Preaching the Word: James—Faith That Works

Top Highlights

“Trials are not a sign of God’s displeasure but are opportunities to persevere in the Lord.” (Page 21)

“However, there is no real contradiction between James and Paul regarding faith, for Paul’s teaching about faith and works focuses on the time before conversion, and James’ focus is after conversion. As Douglas Moo has pointed out, ‘Paul denies any efficacy to pre-conversion works, but James is pleading for the absolute necessity of post-conversion works.’⁴ Paul was fighting against tradition which promoted a false works salvation. James was fighting against a ‘lite’ faith which minimized the necessity of works after coming to Christ. Paul says works cannot bring us to Christ. James says after we come to Christ they are imperative.” (Page 108)

“The right mind-set—dependence on God—is more important than saying the right words.” (Page 206)

“What does James’ command really mean? In answer, we must first understand what it does not mean. James is not ordering all-encompassing joyful emotion during severe trials; nor is he demanding that his readers must enjoy their trials, or that trials are joy. He knew, as did the writer of Hebrews, that ‘No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful’ (Hebrews 12:11).” (Page 18)

“What the Scriptures forbid is judgmentalism, a critical and censorious spirit that judges everyone and everything, seeking to run others down.” (Page 196)