James chapter two continues with the context in chapter one. The last topic covered was to be a doer of the word and not only a hearer (James 1:23-27). Chapter two really expounds on this idea of what is a doer of the word.
Chapter two emphasizes two major points:
1) Do not be partial in your faith and love,
2) Faith without works is dead.
Do not be partial in your faith and love
James 2:1
Do not hold your faith with an attitude of personal favoritism. Show no partiality
(Lev 19:15).
James 2:2-7
Here is an example of being partial, showing personal favoritism. We are not to judge people based on how they look. We are not to show partiality based on a person’s wealth, education, or social status.
James 2:8
The royal law is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Love has no partiality. Remember the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
James 2:9-13
Showing partiality is sin! Speak and act as those who are judged by the law of liberty!
Faith without works is dead
If you have faith, there will be corresponding works or actions.
James 2:14-17 – Faith, if it has no works is dead
What good is it if someone says he has faith but does not have works (1 John 3:16-18)?
James 2:18-20 – Faith without works is useless.
Show me your faith without works and I will show you my faith by my works.
James 2:21-26 – Faith without works is dead.
Because Abraham had faith – he had corresponding works. His faith had action.
Rahab also took action. She acted in faith.
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