James sees the one he hopes to convince as one still wanting evidence that,

James 2:20 "... faith without works is dead?"

He describes such a one as "O foolish man" (James 2:20 NKJV). The manner of address gives an insightful view of the kind of opponent to the truth, that James is making an effort to reach. This person in spite of clear instruction does not comprehend the truth. He is foolish in the sense of being empty of understanding, and therefore deficient in knowledge that faith not accompanied by action which is obedience to the faith, is useless. Regrettably the empty headed person is content with his condition through ignorance. One who wishes to remain ignorant is never satisfied with the evidence given, and keeps asking for more and more. The abundant evidence already shared would be eagerly grasped by a person who is open-minded, that is, one teachable. There would be no hope for the close-minded condition if it were not for the convincing work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8-11 ).

Interestingly, James, fully knowing the mind condition of this resisting person, does not give up. Rather, he persists in his attempt to enlighten, because as a spiritual teacher he is dealing with a subject that has eternal consequences. Teachers of the Word should labour in their efforts to lead to repentance and knowledge of the truth. Let teachers heed the word to Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:24,25 "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, ²⁵ In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;"

In the examples of Abraham and Rahab James illustrates the kind of faith that pleases God.

Abraham "our father" (James 2:21 ) is another reference to the intended recipients of the letter, the scattered Jewish people (James 1:1 ). As Christians we can claim Abraham to be our father, as his spiritual descendants.

Romans 4:11 "And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:"

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Faith At Work Brought Approval Of God In Declaring Abraham "Justified"

James 2:21 "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?"

The picture that is brought before us by this verse is that of Abraham taking the knife to slay his son (Genesis 22:10 ). Abraham's faith, working in deeds of love and commitment to God demonstrated his faith to the maximum. God intervened and announced approval of Abraham's faith action. The angel of the Lord said,

Genesis 22:12 "And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.""

Abraham had unshakeable faith when he received the promise of Isaac's birth.

Romans 4:19-22 "And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: ²⁰ He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; ²¹ And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. ²² And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness."

That faith righteousness expressed itself in deeds of love and faithfulness to God - and manifested his faith as that of the justified. James insists that it was faith working.

James 2:22 "Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?"

James is contending for faith at work. Faith and deeds are never separated, the deeds flow out of faith. It is important to see that both Paul and James are emphatic that true, saving faith will inevitably produce deeds of love. Paul said:

Galatians 5:6 "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love."

If faith does not bring forth the fruit of love, loyalty, obedience, it is not living faith (1 John 2:3; 5:3 ).

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Abraham's Faith Was Validated By What He Did

James 2:23 "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: ..."

He was accounted faith as righteousness in Genesis 15:6. Isaac was offered by faith in Genesis 22:1-14. The faith as righteousness Scripture was fulfilled, that is, proved, right by Abraham's confidence, commitment, love to God, and complete obedience.

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Abraham By Faith Working Obtained A Special Intimacy With God

James 2:23 "... and he was called the friend of God."

2 Chronicles 20:7 "Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?"

Isaiah 41:8 "But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend."

Abraham was called "the friend of God" because he acted in the way a friend would act. True friendship is not possible without mutual, personal knowledge of each other. The test, undergone by Abraham, proved with accuracy that God knew the development of Abraham's character and his spiritual maturity, so God could call him "friend." Abraham's growth in the knowledge of God's character, faithfulness and miracle power is borne out by his faith-conclusion concerning the offering of Isaac.

Hebrews 11:19 "Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; ..."

(Genesis 22:5 ). Personal knowledge of God made Abraham readily obey God, and was an essential element that resulted in him being called the friend of God.

Walking in agreement is a mark of true friendship (Amos 3:3 ). There cannot be harmonious friendship except there be the uniting of hearts in agreement. Abraham walked up the mountain of sacrifice because he willed to be in full accord with the will of God irrespective of what the cost to himself. He was called God's friend because he trod the painstaking path of agreement with God. In conforming to God's will Abraham proved God's will to be embraceable:

Romans 12:2 "... good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

True friendship develops through making available quality time to each other. There are times recorded when God is shown seeking Abraham out and sharing His purposes and promises with him. When God decided to bring judgment on Sodom He gave Abraham prior knowledge (Genesis 18:17 ). Abraham made full use of the quality time God gave him, and so prepared his heart for the ultimate test of his friendship with God. True friendship is marked by enduring, loving, affectionate trust. Abraham's action of obedience demonstrated love's unquestioning trust, that proved his fellowship with God. The Lord responded with enduring, providing, caring love for Abraham whom He called friend.

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Abraham's Example Shows The Essential Aspect Of Works

James 2:24 "... see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."

James is saying, yes, a person is saved by faith and by what he does - not by faith only. Action completes faith, being the evidence of that genuine faith. James is claiming that faith works the requirements of God in daily conduct, and renders direct service to God, and the human family. There is no suggestion that salvation can be earned by religious deeds.

Ephesians 2:8,9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast."

What is being asserted is that the faith will produce good works that attest its reality.

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

James is saying, not faith only but works; that actually produces the prepared life of goodness which God from all eternity, intended believers to do. These good works have their source in God and proceed from a genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They are the product of grace, and the infilling received by thirstily coming to Jesus who gives us to drink of the Holy Spirit so that out of our innermost being flows rivers of living water, enabling us to share the abundant life, and bear much fruit (John 7:37-39; 14:12; 15:5 ).

Paul confronted legalism, insisting salvation to be of grace, the gift of God received by faith, not of works (Romans 3:25-31; 4:1-6; 9:11-12; 11:6; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5 ). But Paul was in full agreement with James that without the works of faith there is no evidence of new life in Jesus (James 2:24 ). The works of the regenerate life prove that justification by faith in a person's life, is a reality.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

How did Abraham demonstrate his faith to the maximum? What recent action of yours witnesses that your faith is living, loving, loyal faith? (James 2:21-24 ).