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How does James 2:20-26 fit into the context of chapters 1 and 2?
- proving faith by works fits into chapter 1 theme of going through trials but enduring
- proving faith by works fits into 1:14-16 cycle of where sin comes from. If we do not prove our faith, it is no one's fault but our own
- proving faith by works fits 1:22 - prove yourselves to be doers of the Word, not just hearers
- proving faith by works fits 2:15,16 and helping others in need
- proving faith by works, using the illustrations of Abraham and Rahab fit the previous verses that talked about how you must have works along with your faith if it is true
My own paraphrase of James 2:20-26: you are foolish if you think you can talk about following Christ but not actually follow Him. Don't you understand that Abraham is a great example of someone who proved (justified) his faith by what He did - offering to kill his son as God told him to, believing and trusting in God's promises. And not only that, don't you understand that Rahab demonstrated, proved her faith by what she did in protecting the spies from Israel. You see that in both cases, their faith and works went together. If you have faith but no works you are like a dead body at a funeral.
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