But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. Truth to Learn Good works are the evidence of our salvation. Behind the Words The word translated “someone” is the Greek word...
James 2:17 – Works of Evidence
So also faith, if it should not have works, is dead by itself. Truth to Learn A living, breathing faith in Christ is always accompanied by good works, for these works are the evidence that it is a living faith. Behind the Words “So also” is translated from houtōs kai,...
James 2:16 – Are You Rich?
and one of you should say to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," but you would not give to them the things which are needed for the body, what is the gain? Truth to Learn True faith in Christ is made evident by what we do, not what...
James 2:15 – The Invisible Poor
If a brother or sister is naked and should be lacking daily food, Truth to Learn We often don’t even notice those members of our church having the greatest needs. Behind the Words “If” is translated from the Greek word ean, which is used here (along with the subjunctive mood...
James 2:14 – Profitable Works
What is the gain, my brothers, if someone should say he has faith and not have works? Is that faith able to save him? Truth to Learn There is no evidence of saving faith unless it is demonstrated by works. Behind the Words “Gain” is translated from the Greek word...
James 2:13 – Merciless Judgment
For judgment will be without mercy to the one not having shown mercy. Mercy rejoices over judgment. Truth to Learn Our merciful actions in this life will have eternal results. Behind the Words The word “judgment” is translated from krisis, which literally refers to a separation, hence a dividing between...
James 2:12 – Active Evidence
So speak and so do as those who are about to be judged by the law of liberty. Truth to Learn Our words and actions should be an indication of the freedom we have in Christ. Behind the Words “So” is a translation of the Greek word houtōs, which is...
James 2:11 – Transgressing the Law
For He who said, "You shall not commit adultery," also said, "You shall not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. Truth to Learn In God’s courtroom no sin is greater than any other. Every sin carries...
James 2:10 – Guilty of All
For whoever shall keep the whole law, but stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all of them. Truth to Learn Even a single little accidental sin condemns us as unrighteous. Behind the Words The Greek verb translated “shall keep” is tereō which is the word used of...
James 2:9 – Sinful Favoritism
but if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. Truth to Learn When we show special attention to those who are rich and powerful, we are sinning! Behind the Words “But if you show partiality” is a conditional clause, which, based on the grammatical...