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Author: BCI Step by Step
The Greatest Gift
EXPOSITION OF JAMES 2:17
James 2:17 says, “Faith without works is dead”. What is dead? The answer is ‘faith”. Dead faith is without works while living faith has works. Dead faith does not produce good works while living faith produces good works. What is meant by a dead faith? A dead faith is a functionless faith and a worthless faith. It is faith without understanding, without real conviction, without sorrow of sins, without repentance, without direction, without basis, without emotion, without love, without willingness, without real trust in Christ, and it is a mere intellectual belief. It is a false trust or false acceptance of Jesus. False trust does not produce works but true faith results in good works. A further analysis of the verse reveals that:
- Faith comes first before good works. Example: I do not do good works to have faith rather I have faith that is why I do good works.
- Good works are produced by true faith.
- Good works are manifestations of real faith. Verse 18 says, “show me….”
- Good works show what kind of faith a person has – true or false.
- The issue here is the kind of faith. It does not say that good works are requisites to salvation. It shows that a living or real faith has the ability and willingness to show it through good works. Example. A young girl who is your neighbor claims to be a student of a prestigious school, but you never saw her wear the uniform required by that school, and not one of your neighbors saw her go to that school. Of course, you won’t believe her. She has nothing to show. In the same way, if there is a person who claims to be a Christian or a believer, but he is not willing to be baptized, and he does not serve God, of course, you won’t believe him.
James 2:26 says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”. A dead body does not move to have the spirit. A living body moves because it has a spirit. A spiritually dead sinner cannot work to have the Holy Spirit, rather a person works and serve God because he has the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8: 9,14). If a sinner cannot work to have the Holy Spirit, how can he receive the Holy Spirit? The answer is by hearing the gospel and trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord, Acts 10:43-44; Eph.1:13. Intellectual or mere belief will not result to doing good works but a person who sincerely believes and trust in Jesus will prove it by his good works. Merely believing in the existence of God and the historical event that Christ died for man’s sins will not result to salvation. James 2:19 says, “…the devil also believe and tremble”. Many people have faith like that of the demon and think that they will go to heaven. To be sure that you are saved first, you must have truly repented of your sins and trusted Jesus as Savior (Jn.1:12; Luke 13:3). Second, you must have the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the assurance from God’s word (Rom.8:17; I John 5:11-13). Third, you prove it by living a “changed life” (II Cor.5:17; I John 2:3-4). James 2;18 says, “I will show thee my faith by my works”.
By E. J.
Have your heard about the REAL PURPOSE OF LIFE?
Bakit higit sa Panginoon ka magtitiwala?
Doing the Will of God from the Heart
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
(Ephesians 6:6 KJV)
Do you believe that your future matters according to your faith?
Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
(Matthew 9:29 KJV)
Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
(2 Corinthians 10:15 KJV)
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
(Proverbs 23:7 KJV)
Do you believe that God has the best plan for your life?
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV)
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 KJV)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2 KJV)
Do you believe that many Christians missed God’s best plan for them because they do not seek God’s will in their lives?
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33 KJV)
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
(Psalms 37:4 KJV)
Do you believe that Satan still tempts believers, misleads them, and brings destruction to their bodies and troubles in their lives?
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Corinthians 5:5 KJV)
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8 KJV)
The consequence of right or wrong decisions affects one’s future.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. (Colossians 3:23-25 KJV)
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO?
SEEK GOD FIRST
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Matthew 6:33 KJV)
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
(Mark 8:36 KJV)
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
(Psalms 34:8 KJV)
And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (Matthew 19:29-30 KJV)
LEARN GOD’S WORDS
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 KJV)
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Romans 10:17 KJV)
ATTEND THE SERVICES OF A BIBLICAL CHURCH REGULARLY
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: (Ephesians 6:6-7 KJV)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV)
SUPPORT THE MINISTRY
For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. (2 Corinthians 10:14-16 KJV)
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 KJV)
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. (Matthew 25:24-28 KJV)
DAILY SEEK GOD’S GUIDANCE THROUGH PRAYER AND MEDITATION
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalms 1:1-2 KJV)
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (Mark 1:35 KJV)
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:7-8 KJV)
NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105 KJV)
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:11 KJV)
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. (Psalms 119:133 KJV)
SEEK GODLY COUNSEL
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
(Proverbs 11:14 KJV)
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
(Proverbs 12:15 KJV)
Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. (Proverbs 13:18 KJV)
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. (Proverbs 19:20 KJV)
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
(Proverbs 15:22 KJV)
BE STRONG IN THE LORD TO OVERCOME SATAN’S TEMPTATIONS
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8 KJV)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10 KJV)
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:16-17 KJV)
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV)
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23 KJV)
TRUST AND OBEY GOD
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
(Galatians 3:11 KJV)
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (James 1:22-24 KJV)
RELATED LESSONS:
Why a Christian experiences afflictions
What benefits can you get out of your problems
Why does God allow people to experience suffering?
You are invited to the PMBYF 2024 National Youth Camp!
BE FIRM IN THE FAITH
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:11-14 KJV)
Leaders of the church are God’s gifts. It says, “He gave….”
