SO
YOU BELIEVE THAT GOD IS ONE!
James
2:14-26
The book of James was written to a Jewish
audience (1:1). That fact brings a particular significance to James 2:19 that
might otherwise be easily overlooked. This verse reflects the Old Testament
Scripture most recited by the Jews called the shema. For our
purposes, this quotation especially involves Deuteronomy 6:4. Translated
literally, that verse reads “Hear Israel, Jehovah our God, Jehovah is one.” Drawing from that, the
literal wording of James 2:19 would be, “You believe that God is one; you do well, the demons
believe and shudder.”
James uses the most familiar and highly
prized of all Jewish Scripture to make a dramatically telling point about true
faith. We can learn much from this powerful statement to keep us on a fully
biblical course.
Facts Alone
Are Of No Value In Our Salvation:
¨ Often
repeated phrases and slogans, even when truthful, can become for the speakers
mere platitudes (Matt. 23:1-3; Jas. 2:15-16).
¨ Taking
ownership of words instead of
practicing those words can lead to misplaced pride and arrogance (Rom.
2:17-29).
¨ Words
are rejected by God when they stand alone apart from deeds (I Jn. 3:18; Lk.
6:46).
¨ The
hearing words as an end in itself deceives listeners into thinking that the
words alone are enough.
Saving Faith Is
A Faith That Is Accompanied:
¨ It is
compassionate (Matt. 9:13; 12:7; Jas. 1:27; cf. Matt. 23:4; Jas. 2:14-16).
¨ It is
practical (I Thess. 4:11-12; the book of James is itself called the Proverbs of
the New Testament).
¨ It is
complete (Col. 1:24-29; Eph. 4:15; Jas. 1:2-4, 25; 2:21-22; 3:2).
¨ It is
obvious even though practiced in humility (Matt. 5:16; I Jn. 3:1-10; Jas.
3:17-18; cf. Matt. 7:20).
Some
Applications For Us:
¨ Speaking
the truth about the biblical steps of faith in becoming a Christian will sound
hollow if we are not actively involved in trying to bring people to the truth
(I Pet. 2:9).
¨ Affirming
truth about the nature of New Testament worship is no value to us if we do not
also worship in humility from the heart (Jn. 4:24).
¨ Bible
study accomplishes nothing of lasting value unless we involve ourselves in
practical, compassionate service (II Tim. 3:16-17).
¨ Speaking
where the Bible speaks and being silent where the Bible is silent could bring
a sarcastic “you do well” if the words
are not a reflection of our lives (Jas. 2:19).
Words alone are not enough. Formulas alone
cannot save. Faith is to be accompanied by those things that bring it to life
and give it beauty (Jas. 2::26). Those who find peace and lead others to truth
are those who both say and do regarding the perfect law of liberty (Jas. 1:25).
ESJ
4/30/00
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