NT Fire Starters – Day 321: James 2:1-3:12

READ: James 2:1–3:12

THINK: Lots of people claim to believe in Jesus, and they think that’s enough. After all, the Bible says that to be saved, you simply need to believe (cf. Mark 16:16; John 3:16, 36; 6:40, 47; Acts 16:31; Romans 1:16; 10:9-10). Yet, this is more than intellectual belief that Jesus is God’s Son who died for our sins. Even demons believe that (2:19). Biblical belief implies faith–an active trust that surrenders control of one’s life to Christ and His purposes. That means action. Good works can’t save you, but if you’re truly saved, you’ll do good things. Faith without works is dead faith (2:17).

RESPOND: Why and in what ways must Christians refrain from showing favoritism? (See 2:1 note.) In what way does discrimination stem from “evil thoughts” (v. 4)? Why are “those who are poor in the eyes of the world” (v. 5) often “rich in faith”? (See 2:5 note.) What is “the royal law” (v. 8) and why is it called that? (See 2:8 note.) Why is breaking God’s law so serious? (See 2:10 note.) In what way will we “be judged by the law” (v. 12), and how should that affect our words and actions? (See 2:12 note.) How does the same law that judges also bring freedom (v. 12)? How can our attitudes and actions toward others affect God’s attitudes and actions toward us (v. 13)? Why are good works vital for genuine faith? (See 2:14 note.) In what way is faith “dead” (v. 17) or “useless” (v. 20) without action? (See 2:17 note.) Why is intellectual “belief” in God not enough? (See 2:19 note.) In what way was Abraham a great example of faith in action? (See 2:21 note.) What made Abraham’s faith complete? (See 2:22 note.) What was God’s response to Abraham’s active faith? (See 2:23 note.) How is a person “justified”–or made right–with God? (See 2:24 note.) What kinds of actions stem from a right relationship with God? How can a tongue control and effect one’s entire being (vv. 2-7)? In what way is the tongue like a “fire”? (See 3:6 note.) What can words reveal about what’s inside of us? (See 3:9 note.)

PRAY: Ask God to help you avoid discrimination so that you demonstrate His love to all people equally. Pray that your faith will always be backed by action, and that your words and conversations will always honor Christ.

ACT: If in any way you have shown favoritism to certain people and discriminated against others, ask for God’s forgiveness and apologize to others. With God’s help, determine to change both your attitudes and actions. Find a way in which your faith has not been sufficiently demonstrated by action, and make an effort to change that starting today. Also, keep control of your tongue and make sure your words and conversations are pleasing to God.