Part 1: Comprehensive Bible Study: Faith That Moves – The Call to Action

Michael Johnson

Light Way Church

Faith in Motion: Living What We Believe • Sermon • Submitted 3 months ago • Presented 3 months ago

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Comprehensive Bible Study: Faith That Moves – The Call to Action

James 2:14-26 – "Faith Without Works is Dead"

Introduction: The Challenge of Living Faith

Many Christians profess faith, but their lives show little evidence of transformation. James, the half-brother of Jesus, confronts this issue head-on. He challenges believers to put their faith into action because true faith is demonstrated through obedience and works.

This study will deeply explore the relationship between faith and works using key Greek words, cross-references, and practical applications.

I. Historical and Biblical Context

Authorship & Date: Written by James, the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3), around A.D. 44–49.

Audience: Jewish Christians scattered outside Jerusalem (James 1:1).

Purpose: To address superficial faith and call believers to active, living faith.

Background of the Book of James

James wrote his letter to Jewish Christians who had accepted Christ but still struggled with fully living out their faith. Many were facing persecution, poverty, and trials (James 1:2-4). Some had fallen into spiritual complacency—believing in God but failing to live righteously.

James emphasizes that true faith leads to transformation and action.

II. Passage Analysis – Breaking Down James 2:14-26

1. Faith Without Works Is Dead (James 2:14-17)

📖 James 2:14 (ESV) – "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?"

🔍 Key Greek Word:

Pistis (πίστις) – "Faith"

Means trust, belief, or reliance upon God.

Not just intellectual agreement but active dependence on God.

Used in Hebrews 11:1 – "Now faith (pistis) is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Analysis:

James asks a rhetorical question—Can a faith that produces no works truly save a person?

Matthew 7:21 – Jesus warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father.”

📖 James 2:15-16 (ESV) – "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?"

🔍 Key Greek Word:

Erga (ἔργα) – "Works"

Refers to actions, deeds, or labor that result from faith.

Used in Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (erga).”

Analysis:

Saying "I believe" is not enough—faith must be accompanied by action.

1 John 3:17-18 – "If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?"

💡 Application: Faith that does not move us to action is useless. If we see a need but do nothing, are we truly reflecting Christ?

2. Faith and Works Go Hand in Hand (James 2:18-20)

📖 James 2:18 (ESV) – "But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

🔍 Key Greek Word:

Deiknymi (δείκνυμι) – "Show"

Means to demonstrate, prove, or make visible.

Used in John 14:9 when Jesus says, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”

Analysis:

Faith is not something invisible—it must be demonstrated through action.

Matthew 5:16 – "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

📖 James 2:19 (ESV) – "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!"

🔍 Key Greek Word:

Phrisso (φρίσσω) – "Shudder"

Means to tremble with fear.

The demons know who God is, but they do not obey Him.

💡 Application:

Believing in God is not enough—even demons acknowledge His existence.

Real faith results in obedience and action.

3. Biblical Examples of Faith in Action (James 2:21-26)

Example 1: Abraham’s Obedience (James 2:21-24)

📖 "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?"

🔍 Key Greek Word:

Dikaioó (δικαιόω) – "Justified"

Means to be declared righteous or proven righteous by actions.

💡 Cross-Reference:

Genesis 22:12 – Abraham’s faith was tested when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac.

Romans 4:3 – "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."

Abraham’s faith led to obedience.

Example 2: Rahab’s Faith (James 2:25-26)

📖 "And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?"

💡 Cross-Reference:

Joshua 2:9-11 – Rahab confessed her faith in God and risked her life to help Israelite spies.

Hebrews 11:31 – Rahab is listed in the Hall of Faith.

💡 Application:

Faith requires trusting God even when it doesn’t make sense.

Abraham and Rahab acted in faith and were rewarded.

III. Faith in Action – Practical Application

Faith Moves Us to Obedience (Luke 6:46 – "Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”)

Faith Moves Us to Serve Others (Galatians 5:6 – "Faith working through love.")

Faith Moves Us to Trust God’s Power (Hebrews 11:6 – "Without faith, it is impossible to please God.")

IV. Study Questions for Reflection

What does James mean by “faith without works is dead”?

How do Abraham and Rahab demonstrate true faith?

Are there areas in your life where you have faith but no action?

What “works” is God calling you to do this week?

V. Sermon Outline: "Faith That Moves"

1. Faith Without Action Is Empty (James 2:14-17)

True faith always results in movement.

2. Faith Is Proven Through Obedience (James 2:18-23)

Faith without works is mere intellectual belief.

3. Faith Moves Us Beyond Fear (James 2:25-26)

Faith is trusting God enough to take risks.

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