Show Me Your Faith (James 2:14-26; Genesis 22:16-18)

A faith that is true and living must involve works of mercy and compassion.

I. Dead Faith (2:14-19)

A. The Faith of Hypocrites (2:14-17; cf. Mark 1:15; 1 John 3:17-18)
B. The Faith of Demons (2:18-19; cf. Deuteronomy 6:4; Luke 4:34)

II. Living Faith (2:21-26)

A. The Faith of Abraham & Rahab (2:20-25; cf. Genesis 22:16–18; Hebrews 11:17–19, 31)
B. The Faith That Lives by Works (2:24, 26; cf. Romans 2:13; John 8:39)
C. The Faithfulness of Jesus Christ (John 10:37–38; Matthew 25:34–36)
D. Show Bread (and Wine) (John 6:35-40)

Discussion Starters

Monday — Why is this passage so controversial? Discuss the relationship between James and Paul. Is James opposing Paul’s view of justification? Why or why not?
Tuesday — What is faith according to James (and the Bible)? What is James specifically referring to when he talks about “works”?  
Wednesday — What are the needs of the brother or sister in James’s example? Discuss the response of the person who has faith but does not have works. What tempts you to respond like him? How would you respond instead?
Thursday — What kind of faith do demons have? Discuss the correlation between the faith of demons and the faith of those without works.
Friday — Why do you think James chose Abraham and Rahab as examples of living faith? What does James mean when he says, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone”? Does that scare you?