Faith that works in our lives

Overview of the book of James

Faith is an integral part of the life of a believer. It is part of our salvation in Christ. As believers, part of our purpose is to make God known to the world.

James tells them about this kind of faith in his letter to the Jewish Christian.

Here is an outline of the book.
Faith Tested (1:1-26)
Faith Authenticated (2:1-26)
Faith Demonstrated (3:1-5:19)
(Hindson & Towns, 2013)

Our faith will be tested.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1: 2-3 NLT

Living on this earth is not easy. We will have difficult times. Jesus warned His disciples that they would have trials.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

Our faith grows as we learn to lean on God. The Bible tells us about His character and his promises to us. When we learn about God, we know that He does not change.

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17 NLT

Our faith should be genuine.
“Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.” James 2:8-9 NLT

As believers, our life is changed. We are no longer a slave to sin. Christ has cleansed and forgiven us. Because of this forgiveness, we are and should be changed, people. Those sins we longed to do should be overshadowed by a desire to please God in all that we do.

Our faith can be seen by others.
Our actions and speech can mark us as believers as we move through life. This is why James warns us in his letter about our tongue. It can get us into trouble if we are not careful.
“Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” James 3:2 NLT

Doing good works does not save us, but doing good works shows others who has saved us. We should want to reflect on Christ. So as we work to make God known to others, it is essential to ask for wisdom.

James helps us with this too. “ If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 NLT

Faith is something we need all throughout our lives, because affects every part. It starts with salvation and continues was we walk through the good and bad of life. It is important to know that in our walk of faith, we are not alone. God provides us the faith each step of the way.

“Faith and works are bound up in the same bundle. He that obeys God trusts God, and he that trusts God obeys God. He that is without faith is without works, and he that is without works is without faith.” Charles Spurgeon


Reference
Hindson, E & Towns, E.L. (2013) Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction