James 2:14-26
As we resume our study of the Book of James, a memory of the past flashed in my mind. Many years ago, the mothers of a certain denomination used to take pride in being “fruit inspectors.” They said their job was to see if those who claimed salvation were really born again. If they deemed your behavior was not appropriate for a Christian they would say you needed to go back on the mourner’s bench and cry out for salvation until the Mothers were satisfied that you were genuinely saved.
Your salvation could be questioned for the most mundane things. I was reported to the pastor for many things: wearing a dress with the sleeves out, shoes with toes out, wearing make-up, and walking proudly. Of course, they also taught not to drink, smoke or ‘ho or hang out with folk who do.
I did not believe there was any such ministry as “fruit inspectors.” I knew outward appearance did not prevent one from being born again because I was born again in Evangelist Russie Davis’s backyard wearing a jogging suit. She taught that if I believed in my heart and confess with my mouth Jesus as Savior I would be saved (Roman 10:9-10). So, I dismissed the mothers “fruit inspector” ministry as null and void.
However, the first time I read James 2:14, I was stunned: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?”
My answer was a resounding, “Yes, your faith in Jesus is the only thing that can save you, not outward appearance!” But then James goes on to say,
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 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? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (verses15-17).
Was James a “fruit inspector?” Oh, Nooooo!
Next James said, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder” (verses 18-19).
I became indignant! I confessed Jesus as Savior as the Bible said do. How dare James equate my faith in God to that of demons. Was he saying I wasn’t saved? Then James gives two examples to explain his point:
Example One – “You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone” (verses 20-24).
Example Two – In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead (verses 25-26, underlining mine).
I could not dismiss James as easily as I had dismissed the fruit inspecting mothers of the church. After reading the entire Bible several times and teaching James many times I understand the following:
- Salvation is not just an intellectual assent (claim to have faith, verses 14- 17) or emotional experience (like demons, verses 18-19). One’s heart must be totally submitted to Father God through trust in Jesus.
- If one is truly born again, he believes and acts on the word of God. “Abraham was not saved by faith plus works, but by a faith that works.”
- “Rahab knew the truth, her heart was stirred by the truth, and her will acted upon the truth.” She was considered righteous.
- The works of faith include all of one’s words and deeds. A believer’s lifestyle should display spiritual fruit and gifts that please God.
- The fruit inspector mothers also taught us, “If you are saved, there ought to be some sign.” Even though I still think they majored on the minors, I agree! But I also believe we should send time examining our own walk before God and leave the conditions of others’ souls to them and their Pastors.
Questions: How often do you consider if God would be please with your words and deeds? Do your actions reveal you are a kingdom resident who has submitted her life to God? Or do you believe that Sunday worship attendance fulfills your Christian duty?
This is a wonderful reminder about faith and works. I believe they go together. During my younger days, I was guilty of busywork, however, I have noticed that as I matured in the things of God, I became more conscious of doing what it takes to please God.
Dr. Haire, as usual thank you for this very good topic.
Considering my early days not knowing christ likeness, looking back I know God wasn’t please with my words and deeds.
I’ve mostly accepted people as they were. Later, I came to realize that the scope came mostly from Christians. With 4 church backgrounds, I praise and thank God for studying his word, putting it in my heart and living it. I’m confident that I’m a kingdom resident. I believe it starts before Sunday worship to know that you know that we’re saved by grace from a loving God that accepts us as we are, allowing His will and His way of life define us.
Thank you Dr Haire for sharing. I know there are times when I’m not please with my own action/deeds, so if Im not pleased then and I know God is not pleases with my words are my deeds either.. I people do know that I am a kingdom resident and that I have submitted my life to God even though I fall short sometimes, because I am not perfect. I do trust in Jesus, but self get in the way sometimes. There is work that need to be done in me, and I am a work in progress. I thank God I’m not like I use to be, but there is still work to be done in me. I’m believe that my faith have to work along with my works and my deed.
I am conflicted with the whole deed and fruit issue but not really.
Growth hurts, the balance is where I am wrestling….
I am evolving into the heart of a person instead of fruit.
We have mastered doing things in an acceptable manner, looking certain ways and perfecting religious jargon yet our hearts are bruised and broken and it shows, eventually.
I loved me some Mamma Russie.
I used to look at her like she was CRAZY making me “tarry for the holy ghost” and had the NERVE to tell me I didn’t have it, THAT made me never to get in a prayer line because I had no idea what the IT was.
Women of Wisdom knew and yet know…….
Some things I honestly wish we would return, like our relationship with our seasoned seniors.
DEFINITLY NO, Sunday worship is not enough however its the fuel that allow me to fulfill the work that God has me to do. Being obedient and faithful to God is what I strive for so God to be seen in this earth and to usher His return. However when I sin, Yes I Sin, My heart is so very sowerful. See I want to please God but like Romans 7:21, “So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.” My worship is seen by my yielding and responding to the Word that is within me.
Sunday morning worship is definitely not enough. I fall short sometimes in my words and deeds and I’m not pleased with that especially when I know someone is trying to push my buttons . I don’t always overlook because some people take that as a sign for weakness and they keep coming. No I don’t cuss them out or anything but I do let them know that I’m not a pushover. So if I’m not pleased with my words and deeds I know God isn’t. I’m definitely a work in progress. He is still working on me. Molding me to what He wants me to be
Sunday morning worship is definitely not enough. I fall short sometimes in my words and deeds and I’m not pleased with that especially when I know someone is trying to push my buttons . I don’t always overlook because some people take that as a sign for weakness and they keep coming. No I don’t cuss them out or anything but I do let them know that I’m not a pushover. So if I’m not pleased with my words and deeds I know God isn’t. I’m definitely a work in progress. He is still working on me. Molding me to what He wants me to be
This is so true. I was born and raised Baptist but I’ve attended COGIC and Non-Denomination. As a baptist, I was free to wear what I want. We couldn’t wear pants to church on Sunday’s but we could wear them to choir rehearsal. That made me think. What’s the difference between wearing pants on Sunday verses Saturday? God sees you both days. COGIC and the mothers made you feel unsaved if you wore lipstick, pants, etc. but people were still getting pregnant without being married. All of these man made rules caused people to not want to attend church at all. Hypocrisy. I’m glad God looks at the heart.
How often do you consider if God would be please with your words and deeds? I’m always doing self checks. Maybe too many because my focus becomes more on what’s wrong than right. Do your actions reveal you are a kingdom resident who has submitted her life to God? I try to live my life that causes no harm to anyone but brings encouragement as much as possible. Or do you believe that Sunday worship attendance fulfills your Christian duty? NOOOOOOOOOO! Thank you for this blog. As I was reading all I could hear was OBEDIENCE to the word and not mans opinion. I totally agree that we should leave judgement up to God about how people are living but continue to share the truth of Gods word.