Faith and Works in James

Read

Study objective: Study James’ call to act on what we hear.

Reading: James 1:19–27

Background and context

The letter addresses “the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion” (1:1), probably Jewish believers scattered outside Judea. The writer calls himself James; tradition identifies him with James the brother of the Lord (Galatians 1:19), though the letter does not say which James.

Observe

• Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (1:19).
• Hearing without doing is self-deception (1:22).
• James uses the picture of a mirror (1:23-25).
• Pure religion cares for orphans and widows and keeps oneself unstained (1:27).

Words, people and events to notice

Religion

James uses it for the outward practice of faith, and defines true religion by care for the vulnerable and holiness. James 1:26–27

Understand

1. How does the mirror picture explain hearing without doing?
2. Why might James connect speech, anger and religion (1:19-26)?
3. What two things define pure religion in 1:27?

Connect

• Matthew 7:24–27

  Jesus’ wise and foolish builders.

Reflect

1. What have you heard recently that you have not yet done?
2. Who are the “orphans and widows” in your community?

Key takeaways

Editorial summary, not Scripture.

• Faith that only hears deceives itself.
• True religion shows in care and holiness.

Read

Study objective: See how faith shows itself in how we treat the rich and the poor.

Reading: James 2:1–13

Background and context

James describes a gathering where a rich man is given a good seat and a poor man is told to stand. He calls this favouritism incompatible with faith in “our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” and appeals to the royal law: love your neighbour as yourself.

Observe

• Favouritism contradicts faith in Christ (2:1).
• God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith (2:5).
• The royal law is “love your neighbour as yourself” (2:8).
• Mercy triumphs over judgment (2:13).

Words, people and events to notice

Royal law

James’ name for the command to love your neighbour as yourself. Leviticus 19:18 · James 2:8

Understand

1. Why is favouritism a denial of faith?
2. How does 2:5 reverse ordinary judgments of worth?
3. How does 2:13 connect with Jesus’ teaching on mercy?

Connect

• Leviticus 19:15

  Do not show partiality in judgment.

• Matthew 5:7

  Blessed are the merciful.

Reflect

1. Where might your community show favouritism?
2. How do you treat people who can do nothing for you?

Key takeaways

Editorial summary, not Scripture.

• Faith in Christ rules out favouritism.
• Love of neighbour is the royal law.

Read

Study objective: Study James 2:14-26 and compare it carefully with Paul’s teaching on faith.

Reading: James 2:14–26 · Romans 3:27–28 · Romans 4:1–5

Background and context

James asks what good it is to say you have faith without works, and concludes that faith without works is dead. Both James and Paul use Abraham as their example. Paul writes that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law; James that a person is justified by works and not by faith only. Many readers understand them as addressing different questions: Paul, how a person is made right with God; James, what genuine faith looks like. Others explain the relationship differently. This lesson lays the texts side by side.

Observe

• James gives the example of a hungry person sent away with words only (2:15-16).
• Even demons believe that God is one (2:19).
• James cites Abraham offering Isaac and Rahab hiding the spies (2:21-25).
• Paul cites Genesis 15:6, before Isaac was born (Romans 4:3).

Words, people and events to notice

Justify

To declare or show to be in the right. Paul and James both use the word, with different emphases. Romans 3:28 · James 2:24

Works of the law

Paul’s phrase in Romans for keeping the law of Moses, which he says does not justify. Romans 3:28

Understand

1. What kind of “faith” is James criticising (2:14-19)?
2. Which event in Abraham’s life does each writer use, and when did it happen?
3. How would you state what both James and Paul agree on?

Connect

• Ephesians 2:8–10

  Saved by grace through faith, created for good works.

• Galatians 5:6

  Faith working through love.

Reflect

1. Is there a gap between what you believe and how you live?
2. How do grace and good works fit together in your life?

Key takeaways

Editorial summary, not Scripture.

• Genuine faith shows itself in action.
• James and Paul use Abraham to make different points; their letters are best read in their own settings.