James: Forging a Faith That Cuts It

Lesson #4:

Forging a Faith That Cuts It When It Really Counts

Lesson #1: When Trials Come

Ø The PURPOSE for Pain = MATURITY

Ø The PROVISION for Pain = WISDOM

Ø The PERSPECTIVE Toward Pain = ETERNITY

Lesson #2: When Testing Comes

Ø Trial = Testing or Temptation

Ø Who’s responsible?

Ø In order for sin to give birth there must be an inward desire and an outward lure. When these two connect, sin is born.

Ø It usually starts with good desires, given by God:

• Security

• Significance

Ø What do you fear most? Suffering or sin???

Lesson #3: When the Word Comes

Ø 19,20 – The principle is set forth.

! Quick to listen

! Slow to speak

! Slow to be angry

Ø 21,22 – The principle is interpreted.

Ø 23-25 – The principle is illustrated.

Ø 26,27 – The principle is applied.

Lesson #4: When It Really Counts

ü 2:1-13 Answers the question, “What happens if you don’t welcome the Word?”

ü Ch. 3 Asks the question, “Who controls your tongue?”

ü Chs. 4,5 Asks the question, “Who controls your life?”

ü All of these questions are rooted in the verses we’ll study today, 2:14-26. But first…

“An Epistle of Straw” Dr. Martin Luther

ü Always at issue with St. James is the supposed contradiction with St. Paul.

n James 2:24

n Ephesians 2:8-9

ü What’s the deal? Two ways of understanding and illustrating the very same thing.

ü Does Paul believe there is no connection between faith and works? See Eph. 2:10.

Faith Without Works is Dead

ü James presents his argument in two cycles: 2:14-17 and then 2:18-26

ü Each cycle has three components:

1. States the argument in question form,

2. Illustrates the argument in question form, and

3. Summarizes the argument in statement form.

The First Cycle 2:14-17

ü Read James 2:14. What is the argument?

ü Remember that James is talking to believers (my brothers, and 2:1 “as believers) so the salvation talked about is not salvation from hell and damnation but salvation from living a life that is wasted.

ü Our eternal life with God is secure, but the life we live on this planet until we go to be with Him is at risk.

ü Read verses 15 and 16 for James illustration of the argument.

ü Underline the word says…

ü Why is it useless to act this way? Because words do not clothe cold backs and words do not fill empty stomachs – deeds do!

ü Read verse 17 and note the words, “In the same way …”

ü Faith and works are in essence inseparable. One without the other is dead.

ü Does this contradict Paul? No!

The Second Cycle 2:18-26

Ø Read verses 18-19. What’s the argument?

Ø Suppose we claim to have faith? How can you prove what you cannot see?

Ø Check out Jesus words in Mark 2

n “Jesus saw their faith”

n “Which is easier to say…”

Ø How do we know Jesus can forgive sins? Because He allows us to see what He can do.

Ø How do we know you have faith? We see it in what you do.

Ø Read verses 21-23 for James’ first illustration of the argument.

Ø James talks of Father Abraham from Genesis 22 then Genesis 15.

Ø Sacrifice your son

n The tense of the Hebrew verb means Abraham completed the action!

n How could he do that? See Heb. 11:17-19.

Ø Notice how James uses this example in verse 22.

Ø Read verse 25 for James’ second illustration of the argument.

Ø Is it an accident that James chooses Rahab the prostitute to illustrate his point? What’s the significance?

Ø James conclusion? Read verse 26.

Ø OK, let’s apply this to our lives. Many times we say the words but do we follow through with our deeds?

Ø Faith is based on what God says (does) not on what we see, but faith is built not on what we say but on what others see.

What Does This Mean?

! Where are the needs in the body of Christ that God wants me to respond to?

! Where is the direction and God’s will in my life that I need to respond to?

! Where are the messengers God has put in my life that I need to respond to?

! What have I learned _______________.