James 2:14-26 Handout

 

 

Recap

James jumped into practical instruction from Ch.1:2 on. Now, he redoubles his effort and come to a fevered pitch. After presenting multiple practical imperatives, he breaks into a biblical, logical, and theological argument, one which challenges us who too often think in black and white categories.

 

How is the book of James different than the book of Romans?  The Same?

In Layout: Indicatives and doctrines versus imperatives and commands

 

In Concept: Imperative are given while doctrine is assumed.

1:3-4 — the path to perseverance

1:13-14 — A clear statement of positive theology - God cannot be tempted

5:19-20 —  Repentance, covenant responsibility, and brotherly restoration

 

In Focus: Paul aims to show:

James aims to show:

 

Side Note: This is incarnational language. Christ is the living Word (John 1, 1 John 1). He is living word, living doctrine, living theological truth in flesh. Truth is alive, not dead. To prove it, he came as a baby.

 

It is a mistake to assume:

that James is pitting faith against works, that James exalts works over faith, that James is confusing regeneration and justification, that James disagrees with Paul (see Rom. 2:13), that James is not saying what he is saying, that James should be explained away in order to match Paul, that Jesus is interested in social action more than meaningful content, that Jesus is interested in meaningful content more than social action.

 

Must we pit mercy ministry against doctrinal ministry? Should we ever separate the two?

 

Main Point

While believed concepts and resulting actions are distinct, believed concepts drive action. They are distinct, not separated from each other. That is, faith bears fruit.

 

We hence conclude that it is indeed no faith, for when dead, it does not properly retain the name. —John Calvin

 

Context, Context, Context

How is James using the word faith or justification? Who are his audience? What are his subjects?

 

Walking Through the Passage

Vs. 14 —  Fake “faith.” Faith that does not work is not faith, but self-deception. Do not be deceived (1:16).

 

Vs. 15-18, 20 — Useless “faith.”

Useless to others: Job 31:16-23, Luke 3:10-15

Useless to you: Vs. 14, Vs. 17, Vs. 26. Dead “faith” is not living, breathing, acting, faith.

 

Vs. 19 — Result-less “faith.” This is a sarcastic verse that points out three very important truths.

Believing and knowing that God is one is not:

Believing that God is one with no result is not:

(Be aware that here I diverge from Calvin) The demons have a faith that actually works itself out as shuddering! The demons, though unsaved, actually serve as the better example of faith than those who show no results of their “faith.” Calvin says, “Thou doest well, is put down for the purpose of extenuating, as though he had said, “It is, forsooth! a great thing to sink down below the devils.” The whole point is to make us uneasy - to shock us into repentance, true faith, and action.

 

Vs. 21-26 — Unjustified “faith.” Biblical examples of justifying faith, saving faith.

 

 

Side Note: Alone, or Not Alone?

 

 

The Problem: Does James contradict himself and Paul?

- 2:5 - Faith begins our walk with God (Eph. 2:8,