Opening Summary
Opening Prayer
Father, we come to You today grateful for the gift of faith. Thank You for opening the way through Jesus, for giving us access to Your throne of grace. Jesus, we thank You for bearing our sin and calling us to live in Your truth. Holy Spirit, soften our hearts to understand Your Word today. Convict us where our faith has been passive, and empower us to live in active obedience. Let us be hungry for Your truth, humble before Your correction, and teachable in Your ways. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one small way you’ve recently seen faith in action—either in yourself or someone else? Was it something visible or behind-the-scenes?
Key Verses
(All verses NASB 1995)
James 2:14
What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
Life Group Leader Note: This verse introduces the central question of the sermon—whether faith without works has saving power.
James 2:17
Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
Note: A key doctrinal anchor—faith that doesn’t act is spiritually lifeless.
Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Note: Used to reinforce the order—faith is a gift, and good works follow as fruit.
James 2:26
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Note: The sermon’s final anchor, likening faith without works to a lifeless body.
Supporting Scriptures
- James 2:5-6 – God chooses the poor in spirit to be rich in faith.
- Matthew 7:21–23 – External religious works mean nothing without knowing Christ.
- Hebrews 11:1-2, 6, 17-19 – Faith as assurance and conviction, demonstrated through actions (e.g., Abraham).
- Romans 12:2 – Transformation by renewal of the mind, resulting in a life aligned with God’s will.
- Isaiah 64:6 – Our own righteousness is like filthy rags without God’s grace.
- James 1:17-18 – Every good and perfect gift, including faith, comes from God.
Topics
1. Faith Without Works Is Dead
The heart of James 2 is the sobering reminder that claiming faith without living it out is spiritually empty. Pastor Daren emphasized that saving faith is never alone. It naturally expresses itself in obedience to God’s Word and love toward others.
Quote: “True faith produces good works. Works without true faith are lifeless. And faith without works is dead.”
Scriptures: James 2:14–17, 26
Discussion Questions:
- What’s the difference between professing faith and living it?
- Why do you think James calls faith without works “dead”?
- Have you ever seen someone’s quiet, faithful action impact others?
- What are some modern ways we say “be warm and well fed” but fail to act?
- How can our group encourage each other to live out our faith?
2. The Source of True Works
We are not the source of our own good works—God is. Pastor Daren reminded us that the slave cannot claim the fruit of obedience as their own invention. Rather, God prepared those works beforehand for us to walk in.
Quote: “We are His workmanship. These works are for His glory, not ours.”
Scriptures: Ephesians 2:8-10, James 1:17-18
Discussion Questions:
- Why is it important to remember that even our good works are God’s idea?
- How does this truth combat pride or striving?
- How do we discern the works God has prepared for us?
- Can you think of a time you’ve done something for God’s glory, not your own?
- How do we balance obedience and rest in God’s power?
3. Faith and Judgment: Matthew 7 Warning
Pastor Daren pointed to Jesus’ warning that outward works—even miraculous ones—do not guarantee salvation. What matters is knowing Jesus and doing the Father’s will.
Quote: “There are works of the flesh that bear good fruit—but not in relationship with God.”
Scriptures: Matthew 7:21–23
Discussion Questions:
- How can we examine the motive behind our good works?
- What does it mean to “know” Jesus in your daily life?
- Why do you think Jesus said “I never knew you” to those doing good works?
- Have you ever caught yourself doing something for spiritual appearance?
- What safeguards help us live from authentic relationship with Jesus?
Group Prayer Points
- Pray that we would be hungry for God’s Word so our faith is rooted in truth.
- Ask the Spirit to cultivate humility so we don’t boast in works, but in God’s grace.
- Invite God to make us teachable, even when convicted by hard truths.
- Intercede for those who may have a dead faith—ask God to awaken true belief.
- Pray that each group member would recognize and walk in the works God has prepared for them.
Challenge for the Week
Let’s be doers of the Word this week—not just hearers. Ask God to show you one specific action to take in obedience to His Word, whether it’s serving someone, forgiving, giving, or speaking truth. Go deeper—be hungry for God’s ways, humble in your response, and teachable as He leads.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Word planted in our hearts today. Jesus, thank You for saving us by Your grace alone. Holy Spirit, convict us where our faith has grown passive or cold. Make us people of living faith—faith that works through love. We want to be hungry for Your truth, humble in Your presence, and teachable by Your Spirit. May we go out bearing fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
📆 DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Day 1 – What Is Living Faith?
Read James 2:14–17. Reflect on what it means that faith without works is dead.
Challenge: Ask God to show you where your faith is growing passive, and take one small step of obedience.
Day 2 – God-Prepared Works
Read Ephesians 2:8–10. Consider what “works prepared beforehand” means in your life.
Challenge: Journal what kind of good works God may be calling you to today.
Day 3 – Knowing vs. Doing
Read Matthew 7:21–23. Reflect on the difference between doing good works and knowing Jesus.
Challenge: Spend 10 minutes in prayer, not asking for anything—just communing with God.
Day 4 – Faith in Action through Love
Read Galatians 5:6 and James 1:17–18.
Challenge: Find a practical way to express faith in love to someone in your community today.
Day 5 – Examine the Fruit
Read James 2:26 and Hebrews 11:1–2.
Challenge: Do a spiritual checkup—where are you seeing fruit? Where do you need pruning?
📘 ADDITIONAL STUDY FOR NEW BELIEVERS
Part 1: Read and Meditate On
- James 2:14–26
- Ephesians 2:8–10
Write Short Reflections:
Write about what “living faith” means to you and how it should impact your daily decisions.
Part 2: Study of Christian Thought
Read: “Faith and Works” – GotQuestions.org
Reflection:
Write 5 sentences on what you learned about the relationship between faith and works.
Part 3: Theological Reflection on the Fruit of Faith
Read: Ligonier’s Article on Sanctification
Reflection:
Summarize how God works in us after we’re saved and why we can’t take credit for our good works.
Part 4: Prayer and Declaration Practice
- Pray: “Lord, let my faith be alive in action today. Show me how to walk in what You’ve prepared.”
- Psalm to Read: Psalm 15
- Declaration: “I am saved by grace, created for good works that glorify God. My faith is alive and growing.”
📗 ADDITIONAL STUDY FOR MATURE BELIEVERS
Part 1: Read and Meditate On
- James 2:14–26
- Hebrews 11:1–40
Write Short Reflections:
Reflect on how your theology of justification and sanctification has deepened over time.
Part 2: Study of Christian Thought
Read: R.C. Sproul on Faith and Works
Reflection:
In 6–8 sentences, write how Sproul distinguishes faith that saves from faith that is mere belief.
Part 3: Theological Reflection on Justification and Sanctification
Read: Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 11
Reflection:
What role do works play in sanctification, and how do they relate to your justified status?
Part 4: Prayer and Declaration Practice
- Pray: Ask God to expose areas of “dead faith” and renew your heart with holy zeal.
- Psalm to Read: Psalm 119:9–16
- Declaration: “Christ is my righteousness. I walk in the Spirit, bearing fruit by His grace.”