James 2:21-26

February 22-29, 2008

Today’s “Chew On It” is a lot to digest all at once, so I recommend that we meditate on this passage for the next week. So, take a deep breath and enjoy the ride. Feel free to take your time on these verses and in answering the questions. There are two Bible characters that are mentioned that require us to go back to the Old Testament and read their stories of faith in God. Also, there are some things in this passage that need to be resolved with the whole context of Scripture. It’s comforting to know that God did not just intend for us to understand the easy passages of Scripture, but even the hard ones! With the Holy Spirit’s illumination and power, we are able to grasp these truths and live them out! If you are able to do so, discuss this passage with your family and study it together.


Since I will be gone on the TCS Senior Mission Trip from March 2-8, we will begin James 3 when I return. In the meantime, chew on James 2:21-26, and then go back and read over the James 1-2. You will be surprised at how much you will grow by reading God’s Word over and over so that it works itself into your mind, heart, and actions. Until then, keep on chewing on the Word!

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: faith, works, Abraham, justified, and Rahab.

Passage for the day: James 2:21-26 (NASB)

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?
22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;
23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.
24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
25 In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.


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

Take some time and read Genesis 22:1-18 and compare it to James 2:21. How is this a good example of faith producing works?



In light of this story, how would you have responded in Abraham’s situation? Would you have trusted God completely even though it did not make sense?



Read Romans 4:1-5 (below) and then answer this question: Why was Paul using the example of Abraham and why was James using it, for what purpose?

“Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.” - Romans 4:1-5 NLT




How do you reconcile verse 24 in light of Ephesians 2:8-9? Is James promoting a works-based salvation?



How was Abraham “reckoned to God”? How can a sinner be called “the friend of God”?



Read Joshua 2:1-21 and Hebrews 11:30-31. How did Rahab live out her faith in midst of a culture that hated God and the Israelites? What made her different?



Chew on this:

James takes us now to an example of true faith showing itself in works. God regarded Abraham as righteous for offering up his son Isaac. By this time, Abraham was already a believer in God, since he had faith in God’s promise in Genesis 15:1-6. But at this point, Abraham’s belief in God was put to the ultimate test. Abraham obeyed the command of God that tested him by an extraordinary trial. By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son. What would go through your mind if you were Abraham, knowing that you were about to kill the promised son you had waited for? How would you respond as God asks you to go all the way with your faith in Him? You see, Abraham proved that he was justified and that he was a righteous man, based on the works that were produced.

We must look at this from the whole context of Scripture, so we can see clearly what the Apostle Paul and James wrote, and how they are not in conflict with each other. The difference of perspective rests in this: James looked to the Abraham story to show how genuine faith operates, while Paul looked to the Abraham story to show how God is willing to forgive sinners. In salvation, God must work in us (since we are dead in our sins) in order for us to believe and trust in Him as Savior. And, because of that working in our hearts, we are then able to respond in faith to God. Our justification by faith is seen in our actions, but those actions would not be present if it was not for God working in us.

After salvation, we see this process continue. In Philippians 2:12-13, we are told to work out our own salvation and then we discover that it is God who works in us to give us the desire and the ability to carry out His good pleasure for our lives. Here in James, we are told repeatedly that faith without works is useless and dead. But remember – you are dead in the water without God giving you the strength and grace to have faith in Him and see that faith lived out in your life.

Abraham’s faith was made complete by his actions, or literally, “his faith works.” James wanted it known that without action, faith cannot be complete. There is an important connection between deeds that complete faith and perseverance itself. Abraham’s actions were his perseverance in faith. It showed that his faith was genuine. True faith will always show itself in works.

James also gives us an unlikely example of “Rahab the prostitute” to emphasize that our faith must be real. Ironically, Rahab is mentioned in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11, so evidently her faith was something God wanted us to learn from. As her title shows, she was not someone who had a great past. But, God saw her faith in Him by the way she mercifully hid the Israelite spies from her own countrymen and cared for their needs before the destruction of Jericho. She showed true faith in that she recognized the truth of God in his works of delivering Israel, and she demonstrated that faith, even though her life was in danger. This is a great reminder to us of the mercy of God – when we put our faith and trust in God, He will not reject us because of what we have done in the past.

