James 2: I will show you my faith by my good deeds

James 2 (NLT)         1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?  2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?   5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?   8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.   10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. 11 For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.”   So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.    12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. 13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.      14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?    17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.   18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”     19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.   Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?   21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”   He was even called the friend of God.   24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.   25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

Context:  Last week “when troubles come your way” James introduced the theme of faith.  Our faith is tested and a faithful journey through our troubles helps us to grow in maturity until we are “perfected” in faith.  James continues with this exploration of faith as he sets the context of chapter 2.  He gives an example of prejudicial behavior which is in conflict with faith in Jesus Christ as evidenced by love of neighbor through merciful actions. 

In the New Testament, faith is translated from the Greek word pistis {pis'-tis} which means

• the conviction of truth and belief; in the NT, a belief in divine things, with the included idea of trust and holy passion.  In relation to God: the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of  all things and the provider of eternal salvation through Christ.  In relation to Christ: a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God.  In relation to the religious beliefs of Christians:  belief, trust, fidelity

James uses the word pistis, translated faith, 15 times in this chapter.  Obviously, faith is an important concept is this letter and in his theology.  As a respected leader in the early Christian church, James is probably writing a “circular” letter which was most likely read in a circuit of churches.   This letter of James became such an influential teaching document that it finds its way into the canon and becomes an authoritative document for the early church.   Let us keep in mind that this letter is written to persons who are living in a dispersed Christian community with one another. 

Going Deeper:   Faith was an important concept to the apostle Paul as well, who says in Romans 4:5 “But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.”  As we compare this statement to the statement of James in verse 26b: “Faith is dead without good works …” we may find Paul and James to be in conflict if we simply look at the words and interpret the meaning of faith based upon our own reading and the thoughts that emerge.  This is the great debate about faith versus works.  Many commentators and some theologians through the ages, notably the great reformer Martin Luther who called the Letter of James, “straw,” have seen this conflict.     Today the debate has taken a turn which affects our interpretation.

This turn in interpretation helps us to see the danger of “proof-texting” the Scripture.  Proof-texting is the practice of lifting a verse or more out of Scripture to support one’s viewpoint without determining its immediate context or the interconnectedness between those living the Story of God.

Both James and Paul use Abraham’s story of faith to prove their point.  Let’s compare their use of this compelling story to go deeper … all the way to reconciliation between the two!  In Romans 4:2-3, Paul says, For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.’   Paul uses the word pistis (faith) in the sense of the internal change which happens upon justification.  Abraham’s relationship with God was “made right” by his belief in God at that moment.

Look back now to James 2:21 where he says, “Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?”  James uses the word pistis (faith) in the sense of evidence of justification.  Abraham’s relationship with God was proven (seen) to be “right” through his actions.   

In the January-March issue of BIBLIOTHECA SACRA (p. 64) C. Ryan Jenkins writes,
“James sought to show that a person who possesses faith in Christ will be justified (i.e., vindicated as a true Christian) by his or her works, and that a mere claim to a profession of faith that is not vindicated or evidenced by works is not characteristic of genuine conversion.”  

Whereas Paul is talking to and with those who are seeking God and salvation in Christ, James is talking to the community of faith and challenges them to deeper faith. 

• How do you view the apparent contradiction between Paul and James?  Are we saved by faith or works? 
• Have you ever been blindsided by proof-texting?  What was that like?  How were you able to handle the conversation?  
• Have you ever been tempted to proof-text in order to prove your own belief system?  How did that work for you?

Pondering:  Whether right or wrong, in the eyes of James, Abraham’s actions made his faith complete.  On our journey of faith, our behavior is an indication of the depth of our faith and as we grow our behavior colors the path to wholeness.   As growing Christians, we do not just “talk the talk,” we “walk the walk.”

• How is your faith “known” by others?  
• How is your behavior or are your “works” an indication of your faith?
• What are some of the specific things that you do because of your faith?
• Do you just “talk the talk” or do you “walk the walk” as well?  
• Take some time to journal your thoughts about walking the path of faith.  
• Envision with your mind’s eye (in your imagination) the path you are on.  How would you describe it symbolically?  What color is the path?   What is the setting?   
• As you continue to view your path, what is it that lies on your path that keeps you on your journey?  
• Who are some of the people who have helped form your faith?  
• What are some of the obstacles that lie in your way?  How are you managing those obstacles?
• What is the greatest challenge of living your life in a faithful way?
• What is the greatest joy of your faith journey?

James says, “Faith is dead without good works.”  In your own words what does he mean by this? 

Prayer:  Spend a few minutes resting in the presence of God.  Center yourself by recognizing, honoring, and then allowing all of your errant thoughts to drift away until you are sitting in the silence … pray this prayer of faith by Thomas Aquinas, adapted.

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag downwards;
An unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out,
An upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.
Bestow upon me also, O Lord God, understanding to know You, diligence to seek You,
wisdom to find You, and a faithfulness that may fully embrace all that You are.  Amen.

If music is the pathway to your soul … watch this beautiful video by Jeremy Camp … Walk by Faith