James 2:14–26
[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? [21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? [22] You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; [23] and 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. [24] You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. [25] And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? [26] For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (ESV)
How does the faith of Abraham, Rahab, and the demons(!) speak to you about what genuine faith is today?
Which one do you lean toward the most when it comes to your justification:
A few helpful takeaways today
1. Your life is “hidden in Christ”
2. Pray intentionally
3. Seek to grow up in both
4. Your ekklesia matters
What’s one simple step you can take this week toward maturity in this area of a faithful act of love, kindness, justice, and mercy? What do you feel God is leading you to do?
Right Now Media is a GREAT resource to help you and your Life Group grow in the faith and knowledge of Jesus! If you’re not already signed up, please email Pastor Matt (see email address below) to receive this FREE resource today. Here’s the link: https://www.rightnowmedia.org
If you already have a Right Now Media account, look in the Harvest Church SI channell for helpful studies that go along with our James sermon series.
We’re glad you’re here today! To contact Matt & Katrina, simply email matt@harvestchurchsi.com.
Thank you, and may God richly bless you as you follow Jesus today!
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