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV)
The office of the Apostles and Prophets, however, had already ceased. The requirement for the office of the Apostle is mentioned in Acts 1: 21-22 and no one would qualify now. In the case of Paul, he was a special Apostle and he had a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus at Damascus road. The office of the Apostles ceased at the death of the last Apostle. The prophets ceased when the Bible was completed. No prophecy is to be added to the Bible. (Rev. 22: 18). The Bible is complete as our rule and guide. (2 Timothy 3: 16-17). The Bible was given in an installment basis until the whole Bible was completed. Before the Bible was completed there were Apostles and Prophets. Now we have the complete Bible as our guide and basis of faith (1 Cor. 13:8-10, James 1: 25). What we need today are pastors who will explain the prophecy of the Bible.
God desires us to grow in the knowledge of God’s word. We must be careful of so many false teachings and false teachers today. We must be grounded in the right doctrines of the Bible.
DEPENDENCE ON GOD IN DISCIPLE-MAKING
Are you a Christian? If you claim to be a Christian, you must be following Christ, because a Christian is a follower of Christ. Be a disciple, a student of the word, a learner. Being a disciple is more than agreeing to religious truth. Rather, it is a commitment to follow Christ. Discipleship is a process of continuous learning and growth. Be a disciple, a follower of Christ.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A DISCIPLE
A disciple is in constant fellowship with Christ through regular prayer and meditation.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7 KJV)
A disciple bears fruit.
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (John 15:8 KJV)
A disciple responds to God’s love and obedience.
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. (John 15:9-10 KJV)
A disciple is joyful.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (John 15:11 KJV)
A disciple loves as Jesus loves.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:12-13 KJV)
PERSONAL COMPETENCES OF A DISCIPLE
A disciple submits to a teacher who teaches him how to follow Jesus.
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV)
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
(Hebrews 13:17 KJV)
A disciple studies and learns Jesus’ words.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
(Acts 17:11 KJV)
A disciple learns Jesus’ way of ministry.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
(Matthew 4:19 KJV)
A disciple imitates Jesus’ life and character.
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:2-5 KJV)
A disciple finds and teaches other disciples to follow Jesus.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Matthew 28:19-20 KJV)
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2 KJV)
WE MUST DISCIPLE
If we don’t disciple, will some disciples be active and committed to the great commission?
DEPEND ON GOD’S GRACE — GRACE TRANSFORMS
We are saved by grace through faith. We started by God’s in salvation, and so we continue to walk in our Christian life by God’s grace.
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:1-3 KJV)
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 KJV)
As we are involved in discipleship, we must remember that we cannot do it on our own. But we need to rely on God’s grace to transform lives.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6 KJV)
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6 KJV)
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (Colossians 1:28 KJV)
There is grace in conversion, and so, in our whole journey of our Christian walk. God’s grace transforms. First, we are justified at the new birth. Then after salvation, the Spirit continues to work in our sanctification. That is the process of being Christ-like.
THE OBJECTIVE OF DISCIPLESHIP IS TRANSFORMATION.
The evidence of salvation is transformed lives.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
(John 13:34-35 KJV)
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
(1 John 2:4-6 KJV)
FAITH IN GOD IN DISCIPLESHIP IS EVIDENT IN ONE’S DEDICATION
“God does not choose men and women because of what they are, but because of what they will become.”
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:3-6 KJV)
So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
(1 Thessalonians 2:8 KJV)
EXAMPLES OF FAITH IN THE BIBLE, HEBREWS CHAPTER 11.
ELDERS — They obtained a good report, (v.2).
ABEL — He offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain (v.3).
ENOCH – He had a testimony that he pleased God, (v.5).
NOAH — He moved with fear, and prepared an ark ( v.7).
ABRAHAM – He obeyed and went, offered up Isaac under great test, (vv. 8-19).
SARA – received strength to conceive, v.11.
JOSEPH – made mention of the departing of Israel when he died, v.22.
MOSES – chose to suffer affliction with God’s people, etc. vv. 24-29.
RAHAB – perished not with unbelievers, v.31.
WE NEED FAITH THAT MOVES US TO ACTION
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:14-17 KJV)
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6:46-49 KJV)
FAITH THAT EMBRACES DISCIPLESHIP
REAL — Actively obey it.
HISTORICALLY defined by people who make action
DISTINGUISHED itself from intellectual or mere because it demonstrates proof.
THOUGHTFUL OBEDIENCE, not religious words.
— E. J.
RELATED LESSONS
Delighting in the Lord
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
(Psalms 37:4 KJV)
There are three important events that people celebrate: Birth, Marriage, and Death. Someone said, “What about graduation?”, But I replied, “People do not celebrate graduation yearly, hahaha!” Therefore, we cannot say that marriage is a less important decision. There are many youth who enter into relationship without thinking of marriage. If you make a wrong decision, that will affect the course of your life. King Solomon gave some advice:
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
(Proverbs 4:23 KJV)
Many young people follow their feelings and do not seek God’s will for their lives. The reason is that they easily trust in man or themselves more than God. The Bible says:
“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5 KJV)
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”
(Psalms 118:8 KJV)
If you truly trust God, you will obey God’s commandments and put a Christian standard in your relationship goals.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16 KJV).
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.“
(1 Timothy 4:12 KJV)
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.“
(Proverbs 31:10 KJV)
If you truly trust God, you will seek God first, grow in Him, and trust that He will grant the desires of your heart.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33 KJV)
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
(Psalms 37:4 KJV)
RELATED LESSONS:
STEP BY STEP 