Scripture Union Daily Guide 19 October 2023 | Devotional
Do You Know That? Daily Guide Reading is published by Scripture Union Press & Books Ltd, an arm of Scripture Union Nigeria. Daily Guide is a true nondenominational, interdenominational Christian Bible engagement/reading aid – meditate on the Bible without denominational colorations. May the Lord bless you as you study!
Today’s Topic: Relationship between faith and works
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, I request that you help me to encounter you as I meditate on your word.
SCRIPTURE: James 2:14-26
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Q 4: Is there any promise for me to believe or hope for?
• Q 6: Is there any prayer for me to remember?
Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 19 October 2023
Reflect on James understanding and teaching that faith manifests itself through obedience to God and compassionate deeds for the needy (vs.14-17; see also Matthew 25:35-45 and Galatians 5:6). What lesson(s) do you learn from these verses?
To fail in the most, simple good work towards a brother or sister in need demonstrates that one does not have a living faith. Real faith, and the works that accompany it, are not made up of only spiritual things, but also of a concern for the most basic needs – such as food and clothing, being sensitive to the material needs of those around us.
Indeed, our works as believers prove the character of our faith. This is consistent with the rest of Scriptures (see, Ephesians 2:9, Titus 3:8). Faith alone saves us, but it must be a living faith. We can tell if faith is alive by seeing if it is accompanied by works, and if it does not have works, it is dead (v.18). Compare our Lord’s teaching in Matthew 7:15-20. The fallacy of faith without works is demonstrated by the demons, which have a “dead” faith in God (v.19). Take note of the examples of Abraham (vs.21-24) and Rahab (v.25) to demonstrate the character of a living faith:
Practice/Word Application
For further action: Consider how your faith can respond to the needy within your reach. Pray for grace to take necessary action.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 29:11
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Nehemiah 10, 11; Job 40, 41.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FOR 19TH OCTOBER 2023
PRAYER FOCUS: AREA CHAIRMEN
Remember your leaders, who spoke God’s message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith. Hebrew 13:7
THANK GOD FOR:
►The Area Chairmen of the 37 Areas in Scripture Union Nigeria
►The good work God is using them to do in feeding the flock of God in this end time
PRAY FOR:
►Grace to function with the unction of Christ as they provide leadership oversight for Scripture Union brethren
►Exemplary lives and faithfulness in service, so they will not loose their reward at the end of their race
►Cooperation between them and their Area committee
PRAY AGAINST:
►Inability to resolve conflicts in their Areas