James: Principles in Practiceنموونە

Chapter 2

James begins this chapter speaking on partiality. This chapter gives a glimpse into the works of man as evidence of his faith. We don’t work for faith, but a believer’s faith is evident by his works.

True Faith is impartial (1-13)

It is wrong to judge a man by his clothing or to give him a better seat because of his social status. God never judges a person based on their social status; He loves and treats everyone with equal justice.

Our differences make us unique, but our humanity means we all start from the same point—needing a Savior for our sins. We must love our neighbor as ourselves, and where there is no self-love, we are to love through the manifold love of Christ. God views all unrighteousness in light of His standard of righteousness. People judge sin by a criterion; if you gossip about your brethren, that’s bad, but not as bad as someone who has committed adultery. But the law states that if you’ve committed one act, then you are guilty and therefore need the mercy and grace of God.

True Faith evidenced by works (14-26)

If a man professes his faith, yet there are no works, then can his faith alone save him? Faith is action, it is submission, it is movement toward holiness. The works aren’t the works that you see in other religions, but it is a pure devotion that has given its heart and mind over to the will of the Father; therefore, all that comes from a man, whose faith is evidenced by works, is righteousness and fruit. True faith doesn’t put off the deed that it can do today. It doesn’t observe someone destitute and then consider how they can help, only to put it off.

The same is true for our beliefs. What we believe is also connected to what we do. We can’t say we believe in God and still continue living in sin. Someone might recognize the existence of God and even consider His righteousness. However, true belief alters how you perceive life and involves considering God in everything you do. There's a familiar story of a man standing on top of a building while others shout, 'Jump! The building is on fire and will ultimately consume you if you don’t jump.' If the man genuinely wants to live but looks around, sees the fire, yet stays in that spot, does he really believe that jumping will save him? His actions—jumping to safety—demonstrate his faith. Even if he's afraid of heights or worried that the bystanders might not catch him, his belief would be so strong that it leaves him no choice but to jump and save himself.

Abraham, the Father of Faith, demonstrated his faith and was thereby justified when he offered Isaac as a sacrifice. There may be some barriers that are preventing you from living in the righteousness of a life evidenced by faith. I encourage you to turn to Christ in surrender. God loves you, and He desires a genuine faith from a purified heart.

Encouragement,

If you have wondered if you truly have a biblical faith, then examine your life. What do you do with the truths that you read and the conviction to align your life with scripture? In the moments when life feels overwhelming, do you lean into God in trust or turn away to a pseudo relief that distracts you from God's holy plan and ultimately leads you back to your old ways?

Don't be like the man who recognizes he needs help, yet refuses to take the leap. Instead, cast your cares on the Lord, for he cares for you, and surrender completely to God's perfect plan for your life and habits.

I have summarized chapter 2. Now, I encourage you to read this chapter, take notes, pray, and ask the Lord to illuminate these verses in your heart.

Be Encouraged.