Study of James 

Week 3

 

James 2:1-26 

  

Welcome to Week 3 of our study on James!

This week, we’ll dive into James 2. James focuses on two foundational topics important to the young Christian church and are still applicable today.

James continues to pour truth into the churches outside of Jerusalem. Since this was written only about fifteen years after Christ ascended, James felt the weight of bringing clarification as to what real faith, pisitis, looked like. 

Faith, God inspired faith, pistis faith, is the basis for every part of a Christian’s life.

“Faith” is mentioned thirteen times in this chapter alone. The reason? James recognized the eternal importance of Christians living out their newfound faith, a faith that bears evidence.  

He is not saying that we are saved by doing good works. Quite the opposite. He is, however, calling us to demonstrate our faith.   

Faith in Christ first, then out of that heart for Christ, births the works of Christ.

 

James uses verses 1-13 to explicitly highlight a genuine concern, discrimination against the poor (or anyone in need) and preferential treatment for the wealthy. “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, and you pay special attention to the one wearing the fine clothes… you have judged with evil (impure) motives.” (v2-4)

 

Wow, if I apply this principle to my life today, I know that I have been guilty! How about you? When we quickly sum up a person’s worth or value based on what they wear, or how they talk or what they do, we can easily fall into a trap of judging others.

 

James furthers his point, “…if you have been merciful(compassionate), God will be merciful when he judges you.”  In other words, our faith doesn’t allow for judgement of others.  

 

Mercy triumphs over judgement. (v13) 

 

The second foundational topic James addresses is that real faith in Christ is evidenced by works.  Sound familiar? Didn’t he already cover this in Chapter1? “Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not hearers only.”(1:22)

 

Let’s remember who is writing this letter. James, the half brother of Jesus, didn’t believe Jesus was the Messiah before Christ’s death and resurrection. A dedicated Jew. Well studied in the Old Testament.

Then, at some point, his heart shifted. Jesus appeared to him after the resurrection. (1Cor 15:7)  

His faith was no longer based on living out the Law. His faith rested in Jesus as his Savior. James became a strong figure in the Jewish Christian church. Scholars believe that his letter was possibly the first written in the New Testament. He may seem repetitive, but clearly his teaching on his new Christian faith was crucial. 

So yes, James may repeat himself throughout his letter, but he wanted to emphatically communicate the true evidence of a Christ follower.

 In James 2:14-26, he continues to detail the characteristics of faith.

First, James uses the familiar to make his point. He directs our attention to those in need. In essence, don’t just wish them well and not take care of their physical needs when able. Verse 17 states, “..faith, if it has not works, is dead(useless).” 

But just as important is the following verse, “… show me your faith without works and I will show you my faith by my works.”   James’ point is clear. Many times, our faith is demonstrated by taking care of people’s physical needs before we can take care of their spiritual needs.

Secondly, James used the familiar again. He referenced the well-known Old Testament figures, Abraham, and Rahab.  Both demonstrated tremendous faith by their actions.  James uses the phrase, “justified by works” three times to highlight their faith in action.

That word, justified, in the greek is dikaioo (dik-ah-yo-o). It means to “make right, or approved”. For the believer, we are dikaloo because of Christ. We are cleared of all charges, made right, upright, by God’s grace.

Like Abraham and Rahab, James, you and me, when we walk out our faith, we are “justified by works.”

“So faith without works is dead.” (V 26)

James continues to lay a solid foundation for his Christian family throughout his letter.  

Faith in Christ is demonstrated.

 

Question for discussion: (your email is never posted or shared)

James addresses both treating people without discrimination and allowing our faith to be evidenced by our actions. What are your thoughts about the message James delivered here in these verses?

Please share where you have been able to “show” your faith in recent days!

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