James (W5D5) Dead Faith
Friday: Dead Faith
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.
READ: James 2:24-26
24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words
A person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone: Mere belief in a set of facts or information is not enough to make us right with God. Anyone can believe information, but if we truly believe we will live out our faith.
Rahab the prostitute considered righteous: At some point Rahab came to believe in God’s saving work for the Israelites. She risked her life to shelter and protect the spies in Jericho (Joshua 2:1-24). This action proved that her faith was genuine. No matter what your past may be, genuine faith still brings forgiveness and salvation. Our past should not hinder our ability to live out our faith.
As the body without the spirit is dead: The spirit is considered to be the lifesource on the body. Without a spirit a person is dead. James is using this to illustrate the certainty of the principle he is teaching.
faith without deeds is dead: James’ main point in this entire section is that faith without action is dead. This cannot be debated and is non-negotiable. If there is nothing to show for your faith, then you do not have saving faith.
APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?
Rahab had a shady past. In what ways is your past hindering your obedience to God?
Do you find it odd that God would consider Rahab righteous? Why or why not?
According to what James is teaching, is your faith alive or dead?
PRAY: Ask God to help you get over your past and obey His will for your life.
