(A) Explain James’ advice to Christians to be doers of the word and not hearers...
(A) Explain James’ advice to Christians to be doers of the word and not hearers only.
(B) State two factors that hinder Christians from doing the will of God.
Explanation
(A) James’ advice to Christians to be doers of the word and not hearers only. (James 1:22-27, 2:14-26).
Candidates are expected to list out points such as;
1. James advised Christians to live according to the word of the Lord, which they have heard.
2. He said it would be of no use to hear the word and fail to put it into practice.
3. According to James, if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer he is like someone who sees himself in a mirror and turns away and immediately forgets.
4. James says that, he who looks into the perfect law, and perseveres by doing it shall be blessed.
5. James is of the opinion that if one thinks he is religious but does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is vain.
6. James holds the view that pure and undefiled religion before God entails visiting orphans and widows in their afflictions.
7. Pure religion also involves keeping oneself unstained from the world.
8. James says it is of no use to say you have faith but have no works to demonstrate the faith you have.
9. According to James, if someone is poorly clothed and hungry and you ask him to go in peace, and be warmed and filled without providing the clothing and food, then you are not backing your faith with works.
10. Hence, faith without works is dead/useless.
11. Abraham justified his faith by works when he was prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac.
12. Abraham believed God and it was counted as righteousness and he was called a friend of God.
13. A person is therefore justified by works and not faith alone.
14. Similarly, Rahab the prostitute justified her faith by works when she received the messengers of Joshua and sent them out by another way..
15. James concludes by saying that, as the body without the spirit is dead so also faith without works is dead.
(B) Factors that hinder Christians from doing the will of God
1. Lack of faith/backsliding/unforgiving spirit
2. Unpleasant experiences
3. Desire to please the world/Materialism
4. Poverty
5. Fear
6. Lack of commitment/being ashamed to preach the word of God