James, Part 11

James 2 is one of the most debated passages in the Bible. Many have misunderstood what James meant when he said faith without works is dead. Some have come to the hasty conclusion that James is teaching salvation by works, but a closer examination of the passage delivers a different verdict. James is not saying a person must do good things in order to be made right with God–he’s saying a person who is right with God will do good things.

Why? Because people who have been born from above not only have new interests and priorities; we have a new identity in Christ. Believers don’t do good works in order to earn or maintain God’s approval–we do good works because God has given us a new nature and changed us from the inside out (2 Corinthians 5:17). We do good works because we want to.

James, Part 10

Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres–not  a forgetful hearer but an active doer–he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and does not bridle his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled in the sight of God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being stained by the world. 

James 1:22–27

Many Christians wander through life feeling defeated and confused about their faith. They try their best to live according to godly principles, but setbacks are frequent and frustrating. Is there a way to turn things around? Is it possible to be content, even joyful, in the midst of life’s ups and downs?

James says there is a way that is both simple and foolproof. “If you want to be truly blessed,” he says, “don’t let God’s Word go in one ear and out the other–do what it says–put it to work in your life.” That’s a paraphrase of verse 25; James was more blunt. He said blessings come not to “forgetful hearers,” but to “active doers.”

James, Part 8

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. Understand this, dear brothers and sisters: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all the filth and evil in your lives and humbly accept the word planted in you, for it has the power to save your souls. 
James 1:18-21

Ten or twelve years had passed since Jesus had ascended to heaven. The church was growing, but persecution had scattered Christ followers all over the empire. Many were without spiritual guidance.  James, half-brother of Jesus and the first pastor of the church in Jerusalem, wrote a letter to encourage those who followed the way of Jesus. In verse 18, he speaks of the new birth that comes through God’s Word. Those who are born again are described as the “first fruits” of God’s grace.