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Author: Will

James 3:7 – Taming the Beasts

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Will

For every kind of beasts and birds, of creeping things and creatures of the sea, is subdued and has been subdued by mankind.

Truth to Learn

Some things are hard to tame. Hard, but not impossible!

Behind the Words

The word “kind” is a translation of phusis, which is a derivative of phuō, meaning “to bring forth by natural birth.” It stands in opposition to that which has been created by or assisted by man. In other words, it’s natural. Hence, phusis refers to the nature of things. James is referring to all sorts, or kinds, of animals.

“Beast” is from the Greek word therion, which means a dangerous or venomous animal. It is one term that is used of the antichrist in the book of Revelation, indicating the beastly nature of this person. But, it is sometimes used to refer to any kind of beast including the tame species.

The word translated “creeping things” is herpeton, from herpō, meaning “to creep.” Hence, it refers to a creeping thing which could include insects and reptiles.

The phrase “creatures of the sea” is from enalion, which is made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of hals, meaning “the sea.” Therefore this word literally means “things in the sea.”

“Subdued” is translated from damadzō, which is from an obsolete word meaning “to reduce to stillness or quietness.” The first use of this word in this verse is in the present tense and passive voice meaning that it is something currently being done to something else (is being subdued). The second occurrence is in the perfect tense and passive voice, indicating something that has been done in the past with an ongoing effect in the present.

Meaning Explained

This is the fourth illustration from nature that James has used to help us understand the tongue (horse’s bridle, rudder of great ocean vessels, fast spreading fire, and wild animals). The wild animals, he says, have been tamed by man. He is not saying that every species of animal on earth has been tamed. He describes four classifications of animals, which is intended to show that all kinds of animals have been tamed by man.

Lest we think that we in the twenty-first century have excelled at taming animals above our ancestors, Pliny the Elder in the first century AD identified a list of animals which had been tamed at that time. This list includes: elephants, lions, and tigers, among beasts; the eagle, among birds; snakes and crocodiles among the creeping things; and various fishes, among the inhabitants of the water. Even the Egyptians did some remarkable animal taming, including lions which were used by them both in hunting and in warfare.

James is pointing out that we humans have been able to tame every kind of animal. He does not say that they have been easily tamed. In fact, he implies that it has been done with great difficulty, just as it is very difficult to tame the tongue, as we will see in the next verse.

Application

Do you feel like God, through the writings of James, is talking directly to you? If you do, that’s good. If you don’t, well, you should! Because of our sin nature, we all have a tongue taming challenge. Are you up to it? With God’s help, you are?

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:6 – The Inflaming Tongue

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Will

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. So the tongue is set among our members defiling the whole body, and inflaming the course of nature; and it is inflamed by hell.

Truth to Learn

Our tongue, like an out of control fire, is the source of much of our sinfulness.

Behind the Words

The word “fire” in this verse is from the Greek word pur which means “fire.” However, it is also the word that is specifically used of lightning, indicating the rapidity and unexpected nature of the fire.

The word “unrighteousness” comes from the Greek adikia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “without” and a form of dikē, which means justice or righteousness. Hence, adikia refers to anything which is “unjust, unrighteous, or morally wrong.”

The word translated “defiling” is from spilos, which means “a stain” or “a blemish.” In the Greek text this word is expressed as a participle, so it could be rendered, “defiling” or “staining.”

“Course of nature” is translated from trochon tēs geneseōs, which literally means “wheel of birth.” That is to say, the wheel which is set in motion at birth and runs on th the close of life. Thus, it is a figurative description of human life. Metaphorically it refers to the entire circuit, or pathway, of life.

The word “inflaming” is a form of phlogidzō, which means “to set on fire.” It is expressed here as a present, passive participle, which implies continuous action done to the subject (course of nature).

Finally, the word translated “hell” in this verse is gehenna. Gehenna is a reference to the valley of Hinnom, on the south side of the city of Jerusalem, where trash and refuse were constantly burned. Because of the unceasing fire there, it came to mean an eternal fire, which is thus interpreted as “hell.”

