Faith Without Works is Dead? James 2:14-26
In this passage, James is dealing with a test of a Christian's profession of faith. James' point is to demonstrate that a person who says he is a Christian ought to have the life that backs up his profession. James argues that if someone has faith in Christ, and has no Christian works, his faith is invalid.
To back up his argument, James gives several examples. For his first example, James teaches us that a true believer in Christ will take care of the physical needs (no cloths and food) of his fellow brother and sister in Christ (James 2:15-17). In a second example, James shows if a person has a nice profession, but have no works to back up his profession, he is no better than the demons who have the orthodox view that God is one (James 2:18-10). In a last example, James uses Abraham and Rehab to finally prove that true faith in Christ will result in actions that agree with their faith (James 2:21-25). To conclude, James remind us that faith and works are a union (James 2:26) that cannot be divided.
James' challenge to all of us is to make sure our life backs up what we say. Words are empty unless they are followed up by actions. It is this lack of actions I believe that keep most unconverted people away from Christianity. These people hear the Christian profession, but see in the life of a Christian worldly living just like them. Now I am not advocating being a hermit that shuns technology or society, but rather that a Christian should live in his society in such a way as if Jesus Christ was walking the streets of their own city or neighborhood. Such a Christian would exhibit in his life a love of God first, others second, and self last. This idea is not original with me. This idea comes from the word of Christ Himself and also the Old Testament:
Matthew 22:36-40 ESV "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."
Deuteronomy 6:4-6 ESV "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.If you are realizing this moment that your faith and your walk do not agree, practice 1 John 1:9 and ask the Lord to forgive you and help you by His grace live the life that matches up to your profession.
Pastor Steve
Psalm 119:89
