Faith and Work James 1: 22- 27, 2: 14- 26

CONTENT

• Definition of the Concepts of Faith and Work
• St. James Teaching on Faith and Work

A. Definition of the Concept of Faith/work

Faith means trust or belief, faith in the Christian context according to Imasogin and Abogunne, it  is a “Conscious, decisive and radical response of the whole being of an individual in obedience to the prompting of God’s Spirit as experienced within and a reliance upon Him”. It also means relegating to God in trust and self abnegation in recognition of and acceptance of those historic events connected with Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible’’.

Works on its own part is simply the manifestation in practical terms, of faith, belief and doctrine scripturally, both go hand in hand, even though Paul quoted salvation as being dependent on faith alone “By faith ye are saved”. According to James, Christians must combine their faith with work

EVALUATION

1. Define faith?
2. Explain faith in relation to work?

B. St. James’ Teaching on Faith and Work

James recognized two types of faith. First is the intellectual faith which does not involve a radical change in one’s attitude. For example, demons accept the reality of God but are not being subjected to Him (James 2:9) The second one is conscious surrendering one’s self to God in such a way that one allows God to determine one’s life this is what James means in (James 2: 26) – “as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead”

The undivided relationship between faith and work becomes clearer when one considers the fact that both are complementary and may not portray a Christian’s true being separately. One’s faith is proved by one’s outward deeds e.g. Abraham gave an offering to the Lord in obedience to God.

That is why Abraham who is acclaimed as God’s friend is justified not because of his faith in God alone but because he demonstrated it, practically. Faith cannot be active,  neither can it be complete without works. A born again Christian must show practical demonstration of what he claims in his or her human relationship. True Christianity therefore must proceed from the reality of concrete evidence as demonstrated in a Christian’s lifestyle and relationship with fellow human beings and prompt response to their immediate and even remote needs.

To underscore the need to back up faith with works, James says that it is very easy for someone’s faith to be seen in his works, but impossible for someone’s work to be seen in his faith. This goes to show that if any thing, works are more tangible than faith, hence, more important because works have physical representation which faith has not. All what James is saying here is that actions are louder words. Faith comes by hearing. This faith is incomplete until we demonstrate it physically

EVALUATION

1. Describe vividly the relationship between Faith and Works as taught by James.
2. What relationship exists between Faith and Works?

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. Describe vividly the relationship between faith and works as taught by James
2. Write short notes on

(i). Faith without works

(ii) Faith with works

3. From Paul’s letter to the Romans, explain the term ‘Justification’
4. How far are today’s Christians meeting such condition?

READING ASSIGNMENT

Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 By Martins I.  Amaechi pages 268-271

RSV Bible Read James 1: 22-27, 2:14-26

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. The statement, “show me your faith apart from your works, and I, by my works, will show you my

faith” implies that A. works are more tangible than faith B. faith is more tangible than works C. both faith and works are necessary D. none of the above

2. The reference to Abraham by James shows A. that works contradict faith B. That works complement faith C. That faith substitutes work D. work is superior
3. “Rahab” the harlot was justified by her works”, what was her works? A.prostitution  B.receiving messengers C. charity D. Justification
4. According to James: ‘Pure and undefiled religion’ is A.Visiting orphans and widows B. preaching and healing C. going to church regularly D. rendering sacrifice
5. Which of this reference was not used by James to explain the complementary role of faith on works?

A. The ill-clad brother B. Demons belief C. Abraham’s obedience D. Dorcas’ charity

THEORY

1. Describe vividly the relationship between faith and works as taught by James.
2. How does the reference to ‘Abraham’ and the ill-clad brother’ portray the relationship between faith and works?