“As the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead” (v. 26).  The kind of “works” that James’ epistle has mentioned so far include things like remaining steadfast in trials, resisting temptation, caring for widows and orphans, and practicing impartiality.  Intellectual assent to doctrines or Christian theology is not enough. James points out that demons have that kind of belief (v. 19).  Real, saving faith has another characteristic about it.

Faith does stuff.

However, one must be clear that the doing does not save. Jesus is the Savior and faith in his work is salvific. However, the evidence of such saving faith is works. It’s not faith + works. It’s faith that works. The Apostles James and Paul have been unfairly pitted against one another. However, both are saying the same thing, only from different contexts. Both appeal to Abraham as an example of faith that saves and works that result from that faith. “Faith was active along with [Abraham’s] works” (James 2:22). “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law…” (Romans 2:13). 

Those who know God have great energy for him. They have great thoughts about him, great boldness for him, and great contentment in him (see J.I. Packer’s Knowing God).  We pray “your kingdom come and your will be done on earth…” God invites us to participate in the work of his kingdom here on earth now, by faith!

Taking It Home: Pull out your journal and make a list of all the “stuff” that you did in the last seven days because of your faith in Jesus. If the list is not what you would like, change your ways for this week.