James 2:21-24 Part 2 of 2

Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.

 

And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith."

Genesis 15:6  And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. (see also Romans 4:3)

Romans 4:5  But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.

Romans 4:9-12  Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised! Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous--even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised. (see all chapter 4)

Galatians 3:6-7  In the same way, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. (see verses 1-14)

 

He was even called the friend of God. 

Isaiah 41:8  "But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descended from Abraham my friend, ..." (see verses 8-10)

2 Chronicles 20:7  "O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham?" (see verses 1-30)

 

So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. 

Ephesians 2:10  For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

 

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

James 2:21-24 Part 1 of 2

Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.

 

Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 

Genesis 22:9-10  When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. (see verses 1-19)

Genesis 22:12  "Don't lay a hand on the boy!" the angel said. "Don't hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son."

Genesis 22:16-18  "This is what the LORD says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed--all because you have obeyed me."

 

You see, his faith and his actions worked together. 

Hebrews 11:17-19  It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God's promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, "Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted." (Genesis 21:12) Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead.

 

His actions made his faith complete. 

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3  We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

James 2:18-20

Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

 

Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds."

Romans 3:27-28  Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.

Romans 4:4-5   When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.

James 3:13  If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

 

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 

Matthew 8:28-29  When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They lived in a cemetery and were so violent that no one could go through that area. They began screaming at him, "Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God's appointed time?" (see verses 28-34; also Mark 5:11-20)

Luke 4:33-34  Once when he was in the synagogue, a man possessed by a demon--an evil spirit--began shouting at Jesus, "Go away! Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" (see verses 33-37; also Mark 1:23-28)

 

How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless? 

James 2:17  So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. (see verses 14-18)

James 2:26  Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. (see verses 21-26)

 

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

James 2:14-17 Part 2 of 2

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

 

Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? 

Matthew 25:35-36  "For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison and you visited me." (see verses 31-40)

Luke 3:10-11  The crowds asked, "What should we do?" John replied, "If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry." (see verses 7-23)

Proverbs 3:27-28  Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you."

1 John 3:17-18  If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion--how can God's love be in that person? Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

 

So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 

James 2:19-20  You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

James 2:26  Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. (see verses 21-25)

 

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

James 2:14-17 Part 1 of 2

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

 

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?

Matthew 7:26-27  "But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." (see verses 24-27)

Ephesians 2:8-10  God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

James 1:22-25  But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

 

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

James 2:12-13 Part 2 of 2

So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There is no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

 

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

Matthew 5:7  "God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (see verses 1-12)

Matthew 6:14-15  "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." (see all chapter 6)

Matthew 9:13  Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' (Hosea 6:6) For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." (see verses 9-13)

Matthew 12:7  "But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' " (see verses 1-8, also Hosea 6:6)

Matthew 18:33-35  " 'Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?' Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart." (see verses 21-35)

Luke 6:37  "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven." (see verses 27-42)

Psalm 18:25-27  To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud.

Proverbs 21:13  Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.

 

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

James 2:12-13 Part 1 of 2

So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There is no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

 

So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. 

Matthew 7:24-25  "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the flood waters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock." (see verses 24-29)

Matthew 16:27  "For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds." (see verses 21-28)

Luke 11:28  Jesus replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice." (see verses 14-28)

John 8:31-32  Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (see verses 31-58)

1 Corinthians 3:12-15  Anyone who builds on that foundation (verses 10-11) may use a variety of materials--gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. (see all chapter 3)

2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. (see verses 1-10)

James 1:25  But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. (see verses 19-27)

Revelation 22:12  "Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds." (see all chapter 22)

 

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.