Working Together

Small Group Discussion Questions

James 2:14-26

• Re-read verses 14-19, in which James discredits a faith without deeds and compares it to that of the demons. What kind of “faith” is James talking about here? What are some examples of what this sort of “faith” might look like today?
• Compare and contrast James’ depiction of Abraham and Rahab. What do they teach us about faith in God? Why does he include both of these people as models of dynamic faith?
• What does it mean that Abraham’s faith and his actions were “working together” in verse 22? What are some present day examples of this sort of dynamic faith? What do your actions reveal about your faith these days?
• James says in verse 24 that “a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” How do we hold this together with Paul’s words in Romans 3:28 or Ephesians 2:8-9?
• One of the main actions that James calls us toward in this letter is to care for the poor and marginalized. How might this sort of action demonstrate true faith? What are some ways you can care for the poor and marginalized this week?
• BONUS: James says in 2:26 that faith without deeds is like a body without a spirit. Read Ezekiel 37:1-14, in which the prophet shares a vision about bones and bodies and spirit. What effect did the Spirit (breath) of God have on the bodies in verses 10 and 14? How can deeds enliven a person’s faith, just as the spirit enlivened these bodies in Ezekiel 37?

Note: Some of these questions were influenced by N. T. Wright’s book James: 9 Studies for Individuals and Groups