Faith and Works – SS1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Faith is trust or belief in God. The Epistle of James teaches that real faith shows in a Christian’s lifestyle, so faith without works is dead.

Behavioural objectives

1. Explain the meaning of faith.
2. State the qualities expected of faithful Christians.
3. Explain what James meant by “be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only”.
4. Explain why James said faith without works is dead, using his examples.
5. List ways Christians can demonstrate their faith based on the teaching of Saint James.

What is faith?

Faith is trust or belief in God and in his promises.

• Bible definition: Hebrews 11:1 says faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
• Substance: the assurance that what we hope for from God will happen.
• Evidence: the proof, in our hearts, of things we cannot see.
• James’s teaching: Christians who truly believe in Jesus Christ must show their belief in how they live.
• Faith and works: James asks believers to combine faith with good deeds.

What qualities are expected of faithful Christians?

Faithful Christians practise daily the teaching of Jesus Christ and the word of God, shown in five main qualities.

• Moral principles: James stressed that Christians must practise these principles, not only believe them.

What did James mean by “be ye doers of the word”?

To be a doer of the word means to obey what God’s word says, not only to listen to it.

• The text: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)
• The picture: a hearer who does not obey is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, goes away and forgets how he looks. (James 1:23-24)
• Self-deceit: a person who only hears the word fools himself into thinking he is a good Christian.
• God’s perfect law: believers should look into it, which sets people free, and keep paying attention to it. (James 1:25)
• The reward: those who do what the word says will have God’s blessing.
• Example: a student hears a sermon on honesty but still cheats in an examination.

How does self-control show true religion?

James taught that religion without self-control is useless. (James 1:26-27)

• Control of the tongue: the religion of a careless talker is worthless to God.
• Caring for the needy: acceptable worship includes helping orphans and widows in their trouble.
• Holy living: acceptable worship also means keeping yourself free from the evil influence of the world.

Why is faith without works dead?

Faith without works is dead because belief that produces no action is useless and cannot help anyone. (James 2:14-17)

• The question: James asks what use it is for someone to say he has faith when he has no works.
• The comparison: faith without works is dead, as a body without the spirit is dead. (James 2:26)
• The lesson: real faith always produces good deeds.

This note uses two examples from James chapter 2.

What is the example of showing favouritism?

Favouritism is treating one person as more important than another because of wealth or appearance.

• The rich visitor: a person in very nice clothes and a gold ring comes to the meeting.
• The poor visitor: a poor person in old, dirty clothes also comes in.
• The wrong act: the rich person is told, “Sit here in this good seat,” and the poor person is told, “Stand there!” or “Sit on the floor by our feet!”
• The verdict: treating one person as more important than another is sin, and it breaks God’s law.

What is the example of failing to help those in need?

Failing to help those in need means offering kind words without the practical help the person needs.

• The situation: a brother or sister in Christ comes to you needing clothes or food.
• The empty words: you say, “God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat.”
• The failure: you do not give the person the things he or she needs.
• The verdict: your words are worthless, and your action is a practical picture of faith without works.

What other examples does James give?

• Abraham: his faith was shown by his action when he offered his son Isaac. (James 2:21-22)
• Rahab: her faith was shown when she received the messengers and sent them away safely. (James 2:25)

How can Christians demonstrate their faith based on the teaching of Saint James?

Christians demonstrate their faith by turning belief into practical action in the church and in society.

1. Charity and social justice: Christians should be involved in charity giving, social justice and corporate social responsibility.
2. Help for the unemployed: they should help people find work by setting up vocational-technical training institutes.
3. Church activities: every Christian should take part in church work according to his or her God-given ability.
4. Good governance: they should take part in government and put their faith into practice there.
5. Care for the poor: they should help the poor and needy around them, within and outside the church.

Evaluation

1. What is faith?
2. State five qualities expected of faithful Christians.
3. What did James mean by “be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only”?
4. Using James’s examples, explain why faith without works is dead.
5. List four ways Christians can demonstrate their faith.

Assignment

In your notebook, explain how a Christian can show faith by works in your school or community. Base your answer on the two examples in this lesson (James 2:1-9 and James 2:14-17) and the ways of demonstrating faith listed above.