(a) Highlight the relationship between faith and works according to the teaching of James
(b) In what three ways can Chris-tians demonstrate their faith in works?
Explanation
(A) RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAITH AND WORKS (JAMES 1:2-27,2: 14 - 26)
i. James outlined the fact that a person gains no profit by merely claiming to have faith but not works.
ii. Genuine faith is evidenced by works. He called on Christians to be doers of the word and not deceive themselves as men of faith, by not doing what they professed.
iii. Thus faith without works is dead.
iv. Faith is expressed in practical works like charity/caring for the sick, widows,
v. Faith and works are inseparable for, you cannot show me your faith with,
vi A person is justified by works and not by faith alone For works is the finality of it
vii. James taught that people who have belief in God without expressing it in actions justify their faith are not different from the devil,.
viii For the devil also believes in God but does not do God's work
ix. James argued that if Christians are mere hearers, they are like a man who observe his face in a mirror, but as soon as he goes away, forgets what his face looks like.
x. For somebody to be truly 'religious he must bridle his tongue, or else his religion is in vain! he is deceiving himself.
xi. James argues further that Abraham was justified by works when he was ready to offer his son Isaac. Thus he justified his faith by works.
xii. Again, Rahab the harlot was also justified by her works when she protected the spies sent by Joshua. She had faith in God and matched it by saving the spies.
xiii. These two people expressed their faiths by their deeds.
xiv. Faith and works are essential to each other just as the body arid the spirit.
xv. Thus, just as the body apart from the spirit is dead, faith apart from works is dead.
B) EXPRESSION OF FAITH IN WORKS.
i Respecting themselves service to the society/country/charity.
ii. Loving one another / being hospitable.
iii. Being law abiding.
iv. Performing one's civic responsibilities and religious obligations.
v. Avoiding pride/arrogance and violence etc.
vi, Being patient, submissive, polite, honest/practicing Christian virtues.
vii. Ensuring good governance
viii. Taking part in church activities.
