Sabbath - Saturday - The International Sunday school Lesson, Outline for Teacher'a & Student's

 August 16

Lesson 11 (KJV)

Living Faith

Devotional Reading: Matthew 18:23–35

Background Scripture: James 2:14–26

James 2:14–26

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man says he hath faith, and have not worked? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17 Even so, faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers and had sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Key Verse

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.—James 2:26

Many Faces of Wisdom

Unit 3: Faith and Wisdom in James

Lessons 9–13

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. Describe workless faith.

2. Give examples of the proper relationship between faith and works.

3. Develop a list of ways to demonstrate faith through action, and choose one to initiate personally in the week ahead.

Lesson Outline

Introduction

A. “A Right Strawy Epistle”

B. Lesson Context

I. Saving Faith (James 2:14–17)

A. Speech or Action (vv. 14–16)

B. Alive or Dead (v. 17)

Vice and Virtue

II. Vain Faith (James 2:18, 19)

A. Demonstrated Belief (v. 18)

B. Bare Belief (v. 19)

III. Exemplars of Faith (James 2:20–26)

A. Abraham (vv. 20–24)

B. Rahab (vv. 25, 26)

Antiheroes

Conclusion

A. In Word and Deed

B. Prayer

C. Thought to Remember

HOW TO SAY IT

Abraham	Ay-bruh-ham.
Deuteronomy	Due-ter-ahn-uh-me.
Josephus	Jo-see-fus.
Moriah	Mo-rye-uh.
Rahab	Ray-hab.
Shema	She-muh.

What Do You Think? In what ways can you help someone receive needed clothing, food, etc., this week? Digging Deeper How do texts such as Acts 4:32–35; 6:1–6; 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12; 1 Timothy 5:3–16; 1 John 3:17, 18; etc., help frame both what you give and how you give it?

What Do You Think? What questions could Christians ask themselves that would reveal whether their faith was dead or dying? Digging Deeper In that regard, which type of questions are more useful: those dealing with acts of omission or acts of commission? Why?

 

What Do You Think? What guardrails can we erect to prevent us from slipping into pride or legalism as we set a visible example in good deeds? Digging Deeper How does comparing and contrasting Matthew 5:14–16 with Matthew 6:1–4 help frame your conclusion?

 

What Do You Think? In what situations might you use the example of Rahab as a point of counseling with a fellow believer? Why? Digging Deeper What potential dangers or backfires should you consider before doing so? Why?

What Do You Think? What are some ways to stay alert to the danger of what has been called “compassion fatigue” as we help meet the needs of others (compare Galatians 6:9)? Digging Deeper Which of those ways would work best for you personally? Why?

Prayer

Father, may our faith in You not be limited to a mere affirmation of Your existence. Instead, may it be manifested in the way we live, including the way we extend help to those in need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Thought to Remember

Faith with no works

is no faith at all.

 Cotten, Christopher et al. “Living Faith.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2019–2020. Ed. Ronald L. Nickelson et al. Vol. 67. Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2020. 431. Print.