James (W5D3) Even Demons Believe
Week 5. Wednesday: Even the Demons Believe
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.
READ: James 2:18-19
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words
You have faith; I have deeds: It is common for people to say they believe and think that is enough. Some people seem to think you can separate faith from action. But James is making the argument that it is not possible to separate faith and action.
I will show you my faith by my deeds: If you really believe something you will live it out. Faith can only be proven by action. James learned this principle from what Jesus taught in Matthew 7:15-20; 24-29. The result of genuine faith is good deeds. While deeds do not result in faith, genuine faith results in deeds.
You believe that there is one God: Most people believe in some kind of God. But belief that God exists is not the definition of faith. True faith is an unwavering trust in who God is and an unwavering commitment to living out God’s word.
Even the demons believe: Satan and his demons believe in the One True God. They even know who God is better than we do. Since they are fallen angels, they have seen God and know His sovereign power. James is arguing that the demons know more about God than we do and yet they are completely disobedient and eternally damned. Therefore, knowledge is not equal to saving faith.
APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?
What do you think is James’ main point?
Why can’t we separate faith and good deeds?
How is your faith different from the faith of the demons?
PRAY: Ask God to grow your faith beyond a surface level of knowledge.
