Friday, June 6 – James 2, 3 – Additional Reading: Counsels on Stewardship, p. 29; That I May Know Him, p. 327

1. What happens to someone who keeps the commandments but stumbles at just one point? (James 2:10)

2. What gives life to faith? (James 2:17)

3. How does the apostle describe the power of words? (James 3:2–6)

4. How does James characterize the wisdom from God, and what is its fruit? (James 3:17–18)

James is one of the general epistles of the New Testament. Although scholars debate which James authored it, we acknowledge that the Holy Spirit inspired its profound theological and practical message.

From Chapter 2 through 3:12, James describes authentic faith. True faith is reflected in the impartial treatment of others. God does not discriminate; all are equal in Christ. Therefore, showing favoritism based on social class, wealth, or ethnicity is sin, as James 2:9 states.

James 2:10 teaches that breaking even one point of the law renders one guilty of all. He aligns with Jesus, who affirmed that the law is violated not only through actions but also through words and intentions (cf. Matthew 5). James refers to God’s law as “the law of liberty” (James 2:12) because freedom is experienced when we live in harmony with it. As he writes:

“So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:12–13, NKJV)

James 2:14 and following address another essential theme: faith without works is dead. He makes it clear that works do not save, but they demonstrate whether faith is genuine. As often expressed: our works place our faith on display.

Some believe James contradicts Paul. However, the two writers complement each other. Paul combats legalism, the belief that salvation can be earned through works, while James opposes antinomianism, the belief that works do not matter at all. Both affirm that salvation is by grace and that grace transforms lives.

Comparison of Paul and James:

Paul:

• Faith: Complete trust and dependence on God for salvation
• Works: Human effort, seen as insufficient for salvation
• Relationship: Works and faith are in tension when works seek merit
• Main concern: Combatting legalism
See Galatians 5:6, 22; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 6

James:

• Faith: Can be either living or dead
• Works: External evidence of true internal commitment
• Relationship: Faith and works are compatible and inseparable
• Main concern: Combatting antinomianism

Ellen G. White helps us understand the balance between the two when she writes: “Faith is not the ground of our salvation, but it is the great blessing; the eye that sees, the ear that hears, the feet that run, the hand that grasps. It is the means, not the end.”
(That I May Know Him, p. 327)

James further explains that faith is also shown through our speech. Just as a rudder steers a ship, the tongue can guide lives for good or harm. As Solomon warned: “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking.” (Proverbs 10:19, NKJV)

Words can ignite conflict like fire or extinguish it like water. Therefore, we must ask God to purify our speech every day.

James concludes the chapter by contrasting two types of wisdom. The wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy and good fruits. In contrast, earthly wisdom is “earthly, sensual, demonic” and leads to jealousy, selfish ambition, and disorder (v.15–16).

The remedy is to seek wisdom from God, as encouraged in James 1:5.

The call to live out an authentic faith demonstrated through impartiality, good works, and controlled speech is challenging but achievable with divine help. Ellen White speaks directly to this struggle in practical terms: “The hardest sermon to preach and the hardest to practice is self-denial. The selfish, covetous soul closes the door to the good he could do, because the money is spent on selfish purposes. It is impossible to retain the favor of God and enjoy communion with the Saviour, and at the same time be indifferent to the needs of fellow beings who do not know Christ and are perishing in their sins. Christ has left us a wonderful example of self-sacrifice.” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 29)

May we all have a joyful and blessed day.