The Path of PerseveranceSample

But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:18

In this chapter, James addresses the relationship between faith and works, using the testimony of Abraham as the reference point for faith “being made perfect.” Remember that perfection in the text means “to be full grown; to reach maturity.” Did you know that James did not follow Jesus during His time on the earth? It wasn’t until the death and resurrection of Christ that James shared this wisdom with the church of what He has seen.

What DID James see in the life of Jesus?

James' teaching in this chapter is that true faith is always accompanied by action, challenging the idea that faith alone, without action, is sufficient. He outlines practical examples, like helping those in need, to illustrate how genuine faith manifests itself in daily life. Some of us might identify as someone who enjoys being told what to do or having defined “boundaries in life,” while others might feel confined and restricted by them. It is the kindness and love of the Lord to discipline His children, and this chapter holds invaluable wisdom on how we all are to live as Christians in any context. Whether we find ourselves in a cubicle, in the marketplace, changing diapers, or serving the homeless, we all have the same call to action. As faith is authored in our hearts, there will always be a work of God to accompany it.

1. Consider what it means to be “perfected” in your faith as a believer, knowing that to be perfected is to be matured into dependency on the Lord.
2. What do I think James saw in the life of Jesus that provoked this chapter?
3. Could it be that faith in action is the key to persevering to the end in our faith? What examples come to mind in my own life of how my faith is being matured?