Living Faithfully

KEY VERSE: “As the body without the spirit [Greek, pneuma, breath] is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” —James 2:26, New International Version

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: James 2:14-26; 5:13, 14

THE KEY TEXT teaches that there must be a body before the breath of life can be breathed into it. The child of God, therefore, must have a degree of faith before it can be activated. We are not justified by works because we are imperfect and unable to perform works of any kind that would make us right before God. The kind of deeds of which the apostle speaks are fruits of the spirit. That fruitage is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, even as Jesus said, ‘By their fruit you will recognize them.”—Matt. 7: 20, NIV

James says, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” (James 2:14, NIV) Fruitage of the Holy Spirit is an indication of the degree of inward faith, and may be seen in outward conduct—gentleness, meekness, patience, brotherly kindness, and love. The apostle gives an example of one who is in desperate need of life’s essentials. Someone, knowing of his difficulties, makes no effort to help, going on their way while merely wishing him well. Actions speak louder than words, and, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”—vss. 15-17, NIV

The Apostle James gives two examples of faith. The first was Abraham who believed God and whose faith was counted to him for righteousness. Abraham’s faith was tested by God as an indication of his obedience. “His faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness’, and he was called God’s friend.”—vss. 22,23, NIV

The second example is the faith of the harlot, Rahab. Speaking of her James says, “In the same way, was not even Rahab … considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?”—vs. 25, NIV

That which proved the sincerity of her faith was her willingness to do good, even at the cost of great risk. She would not have done such works were it not for her faith—that which proved pleasing to the Lord, and a blessing for herself.

The lesson emphasizes the prayer of faith—an essential part of the Christian’s life. Addressing this James says, “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is any one happy? Lethim sing songs of praise.”—James 5:13, NIV

The Christian’s experiences are various, but it is a mark of wisdom to submit to them. Situations of affliction are likely to generate prayer, but it is important that we use times of prosperity for praise and thankfulness as well. We should be alert to our privileges of prayer in either situation.

Attention is drawn to those who have encountered spiritual sickness and discouragement. James advises those that suffer from such afflictions to seek out the elders in the church to pray for them. Within this context the apostle says, “The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.” (vs. 14, NIV), and he follows with the statement: “The earnest supplication of a righteous man is very powerful.”—vs. 16, Wilson’s Emphatic Diaglott

Prayer is most important to a consecrated life, indispensable to spiritual well-being—the Christian’s vital breath, without which Christian growth is impossible.

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