We are told in James 2:15-17,
4 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
In chapter 2 of the book of James, he’s addressing a few issues within the church. One of those had to do with certain people who claimed that all they needed to be called children of God was faith. At first glance, it sounds like their statement is consistent with biblical Truth but their understanding of faith differed from the Biblical definition of genuine true faith. Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit did say that by the works of the law shall no man be justified. But those individuals misinterpreted Paul’s words and used it for a license to do whatever they wanted. They were claiming in essence that all one needed was faith alone , which sounds like it is parallel to Paul’s declarations. But the difference between their understanding of faith and Paul’s were not the same. Paul never mentioned a faith that was alone , but a faith that was authenticated by a renewed life. So we will see how James is going to refute their claims as he explains the effects of genuine faith, see video below
Scripture References:
The presentations notes are available in the slideshow below
PS: I started Tayibs.com for the sole purpose of exploring difficult questions about the Christian faith that most of us shy away from.All the content generated on this website is thoroughly analyzed prior to being shared. And the site is run solely by myself, your generous support is very much appreciated
My name is Tayib Salami and I started Tayibs.com for the sole purpose of exploring difficult questions about the Christian faith that most of us shy away from. In 2017, I entered a very dark time in my life and it’s only by the grace of the Living God that I’m still alive today. It led me to really go deeper in my faith and consider a myriad of questions that I never thought about asking myself or others before. Welcome and enjoy the ride with me.