James wraps up this passage by presenting an image of a body without a spirit. Without the spirit, the body has no life. Without works, faith is dead. Keep in mind that works do not justify you in God’s sight, but prove that your faith is real – toward others inside and outside the church. I pray that we would all have a growing and working faith!


For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

James 2:18-20

February 20, 2008

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: faith, works, believe, and useless.


Passage for the day: James 2:18-20 (NASB)

18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without
the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?


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

Do you think that it is important to show your faith by your daily actions?





What are 2 ways that you can show your faith by your works?





What is the significance of James saying “You believe that God is one”? (Read Deut. 6:4, Mark 12:29, and 1 Cor. 8:4-6)




What does James’ mean by the phrase, “demons also believe and shudder”? Does that make them Christians? Why or why not? Why doesn’t that faith save them? (Hint: see verse 20)




Chew on this:

Once again, James lets us know that faith cannot be disconnected from what you do. Instead of just saying that you have faith (which many in this world will tell you that!), James points out that we must have an active faith that is working and growing. The works alone do not save a person, but if your faith is genuine, then it will show up in what you do on a daily basis. We need to move beyond just being merely “hearers of the Word” to those who are “doers of the Word!”

In verse 19, James tells that faith without works is merely believing that God exists. But this kind of “faith” has nothing to show for itself – no personal trust in God and no pursuit or love for God. In fact, this kind of “faith” is nothing more than a religious mask of hypocrisy. Sure, they believed that God is the only God and that He exists, but such a faith benefits no one (v. 14) and is useless. Why? Even the demons possess this kind of faith and believe that God exists. They know of the reality of God, but they are still wicked. Many will tell you that they believe that there is a God, or that a “higher power” exists. But that is as far as it goes. There is no genuine trust and desire for God – only the mask of religion.

The problem is that there is no such thing as inactive faith. For James mere faith was an empty boast that masked great evil. Faith is trust in God alone, but it must be whole-hearted and produce works based on the mercy of God. How is your faith? Is it living and active? Is it growing and working for God and others? Let’s seek to live out our faith and be doers of the Word today!


For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

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

James 2:10-13

February 11, 2008


As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: keeps, guilty, transgressor, law of liberty, and mercy.


Passage for the day: James 2:10-13 (NASB)

10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.
11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.
13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.


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

How can you be guilty of violating the entire law if you only broke one of the commandments?



What is the law of liberty?



Since we will be judged by the law of liberty, how should we act toward others?




What are 2 ways that you can show mercy to others this week?



Chew on this:

Sometimes we think that if we keep most of God’s commands, then we are okay. James explains to us that there is no middle ground. James tells us in this passage that if we violate even one of God’s commands, then we are guilty of all of them. How is this possible? Think of it this way. Sin is never a question of breaking a single command but of violating the integrity of the whole law. Each of the Ten Commandments are connected, like links in a chain. We offend the whole law through every single sin because we are actually refusing to submit to the Law-Giver, God Himself. The two extreme examples of adultery and murder show how this works. If you say, “Well, I only committed adultery, but at least I did not kill anybody,” then you have missed the entire point of obeying God’s commands. It is not the carrying out of the command but the heart attitude of submission that is required. Every time we sin, we are refusing to submit to God and are in opposition to God’s plan for our lives.

Instead, James tells us to speak and act as those who are to be judged by a law that makes them free. The law of freedom does not condemn – it liberates us! This law sets free those who obey it when they, in turn, set free those who are oppressed by the world. We obey this law of freedom through including the poor and unfortunate as people God has called us to serve. God will delight in showing His mercy to those who do this. However, if you refuse to show mercy and love your neighbor as yourself, then you will be in danger of judgment. Love and mercy define the “law of freedom.” Rejecting this liberating law means falling under judgment of the whole law.

It is interesting to me that James is so harsh about this concept of showing love and mercy. He does not come down on the adulterers and murderers in this passage (although they too will be judged). Instead, James’ focus is on getting us to see life from God’s perspective. Showing favoritism and refusing to show mercy to others is a very serious sin! It is not something that we can just overlook or take lightly. Failure to show mercy to those in need calls into question whether there has been any true act of repentance in face of God’s mercy. We have been shown great mercy and love from our God – why should we withhold that same mercy and love to others who are in need?

As we go throughout the day, let us remember to be Christians who submit to God’s commands with a heart of submission and be marked by our love and mercy toward those God has called us to serve!

