May 21, 2021 -- James 2:14-17 -- Costly Obedience which leads to praise

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:14-17 English Standard Version

There are many Christians who bristle at these verses, wanting to be very careful to guard against a theology that says something like in order to be saved one must do works, as if such works contributed to their salvation. It is a misunderstanding easily corrected. To whom is the Spirit of God prompting James to write? Yes, to believers who are in dispersion, scattered because of persecutions suffered for the Name of Jesus. So, James is writing to warn believers to act according their faith in Jesus Christ.

It is costly. Remember these believers being urged to give generously are themselves in exile because of their faith. This obedience of practically and financially caring for others will be a sacrifice. So we learn it is not a matter of accumulating enough money in order to be able to help others at some vague future time; where there is a need and you can help, do so at that moment.

It is a blessings to see other Christians serving in such a way. Faith is encouraged and built up where, in dire times, needs are met and those receiving help are blessing the LORD. Such praise and thanksgiving is contagious sweeping across whole congregations.

Giving generously despite one’s own circumstances lends humble urgency to the petition of the LORD’s prayer which states “Give us this day our daily bread”. Surely we are at the mercy of the LORD our Father for every day’s rich supply.

Finally, where Christians give generously, it is obvious that the LORD is the Giver of every good gift and every perfect gift (James 1:17). Believers cannot out give God, Who in Christ, has rescued us from death and hell and by His Spirit preserves us for Christ Jesus until that rich inheritance is given in full throughout eternity. Blessed be our God.

God our Father, thank You for our daily bread and for every blessing You have poured out on our lives in Christ our King. Thank You Father in heaven for the privilege of being able to help others. Mighty Spirit of God, thank You for the humble grace of being able to ask other Christians for help and finding Your bounty and Your love shines through their giving. Triune God, help us to live up to the high calling of Your Word so that in all things our faith will be strengthened to the glory of Your praise. Amen.

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