James 2:14-26
Key Verse: “But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18 CSB)
The good news of Jesus Christ is this: Because Jesus died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3), we can know God. By God’s grace alone, through faith in what Jesus did on our behalf, we can be in the right relationship with God and experience true life both now and forever. Salvation is not something we need to work for. It is not a prize to be earned. Salvation is a gift to be received by faith.
James reminds us though that there is a difference between someone who “claims to have faith” (v.14) compared to someone whose faith is truly genuine. According to James, talk is cheap. It is possible to claim to know God without actually knowing Him. It’s possible to say that your faith is real when in fact it’s not. As an example, James describes someone who claims to have experienced the love of God but refuses to extend that love practically to others (v.15-16). In describing that person’s faith, James rightly asks: “what good is it?” (v.17). There is no advantage or benefit.
So how can we be sure then that our faith is genuine? How can we be confident that our claim to know God has any value or benefit? James writes, “I will show you my faith by my works” (v.18). James is telling us to look at the evidence of our lives. The proof is in the pudding. True faith in Jesus Christ will always result in a changed life.
As we examine our faith today, it is important to remember that knowing God is not simply about checking a bunch of theological boxes. To be clear, sound doctrine is vitally important (2 Timothy 4:3). But faith without fruit is false. A belief that does not lead to a change in behavior is insufficient. A heart that has truly been transformed by Jesus will be obvious outwardly.
In the words of Jesus, “You’ll recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:20).
God is in the business of transformation. He is all about changing lives, and He wants to do so more and more in each of us today. The key to producing fruit is not about trying harder in our strength. We can do nothing apart from Jesus (John 15:5). It’s about learning to abide in Him with a surrendered and willing heart.
Prayer: Father, I thank you that you have poured out your grace on me. Thank you that through faith in Jesus, I can know you. I pray that by your Spirit you would continue to change me today. May the fruit of my life reflect the fruit of your Spirit more and more. Take me deeper in my faith today. Teach me to abide. Help me to obey. Amen.
