Thursday, November 1, 2018

November 4: With Works


We live in an age when many people limit faith to the mere verbal affirmation of "I believe." In LifeWay's Explore The Bible Study: With Works, James warns us that people who have correct belief and an empty life are quite deceived. They must have a faith which produces visible evidence of commitment to Jesus Christ.

James asks a powerful question in James 2:20, “Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless?” (James 2:20 CSB) In this small question, James communicates two things: 
  1. The attitude of a believer. If you aren’t willing to learn about this, then are you truly a believer? 
  2. The process for a believer. Learning to express our faith through good works does not always happen automatically when we are saved. Doing good works because of our faith in Christ is something that we are always learning more about and seeking avenues to practice.
Expressing our faith through works does not happen automatically, and it can become dull over time. We must work together, as the author of Hebrews reminds us, “And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 CSB)

The downloadable teaching ideas will help you guide your group to "learn" about the works that are evident because of our faith.

As you guide the study, guide your group to answer this question, 

“Do your works reflect the faith you say you have?” 
Background Helps:

DOWNLOAD THE SUPPLEMENTAL TEACHING IDEAS
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