James 2
March 17, 2022
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (v14)
The kind of faith that James is indicting is a pseudo-faith that is mere intellectual ascent - that is demonstrably no different than the faith of demons, who also “believe in God” (v19). James is not contradicting Paul’s teaching that we are saved by faith (Gal 2:15-16). Rather, he’s explaining that the fruit of genuine, saving faith is good deeds. In other words, we are saved by faith alone, but it is not a faith that is alone. Good deeds always accompany saving faith.
Father, I praise You that You saved me by Your grace (Eph 2:8-9) for the purpose of living a life of good works (Eph 2:10). Forgive me for when I settle for a demonic-faith-substitute (v19) that twists Your grace into a license for apathy and complacency. Help me to love You with all my mind, but guard me from a merely intellectualized faith. Help me to remember that although I’m saved BY faith, I’m saved FOR good works!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
