Verses to Abide In
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”
James 2:14, 19 ESV
Digging Deeper
Swindoll observes that...
James used the word “faith” in two senses. In one sense it meant that kind of mental assent that even the demons possess (James 2:19). Such faith or belief, he said, is not sufficient to save. It must be a faith instead that is living and gives evidence of life in works. “Works” to him were the outworking of saving faith.
On the other hand, by “faith” Paul meant a genuine belief that issues in action. He spoke of a faith that works through love (Gal. 5:6). When he opposed “works” and “faith,” he meant works of a legal nature by which people supposed that they could gain merit before God.
Thus, when we consider the meaning of these words in their contexts, both Paul and James believed the same thing. Each was emphasizing a certain facet of the truth.
Paul believed that individuals are saved only by faith, a faith that is alive and working. James also believed that people are saved by faith, a faith that is more than mental assent, one that works. (Swindoll, C. R., & Zuck, R. B.. Understanding Christian theology. Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson Publishers) (Boldingadded) https://www.preceptaustin.org/james_214-17
Let's Pray
As we begin this new section of verses from James 2:14–26 (though it is well connected with the previous section of James 1:1–13, in that it continues with what it means to fulfill the royal law—loving your neighbor as yourself—being an overflow of genuine faith), I want to start with simply searching our own hearts to get us positioned to receive what God has for us in the weeks to come.
Abba, we praise you because you are faithful. We praise you because you are the one by whom we were called into the fellowship of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9 ESV).
We humble ourselves under your mighty hand right now in order to be in a position to have clear focus and in a posture to be lifted up by you, so we can better minister to others for your glory. We cast all of our cares to you because you care for us (1 Peter 5:6–7).
Thank you for your care. We worship you.
Not only do we cast our anxieties to clear our hearts and minds and gain focus, but we also confess any unconfessed sin to do the same.
Please forgive me for…
We trust that, as we confess our sins, you are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Enable us to receive with meekness the word you implanted in us, of the verses this week and the weeks ahead, so that we can keep growing in you, being made holy and set apart like you. Sanctify us (James 1:21).
Reveal to us how to have genuine faith that bears the fruit of good works. Search us and show us if there is anything blocking us from living and loving to the fullest in your way everlasting (Psalm 139:23–24).
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name (Psalm 103:1 ESV)!
In your holy name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
“Search Me, Psalm 139:23-24, 1-5” Song
I have shared this song before and likely will again. It is one I typically pray each day for my own heart.
From everlasting to everlasting may you feel the Lord's love with you as you fear him (Psalm 103:17a),
Laura