To begin the session:
Download the “You Can’t Have One Without the Other” activity sheet here.
Make a copy of the activity page for your answer key. Cut the other copy apart on the dotted lines. After all class members have arrived, shuffle the slips of paper and distribute them among the class members. Give your group about five minutes to put these essential pairs back together.
Lead into Bible study by saying, “Some things just naturally go together! Just as a lock is useless without a key, the Bible teaches that professions of faith are meaningless without actions to back them up. Let’s see what James said about this.”
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Before class, search the Internet or other source for sample obituaries and/or templates for writing one. Make copies for every 3–5 students you expect to be in class.
Divide the class into groups of 3–5 students, giving each group your obituary samples, paper, pens, and the lesson text. Have each group try to compose an obituary for “Faith Without Works” using your obituary samples and elements of the lesson text.
A sample obituary might read:
Faith Without Works (FWW) was declared dead by James in an announcement to the early church. FWW led a full life of empty promises. She was known for wishing that the hungry be fed and the naked clothed without ever offering food or clothing. James explained that FWW is survived by demons who believe but tremble, and great heroes such as Abraham and Rahab whose faith led them to righteous acts.
After giving groups about ten minutes to compose their obituaries, ask them to share and explain what they wrote.
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