James 2

In this chapter, James addresses a problem the believers were having: respect of persons. He gives an example of a meeting where they were judging between two people. One was poor and one was well-dressed, and they began the proceedings by giving the wealthy man a good seat and the poor man a lower seat. James alluded to the Jewish law that when there was an arbitration, both people were to sit or stand in the same position so as not to influence the decision of the congregation. He applies this principle to the Christian church. He instructs them not to be partial because, often, the poor in this world are rich and faith and the rich in this world are often drawn away from true Christian faith by their riches. How often are we tempted to be influenced by a person's wealth or social status. Or, maybe we are impressed by someone who is a good speaker. Let's remember to look as people as God does. He cares about their character and their actions, not their wealth and prestige.

 
 

Next, James addresses a problem in the early church that we face very much today: faith without works. There are many people in our world today who attend church and have a wonderful testimony for the Lord but it is nearly impossible to see any difference in their everyday lives from someone who is not a Christian. They ignore the practical teachings of the Bible. They claim that they were for those in the early church, but not for us today. What kind of faith is that? It is not faith. It is only a profession and so, it does no good for them or those they meet. It actually is a hindrance to the true church. It turns away true seekers because they have no reason to join a church that has no affect on the lives of its members. Let's be challenged to follow James's advice and let the world see our faith by our works.