Meaning Explained

This is one of the more difficult passages of James to interpret because of his use of so many odd or obscure words. He literally says that the tongue is “the world of unrighteousness.” That is, the tongue personifies all that is unrighteous. As was pointed out in verse two, we are all sinners. This is because we all have a sin nature and our sin nature is often revealed by our words. Hence, our tongue is the ambassador for the world of our sin nature and thereby stains, or defiles, all that we do. In other words, the tongue reveals the most basic unrighteousness in us, kindling the worst fires in the entire course of our life.

James is telling us that even though the tongue is only a small member of our body, it is a rapid fire starter, causing sin. Therefore it blemishes our entire being and continually inflames all of our being into a fire like that of Hell itself.

Lest we give up without even trying, however, let’s remember that God’s grace is greater than our sin. And through the power of the Spirit of God we can control our tongue.

Application

Wow! No wonder James said earlier that the man who can control his tongue is a fully mature Christian. I hope I get there someday soon, how about you? Don’t relax just yet, though. James has lots more to say about the tongue. Apparently, he felt that it was a subject about which we all need a lot of teaching.

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:5 – The Kindling Tongue

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Will

Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

Truth to Learn

Our tongue may be small, but it can get us into big trouble if we don’t control it.

Behind the Words

“Even so” is translated from houtōs, which we have looked at before. It literally means “in this manner” or “in this way.” James is directly equating the effect of the little tongue with the little bridle or little rudder of the previous verses.

The word “member” is translated from melos, which refers to “a limb or member of the body.” And, “little” is translated from mikrōs (from which we get out word, micro), meaning “small or little.” So James is stating that the tongue is a small part of our body just as the rudder is a small part of a ship.

The expression “boasts great things” comes from the Greek word megalaucheō, which is a compound from megas, meaning “exceedingly great or large” and aucheō, meaning to talk big or boast.

The Greek word translated “forest” is hulē, which means “wood” or “a forest,” and also “the matter or raw material of which a thing is made.” James’ use of the word here is most likely a reference to a large forest of trees which can be consumes by fire started from a small flame.

The word at the end of the verse which is translated “little” is oligos, which means “puny” or “tiny.” Some manuscripts, however, don’t use this word. Instead, they say, “See what-sized fire kindles what-sized forest?” Though the various manuscripts use different words, they essentially mean the same thing.

Meaning Explained

Now James drops the hammer (in some cases perhaps, right on our toes)! Having just given us examples of little things which have tremendous influence over much larger things, he compares them with the tongue. He tells us that the tongue, though small compared to other parts of our bodies, makes itself out to be something great. James then uses yet another word picture to help us understand the danger of an uncontrolled tongue. The picture is of a great forest fire which is ignited by a very small flame. And, like ill spoken words from our mouth, once the fire has begun, it is difficult to stop.

It was just such improper use of the tongue by Doeg the Edomite which David talked about:

Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually. Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. (Psalms 52:1-3)

Application

Do you have a problem with your tongue? If so, this is a very important chapter of the Bible for you. Pay close attention and let God speak directly to you. You will find out that you are not alone. In fact, all of us have problems with our words, some more than others. But don't just excuse it because we all do it, rather confront yourself and ask the Lord for His power in controlling your tongue!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:4 – Mighty Little Rudder

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Will

Look also at ships, being so large and being driven by hard winds, they are directed by a very small rudder wherever the helmsman determines.

Truth to Learn

Like the rudder of a ship, the tongue may be small but it can exert great influence, either good or bad.

Behind the Words

This verse begins in a manner very similar to the previous one: “Look also at ships …” which places “ships” in the emphatic position. James is now drawing attention to large ships which are also controlled by something small.

“Driven” is translated from elaunō, meaning “to push” or “to drive.” It is the word used to describe the action of oars or the wind on the movement of a boat or ship.

“Hard” is from the Greek word sklēros, which literally refers to something that is dry and hard. In its normal usage, however, it refers to something that is hard or violent. Its usage here refers to the power and fierceness of the wind at sea.

The word translated “small” in this verse is, elachistos which is the superlative form of the Greek word for short or small. Hence, James is emphasizing the fact that this ship, which is large and is pushed about by fierce winds, is steered with the smallest of things.

