14 What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient—genuine faith produces good works.] 15 If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and lacks [enough] food for each day, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace [with my blessing], [keep] warm and feed yourselves,” but he does not give them the necessities for the body, what good does that do? 17 So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective].

Faith or works

James now switches to probably his most well-known topic – and possibly most misunderstood and, as a result, controversial. Faith or works, which is more important.It’s like a “chicken or egg” paradox. At least that is what some believe the question is. And with a quick reading, it’s easy to come to this conclusion. We have to remember the context. James has just talked about following the golden rule. Now he hits on a more fundamental aspect of the topic.

Faith without works

In this passage, James is stressing the need for works. It’s a means to prove your faith. He states simply in verse 17, faith without works is dead. He’s even implying, no works, no faith. The AMP version adds that this kind of faith is “inoperative and ineffective”. James asks the pointed question: “Can that type of faith save?”

His point, I believe, is to shine the spotlight on “faith freeloaders”, people who “profess” faith but show no evidence of faith; they bear no fruit. They think they can get their “fire insurance” against hell (so to speak) then live as they used to; no change. That kind of faith is, at best, suspect, and more likely, not a saving faith. For saving faith is transformational faith. We become born again. The Spirit of God comes to abide in us. He will, of necessity, produce good works which will demonstrate our faith.

Practical example

The practical example he uses is quite understandable and something everyone can relate to. And it ties into his previous topic of favoritism. Every culture and generation has poor among them. And usually, there is always someone more poor than you. So, likely, we’re all guilty. It’s quite convicting!  When we see or know of the brother or sister in Christ who has a need and ignore it, we condemn ourselves. “To fail in the most simple good work towards a brother or sister in need demonstrates that one does not have a living faith, and we can only be saved by a living faith in Jesus.” (enduringword.com)

RЯeflection

• Are you cut to the quick by James’ challenge? If so, there is only one response. Repent! Be filled with the Spirit. Walk by the Spirit (Gal 5:16-18). Be changed. Work at it with all your might – not to be saved, but to be sanctified, working toward being a spotless bride ready for her groom.
• Are you wrestling with faith and works? Did you think you had it all figured out until we got to this passage? Don’t worry. Continue studying His Word and asking for understanding. He indeed will graciously grant it.