Devotional: James 2:14-20

Reflection

• James 2:14-20
  • (Jas 2:14 ESV) What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
  • (Jas 2:15 ESV) If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,
  • (Jas 2:16 ESV) and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
  • (Jas 2:17 ESV) So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
  • (Jas 2:18 ESV) But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
  • (Jas 2:19 ESV) You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe–and shudder!
  • (Jas 2:20 ESV) Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

Discussion

Have you ever known someone who was really good at doing nothing?  Maybe on a school project, a sports team, or in a job – there was that one guy that could look very busy at accomplishing absolutely nothing.  To add insult to injury, did they get rewarded for their lackadaisical ways? When the school project was over, did they earn the same grade as you?  When the team won the game did they get the same trophy as you?  When the company handed out bonuses did they get one too?  Frustrating, isn’t it?

 

In the people of God we will find those same types.  Those who are very busy about church things, very active in with their church friends, but do little to nothing of substance for the Kingdom of God.  The verses this week warn us against such behavior.

Connection

What is the one thing you know you are supposed to be doing as a Christian?

 

What is holding you back from doing that one thing?

 

How can you take the first step this week to get busy in that area?

 

How can your church family support and encourage you in this?  Let them know.

 

Expansion

Salvation and Preservation

God saves people by their faith in Him alone according to His grace alone through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ alone, not on the basis of any human work.  All of the redeemed are immediately indwelt by the Holy Spirit and justified before God beginning the transforming sanctification of the whole person the fruit of which is shown by their attitude and conduct.  Having been saved by faith, we are justified in Christ before God, forgiven of our sins, and held eternally secure by Christ alone forever where we will one day assume a glorified condition with Him forever.  From beginning to end the salvation of people is entirely a work of God to bring glory to His name.

Acts 8:27-30, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:8-9, 2 Timothy 2:24-26, John 1:12-13, Romans 6:16-18, Romans 9:10-24, John 6:43-45, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, Ezra 18:23, Romans 10:10-21, 2 Peter 3:9, John 12:32, Romans 14:10-12