The Greek word translated “rudder” is pēdalion, which is a derivative of pēdon, meaning the paddle of an oar. Small boats in those days were steered with an oar directed out of the back of the boat and moved one direction or the other. Larger ships were controlled with a “tiller” or “rudder” which was an adaptation of the simple steering oar.

Meaning Explained

James now provides us with a second example of small things which exert great control over much larger things. In this case he is pointing out that seagoing vessels which are driven by powerful winds are effectively steered by a little rudder.

Even today, large ocean going vessels are steered with a rudder which is only a tiny fraction of the size of the overall ship. For instance, the rudder of the cruise liner Queen Elizabeth is only about two one-thousandths the size of the entire ship. The ships which sailed the Mediterranean Sea in James’ day were much smaller, but they were wind powered and very difficult to control when the winds were not blowing from directly behind them.

It takes a skilled pilot to steer a ship that is powered by the wind. If he slips-up and allows the ship to be aimed the wrong direction it takes considerable time and great effort on the part of all the crew to get the ship aimed the proper direction again. So, even though the rudder is seemingly insignificant in terms of size, it is crucial that it be used properly if the ship is to be steered in the right direction.

James’ point is that our tongue is likewise a very small part of our body. And, a slip of the tongue can cause much pain and hardship for both the speaker and the hearer. In some cases, the damage done by an uncontrolled tongue can be irreparable.

Application

Do you have control of your tongue? Hopefully, the Apostle Paul was describing you when he said,“ Let your speech always be with grace, having been seasoned with salt …” (Colossians 4:6a) If not, then you need to work on controlling your tongue so that you faithfully represent your Lord and King in everything you say.

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:3 – Bridling Power

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Will

Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.

Truth to Learn

A small thing like a horse’s bridle wields great influence over the entire body of the horse. Likewise, our tongue, though small, has great power both for good and for evil.

Behind the Words

In the Greek text this sentence begins, “But if the horses…” By this construction, it puts “horses” in the emphatic position, not “bits.” James is using horses as an example of something large which is controlled by something small.

The word translated “bits” is chalinos, which we identified as part of a compound word in the previous verse. It refers to a bridle which is fastened around a horse’s head. This bridle contains a piece called a bit which goes into the horse’s mouth and it is this bit which exerts the persuasive force on the horse, causing it to turn or to stop.

Peithō is the Greek word translated “obey.” It literally means “to persuade” or “to convince.” In other words as it is used here it refers to firm persuasion rather than forced obedience. This is a subtle difference, but a significant one.

“Turn” is translated from metagō, which is made up of meta, meaning “a change in place or position” and agō, meaning “to lead.” So, it means “to lead to a different place or position.”

Meaning Explained

James, being the practical teacher that he is, gives us a real world example of what he is talking about. This is the first of two illustrations of how something large is easily controlled by something small. He shows us that we can control a horse, an animal much bigger that we are, simply by putting a bridle in its mouth. That little bridle is used to turn the entire body and to persuade the horse to go where we want it to.

In today’s modern, automobile oriented society we don’t have encounters with horses very often. I recall an experience several years back when we were in a field with a number of horses. The owners, who were with is, told us not to be concerned because the horses were very gentle. Unfortunately, the horses got spooked by our dog, turned away from us, and began kicking in our direction. All we could do was run. These animals were significantly larger and stronger than we were. They behaved very aggressively toward us and we had no control over them. And yet, when fitted with a bridle, these same large animals became gentle and easily controlled.

When it comes to the tongue, even King David recognized the necessity of a bridle (or muzzle):

I said, "I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me." (Psalms 39:1)

In the previous verse James introduced the concept of being able to control our entire body if we can control our tongue. His point here is that controlling the entire body is easy if we control our tongue, just like controlling a large horse is easy if we have control of the bridle.

Application

We have all had times when we wished we could take back something that we said. Words are powerful and can be used for good or for evil. Let us all commit to putting more effort into bridling our tongue. Then, may the use of our tongues be for the glory of God!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:2 – Perfectly Bridled

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Will

For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Truth to Learn

One sign of a mature Christian is the words he or she uses.

