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Weekly Message | February 8th, 2009
Passage: James 2:1-26
Key Verse(s): 26
This is about the royal law—the most important law. In this world many struggle to do even one thing right. However, this is about doing both, not choosing one over the other. This is about yourself and your neighbor, not yourself or your neighbor. This is about faith and action, not faith or action. This is about integration of our own lives while living with our neighbors. Here, let us consider this wisdom.
First, “Has not God chosen those who are rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”(1-11). From verses 1-11, St. James speaks about loving one’s neighbor. Particular context is about the treatment of the poor in the church. Look at verse 1: “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.” Favoritism is giving preferential treatment based on riches of the world. In verses 1-4, James defines favoritism by giving specific example.
Look at verses 2-4: “Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” St. James here gives a specific example to show what favoritism really means. It is about our attitude of welcome. In this world people treat the rich with fancy clothes and gold ring far better than the people in shabby clothes. This is the ways of the world. The rich and powerful people receive more favorable attention. On the other hand, people in humble appearance are routinely ignored.
Look at verse 5: Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” Verses 5-7 he explains God’s treatment of the poor and affirms that discrimination is wrong. James here reminds of God’s treatment of the poor. God chose the people of Israel—a slave nation over the mighty people of Egypt. God called a humble shepherd boy David out of pasture and made him king over Israel. David’s mighty men (i.e., the leaders who helped David to unite the kingdom of Israel) were not the rich and famous from the beginning. They were those in distress or in debt or discontented (1Sa 22:2). Our Lord Jesus also chose humble Galilean fishermen to be the salt and the light of the world (Mk 1:14-18). St. Paul described God’s ways in this way: “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him” (1Cor 1:27-29).
Look at verses 6 and 7: “But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?” Here, “you” refers to the people in the church or the leaders of the church. “They” refer to the rich ones. The rich were dragging people into court. They were slandering the noble names. As the world despised the poor, so did the church. As the people of the world accuse others in court, do did many Christians dragged fellow believers into the court. As people in the world slandered one another, so did the people in the church.
Look at verse 8: “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.” From verses 8-11 In verses 8-11 St. James makes another earnest appeal in light of the royal law of loving one’s neighbor. The point is clear. Although we do all the right things, we become law-breakers if we show favoritism. At this point James is quite sharp, critical and forceful. “Love your neighbor as yourself”. “Do not show favoritism”. This is right. At the same time it is practically challenging to keep this. When we first moved in the current location, this area was not as good as now. So many poor people from street walked in and asked for money. I received many calls that ask for pastor of the church and then ask donations of food and money. One young man came and asked to stay in the mission house indefinitely until he finds a job. We could not handle them all. So we have some policies. I have chances to hear them and prayed for them. I give them little money I have. I refer them to the Cherry Street Mission and Pregnancy Center. We regularly support these organizations. Can we do more? Of course, we do. Yet, we need God’s mercy how to obey this command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
In the lobby of St. Vincent Hospital, these words describe the founder of the organization to this effect. “She loved the poor and Christ Jesus”. By making this as the motto of the organization, the hospital accepts anyone who comes regardless of the ability of payment and treats them first. This is quite different from some countries where people are routinely rejected for treatment if they do not come up with money upfront. How do we practice this command? Love your neighbor as yourself? We may all stumble in this. However, our practice of welcome with the mind of Christ makes differences. This life is linked with human relationships chain. As we welcome and help those who come into our lives, the kingdom of God expands.
Second, “Mercy triumphs over judgment”(12-14). St. James spoke in sharp and clear words. He rebuked the Christian church that practiced discrimination against the poor. Then, probably he was examining himself. He then speaks with somewhat different spirit.
Look at verses 12 and 13: “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” He recommends us to speak and act as those who are going to be judged. The idea of God’s judgment reminds me of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:31-46. In the time of judgment the King will say to the righteous, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'” What are the opposite words of judgment to the unrighteous? The King will reply, “'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."(Mt 25:45, 46).
Judgment and mercy are different in terms of results. Judgment results in punishment/penalty (i.e., exact or fair administration according to the law) and mercy (i.e., reduction of due punishment based on grace, forgiveness and legitimate power). Mercy triumphs over judgment. Mercy is victorious over judgment. This is the way God wants us to deal with one another.
Third, “A person is justified by what he does, not by faith alone” (14-26). James saw the serious deficiencies of basic spiritual conducts in the church. Look at verse 14: “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” He now challenges Christian people with more specific examples.
Look at verses 15-17: “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? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” The example that gives is simple. It is easy to say words only without deeds. His conclusion is clear: show your action in love to those who are in need.
Look at verses 18 and 19: “But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” James challenges those who claim faith with deeds but in fact no deeds. James was able to say, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith with what I do.” Mere words of confession are not enough. Action matters. Demons are spiritual beings. They know that God exists. But their knowledge of God does not match with what they do. The devil says beautiful words with no action.
Look at verses 20-26: You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?” You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he as called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” Here, James refers to Abraham’s offering of his son Isaac which is recorded in the book of Genesis 22:1-12. Do you know what he is referring to as the evidence of righteousness? To Abraham it is to offer his precious son Isaac on a mountain as a burnt offering. Kill burn and offer your son! Abraham was willing to do this for God! God did not allow him to do this. It was just a test! However, this is what James refers to us! Can we practice this? Can we be willing to kill, burn and offer our sons and daughters as Abraham did? Not just mere act, but real action of faith? James really emphasizes conducts and deeds and works.
Can anyone do that from the beginning such extraordinary act of sacrifice? No. Abraham did after he experienced growth over the years. However, Abraham’s faith always worked together with action. He trusted God’s words of promises and left his home country. In each step of his spiritual journey his faith and his actions worked together. Did he make mistakes along the way? Yes, he did. He was fearful for his life, therefore he lied about his wife at least twice. Out of unbelief he took Hagar and bore a child named Ishmael. His family conflicts were great. Did God help him? Yes, he did. Did he repent? Yes, he did. Faith according to St. James is understanding/knowledge about certain truths. What he emphasizes that this understanding of truth must accompany with actions. This is the only way of experiencing any real growth in the Lord. This is same as saying, “Theory and practice must go together”. Otherwise, faith without action is dead.
This emphasis of faith and actions is quite normal. This is healthy. For example, what does evangelism principles teach about five things that new Christians do? New Christians recommend to do the following : (1) Read the Bible, (2) Pray, (3) Worship (4) Fellowship (5) Witnessing – Faithful/Responsible life. Then, what would growing Christians do? What would mature Christians do?
This is from an article from Christianity Today entitled, “Who do you think you are? The global church needs to ground youth in their true, deepest identity”, “The US recent Barna Group research found that a majority of American youth raised in the church have left it by age 29. The issue for American Christians is less about rioting youth and more about a rising generation whose commitment to Christ may not stand when shaken. And it doesn’t take much to shake it before they abandon Christ for lesser loyalties”(Christianity Today February, 2009. Vol. 53, No. 2. pp. 19). What is the role of Christian church? What should be the focus of college ministries? In light of the teachings of this chapter, the focus of the ministry is to help people during their college years to know Christ, commit to him and take steps for normal growth processes?
What does this mean? There is real need to learn how to love ourselves and others. We need to be clear about our own identity as those loved and saved for the glory of God. Then, we respect others—their precious identity as the objects of God’s love. We grow in our capacity to love our neighbors as we grow up in our own Christian identity.
What young Christians need to do is to know Christ the Savior and the Lord and therefore practice faithful and responsible living. How often does Jesus emphasize this, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness”(Mt 25;21). Practice faithfulness in a few things. That’s a start for the journey. Be faithful in reading and studying the Word of God, worship, and fellowship. Learn to respect and honor God and Jesus Christ. Be faithful and responsible in the name of Christ Jesus. This is the very foundation for young Christians. Practice faithfulness in little things..
What do growing Christians do? Be humble and sacrificial for Christ and his kingdom. Jesus challenges his growing disciples by saying, “ "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mk 8;34-36). Our Lord Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."(Mk 10:45). What do humble people do? They love the Lord. So they say, ‘I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.”(Acts 20:19-20). Be humble as leaders. Be sacrificial in loving others and offering oneself to God and his people. This is what growing Christian life is about. This is what world class Christians are about!
What would mature Christians do? Jesus said in the Last Supper to his disciples, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete”(Jn 15;11). “Be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks to God in all circumstances”(1Thes 5;16-18). Rejoice in the Lord always. They put their hope in the kingdom of God. They focus on Christ and pass their baton to the next generations. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” As we clear about who we are (i.e., Christian identity), our capacity to love our neighbors increases as well. Therefore, grow up in Christ. Care for what belongs to you. Extend the love experienced within you to others—your neighbors. This is the way we obey love your neighbor as yourself in this life. May God bless you.
February 8, 2009. Toledo UBF
Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
