You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
James 2:20-26
QUESTIONS:
- Since no one is beyond the reach of God, who do you know that needs to know God loves them and wants to have a relationship with them? What can you do to help make that happen today?
- As a Christian, and as you understand it, why does it make sense that faith should always “work together” with actions?
- What does it mean to you that those who love and serve God are called “God’s friend?” (verse 23)
PRAYER: God, thank you for loving me in such an extravagant way! I pray that, today, I will look for and see opportunities in which my faith and works can “work together” to bring glory and honor to your name. Amen.
Excerpts selected from The Book of James: 21 Day Devotional from Christ Fellowship Church on YouVersion app. Tap here for additional devotional content.