The General Epistle of James 2: 14 – 26

October 20, 2022

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Let’s read that again:

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

Where the rubber meets the road. Remember this verse – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22). Our instruction couldn’t be clearer. Is there an elderly person in your neighborhood that could use a little help with the mowing or running errands? Is there a child in your neighborhood whose folks are having a rough time? Maybe a surprise toy left at the door might be just thing that child needs right now. Is there a local business that has been struggling since lockdown? Maybe a little more shopping or dining or whatever it may be would be helpful and meaningful for them.

We each have to decide for ourselves what our ‘works’ will be but first we must understand that ‘works’ is expected of us. Think about it for a few minutes – you may be surprised at what comes to mind. And then – do it.

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