No person should rely on a past decision they made to respond to an altar call or pray the salvation prayer. There is a warning for us here in this passage. A person who is genuinely saved will bear fruit. Simply put, this means that a person with real faith will live a changed life. Knowing a lot of things is pointless unless that knowledge changes how you live. The point is similar to the one at the end of chapter 1 about hearing and doing. Thus, response to trials is test number one. Perseverance in trials is an indicator that a person’s faith is real and that they are truly saved. In chapter one, he showed that trials test true faith. A major theme of James epistle is Christianity practically lived out in everyday life. Verse 17 is James’ thesis for this passage. Faith without works is dead (17) – In verse 17 James answers his question and shows the point of his illustration. Never say “I will pray for you” unless you actually will pray for that person.”ģ. Just as words without action do not help people, neither does professed faith in God by itself show that someone is truly saved.Īpplication: What is our reaction when people need help? Do we actually help them out or just cop out by saying “I will pray for you”? If we say we will pray for them, do we really pray for them? Actions are more important than words. I don’t want to help you.” The implication is that words are not as important as actions. It is hypocritical and would be even better to just truthfully say “I won’t help you. The rhetorical question: what use is that? The obvious answer, it is none. Your beautiful words did nothing to satisfy their need. They go away exactly the same as they came, in need. However, you do nothing tangible to help this person. Judging only by your words it would appear that you have great love, compassion, and mercy for this person. With smooth words you bless the person and wish them well, sending them on their way. The example is this.Ī person in need comes to you for help. The illustration (15-16) – James gives an illustration to prove his main point (that faith without works is dead). Keep in mind that James is a practical book so it is natural he will emphasize the practical side. Is faith without works of any use? Can that faith save him?Ģ. It’s a fundamental issue and one that James covers in detail here. Therefore just believe and you will be OK. Others have have said the mind is most important and physical actions aren’t. Some groups have gone the legalistic route, trusting in their good works to save them, believing that by strict adherence to rules they can earn favor with God. Works and faith have often been at the center of debate in the church. The question: Can faith with no works save you? – This question has been around a long time. “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?ġ.
James bible study guide full#
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. Luke 6:44-46 – Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. Proverbs 3:27 – Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
Luke 3:11 – John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
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