Faith Declared by Works 

Scripture Reading: James 2:21-26.

Memory Verse: "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8).

Introduction: It is important that faith is put into action, and it is equally important that our actions show our faith in God. 1 Peter 2:12 says that our actions are a witness to the unsaved. If our actions are righteous, they will glorify God and show His majesty.
  Having righteous actions is a direct result of our obedience to God and His Word. The words of the Bible are not merely suggestions to us, they are commands. If we choose to disobey, we will appear to be 'evil doers' to the world. Our actions are a demonstration of the faith we have in God.
  There is a Christian song whose refrain says, "That's the way we praise Him--by the things we do and say." This is so true. If we choose to obey Him and do His good will, we give praise and honor to Him and our faith is declared--we show the world, and God, our faith by doing good works.

Lesson Questions:

1. By what righteous work of obedience was Abraham justified? James 2:21; Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 11:17-19.

2. Through what other acts of faith and obedience did Abraham receive God's favor and blessings? Hebrews 11:8-12; Genesis 12:4; 14:20; 14:14.

3. How are faith and love perfected in us? James 2:22; 1:4; Matthew 19:21; 1 John 2:5; Ephesians 4:13; Hebrews 6:1-3; 2:10; 2 Peter 1:3-9.

4. Why was righteousness imputed to Abraham? Genesis 15:6; James 2:23; Romans 4:1-22.
Note: There is a great difference between "ascribing," which means "to attribute, assign, or allege to belong to," and "reckoning," which is defined as, "counting, computing, calculating, and settling accounts with another." Reckoning can also mean "a measuring of possibilities for the future." Righteousness is never "ascribed" to a believer, as men since the fall of Adam aren't inherently righteous or faithful. However, as we exercise the gift of faith in the finished work of grace, and our works of obedience show this faith to be genuine, righteousness will be reckoned to us with regard to our past, present, and future growth.

5. Was faith alone intended to bring us justification? James 2:24.

6. How did Rahab's works declare her faith?  James 2:25; Joshua 2:1-7; 6:17; Hebrews 11:31.

7. To what does James compare faith without works? James 2:26; Ecclesiastes 12:7.