Tests And Triumphs Of Faith: JamesSample

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? [Illustrations included in this devotional are not visible in this view. Illustrations are only supported in the Bible App for iOS, Android, and at Bible.com]