James Part 5: Counterfeit Faith

James Part 5: Counterfeit Faith

Read James 2:14-26

Watch “James 2:14-26” by Francis Chan on Rightnow Media.

Look through the reading closely.

• Where do you see James being particularly harsh or aggressive in his argument?

It can be helpful to consider why James is so strong in his argument here. Consider the two quotes he includes:

“Go in peace; keep warm and well fed.” (v. 16)

“You have faith; I have deeds.” (v. 18)

Perhaps these were things people in the early church were saying!

• Why are they such a problem?
• How would you respond to a Christian person who said such things?
  (Would you be prepared to be as aggressive as James?)

Some Christians like to pit Paul and James against one another and argue that Paul is a big believer in salvation by faith alone, while James believes that our good works also save us. However, it is more accurate to say that both understood the gospel in a similar way: that good works are not the foundation of our faith (that foundation is found in Christ and in his finished work), but that works operate as the evidence of our faith.

One example of Paul’s emphasis on the importance of good works is Galatians 5, particularly verses 6-7, and 19-25. But it is true that James doesn’t spend much time talking positively about salvation by faith. Why might this be the case?

• In what ways can Christians distort the doctrine of salvation by faith?
• What’s something you can do this week in obedience to God’s word? (Yes, I know we asked this question two weeks ago, but it’s James – he’s going to ask us a few times!)

Conclude in prayer. Pray that people would have the opportunity and the courage to do the things they have identified. Write a list of people’s answers to the final question in this week’s study, and check in next week.