The following is from OBC’s daily devotional for today:
A living faith does not treat people differently based on externals (vv. 1-13). God gives salvations’ blessings to every person who believes in and loves him, regardless of their wealth or worldly position. Yet partiality and favoritism dishonors those whom God has chosen to honor, and honors those who dishonor God. Living faith obeys Christ’s law of loving others regardless of wealth, clothing, or status. anything less is sin which will be shown to be such at the judgment.
A living faith is a working faith (vv. 14-26). If one says he trusts Christ but his life is characterized by sin and disobedience he does not have living faith. Demons have a right knowledge and fear of God, yet they have no spiritual life and are damned. James is not saying sinners are saved because of or on the basis of works (which Paul deals with, Eph 2:8-9). James deals with the necessary and true evidence of genuine faith (which Paul also taught, Eph 2:10). A living faith is shown by works.
Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On
- Salvation is received by faith that loves the Lord and submits to him.
- Judging people to be good or bad solely on the basis of externals is sin. God never does this, and those whom he graciously and mercifully saved must not either. Favoritism is just as much sin as adultery and murder are.
- Living faith is proven by concrete actions showing you love other Christians (vv. 15-16) and obey God’s every command (vv. 21-23). What does your life say about your faith?