Doctrinal Mastery: James 2:17–18

“Faith, if it hath not works, is dead”

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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.

Conveying to students that their contributions are valued and essential. Look for ways to help each student feel valued and accepted and that their contributions bless the class. Remember to thank students for their participation and let them know you appreciate their willingness to contribute.

Student preparation: Invite students to think about a principle of the gospel they believe in but might struggle to act on. Ask students to ponder what it is that could be keeping them from acting on that principle.

Possible Learning Activities

This doctrinal mastery passage lesson is designed to be taught after the lesson “James 2,” which is the contextual lesson for the doctrinal mastery passage James 2:17–18. If this doctrinal mastery passage lesson needs to be moved to a different week, be sure to teach the corresponding contextual lesson during that week as well.

Memorize and explain

Help students memorize and explain the scripture reference and key scripture phrase for James 2:17–18. The following activity is one way to do this.

Write James 2:17–18, Faith, if it hath not 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.

If it works better for your class, consider cutting up several sets of these papers before class and putting each set in an envelope that students can use individually, in groups or pairs.

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

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).

Act in faith.
Examine concepts and questions with an eternal perspective.
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.

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?

Strive to create an environment where students feel safe to discuss their thoughts and concerns. Invite several students to share one or more ways they would use the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to help in their situation without sharing anything too personal. If useful, ask follow-up questions such as “Why would that principle help?” and “Does anyone else in the class have insights or experiences that may be helpful in this situation?”

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.

It may be useful to discuss the questions in the paragraph above as a class. Testify of the Lord’s willingness to help and the blessings that come as we act in faith in Jesus Christ.

Doctrinal mastery review

During a future lesson, help students review this doctrinal mastery passage and key scripture phrase. Consider putting students into pairs and having them briefly look at the scripture reference and key scripture phrase: “James 2:17–18, Faith, if it hath not works, is dead.” Then invite them to take turns saying one word or number at a time. For example, the first student would say “James,” the second student would say “two,” and so on. They would continue taking turns until they had said all of the reference and key scripture phrase. They could then switch who says the first word and repeat the exercise.

Supplemental Learning Activity 

In addition to the two questions that follow “Principle 3: Seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources,” consider inviting students to take a few minutes to look up topics in the Gospel Library on ChurchofJesusChrist.org (such as scripture study, tithing, or repentance) related to the scenario they chose to respond to. Students can use what they learn to respond to their chosen scenario.