Exegesis Of James 2
Exegetical paper on James 2: 14 – 26
Bible 350
Professor Brian Lambert
David Rinderknecht
Id # 225295
08/15/2008
Outline
Main Idea: In James 2:14-26 is the whole point is determining what shows that we have “real” faith or faith that is alive.
I) True faith cares for others (14-17)
A) Think!: if you don’t care for the needy is your faith real? (v.14)
B) Illustration of someone who does not care for the needy. (v.15-16)
C) Conclusion: true faith brings a person to care about others needs. (v.17)
II) True faith is not mere talk (v.18-20)
A) Think!: what is the relationship between faith and works? (v.18)
B) Illustration of demons: faith is not mere intellectualism. (v.19)
C) Conclusion: true faith is accompanied by works. (v.20)
III) True faith is proven by works (v. 21-24)
A) Illustration: Abraham’s faith was proven by his readiness to sacrifice Isaac. (v.21)
B) Think!: Was his faith not completed by his works? (v.22-23)
C) Conclusion: Works prove that out faith is true. (v.24)
IV) True faith is alive (v.25-26)
A) Illustration: Rahab lived her faith which proved she had faith. (v.25)
B) Conclusion: If you don’t live your faith than your faith is dead. (v.26)
Introduction
Have you ever run into someone who believed that works are necessary to salvation? If this is the case and you had time to talk about it, they probably made a quick grab for James. They probably even took you aback citing verses that you might have not even remembered to be in existence. Why would James ever say something like “Abraham was justified by works”? Doesn’t that contradict Pauline teaching? What does all the faith without works is dead mean? James 2:14-26 is the heart of James’ argumentation on having a working faith. It is the key to the rest of the book’s foundational principals. Turn on your neurons because it is time to start thinking!
Context
I) Historical and cultural context
A) Author
The...
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