Behind the Words

“Stumble” is translated from ptaiō, which is a form of piptō, meaning “to fall.” This word, which we have looked at before, refers to an accidental stumbling, or tripping, as we traverse the pathway of life. In other words, James is referring to someone committing unintentional sin.

The Greek word translated “perfect” is also one we have looked at before. It is teleios, which means “complete” in terms of labor, growth, or moral character. James’ statement is in reference to a fully mature Christian. A more descriptive and less misleading translation of this word might be “mature.”

The word translated “bridle” is a very descriptive word in Greek. It is chalinagōgeō, which is made up of chalinos, which refers to “a bridle worn by an animal,” and a form of ago, which means “to lead or direct.” Hence, this word literally means “to lead by use of a bridle.” And, just like a person who controls a horse by leading it around by a bridle, this person is able to control his or her entire body.

Meaning Explained

James now introduces the first of five real world examples of what the tongue is like (a horse that is controlled by a small bridle; a large ship controlled by a small rudder; a small fire which can quickly spread to a flaming inferno; a wild, untamable creature; and a spring of water which brings forth both fresh and brackish water). With these five examples James will show how powerful and unruly the tongue can be.

He starts out the current verse with a reminder that we are all sinners and that we trip, or stumble many times. This is in complete agreement with what the Apostle Paul says:

As it is written, No one is righteous, not even one: There is no one who understands, there is no one seeking after God. (Romans 3:10,11)

None of us is perfect, we all stumble (even when we become a mature Christian). One of the ways we stumble in our Christian walk is with the words we use. In fact, it is often not so much the words, but the attitude behind the words we use. James tells us that if we don’t trip-up with our words, it is a sign that we are a completely mature Christian and are able to control our entire body.

Teaching is only mentioned in the first verse of this chapter. Yet, it is with our words that we teach, whether spoken or written. Words properly used can be a powerful force in building up the body of Christ, but they can also be the cause of great pain and contention within the body if used carelessly.

Application

Whether we have been called to teach or not, we are all called to be a witness for Christ, to be a servant of God, and to build up the body. Whatever service of ministry we have within the body, or to the world around us, we must be careful regarding the words we use.

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:1 – Responsible Teaching

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Will

My brothers, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we will receive greater judgment.

Truth to Learn

Within the church, teaching carries a great responsibility and a greater judgment (good or bad) for those who teach.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “let … become” is ginomai, which means “to begin to be” or “to come into existence.” The use of the word here is in the present tense and imperative mood (command). Therefore, it could be translated as “stop becoming many teachers.”

“Teachers,” or “masters” in some Bibles, is translated from the Greek word didaskalos, which means “one who teaches or instructs.” It seems that there were many people in the early church who wanted to be looked up to as teachers.

The word “judgment” is translated from krima. This is derived from the verb krinō, literally meaning “to separate.” In the New Testament it means “to form or give an opinion after separating and considering the particulars of a case.” The noun form, used in this verse, refers to the resultant judgment that is handed down. It can refer to either a judgment of approval or a judgment of condemnation.

Meaning Explained

James has just finished talking about the works which are the evidence of faith. Now he’s going to talk about the works performed by those who teach within the church. In this particular verse he is cautioning church members not to all desire the position of teacher. In 1 John 2:16 the apostle John talks about the three types of lusts; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. This third one, the pride of life, is that desire within each of us to attain greatness and fame. Unfortunately, because the church is made up of sinful humans, this pride of life occasionally shows its ugly face within the church as well. Within the body of Christ each one of us has a function to perform. In 1Corinthians chapter twelve, the apostle Paul says that we are one body with many members, each one with a specific purpose. We can’t all be eyes, we can’t all be feet, and we can’t all be teachers.

Even though teaching is a good and necessary position within the church, James warns that those who hold the position of teacher are responsible for the content of their teaching and will receive a harsher judgment, good or bad, depending on whether or not they carry it out in a manner worthy of our Lord. A good teacher can lead people to a closer, more effective walk with God. But, a careless teacher can actually lead children of God away from that close personal fellowship that He desires with each of us.

