JAMES 2

JAMES WARNS AGAINST FAITH WITHOUT ACTION

James warns against favoritism within the church. Believers should not see wealthy or affluent people as more valuable than those who are poor or in need. James remembers the instruction of Jesus, to love your neighbor as yourself, regardless of status or wealth. James recalls this commandment, mentioned throughout the gospels, as an important command of Jesus (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 21:27). Knowing the gracious and kind nature of Jesus, James emphasizes the value of mercy over judgment.

James argues that faith without works is disingenuous or dead. Although Jesus taught that salvation is gained through faith alone, James focuses on the actions that result from faith in Jesus. Recalling historical events of God’s people, James gives two examples of steadfast believers living out their faith. Starting with Abraham, James tells of Genesis 22, when God called Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Similarly, Rahab the prostitute was obedient to God in Joshua 2, by protecting the Israelite spies in Jericho. Both Abraham and Rahab acted in faith, risking the lives of their families to follow God’s instruction. Seeing these actions as a response to faith, James compares faith without actions to a body without a spirit, dead and useless.