We cannot pick and choose which of God‘s commands to obey. - P34
If wefail to obey just one of God‘s laws, we become a lawbreaker. Jamesmakes this point because there are believers in the church who are strictabout certain laws at the expense of others-particularly the commandto love one‘s neighbor as oneself. - P34
And their self-righteousness is fuelingthe
division and favoritism plaguing the community. - P34
There is no pointin being outwardly righteous if we are unloving or unmerciful towardothers. - P34
As recipients of infinite mercy, how can we not extend that samemercy toward our brothers and sisters? James warns that if we want toignore God‘s commands and be judgmental, we must be prepared tobe judged ourselves. - P34
And when people saw that tongue sticking out, they knew thatplayer was a die-hard Jordan fan and follower.
In a similar fashion, we as Christians might feel rather discouragedwhen we try to imitate Jesus Christ and all the great things He accom-plished here on earth. - P35
We will never be able to achieve perfect righteousness or save people by bearing their sins. But there are countlesssmall ways we can imitate our Savior, and He is glorified in every actof kindness, mercy, and grace that we show toward others because itmirrors His character. - P35
As we live in this way, the world will come torecognize us as followers of Jesus Christ. - P35
Lord, You have graced me with mercy upon mercy. You have forgiven mydebt of sin that I could never repay. - P35
May I remember the immense mercythat has been shown in my life, and may I love others from this abundance.
In Your name, amen. - P35
17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompa-nied by action, is dead.
17 So you see, faith by itself isn‘t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is deadand useless. - P36
18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show youfaith by my deeds.
my18 Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds.
But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don‘t have good deeds? I will showyou my faith by my good deeds." - P36
21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous forwhat he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
21 Don‘t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with Godby his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
- P37
22 You see that his faith and his actions were working to-gether, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abrahambelieved God, and it was credited to him as righteous-ness," and he was called God‘s friend.
22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith com-plete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, andGod counted him as righteous because of his faith." He was even called the friendof God. - P37
26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith with-out deeds is dead.
26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. - P37
If you say you have faith but do not follow through with your actions, your faithis dead. Faith without deeds is useless. - P37
Abraham was considered righteousbecause he offered his son Isaac on the altar-his faith and his actions wereworking together. - P37
In the same way, Rahab was considered righteous for hidingthe spies and sending them off in a different direction. - P37
Christianity is a forward-looking faith as
we eagerly anticipate the future arrival of
the kingdom of God and the eternal joy we will experience in God‘s presence
in the new heavens and new earth. - P38
But it is agrave error to think that our beliefs about the future have no bearingon the practical realities of life today. - P38
In light of the daily struggles thatpeople face all around us, both within our communities and in thewider world, it is utterly un-Christian to turn a blind eye to the needsof others or only speak empty words that bring no practical comfort orrelief. - P38
A correct understanding of Christian doctrine is important, butit is inseparably bound with good deeds and righteous living. - P38
Thispassage can be confusing because it seems to conflict with theapostle Paul‘s teaching on justification by faith. - P38
We first need to understand that James
is not saying that sinners are declared righteousin God‘s sight through a mixture of faith and works. - P38
We are saved bygrace alone, through faith alone! - P38
However, James argues here that true,
saving faith is confirmed when it is evidenced by good works. - P38
Practicalacts of love and mercy are the natural fruit of authentic Christian faith.
- P38
This is in complete agreement with Paul‘s teaching as well as the entiretestimony of Scripture, as demonstrated in the lives of biblical heroesof faith like Abraham and Rahab. - P38
True faith is always accompanied byrighteous action. - P38
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