Unit 3: Faith and Wisdom in James
Faith Without Works Is Dead | Bible Background • JAMES 2:14–26
Printed Text • JAMES 2:14–26 | Devotional Reading • MATTHEW 18:23–35
AIM FOR CHANGE
By the end of the lesson, we will: COMPARE and contrast faith that is no more than empty talk with a faith that is proved by actions, REFLECT on the power of Abraham’s and Rahab’s examples of faith in action, and DECIDE to demonstrate faith with tangible works.
IN FOCUS
Barnabas plopped the morning newspaper down on his desk. Leading the business section was an article about a protest against his company over its record on diversity.
“No outsider has any business telling me who I should hire or who I should promote,” Barnabas complained. He added, “We absolutely believe in diversity.”
“That’s not reflected in your numbers,” said Stanley, Barnabas’ best friend, and spiritual adviser. “And it’s not what people see when they look at your company.” Stanley and Barnabas were members of the men’s group at their church. Stanley was the man who always told Barnabas what he needed to hear, whether or not he wanted to hear it.
“But we are always looking for good candidates,” Barnabas said. “We send representatives to all the career days at the local high schools and to the regional job fairs in our field.”
“Sure,” Stanley said. “But so does everyone else. You don’t get extra credit for doing the minimum. Do you actually make any hires from those contacts?” Barnabas sat in uncomfortable silence. “I’ll take that as a no,” Stanley said. “It doesn’t help if you don’t live up to what you claim. Saying you’re committed doesn’t count if you don’t do it.
” How much more can be accomplished for the glory of God if we put faith into action with works as well as with words?