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Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read James 2:14-26.

1. In this week\\u2019s passage, James builds on what he said about \\u201chearing and doing\\u201d in Chapter 1. In this passage, he takes it to another level by saying, \\u201cFaith without deeds is useless/dead.\\u201d What do you think he means by this? Do you agree?

2. Read Matthew 7:21. How does this passage support what James is saying?

3. One of Wesley\\u2019s key questions when interviewing candidates for ministry was, \\u201cHave they fruit?\\u201d What does he mean by this and how is this question in line with what James is saying? How does Matthew 7:16-20 support the view of both James and Wesley?

4. Pastor Mick was clear that this is not a \\u201cworks righteousness\\u201d passage. That is, we are not saved by our works. Rather, our works are evidence of our salvation. How does Ephesians 2:8-10 support/explain this? How do you understand it?

5. How does it make you feel to know that you were \\u201ccreated in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do\\u201d? Does this give you more confidence to do good works? More initiative?

6. Why do you think James uses both Abraham and Rahab as examples of people who put their faith into action?

7. Pastor Mick tells us that the word \\u201cspirit\\u201d in Verse 26 comes from the Greek word \\u201cpneuma,\\u201d which can also mean \\u201cbreath.\\u201d How might using the word \\u201cbreath\\u201d in that verse make it easier to understand? What might that tell us about the relationship between faith and deeds?

8. This passage is the foundation for the question Pastor Mick often asks:\\u201cIf you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?\\u201d How do you feel as you reflect on that question? Why do you think you feel that way?

Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and Loving God, thank you for creating us in advance to do good works through our relationship with Christ Jesus our Lord. Forgive us for the times when
we fail to do these good works, your will in the world. Rekindle the fire within us and enliven our faith through the power of your Holy Spirit, so that we do not just hear your word, but actually live it out in our daily lives. Help us to bear much fruit as we work with you to advance your kingdom right here on earth. We pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.