James: Living Faith, TRUE Religion

James: Living Faith
True Religion (James 1:19-2:13)
February 21, 2010

Two Births, Three Deceptions
James teaches us sin gives birth to death by deceiving us (v15), but God gives birth to living faith of his own good will by the Word of truth (v18). James then warns against three common deceptions of worthless religion, that sin will satisfy and God’s goodness changes with our circumstances (v17), that anger will produce righteousness in ourselves and others (v20, 26), and that simply hearing and knowing the truth without receiving and responding will save us (v22). He goes on to show in contrast what living faith accomplishes.

TRUE Religion
James teaches us true religion (v27)—or living faith in Jesus Christ (2:1):

Tames the tongue
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart this person’s religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)

“Anger, even when directed against sin, fails to recognize that mere human reproach cannot change another person’s heart, and does not produce the righteousness of God.” (ESV Study Bible)

Reaches the afflicted
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction…” (James 1:27a)

lives Unstained
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27)

Embraces indiscriminately
“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory.” (James 2:1)

Although living faith produces good works, we must remember good works do not produce living faith—which comes only from God’s good grace alone (1:18), not our own works or effort. Therefore, we respond to God’s mercy and glory in worship and good works.

March 7, 2010: “Dead Faith” James 2:14-26