09 Mar Study Guide | James Week 4

What does it mean to be not only defined by Scripture, but truly have our lives directed by Scripture as well? That’s the question James has in mind in these verses as he connects the importance of not only listening to God’s Word but living in light of what it says. Truth be told, many of us may know a great deal about the Bible, but ultimately it is our actions that will evidence what we truly believe. It is not enough to simply know Scripture or sit under godly teaching. Knowledge alone, without action, is useless. We must strive to live a life that shows our faith in action.

Though he may seem stern at times, James is speaking the truth in love-having had an up-close experience with Jesus’ teaching and ministry, he is convinced of the importance of believers acting in a way that puts their beliefs on display. As Christians, if we say we accept and believe God’s Word, we need to be living by it too-otherwise, James says, we deceive ourselves and our faith is “worthless.” It’s not enough for us to be simply defined by the Word; we must be directed by it as well. 

Click the image below to download the study guide for week 4 and begin preparing for this weekend’s sermon.