Faith Works!
(Memory Verse: ...Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do. James 2:18b)
Study 4 of 9
"Faith falls" is a common activity that youth groups use to demonstrate the true nature of faith. In this activity, you fall backwards into the arms of a partner who you must trust to catch you. If you have ever participated in “faith falls” describe your experience here.
Time to Study
Read James 2:14-17
These verses talk about putting your faith into action. It is not enough to say “I have faith that a chair will hold me. If you don’t do something: SIT IN THE CHAIR, the faith means nothing. Who cares if you believe that a chair will hold you if you never sit in it.
Verses 15-16 compare a person who claims to have faith, but has no action, to a person who encounters a hungry, needy person, and does what?
Read James 2:18-19
Is it possible to truly have faith in Jesus without that faith working itself out in your life?
Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see; and ACTION is the proof of faith. ACTION is the natural result of having faith. (See Hebrews 11:1)
In a way, what James is saying is that it is easy to SAY that you believe in Jesus, but ACTIONS speak louder than words. Don’t just SAY you have faith, SHOW ME your faith through the WORKS you do.
Never, never, never, never forget:
You are saved by grace through faith!
These verses are not talking about “earning your way to heaven.”
You can’t do it, so don’t try it.
1. A saving faith requires placing your trust in Jesus as savior, not just knowing God exists. The demons know that God exists, and they are NOT saved.
2. True faith will naturally produce good works and a life-style that is pleasing to God. You can’t hide behind “faith” as an excuse to not serve God.
3. True faith requires life changes. If God tells you to become a missionary, you must have the faith to do it. If God tells you to stop hanging around foolish friends, you must have the faith to obey.
Time to Do
What does God want you to do?
"You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?"
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