warm-up

What is something you like to do for others? Tell us about it.

Tell us about a time you did something because you believed in a person, cause, or project.

Was there ever a time you didn’t want to help someone even if you could? What happened?

word

17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18But 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. James 2:17,18

Through our faith in Christ, we receive salvation. However, James reminded the Jewish Christians that salvation is just the starting point of a life of faith in Christ. Faith, if it does not have works, is dead. James also said, I will show you my faith by my works. There are two contrasts of faith and works that James presented.

1
Faith that does not result in works is useless.

Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? James 2:20

James described how their ancestor Abraham demonstrated his faith in God by offering his son Isaac up as a living sacrifice. His faith did not stop at believing in God or in praying to Him. Without action, his faith would have been useless to His walk with God. What does Romans 12:1 say about living by faith?

2
Our faith is evidenced by our works.

22You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. James 2:22-24

Abraham obeyed God because of his faith in Him. His faith was seen in his works, and it was counted to him as righteousness. For this to happen, our faith and works must go together. When was the last time you acted on your faith in God?

application

Talk about the moment you put your faith in Jesus Christ. How has it changed the way you see other people?

Ask God to show you a family member or friend who does not yet know Him. How can you step out in faith and serve them this week?

Do you currently pray for, give to, or participate in an organization that serves others? How can you become more actively involved in these starting today?

prayer

Thank God for His love and compassion that offers us salvation through faith. Thank Him for inviting us to a life of faith with Him.

Ask God for opportunities to demonstrate your faith in Him through works. Pray that He will open doors for you to serve others this week.

Pray for God to show you a way you can actively serve others on a regular basis. Pray that your life of faith will be a way for others to meet God through your faith.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
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