QT 5/17/2023 James 2:14,18-19, Faith-evident salvation

James 2:14 (ESV) —

14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

James 2:18–19 (ESV) —

18 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. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

 

NOTE: James' argument is not about works of the law or a works-based salvation, but a faith-evident salvation. If a person is arguing that they have faith without evidence of works (change), then they are more likely to be religious (ceremony and discipline) than a salvation based on a relationship with Jesus Christ. In the next paragraph, the pretend arguer seems to be saying that other people have different gifts -- one has faith and another has the works. This sounds like a leadership laity debate. The laity encourage the professional staff to do the work, freeing them from having to do anything. Many church people believe it is the responsibility of the church leadership to do the ministry, not realizing that scripturally, it is the responsibility of the church leadership to train the laity to do the ministry.

 

PONDER:

1. If I really believe (have faith), it should be evident in my works.
2. If my works do not show a changed life, maybe I am not saved.

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that I have seen this from both sides of the fence. I was the religious and then I was totally changed by Jesus such that it affected by actions from the inside out. Because of those changes, I have assurance in my faith and my hope.