Not only are teachers within the church responsible for the content of their teaching, they are responsible, even more so, for their actions. If good works are evidence of our salvation, then practicing what you teach is even more important for those who wear the mantle of teacher.

Application

We are all called upon at one time or another to teach and exhort less mature Christians. When such opportunities arise, we need to be careful that we do not lord it over them. What we say can have a powerful effect on others. And, we who have been called to teach need to ensure that we are being instructional and not judgmental. Remember that teaching is an honorable service, but other positions in the church are just as honorable if they are carried out with an attitude of humble service. Keep that in mind the next time you talk to one of the workers in the church nursery or the church janitor. Without these humble servants, the work of the body of Christ will be less effective. Be sure to thank them for their humble service. Serve where God has called you to serve and you will bring glory to God!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 2:26 – Faith, Dead or Alive?

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Will

For just as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is also dead.

Truth to Learn

If works of faithful obedience to God are not regularly demonstrated in our walk, then we need to determine if we were ever really saved in the first place. Nothing could be more tragic than someone believing they are saved only to find out when they stand before their God and Judge that they never really believed.

Behind the Words

“Just as” is translated from the adverb hōsper. This word is made up of hōs, meaning “as” and per, meaning “much.” It means “just as” or “exactly like.”

The Greek word translated “body” is sōma, used here as a reference to our physical body

The word “without” is from chōris, which means “separately” or “by itself.”

Pneumatos is the Greek word translated “spirit.” It is derived from pneō, meaning “to breathe.” Hence, the spirit of a person is the “breath of life” which makes him or her a living being.

“Dead” is translated from the Greek word nekros, which refers to a corpse, a dead person.

Meaning Explained

James sums up this entire section with a simple statement that expresses what he has been saying for the past ten verses. Just as your own body cannot exist without the life-giving presence of your spirit, so your faith cannot exist without the presence of works of faithful obedience to your Lord and Master. If those works don’t exist in your life, then you are not really saved.

There are many churches today that are more interested in numbers of converts than reality of converts. They say, “All you have to do is believe that Christ died for your sins and you will be saved.” They say nothing about submitting to the lordship of God or of turning over control of your life to Him. As soon as someone says the sinner’s prayer, they congratulate themselves and record another convert in their membership rolls. What they often don’t tell the new converts is, “How you live your life after you do this will be the evidence of whether or not your faith is real.” As a result, there are many so-called Christians who have professed Christ at some time in the past, but their post-confession life is no different from their pre-confession life. We have to wonder whether they were ever really saved in the first place. James would clearly say they were not.

Application

If you are wondering whether your own profession was real, simply ask yourself: Has my manner of living changed since I confessed Christ as savior? Do I have a hunger for His Word? Do I desire to be with my Christian friends more than my unsaved friends? Does The Spirit convict me when I sin? Do I want to know God better and to please Him as much as possible?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, then take a few minutes right now and do this:

Recognize that you are a sinner (we all are) and that the penalty of your sinfulness is death.
Humble yourself before God Almighty, recognizing that He is your supreme ruler and master.
Repent of your sins (this means turn away from them and go the other direction, toward God instead of away from Him). This doesn’t mean that you won’t sin, but you won’t want to sin.
Accept the fact that Jesus, as a sinless man and as God, died on the cross and paid for all of your sins (past, present, and future).
Confess, in your own words, that you believe that Christ died for your sins.
Walk worthy of the Lord!

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

In God's service, for His glory,

James 2:25 – Gentile Faith Works

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Will

And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

Truth to Learn

Even heathen people perform works of faith, once they believe God’s truth and are converted.

Behind the Words

“In the same way” is translated from the adverb homoiōs, a derivative of the word meaning “having the same features or characteristics,” like in the English word homogenized. Hence, it is translated, “in the same way,” “similarly,” or “likewise.”

The word “received” is from hupodechomai, made up of hupo (or hypo), meaning “under” and dechomai, meaning “to readily receive something from someone else.” So we see that the literal meaning is “to receive under,” that is, “to receive under one’s roof” or “to welcome inside.”

