James 2:1-26
In chapter 1 of this epistle, James stressed that the trials and temptations encountered by us should produce patience (endurance, steadfastness) when they are faced with the right attitude. Here in chapter 2, James is asserting that genuine faith will produce good works. Thus, James is stating that good works are an outgrowth of faith.
James 2:1-26 may be outlined as follows: I. Demonstrating Respectful Consideration of Others – James 2:1-13; II. Demonstration of Faith by Aiding Others – James 2:14-26.
I. Demonstrating Respectful Consideration of Others – James 2:1-13
In verse 1, James addressed the believers as “my brethren”, a group of believers who trusted in the same God and who were in the same spiritual family and were equals in the sight of the One in whom they had placed their faith. By identifying Jesus as “the Lord of glory”, James was asserting he Deity of Christ, and implying that what he was saying was related to proper worship.
In verses 2-3, James presented a graphic picture of two vastly different people entering worship service – one that appeared to be wealthy, the other apparently poor. The rich one received respectful treatment and a preferred seat. The poor person received shabby treatment and a subservient place. Such prejudicial action does not give evidence of faith. Instead, it displays partiality. Giving preference to the wealthy involves the kind of judgment that had been forbidden by Christ (John 7:24). In verse 4, James accused these believers of discriminatory practice assuming the role of judges with evil thoughts of partiality.
In verses 5-7, James explained why their preferential judgment was wrong by presenting four questions to them that anticipated affirmative answers: (1) Has not God chosen those who appear poor materially, but are rich spiritually, to inherit His promised Kingdom? (2) Are not the rich the ones who are consistently guilty of oppression, extortion, and slander? (3) Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? (4) Are they not the ones who slander Jesus’ noble name?
In verses 8-10, James points the believers to the Royal Law which is the law of love (Leviticus 19:18, 34). Furthermore, James asserted that it is a sin to show respect of persons; and to break one commandment is to be guilty of the whole law! In verse 11, James presented the extreme instances of adultery and murder to cite the absurdity of inconsistent obedience.
In verses 12-13, James relates that believers are to speak and act as those who will be judged, not by the law of Moses, but by the “law of liberty”, the law of love written in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Obedience to God’s Law brings true freedom; however, disobedience to God’s Law brings bondage; and those who have not been merciful, God’s judgment is without mercy.
II. Demonstration of Faith by Aiding Others – James 2:14-26
In verse 14, James raised a most poignant and rhetorical question: “What doth is profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?” James is condemning a person’s spurious boast of faith. James is asserting that the man’s faith is worthless because it is unproductive! Merely claiming to have faith is not sufficient. Genuine faith is productive and fruitful!
In verse 15-17, James gave an example involving two common needs among the poor: a lack of adequate clothing and insufficient food (v. 15). In such a situation, the mere expression of goodwill is not sufficient. Saying unaccompanied by doing proves to be unprofitable (v. 16). It takes more than analysis of the situation to fill the need. Faith that does not lead to works is dead faith (v. 17).
In verse 18, James is expressing that genuine faith is evidenced by good works. James is not teaching salvation by works. He is saying that true faith in Christ will produce good works in the life of the believer. In verses 19-20, creeds and affirmations are important, but by themselves they are empty (v. 19); however, genuine faith must be demonstrated by good works. James states that faith that stands alone without works to support it does not exist; it is dead faith (v. 20).
In verse 21, James offered the illustration of patriarch Abraham to argue for the proof
Of Abraham’s faith. Abraham’s faith, not his works, was the basis of God to declare him righteous (Romans 4:1-5). Paul was arguing for the priority of Abraham’s faith, whereas James was arguing for the proof of Abraham’s faith.
In verses 22-24, James is emphasizing the joint role of faith and actions working together. Faith is the force behind the deed. The deed is the finality of the faith. Faith finds fulfillment in action. James is saying that Abraham was justified by faith evidenced by what he did.
In verse 25, another O. T. worthy in the person of Rahab was even declared righteous for her actions in welcoming the spies and helping the escape. In verse 26, James asserts that faith and deeds are as important to each other as the body and the spirit. Apart from the spirit of the breath of life, the body is dead. Apart from the evidence of works, faith is deemed dead.
May God Bless!
