10 | James 2:14-26 | Study Guide

Opening   

Read James 2:14-16. Share your initial reactions to the text and any highlights from the sermon. What is clear from this text? What verses need further clarification? How would you summarize these verses in a few sentences?   

Questions 

1. Looking at verses 14-17, what example does James give of someone who shows their faith by their works? Why do you think he chose this example?   

2. Discuss the relationship between faith and works. How does James challenge our understanding of these two things? Have there been times in your life when you said you have faith in Jesus, but your life showed no evidence of it?  

3. Verse 19 says even the demons have some kind of belief in God. Why is this not enough to save them? How does this shape our understanding of saving faith? Why is it dangerous to merely profess “I believe” without having the works to prove your faith?  

4. Read Romans 3:28. Paul says we are justified by faith apart from works. James says we are not justified by faith alone (James 2:24). This means that “faith alone” for James is merely lip service and not genuine trust in Jesus. What kind of good works should real faith in Christ produce?