James 2

Introduction

James chapter 2 speaks about the undesirable practice of partiality and discrimination, in this case against the poor and needy. Both the act of discrimination against the unfortunate, as well the failure in doing good deeds to help them are equally condemned by this church leader. The main theme is that faith without works is dead.

James 2:1-7

Scripture: James 2:1-4:​ "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"

Observation: James continued with a practical application of how believers should be impartial to the needy and the poor among them. The body of Christ is designed and intended to support and care for each member so that the love of shod is evident in each one. Pre-believers will know our faith is true by our unbiased love for one another.

Application: from proverbs we are asked to do the following :

Proverbs 14:31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

Proverbs 17:5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 19:17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.


James 2:8-13

Scripture: James 2:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement." 

Observation: James continued to teach against partiality in the church. On a broader sense, its about Christians judging one another. Perhaps it's about financial status, or race , or denomination, or worship style, or even personality. We must remember God deliberately create differences in people so that they can complement each other. Differences ought to be celebrated, not condemned.

Application: we should stop judging other believers because we are not perfect ourselves. James said if we break one law, then we have broken all laws, just like anyone else. Thus rather than judging, we should be more inclined to showing mercy.


James 2:14-19

Scripture: James 2:17 "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Observation: In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul clearly taught “by grace you have been saved through faith . . . not a result of works”. Did James contradict Paul here by saying works count for salvation top? No, I believe James would agree that the basis of salvation is grace alone through faith, but the necessary result of true faith and conviction of the Holy Spirit residing in the believer will produce actions consistent with Christ teachings. Many people did not read one verse further in Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. "
Application: it is not easy to follow the impulse of the Spirit, for our natural self have opposite instinct to protect our self and our own interest." Christians' who consistently resist good works (and good attitude and behavior) risk having their conscience seared (burnt to become numb) and have their salvation doubted.


James 2:20-26
Scripture: James 2:24 "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith."

Observation: Some people think that Christianity is a crutch for people who wants to avoid good works by relying on faith only to get into heaven. Every sin is forgiven by faith, a very good excuse for escaping responsibility, wouldn't you say? But that is not true. The Bible teaches us that while faith saves us from eternal death, deeds saves us from judgement. 2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."

Application: Jesus reminded the people to count the cost of following him. Christianity is not a free ticket into heaven but a life of sacrifice, very often making decisions and doing things that you don't want or hate to do (like Abraham willing to sacrifice Isaac) , in obedience to our Master Jesus Christ.

Prayers for James 2

Father, help me to rid of any sinful discrimination against anyone because of their status, race, or abilities, but to develop Christ 's love to the poor and needy especially in the body of Christ.  Help me to be quicker to show acceptance, forgiveness and mercy, rather than criticism, judgment and partiality, just as the Lord Jesus has shown me the same.  

Lord,  show me the actions, behavior and attitudes you want me to change and give me the grace to change them through the renewal of my mind (my point of view and perspectives) so that I can "prove" the salvation given to me.

Lastly, help me to put your desires ahead of my own, and give me Grace to do the things I don't want to do in order to do the things you want me to do and to love the things that you love. 

Amen.