(a) Highlight James' teaching on faith and works.[11 marks]. (b) What two lessons can Christians...

Explanation

(a) James 2:14-26:

(i) James began by questioning the profitability of a person's faith without works.

(ii) He wondered how such a person's faith can save him.

(iii) James also questioned profit gained when a Christian dismisses a needy brother without giving him the needed assistance.

(iv) He asserted that faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

(v) He challenged those who claim to have faith to show their faith without works.

(vi) And he would show his works as a demonstration/manifestation of his faith.

(vii) James warned that it is not enough to claim to believe in God; after all Satan also believes and shudders.

(viii) He cited Abraham as a man justified by his works when he offered to sacrifice his only son, Isaac.

(ix) James maintained that Abraham's faith was effective along with his works;

(x) His faith was indeed perfected by works.

(xi) Hence Abraham's belief in God was recorded to him as righteousness.

(xii) James maintained that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

(xiii) He also cited Rahab, the harlot, who was justified by her works for saving the spies.

(xiv) He, therefore, concluded that faith without works is dead just as the body without the spirit is dead.

(b) Lessons for Christians:

(i) Faith in God is fundamental but does not rule out practical works.

(ii) Christians have practical roles to play in realizing their dreams/destiny.

(iii) God blesses people's works of faith and not faith alone.

(iv) The best way to express faith and belief in God is to do what He says.

(v) Faith without effective action results in failure.