An Intriguing Tension

Scripture – James 2:20-26: ²⁰You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? ²¹Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? ²²You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. ²³And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. ²⁴You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. ²⁵In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? ²⁶As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The relationship of faith to actions creates an intriguing tension in Christ living. James takes the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22) and uses it as an example of faith being completed by actions. Yet the Bible is clear in many places (for example, Ephesians 2:8,9) that we have eternal life through our faith in Jesus Christ apart from any actions on our part. So I live with that assurance. I have eternal life because I believe in Jesus. And I don’t have to do anything else. At the same time, I am free to do all kinds of good things. When my faith and actions work together, life really becomes interesting – even fun. Then I find my good works deepen my faith.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep doing good as I live with the assurance that I don’t have to.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you for your amazing grace in my life. Please keep leading me forward. I’m ready to do whatever you have for me.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.