It Doesn’t Make Sense
Joshua 6
Review:
1. God has power even over problems that are impossible for us
2. Waiting on God to solve our problems helps us grow in faith and give Him greater glory
3. God asks us to obey Him, even if what He asks us to do doesn’t make any sense
4. Trusting God and expressing that trust in obedience leads to our deliverance.
Go Further: Read James 2:14-26
1. In verses 14-17, what is the relationship that James describes between faith and works?
2. In verses 15 and 16, James describes giving someone a verbal blessing without any material help. How is that similar to saying we trust in God without demonstrating that trust through our actions?
3. In verse 18, James discusses how we can demonstrate our faith. Do you think it is possible to demonstrate faith without putting it into action? How might we demonstrate our faith by what we do?
4. In verse 19, what example does James give of someone who believes in God but does not obey Him? Is this sort of belief saving faith? What is missing from this sort of belief?
5. In verse 21, how did God call Abraham to demonstrate his faith? Did this action make sense to Abraham? Why do you think James says that this action “justified” Abraham, making him righteous in God’s sight?
6. In verse 22, James says that Abraham’s action “perfected” or “completed” his faith. How did Abraham’s action work with his faith to complete it?
7. Compare Romans 4:2-3 with James 2:21-24. Both Paul and James quote the same passage. How can both of these statements be true at the same time? Is James saying that our works can somehow save us? Is Paul saying that works are not necessary to demonstrate our faith?
8. What example does James give of faithful actions in verse 25? What other Biblical examples of faithful works come to your mind?
9. Compare verses 17 and 26. How does James describe faith which is not demonstrated by what we do?
Apply:
1. In verses 15-16, James gives an example of useless good wishes. How might these verses suggest a positive way that we can express our trust in God through our actions?
2. Is there something you think God is calling you to do that really doesn’t agree with your thoughts or feelings? Why do you think that is God’s will for you?
3. How do you think God is calling you to demonstrate your trust in Him today through your words? Through your actions? What might be holding you back from demonstrating your faith in these ways?
