18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by ]my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled, which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
James 2:18-24
Q & A：
- What is the key to believers having saving faith? Describe the core of salvation. Share how our behavior and perceptions differ when good works are evidence of salvation rather than a means to salvation.（Rom 10:9-10; Rom 4: 1-3; Eph 2:8-9;Rom 5:17; Jam 2:18, 22）
- How do you understand a holy and righteous lifestyle? What are some behaviors and thoughts that help us to remain dependent on God, rather than solving problems ourselves? Share your thoughts on “free to live in godliness within the law.” （Jam 1:25; 1 Cor 10:23-24; Rom 13:13; Rom 6:18,22）
- What makes it possible for us to walk in godliness? Share what exercises can help us to submit to the Lordship of Christ. Let’s come together to pray with your group members for our tongues and hearts. （Jam 1:26; 2 Pet 1:2-4; 2 Tim 2:22）
Summary：
This week’s sermon emphasizes good works as an expression of the saving faith. Many times, we mistakenly believe that good works can earn us mercy and salvation. However, through Jesus Christ, we learn that true salvation will naturally result in good and godly actions, all stemming from the saving faith. In other words, God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, and we are empowered to do good works while relying on the Holy Spirit. This way, we live in truth and give glory to God. The sermon highlights the significance of confessing our beliefs, particularly our new identity in Christ, which frees us from the bondage of sin and allows us free to live godly and holy lives within the law.