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Day Two- The Characteristic of Faith (Part One) - Read James 1:19-2:26
A righteous response to testing requires that one be “swift to hear; slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19), and this broadly summarizes the remainder of the epistle. Quickness of hearing involves an obedient response to God’s Word (James 1:19-27). True hearing means more than mere listening; the Word must be received and applied. After stating this principle (James 1:21, 22), James develops it with an illustration (James 1:23-25) and an application (James 1:26, 27). A genuine faith should produce a change in attitude from partiality to the rich to a love for the poor as well as the rich (James 2:1-13). True faith should also result in actions (James 2:14-26).
In Romans 4, Paul used the example of Abraham to show that justification is by faith, not by works. But James says that Abraham was justified by works (James 2:21). In spite of the apparent contradiction, Romans 4 and James 2 are really two sides of the same coin. In context, Paul is writing about justification before God while James writes of evidence of justification before men. A faith that produces no change is not saving faith.
Journal Prompt: How will you incorporate the lessons taught in James into your daily life?
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About this Plan
Examine the book of James in three parts: the test of faith, the characteristics of faith, and the triumph of faith. Faith without works cannot be called faith. Faith without works is dead, and a dead faith is worse than no faith at all. Faith must be there, but it must be more. It must inspire action. Throughout his epistle to Jewish believers, James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that true faith must manifest itself in works of faith.
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