Day 52 - James 2 and Romans 4

Extreme Faith Workout
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Romans 4:1-25 - a summary:
Abraham received the righteousness of God, but that did not come through his own personal efforts. He received the righteousness of God by faith. His faith was evident, displayed in believing the promises of God. The same is true for us, if we believe, by faith.

What are the similarities and differences between Romans 4:1-25 and James 2:20-26?
Similarities: They are both about faith and works. In both of them, Abraham is used as an example of what it means to have true faith.

Differences: Romans is emphasizing the faith aspect apart from works, and James is emphasizing the works aspect, that goes along with the faith. Romans is written by Paul and James is written by James. Romans is mainly explaining how the law and faith work, using Abraham as the prime example, and then applying it to us at the very end. In James, he is mainly applying the faith and works issue to us, and uses Abraham's story just as an illustration.

What can we learn from Romans 4:1-25 as it relates to living out our faith?
That although James emphasizes the works part of Abraham's faith, the foundational statements are made here: that Abraham demonstrated his faith by works, but he received the righteousness of God apart from his works. We learn that faith is very difficult to live out; but the importance of living it out is certainly seen in the example of Abraham.

What is one thing you can take from this example and specifically apply it to your life?
For me, I want to apply the fact the Abraham made many mistakes, revealed to us throughout the Bible; and yet he did demonstrate his faith and was used an illustration of a man of great faith. I also have failed many times and wonder if God can use me. And yet, since I do trust in God completely and follow Him in faith, I can be seen by Him as a man of great faith (even if others see me as a failure as I often see myself). My attention must be on God, following Him, and letting His opinion be what really matters.