Good morning,
This week we continue our study of the book of James.
Chapter two explains how to deal with people, the law, faith, and works.
The Jewish believers in James’s day were being persecuted. They had been driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered abroad. James encourages those scattered Jewish believers on how to conduct themselves during this time.
James 2
4. Examples of Faith plus Works v 21-26
Abraham v 21-24
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.
Rahab v 25-26
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.
“James concludes with two examples of genuine faith: Abraham and Rahab. One was a Jewish patriarch of great sanctity, whose faith was perfected by his works. The other was the lowest citizen of a condemned Gentile city, whose newfound faith was dramatized by her works. No matter whether one has the mature faith of an Abraham or the baby-like faith of a Rahab, there must be evidence of that faith.” (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988, page 1940)
How are we exhibiting our faith? Could we be doing better? Do we desire to?
Ponder these things.
CONCLUSION
Respect all persons equally
Keeping the law is unattainable
Faith without works is dead
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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