Ekballō is the Greek word translated “sent … out.” It is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and ballō, meaning “to throw” or “to drive.” Hence, this word literally means “to throw out” or “to drive out.” It is clear from the Greek text that Rahab openly welcomed the two messengers and that she hurriedly sent them out the back door, as it were.

Meaning Explained

James now finishes his treatise on the works of faith with one more example of faith demonstrated through works. The reference is to the events of Joshua chapter 2. When the Israelites were about to enter into the Promised Land, they sent in two spies to scope out Jericho and these two were protected by Rahab. She was a Gentile, probably a worshiper of pagan gods, and an enemy of the Jews. Nonetheless, when confronted with the truth of Almighty God, she believed, saying:

for the LORD your God, He is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. (Joshua 2:11b)

And, she demonstrated that faith by her actions, which put her own life in danger at the hands of the people of Jericho. She welcomed the spies into her home and hid them when the people of Jericho came searching for them, helping the spies escape.

Her act of faith is forever recorded in Hebrews 11:31. This eleventh chapter of Hebrews is sometimes referred to as the Hall of Faith since it recounts numerous individuals who demonstrated their faith by their actions.

By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with the disbelieving ones, having received the spies with peace. (Hebrews 11:31)

James claims that her works justified her just as Abraham’s did. Not in the place of faith, but empowered by it! And, she was further honored by God for her faithfulness in action by becoming the great-great-grandmother of David, king of Israel, according to the first chapter of Matthew’s gospel.

Application

It doesn’t matter whether you grew-up in a Christian family, hearing the gospel truth from the time you were born, or in a faithless home where God’s name was only used as a swear word. Once you believed the gospel message, you became a child of God by faith and your works of faith began, and they will continue until you leave this earthly life.

In God's service, for His glory,

James 2:24 – Works Prove Faith

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Will

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Truth to Learn

Your works of obedience confirm that your faith is real and alive.

Behind the Words

The opening word of this verse in the Greek text is a form of horaō, which literally means “to stare.” By implication, however, it means “to see,” “to discern,” or “to understand.” The tense and mood of this particular word can be interpreted as either present, indicative (meaning “you are currently discerning”) or present, imperative (meaning “discern,” as a command). So, either James is stating a fact in conclusion or he is demanding that the reader accept what he is saying.

The word translated “justified” is a form of dikaioō, which is a derivative of dikaios, meaning “just” or “righteous.” The oō ending to a Greek verb generally indicates a quality or characteristic. Hence, dikaioō, refers to a person having the characteristic of being righteous or just. This verb is expressed here in the passive voice, indicating that it is a characteristic that is given to a person, not one which a person gives himself. James is saying that a man becomes justified, or a man is declared righteous, by works and not by faith only.

The last word in this verse is the Greek word monon which means “only” or “alone.” Without this word this verse is in violent disagreement with all the verses around it.

Meaning Explained

This verse is often taken out of context and misquoted to try to prove that salvation is works based. If you use this verse in isolation of the others and drop the last word you get,

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith …

But, James is not declaring that we are saved by works. Works cannot save us. There were people in James’ day, just as there are today, who claimed to be saved by faith and believed that they can “live like the devil” without reprisal because they are saved by faith. But the apostle has clearly articulated that a faith which is not accompanied by works of obedience is an empty, dead faith. He says, “You can’t have just faith alone!”

James is in the process of backing-up his argument with a couple of examples, the first of which is Abraham. As a result of his having believed God, Abraham was declared to be righteous. He was saved by faith. James declares, however, that it was Abraham’s obedience to God, his works, which proved his faith was real. As we have discussed for several verses now, it is the good works, the godly living, and submission to God’s will, that prove our faith to be genuine saving faith.

So, James’ conclusion regarding Abraham is that he is justified by works, not by faith alone. Without the proof given by his works, his faith is empty, void, dead, and not a saving faith.

Application

Only you and God really know if your faith is genuine, if you have truly submitted yourself to God, and have accepted the blood of His Son as payment for your sins. If you are truly saved, your works will demonstrate it to others.

In God's service, for His glory,