#BibleStudy Thoughts on Study Questions from James Ch 2 on 06/28/2020
For as many Sundays as needed, my Sunday school class will explore the context and content of the practical content of the Letter from James.
This is Wednesday. What follows are bits and pieces of the discussion in class on the questions posted two days ago.
If you miss getting the questions on Mondays, I invite you to go back. Copy, and paste the questions from those posts into a word.docx and fill in blanks or answer questions on your own. You can compare your thoughts to those of my class members each Wednesday. If your answers don’t match my class’s answers, that doesn’t make your answers wrong. If you like more information about what was said in class, email me at the address at the end of this post.
I hope you enjoy exploring this practical book along with us. Each Sunday's discussion ends at the last question in black print. Photos included are of the "whiteboard" list I generated during the discussion and are nothing but time savers for me.
Questions in this print were answered in previous weeks.
I invite you to check this blog site on Friday when my Expressions of Faith posts are from James. Here's last week's link's URL.
I also invite you back to these "Questions" blogs next week!
Chapter 2
V14-26
Why is Rahab included here? How did her actions support James’ position?
25-26 The same with Rahab, the Jericho harlot. Wasn’t her action in hiding God’s spies and helping them escape—that seamless unity of believing and doing—what counted with God? The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse. (MSG)
- Since she’s a Gentile, James is “turning the screws” on the thinking of his Jewish audience.
- It’s an example of his point. And because she did what she did, she became one of this listed in Jesus’ family tree in Matthew 1:5.
- Even the lowest person can have faith and deeds.
- “Deeds” ACTION vs WORKS
- Do whatever the Holy Spirit prompts you when you feel the prompting. Rahab is a good example of this: By an act of faith, Rahab, the Jericho harlot, welcomed the spies and escaped the destruction that came on those who refused to trust God. (Hebrews 11:31 – MSG)
Are all good deeds motivated by faith in Jesus?
- No. Christians are called to do these, but some non-believers do them without believing in God.
Do good deeds not motivated by faith in Jesus have any merit in God’s eyes?
- Yes. God uses all kinds of people and events to get done what He needs to be done.
- Good works can pave the way to testify to non-believers doing good deeds.
- “Do the right thing the right way for the right reason.”
- “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary use words.” – St. Francis of Assisi.
Is it possible to show true faith in Jesus without deeds of obedience to God?
- Maybe, when first starting to follow God. But deeds we do are always evaluated by the world around us.
- Remind yourself of God’s purpose.
Is it reasonable to judge people’s salvation by their works?
- No. Who are we to judge.
- You may not know what others are doing.
- Doing good works DOES NOT EQUAL salvation.
- We are to reflect God by our actions and words.
- We must have a willingness to help others.
Chapter 3
Verses 1-12
V1-12: Why should we not "presume" to be Christian teachers?
- A teacher’s words and example impact others.
- Don’t be a teacher because of prestige.
- Teachers have great responsibility.
- Christian teachers must be motivated to serve God.
- Paul warned against being a teacher who didn’t follow his/her teaching. (Romans 2:17-24)
- Walk your talk. Be true to the Bible.
- Deeds of obedience inadvertently teach the Gospel.
WE GOT THIS FAR THIS WEEK.
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