Tag: James 2
Faith Demonstrated by Works
Scripture reading for November 3: James 2
“But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is One; you do well. Even the demons believe–and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”–and he was called a friend of God.” James 2:18-23
In today’s culture, believing God and having faith is often a nebulous concept that is defined by feelings or confession. Feelings depend on our circumstances and can often be misleading. It is easy to confess that we believe in God and go on living for ourself. On the other hand, some in our culture are strong proponents of works and are into working to please God. From James’ letter to the church, we see that this tension between faith and works was something that God wanted to address. James taught that true faith would always produce works that demonstrated our beliefs. Our works complete our faith! Faith without corresponding works is dead faith.
James pointed to Abraham, father of the Jews, as an example of faith. Abraham believed God’s promise of descendants that would be as numerous as stars in the sky. After giving Abraham a son in his old age, God then tested his faith in a most unusual way. God asked Abraham to take his son Isaac and offer him to God as a sacrifice. Abraham did as God had asked, demonstrating that he believed that God would fulfill His promise, although it looked like sacrificing his only son would destroy the promise. God was pleased with Abraham’s faith, demonstrated by his obedience. Abraham was credited with righteousness by God through faith and obtained the blessing of being a friend of God.
If God tested your faith in His ability to do what He promises, would your faith be supported by obedient actions and works? How do you show your faith through your works in your current life in this culture? Could God call you His ‘friend?’
Prayer: Father God, thank You for your amazing grace through the sacrifice of Your only Son on our behalf. Through Him, I have received the gift of justification and righteousness for which I am thankful. I ask daily to be filled with Your Holy Spirit that I might obey Your command to love You and my neighbors. Amen.
“Mercy triumphs over judgment!”
Scripture reading for November 2nd: James 2
Key Scriptures for over-comers: James 2: 8-9, 12-13 “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. . . . .Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”
Jesus summed up the Law in one commandment with two parts: “Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.” James quotes the second part and encourages believers to live a life of love towards all men. Favoritism and preferential treatment is sinful and breaks this royal law of love. We are all going to stand before the Lord in judgment for our words and actions (deeds). Believers at the judgment seat of Christ (2nd Corinthians 5:10) and the lost at the Great White Throne. (Revelation 20:11-15) If we have not shown mercy as Christ has given us mercy it will not go well with us at the judgment!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers live lives of love towards all their neighbors showing mercy and seeking their salvation without favoritism or prejudice. “Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before Him, and around Him a tempest rages. He summons the heavens above and the earth, that He may judge His people: . . . for God Himself is judge.” (Psalm 50:3-6)
Faith and Action works together!
Scripture reading for November 3rd: James 2
James warned earlier of the self-deception of hearing the word of God, but not obeying it. (James 1:22) He now brings further emphasis to this area of danger to believers.
Believers and church leaders in the Jerusalem church had a tendency to show favoritism. They were discriminating against the poor and showing favor to the rich. James pointed them to Scripture: “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love you neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” (James 2:8-10) James pointed out that showing partiality is judging someone without mercy. When we believe we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, we choose not to be partial!
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and will fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17) If we truly believe something, we act on it. Mere lip-service is not saving faith! Many are self-deceived concerning their actual relationship with Christ. They know what He has asked of them, but refuse to do it. May the Lord deliver us from self deception!