A Faith that Works

Introduction

The Letter of James D. Saving Faith Reveals Itself in Works (2:14–26)

Introduction of topic: faith without works cannot “save” (v. 14)

(What good is it?)

A. Illustration (vv. 15–16) (What good is it?)

Conclusion: faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (v. 17)

B. An objector: faith and deeds are separable (v. 18a)

James:

faith can only be shown by deeds (vv. 18b–19)

faith without deeds is useless (v. 20)

Abraham was considered righteous by a deed (v. 21)

(Explanation of Abraham’s faith and deeds [vv. 22–23])

So: justification requires faith and works (v. 24)

Rahab also was considered righteous by a deed (v. 25)

faith without deeds is useless (v. 26)

A. Faith without works is dead 14-17

B. Faith is more than mere orthodoxy 18-19

C. Faith is vindicated by works 20-26