Theory question 109
Faith, Works and ImpartialityExplain James' advice, 'be doers, of the word and not hearers only', and show how he elaborated on it. In what two ways can someone live up to this standard?
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Receive with meekness the implanted word that can save your souls (James 1:21).
Be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves (James 1:22).
A mere hearer is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and goes away and forgets what he looked like (James 1:23-24).
One who looks into the perfect law of liberty and perseveres, being a doer, will be blessed in his doing (James 1:25).
Religion is vain if one does not bridle his tongue (James 1:26).
Pure religion is to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and keep oneself unstained from the world (James 1:27).
Faith without works is dead: wishing a hungry brother well without giving him food is useless (James 2:14-17).
Abraham was justified by works when he offered Isaac, and Rahab when she received the spies (James 2:21-25).
Ways (any two): helping the poor, widows and orphans; controlling one's speech; living a morally clean life; obeying what is taught in church; showing love to neighbours.
Explain the mirror illustration and faith with works, then two practical ways.