James 2:14-17

February 15, 2008

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: faith, works, go in peace, and dead.

Passage for the day: James 2:14-17 (NASB)

14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,

16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.

What is “faith” and what are “works”? What do they mean practically and in the context (see verses 15-16 for help).

Can faith be shown without works? Explain

What is the situation of the individual that is coming to the brother in Christ in verse 15?

In verse 16, why do the members of the church tell the brother or sister “go in peace?” What point did their words serve?

What does James mean by saying that our faith is “dead” in verse 17?

Chew on this:

Let me first clarify that James is not telling us in this passage that we are saved by works. The entire gospel is about Christ’s work on the cross, not us saving ourselves by our own merits. James is speaking of the man who “claims to have faith,” but does not show it in the way he lives. In other words, his faith is not authentic or genuine, because true faith is seen in someone’s actions toward others. In this passage, James plays out another familiar scene in the church. Much like the poor man who visits the local church and is shunned because of his dirty appearance, the brother or sister in need is also neglected. This time, the members of the church actually speak to the one in need and tell them to “go in peace, be warmed, and filled.” In our culture, that would be like one of us telling someone who is starving and homeless the same thing. What do these words accomplish for someone in need? When we tell them, “God bless you,” or “Have a nice day,” how have we really helped them? The problem is, we don’t want to help them! It’s inconvenient, it’s bothersome, and I am just too busy to help. James even asks the question, “What good is it—this faith that does nothing, that helps no one in physical need?” Inactive faith is empty! Our claim of faith means nothing when we can look someone in our church in the eye that needs help and just walk away from them without an ounce of compassion in our heart. Our faith instead must be Christ-centered, not self-centered. We must follow Christ’s pattern of compassion and love!

For His Name,


Pastor Stephen

Chew on it (again)

February 13, 2008

Instead of moving ahead, I believe that it would be very profitable to go back over chapters 1-2 for today. I don't want us to lose sight of the entire message that God is communicating through this wonderful letter He has written to His children. So, for today's chew on what God has taught us so far and how it has changed us from the inside out. As you read through these chapters, here are some suggestions:

When you come to a passage about how to respond to trials in your life, pray that God would give you wisdom and endurance to count it all joy.

When you come to a verse where God is commanding you to be like Christ and reach out in love toward others in need, call out to God and ask Him to give you the grace to be faithful in your obedience.

When you come to a passage that encourages your heart and makes you want to praise God, feel free to express it to Him! We are told in the Psalms to shout to the Lord, to sing out praises to His name, and to share what He has done in your life. Does this describe your time with God? It doesn't have to be boring and quiet - in fact, it should be the most exciting time of the day! You are meeting with God Himself and He is meeting with you!

Enjoy your time with God today and don't forget to share what you are learning with others. It may be just what they needed to hear!

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen