Whenever James 2 is read in a church Bible study the focus always seems to fall on verses 14-26. The main question that is usually posed about those verses is how do you reconcile the teaching of James with the teaching of Paul (in a book like Romans for example)? James seems to say that you can't be saved without good deeds. Paul seems to say that you can't be saved if you rely on good deeds. The positions seem contrary. In fact, there is probably less difficulty here than we think. Most scholars suggest that Paul and James are really talking about two different things. Paul is speaking of how we get saved in the first place. (It is through grace. No works involved in that). James is speaking of how we demonstrate that we are saved after our salvation occurs. (We do good deeds that reveal the presence of the Spirit inside us.) The conflict may be less real than we imagine it to be.
We shouldn't let the questions about this passage take our attention away from the clear truths that are here. Take verses 15-16 for example. They say: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" (NIV, 1984). James makes an important point here. He says that one of the ways that we demonstrate our salvation is by giving to the needy, especially by giving to other Christians. This is a point that is made throughout Scripture and should not be neglected.
Two Sundays ago, we talked about our obligation to help the poor. James reminds us again that helping the needy is an integral part of our faith. Let's be sure to demonstrate the reality of our relationship with Jesus by helping those in need.
