PREPARING FOR THE SERMON

April 21, 2024

James 2:14-26

Context:

            Much has been said about how James and Paul relate to each other or contradict each other. Consider the following:

  • They were addressing different problems in their letters:
    • Paul – tendency of Jews to rely on the law
    • James – possibly overreaction to message of grace in which they denied needing to live any particular way
  • They used terms slightly differently
    • Works
      • Paul denies pre-conversion works do anything
      • James pleads necessity of post conversion works
    • Justified
      • Paul uses in sense of making right or being made right
      • James uses in sense of declaring righteousness
    • The preposition “By” (Greek word: ek)
      • Paul uses preposition of instrument (how God does it)
      • James is not as strict as instrument but sense of “related to”

Structure:

  • 14-17 – “what good is…faith but not works?” (v 14)
  • 18-19 – “I will show you faith by my works” (v 18)
  • 20-26 – “faith without works is useless” (v 20)

Theology:  faith, works, salvation, justification

 

Some things to think about:

  • Other than words, how do people know you believe?