Three Ways Faith Obeys the Word
Study of James
Week 2
In last week’s lesson, we learned that James, half-brother of Jesus, became an important figure to the young churches outside of Jerusalem. As he wrote this letter, it conveyed how faith in Christ should look.
Faith in Christ became James’ banner. What that looked like became his heartbeat.
Let’s focus on three ways our saving faith in Christ should be evidenced.
First, James addresses hearing the word.
“This you know, my beloved brethren, but let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (v19-20)
While teaching school one day, I heard a couple of women making fun of me. I hadn’t done anything to them, but I became the brunt of their sarcasm and joking. It hurt, a lot. I wanted to come back with a clever response…. but I knew that I couldn’t. My faith would not allow it. My hurt moved to anger. However, acting on my anger would have been an effort to defend myself. That, my friend, is not the righteousness of God.
I had to swallow hard and pray. It was time for me to be a “doer of the word.” (v22)
I have learned the hard way that my anger targeted at others produces nothing that looks like Jesus.
I remembered this truth.
“The one who looks into the perfect law,… and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does.”(v25) NAS
“Looking into the perfect law” is what we are doing here in this Bible study. And just like Jesus, we have many opportunities (that might look more like hurt!), to put our faith into practice. Daily, we have an opportunity to be “doers of the word.”
Faith obeys the word.
Secondly, James addresses what we say.
“If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” (v26) NLT
When I claim to be a Christian but speak unkindly of others, gossip or constantly complain and find fault, then my “claim” is worthless. James isn’t throwing a stone at anyone here. It is simply a reminder to examine our hearts and ask, “Is my faith evidenced in my words?”
Faith obeys the word.
Finally, James addresses how our faith responds.
“This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”(v 27)
One Christmas, many years ago, I came home to find bags of groceries and two poinsettias outside my front door. As a single mother, I cried, just cried. This anonymous gift was the need of the hour for me. This act of faith, my friends, reflects the heart of Jesus. I have never forgotten that kindness.
While “orphans and widows” was a way to identify the needy, Jesus addresses this group of people not as a burden, but as an opportunity to minister to those in obvious need.
Jesus said, “…to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” (Mt 25:40)
Faith obeys the word.
I am challenged by these verses. How about you?
Question for discussion:
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Faith obeys the word when we hear, speak or respond in faith. Can you think of a time that you have had to step out in faith in any of those areas?
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