James 2:14-26 Series

Open your bibles to James Chapter 2.

As we continue our new series from the Book of James entitled Faith That Works.

Last week we learned that.

R. Kent Hughes says “one thing is clear about the book of James—the dominant theme is;

“Faith that is real works practically in one's life. Faith that is true, is a faith that works.” R. Kent Hughes

This is where we came up with the title “FAITH THAT WORKS”

Each week we will examine the relationship between our faith and our works, we see how the two intersect in our lives and in the lives of those around us. James covers many practical issues that will show us how to have a living, visible, and productive faith in the midst of a broken and fallen world.

Will you stand with me if you are able as we open up God’s word.

James 2:14

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 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. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:14-26 ESV)

PRAY

In my experience, I have seen many people come and go in the church. But nothing shocks me more than when a person accepts what the bible says about their spiritual condition. They understand and agree with the fact that they are sinful by nature. They understand how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is what was necessary to save them. They go to church from time to time. They talk openly about spiritual things and when the conversation turns to Jesus they sound like believers. Yet there is nothing distinctively Christian about their behavior. The question James asks this morning is; How do we know when a person's faith is real? The answer to this question is at the heart of James’ letter.

RECAP

In chapter 1 James tells his readers that they must

“receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (v21).

That we are to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (v22).

And the person who God blesses is not a “hearer who forgets but a doer who acts” (v25).

In verses 26 and 27, James says true religion shows itself when we bridle our tongues, caring for widows and orphans in their distress, and living lives righteously by keeping oneself unstained by the world.

In Chapter 2 the theme continues

James is concerned about the treatment of the poor. He is adamant that the poor are not to be neglected in the church. Rather, Christians are to keep the Royal Law which is “love your neighbor as your self”

if you do that you are doing well. (v8).

Then he says;

But if you show partiality you are liable to judgment from God because it is a violation equal to murder and adultery. (v9)

Why? Because all three equally undermine the whole purpose of Jesus coming.

Chapter 2 begins by saying Christians are to show no partiality as we hold on to your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. the Lord of Glory.

James closes the chapter with the command.

"So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (vv12-13).

Processing all of this motivates James to ask the question.

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? (James 2:14)