A Faith that Works James 2:14-26

James 2:14-26 (NKJV) 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 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. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

I. Two questions

    A. What use is my faith that I claim to have if I have nothing to show for it?

    B. Can a faith without works saveme?

II. An example

James 2:15-17 (NKJV) 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

III. A contrastingview

James 2:18-20 (NKJV) 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?

IV. Examples of justification

James 2:21-25 (NKJV) 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. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

V. The conclusion

      A. Faith without works is dead

      B. A dead faith is not a savingfaith

What is the main message of James 2:14-26 regarding the relationship between faith and works?

According to James 2:14-26, what does it mean for faith to be 'dead'?

Why is it important to understand that faith must be accompanied by works?

What is the main message of James 2:14-26 regarding the relationship between faith and works?

How does the concept of being 'justified by works' challenge or affirm your understanding of salvation?

How can the stories of Abraham and Rahab inspire you to act on your faith?

In the book of James, it says faith without works is dead, much like a smartphone without a charger – it's just not functional! When we put our faith into action through good deeds, we show the world what we believe in. Just like a phone needs to be plugged in to work, our faith needs the power of action to be justified. It's not just about saying we believe; it's about showing it!