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

James 2:5-9

February 8, 2008

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: poor, rich, blaspheme, and love your neighbor.

Passage for the day: James 2:5-9 (NASB)

5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court?
7 Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?
8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.


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

What does it mean to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom? Who has God promised this honor to?


How have the rich oppressed the poor in this passage?



What command of Jesus is found in these verses?



Are you mistreating others or are you fulfilling Christ’s command? Name 2 ways that you can apply this passage to your life today.



Chew on this:

In these verses, we see how God has not forgotten about the poor in their distress. God has chosen the poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and receive eternal life. Once a person is a child of God, he is no longer poor and destitute. They will reap the benefits of saving faith because God makes them rich in their belief in God and in the eternal treasures of the kingdom of God. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul tells us about how this happens: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” Eternal riches cannot be bought. They are a gift from God to those who believe in Him. Clearly not all who are poor are lovers of God. We know that God saves the poor and the rich, but here the emphasis is placed on how much glory God receives by saving those who go from having nothing in this world to having eternal “riches” in heaven.

In these verses James is concerned that the poor are being mistreated as opposed to being loved and honored. To act this way, the people had to disregard the honor God has bestowed on the poor who love him. No matter what our status, we who are in the body of Christ should not be seeking to dominate one another. This kind of spirit which takes advantage of others has no place in the church.

The rich in this group were literally dragging the poor into court and Christians were to do this no longer. As this was happening, the name of the Lord (“the fair name by which you have been called”) was being blasphemed or slandered. As the rich were using the resources God had given them to attack the poor, it was as though they were attacking the Lord. The name of the Lord was dishonored by those who were showing favoritism. As we have already seen, favoritism is a sin among the people of God. It leads to division within the church and violates Christ’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves. This point in the teaching of Jesus is the solution to the problem of favoritism and hypocrisy. No one is outside the boundary of loving one another, not even the poor! In this loving way, the rich believer and the believers who enjoy life above the poverty line can live life as Jesus intended for them – serving one another through love.

How are you treating those less fortunate than you? Are you seeking to dominate or show favoritism? Or, are you looking for an opportunity to show the love of Christ? This is not an easy way to live, especially since everything in our culture tells us to do the opposite! However, we are called to follow Christ’s pattern, not our culture’s direction. Let’s live out our faith by loving one another without favoritism!


For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

James 2:1-4

February 6, 2008


As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: poor man, one dressed in fine clothes, and judges.

Passage for the day: James 2:1-4 (NASB)

1 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.
2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes,
3 And you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,”
4 Have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?


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

What are the main differences between the two visitors in this passage?



How does James say that the people in the church responded to each man? How would you respond to these people if they walked into our youth group?



What are some ways that a person could show an attitude of favoritism and judge with the wrong motives?



Chew on this:

It is clear from this passage that we should not play favorites. But yet we do, sinners that we are. The world shows its true nature in its lack of love for the many who suffer under desperate circumstances. For the Christian, can showing favoritism to others coexist with the love that Christ has shed abroad in our hearts? Impossible!

In this passage, we see a well-dressed rich man and an unattractive poor man show up at a meeting of Christians (most likely a church gathering). The rich man is decked out with luxury which invites many oohs and ahhhs from the rest of the group as he walks in. His very presence requires that he deserves special treatment as a VIP. He is immediately given the finest seat in the church and many people are drawn to him. The other man is poor and in a desperate situation. It is clear that his clothes are shabby and grimy. As he walks into the room, people in the congregation start to feel uncomfortable and wish that he had not showed up. He is told that he can sit on the floor by a footstool. They ignore the neediness of this poor man and seek the favor of the man who is well-dressed. Unfortunately, the one who is in the greatest need is the one who is neglected and forgotten.

Picture this happening in our youth group on Sunday morning or Wednesday night. You’re sitting there talking with your friends and in walks a professional athlete or movie star that you know. You are immediately drawn to them and run up to meet them! Then, almost at the same time, a teenager walks in who looks like a freak of nature. His clothes are filthy and tattered, and he reeks of body odor. What will you do? Will you embrace this poor person and give them your seat? Will you show Christ’s love for them regardless of what others will think of you? Or, will you show favoritism and judge the poor person with evil motives?

So many times we are guilty of being judgmental of others and we do not show the love of Christ to those who are in desperate need of it! Let’s seek to do what Christ did by showing love, not favoritism.

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen