(a) Highlight the relationship between faith and works according to the teaching of James (b) In what three ways can Chris-tians demonstrate their faith in ...

Answer Details

(a) The relationship between faith and works according to the teaching of James (James 2:14-26).

1. James asked what good it is if a man says he has faith but does not have works; can such faith save him?
2. He illustrated this with a needy brother or sister who is ill-clad and lacks daily food. If one says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, it profits nothing.
3. He concluded that so faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
4. He anticipated an objection: one may say, "You have faith and I have works." James answered, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith."
5. He argued that even the demons believe that God is one, and they shudder; mere belief without action does not save.
6. He gave the example of Abraham, who was justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. His faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works.
7. Thus the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. James concluded that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
8. He gave a second example: Rahab the harlot was justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way.
9. James summed up his teaching by declaring that as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.

Therefore, according to James, genuine faith and good works are inseparable: true faith must express itself in practical, loving action, and works are the visible proof and completion of faith.

(b) Three ways Christians can demonstrate their faith in works.

1. By feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and helping the poor and needy.
2. By caring for orphans, widows, the sick and the stranger.
3. By living honest, righteous and morally upright lives.
4. By showing love, forgiveness and hospitality to others.
5. By supporting the work of the church and preaching the gospel.