work your way to heaven. It does say that true faith is demonstrated, not just felt. True faith passes on the love and mercy that God has shown you, regardless of the costs. Why do we want faith and works to be an either/or situation? Because conflict seems to let us off the hook of obeying.
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