THEMES FROM SELECTED EPISTLES
(a) Outline James' argument on faith without works is dead.
(b) Indicate three benefits of faith to a Christian.
(A) JAMES' ARGUMENT ON FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD (JAMES 1:22-27; 2:14-26)
i. James advised Christians to live according to the word of the Lord which they had heard.
ii. He said it would be no use to hear the word and fail to put it into practice.
iii. According to James, if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone who sees himself in a mirror and turns away and immediately forgets himself.
iv. James points out that he who observes the perfect law of liberty and perseveres in it by acting and not only being a hearer would be blessed in his doing.
v. According to James, God's blessing comes through works and not faith.
vi. James was of the opinion that if one thinks he is religious but does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is vain.
vii. He held the view that practical and unidentified religion before God entails the visitation of orphans and widows in their affliction.
viii. And also keeping oneself unstained from the world.
ix. James said it is of no use to say you have faith but have no works to demonstrate the faith you have.
x. He taught that faith must be combined with practical works to produce the desired results.
xi. According to James, if someone was poorly clothed and hungry and you asked him to go in peace and be filled without providing the clothes and food for them, you are not backing your faith with works.
xii. Hence, faith without works is dead and useless.
xiii. He asserted that it is not enough to believe in God.
xiv. Belief in the only true. God is good, for even the devil also believes in God, but does not do the will of Him. Hence, faith in God without works is unacceptable.
xv. James cited two Old Testament figures who exhibited faith and works in unison. For example, Abraham justified his faith by works when he was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac.
xvi. According to James, faith is justified by works; hence, Abraham believed in God and it was counted to him as righteousness and he was called a friend of God because he acted on his faith.
xvii. A person is therefore justified by works and not by faith alone.
xviii. Similarly, Rahab, the prostitute justified her faith by works when she received the messengers of Joshua and sent them out by another way.
xix. James concluded by saying that as the body without the spirit is dead so also faith without works is dead.
xx. Faith should manifest itself in the love of God and service to humankind and not the mere expression of it by words alone.
(B) BENEFITS OF FAITH TO A CHRISTIAN
i. Faith helps Christians to believe and trust God/have fellowship with Him.
ii. It enables Christians to be committed to God/depend and rely on Him.
iii. It assures Christians of eternal salvation.
iv. It shows that Christians are not under law but under grace.
v. It is by faith that Christians face life's challenges with courage and strength, e.g. persecution.
vi. Faith motivates Christians to do good works in all fields, e.g. Education, Medicare, Evangelism, caring for the poor and the needy.
vii. It enables believers to have hope/grow spiritually/keep God's commandments.
viii. It promotes healing/it is a factor in receiving miracles.
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