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Paul is putting out the fire of a false idea that we can earn our salvation with our works. He is asking the question "How do you know Christ?'

James, on the other hand, is extinguishing the false notion that faith is faith and it doesn't matter how you live. He is asking the question "How do you show Christ?"

Faith produces fruit.
Faith alone saves, but faith that saves is never alone.
Faith in our hearts produces fruit in our lives.

I.Two Pictures of Faith

II.Two Snapshots of Works

III.Two Concepts of Righteousness

IV.Two Truths to Remember

1. A dead faith argues words and sentiment are enough to save.

2 A demonic faith has intellectual beliefs and emotional responses.

3. Dynamic saving faith follows Jesus in genuine transformation.

I. Two Pictures of Faith

II. Two Snapshots of Works

Works, deeds, and actions are sometimes spoken of positively and other times in derogatory ways.

Works of faith fueled by the flesh doesn't honor God.

Works as the fruits of faith which brings glory to God.

I.Two Pictures of Faith

II.Two Snapshots of Works

III.Two Concepts of Righteousness

Positional Righteousness is how we stand before God.

Practical righteousness is how we live before God.

I. Two Pictures of Faith

II. Two Snapshots of Works

III. Two Concepts of Righteousness

IV. Two Truths to Remember

I. Understanding the Tension
1.How would you explain the apparent contradiction between James 2:24 and Romans 3:28 to someone new to the Bible?
•Follow-up: What helps you personally reconcile their messages?

2.Why is it important to understand who each biblical author is writing to and why?
•How does context help avoid misinterpretation of scripture?

3.What are the different “fires” that Paul and James are putting out in their writings?
•Can you identify both legalism and license in today’s culture or in your own life?

II. Examining Faith
4.What distinguishes “living faith” from “dead faith” according to James?

•Can you think of examples of belief that fall short of this “living” definition?

5.James references a “demonic faith” (v.19). How is this kind of faith different from saving faith?

•What are some modern-day attitudes or actions that might reflect this kind of belief?

6.James uses the examples of Abraham and Rahab. What do their stories teach us about the relationship between faith and action?

III. Applying the Truth
7.James says, “Faith without deeds is dead.” What does that look like in a church context today?
•Have you ever struggled with feeling complacent or passive in your faith?

8.What specific deeds does James mention earlier in the letter that give shape to true faith (e.g., caring for widows, guarding your speech, resisting favoritism)?

•Which area is currently most challenging or convicting to you?

9.How should we evaluate our own faith practically—what is the “evidence”?
•If someone watched your life for a week, what would they say matters most to you?

IV. Gospel Clarity
10.Paul says we are “justified by faith”; James says we are “justified by works.” Who is each one being justified before—God, others, or both?
•How can this understanding encourage both humility and boldness in Christian living?

11.“Faith alone saves, but faith that saves is never alone.” What does this mean in your own words?

•How might this truth help a believer who doubts their salvation or lacks assurance?

Have you ever performed religious “works” to try to earn God’s favor or approval from others?
•What helped you rest in grace rather than striving?

How can we avoid both the trap of performance-based religion (legalism) and a faith that fails to transform our lives (license)?