Christians believe that we have a hope because God has made Himself known to us through His word.  What does it look like to work out our faith before this God? This is what James is showing us today. 

(A) Dead Faith is Absent of Works (Jas 2:14-19)

There is a rhetorical nature of James 2:14 as James describes a particular person. James speaks of the relationship between faith at work three times in James 2:14,17 and 26. But why is this so important? What is important in our Christian life? Is it time spent in church, prayer etc? 

James is encouraging us to think about the kinds of work that comes out as a result of our profession of faith. How clear are you about what it means to have a sincere profession of faith? James is teaching us that a faith without works is dead, and it cannot save. 

James also gives us two examples to help us to understand the inadequacies and characteristics of a faith that is absent of works. The first example in James 2:15-16 speaks dead faith that shows itself in just paying lip service in the face of real physical need. The speaker sees the real problem and yet, does nothing to help. James is not speaking about a stranger, but is speaking about the family of faith, for the other person is a brother or sister. This is a loveless faith and is useless twice over — the one in need is not served and the speaker’s faith is shown to be dead and unable to save.

The second example is given in James 2:18-19. It is not enough to profess orthodox faith (Jas 2:19, c.f. Deut 6:4) for even the demons know the truth and shudder. This seems to suggest that the demons know God and even have a sense of fear of God. Yet, despite all their profession of faith, the one with a faith without works does not seem to! 

Jesus also speaks about knowing a tree by its fruit (Matt 7:15-23). What fruit is being brought to bear in your life? When was the last time you received God’s word by faith and found your life changed? Did God’s word prompt a greater love for the people around you, especially those who are in need?

(B) Active Faith is Justified by Works (Jas 2:20-26)

To help understand the next section in James 2:20-26, let us review what James has been writing about an active faith.

Firstly, faith has an object (Jas 1:1). It is not a generic belief but it is a belief in someone. In this case, faith is in Jesus Christ. James was originally a disbelieving brother of Jesus (Jn 7) and yet, by the time he writes this, James has a clear belief in Jesus.

Secondly we read of faith’s origin (Jas 1:17-18). We are brought forth by the word of truth as first fruits and part of God’s good gift from above. Everything is initiated by God and from God. It is God’s own doing. We only bring forth death and only God brings forth life. 

What is faith’s reception? In James 1:21, we are to receive the implanted word. Faith is not because from our works. God has brought us forth and we are to receive His word. As we saw last week, we are all transgressors under the royal law and under works, no one will be saved. 

Finally, James writes about faith’s completion (Jas 2:21-24). From the example of Abraham, we saw that he believed God, it was counted to him as righteousness and he was called a friend of God (c.f. Gen 15:1-6, 22:8-14).

In James 2:20-26, we see a clear link between actions and faith. The actions prove and complete faith, and there is no tension between faith and works in a salvific sense. Without these actions, what do we have? James does not even entertain the idea that there is a faith without works. There is no separation between faith and works (Jas 2:18) and again, raised here in James 2:22. Abraham’s works were the outworking of faith. This is what James 2:24 — Abraham was shown to be someone who possesses faith. 

As we also read in Ephesians 2:8-10, we are saved by grace through faith, so that no one may boast, but God has also prepared good works for us to walk in. Good works proceed forth from this heart of faith. 

In Genesis 22:5 and 8, there is a confidence that God will provide the sacrifice and the offering. Is this Abraham just deluding himself? God had already promised and made a covenant with Abraham prior, in Genesis 15. This does not make his journey with Isaac any easier, but see his faith that made itself known in his work. His work is to trust God’s Word, build his life on it and stand on it, and Abraham trusts that God will work it out too. 

What does it mean for us? Some of us think that God wants a big costly thing from us — a job, a relationship etc. Friends, these are actually too small. He wants all of our life, to be built on all of His word, every promise of His. 

James also calls to mind the example of Rahab the prostitute (Jas 2:25). She resolved to trust in God and sought to protect the Israelite spites at the threat of her own life. She was a Gentile convert, and did not have a noble profession. 

Both Rahab and Abraham were saved by faith in the promises of God, and trusted that God can work life from death. This is the same God who works in our life today. 

As the hymn goes:

O great God of highest heaven
Occupy my lowly heart
Own it all and reign supreme
Conquer every rebel power
Let no vice or sin remain
That resists Your holy war
You have loved and purchased me
Make me Yours forevermore

What vice or sin remains? What lovelessness towards brother or sister remains? What fruit do you need to be asking God for? 

Look to Jesus and ask: 

Help me now to live a life
That’s dependent on Your grace
Keep my heart and guard my soul
From the evils that I face
You are worthy to be praised
With my every thought and deed
O great God of highest heaven
Glorify Your Name through me

What characterises your faith? How do you think God wants you to work out your faith today?