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Doctrinal Mastery: James 2:17–18

Doctrinal Mastery: James 2:17–18

“Faith without Works Is Dead”

two young men sharing Book of Mormon

In a previous lesson, you learned that we show faith in Jesus Christ by our righteous actions. This lesson can help you memorize the doctrinal mastery reference and key scripture phrase for James 2:17–18, explain the doctrine, and apply principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in real-life situations.

Memorize and explain

Write James 2:17–18, Faith without works is dead on a piece of paper with some space between each word. Say the scripture reference and key scripture phrase out loud. Then cut out each word and number separately, scramble them, and put them back in order. Say the scripture and reference again. Repeat the process until you can say the scripture reference and key scripture phrase from memory without the assistance of any pieces of paper.

As you read James 2:17–18, recall from the previous lesson the principle that true faith in Jesus Christ requires righteous works.

  • How could you explain this truth in a way that may motivate someone else to act on his or her faith?

Practice application

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil. 1. Complete the following in your study journal:

Look over the following three principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge. Then for each principle write one sentence that summarizes its meaning in your own words. If helpful, review paragraphs 5–12 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2022).

  1. Act in faith.

  2. Examine concepts and questions with an eternal perspective.

  3. Seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources.

Acting in accordance with our beliefs can be difficult. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated, “What we know is not always reflected in what we do” (“More Diligent and Concerned at Home,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 17). As you read the following scenarios, think of reasons we may not always act on gospel principles we know.

  • A young woman wants to read her scriptures every day. She sometimes loses motivation when she doesn’t understand or find meaning in what she is reading.

  • A young woman faithfully paid tithing as a child. Now that she is older and has a consistent job, the amount of tithing expected of her is more than she has ever given and is more difficult to pay.

  • A young man has learned about Jesus Christ and His Atonement for years. He believes that Jesus suffered for the sins of mankind and that his sins can be forgiven. He had a meaningful experience with repentance in the past. However, he finds himself going long periods of time without thinking about repenting.

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil. 2. Complete the following activity in your study journal:

Choose one of the situations above, or think of another gospel principle you believe in but struggle to act on. Write how you or the person in your chosen situation could use the three principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to address the situation.

If you would like some help applying these principles to the situation you chose, consider answering some or all of the following questions.

Principle 1: Act in faith

  • In the past, what gospel principle have you acted on in faith?

  • What did you learn about Jesus Christ from that experience that may help you with this situation?

Principle 2: Examine concepts and questions with an eternal perspective

  • How do you think Heavenly Father sees this situation? In what ways could He help?

  • How might acting on this principle lead to blessings now and eternally?

Principle 3: Seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources

  • How might James 2:17–18 help in this situation? What other scriptures or general conference talks could help you better understand and feel motivated to live this principle? (For example, see Alma 32:27–28 .)

  • It can often be helpful to discuss these matters with a trusted friend, family member, or Church leader. Who might the Lord want you to discuss this situation with?

Take a moment to ponder what you have learned through this lesson. If you identified a gospel truth that you personally struggle to act on, honestly evaluate if you plan to act on it now. If you don’t plan to act now, think about the obstacles that are in your way and how the Lord could help you.