James 2:14-26

 
Series Setup

Food for Thought

  • Read Romans 3:28 and James 2:24. Who can make it make sense?

    • What’s James getting at in his letter to early Christians?

    • How is that different from what Paul’s trying to get at in his letter to other early Christians?

    • Now read Ephesians 2:1-10. How does this passage help us see the relationship between living faith and good works?

      • Why is this such an important relationship to make clear? What if we get it mixed up or wrong?

  • Why is it important for our invisible faith to show up visibly?

    • Who are we supposed to make good deeds visible for? Who should see them? Why?

    • What if our faith doesn’t show up visibly? What does that mean (and/or not mean)?

    • If even demons believe and react to true things about God, what makes us different from them?

  • Do you think James is trying to rattle people’s faith in this passage or build it up? Why?

    • Does this passage trouble your own heart? If so, why? If not, why not?

    • How is James actually pointing all of us towards a living faith in Christ alone?

    • How are his illustrations of Abraham and Rahab good ways of showing us a living faith in Christ alone?

    • This might sound like a trick question, but in light of all that, what do you have to do in order to have a living faith?

  • How does this passage challenge you to make your faith visible?

Reflection Questions

  • ​Where has your faith settled for mere agreement with truth rather than active surrender to Jesus?

  • What specific act of love, forgiveness, or generosity is God calling you to stop putting off?

  • In what area of your life does the invisible grace you've received need to be made visible to others?

 
Stand FirmScott O'Donohoe