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James 2:15-17 - SERVICE

James 2:15-17 (NKJV) "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus, also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

INTRODUCTION

   As you read these verses, you may become a bit confused. "I thought all I needed was faith to be saved. Now I'm reading that faith alone doesn't save me?" As you study the Bible, remember that God never contradicts himself. Don't take a verse out of context; instead, examine it in the context of the passage and the entire Bible.
   Paul wrote: "We are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law" (Romans 3:28). James says we are "shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone" (James 2:24,). The two are not contradictory. True saving faith will manifest itself in a life of good works. Faith is what is required to get into God's kingdom. But true faith never stands alone. It always produces a changed life. Now, your life will not change to perfection overnight. In fact, this side of heaven, you'll never attain perfection. But now that Christ has given you new life in him, you will continue to grow in your desire to please him more and your sinful nature less. Good works will flow naturally from your life in Christ. [The One Year Bible for New Believers]

COMMENTARY PEARL

SERVICE
   An Amazing Fact: In 1896, Sir Albert Cook journeyed to Uganda as a medical missionary. In his lifetime, he founded the oldest hospital in East Africa, trained countless native medical workers, began a midwifery school, and established a treatment center for STDs and sleeping sickness, as well as a school for medical assistants!
   In an era of discrimination and prejudice against native Africans, British Medical missionary Sir Albert Cook stood out as an unusual example of equality and service. After beginning medical work in Africa, he recognized the desperate need for trained local medical workers and decided to take action. For Cook, missionary work meant recognizing the needs of those around him and doing what he could to serve them.
   His actions reflect the words of the apostle James. "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?" Sharing God's love often starts with action. In the United States, the need for food and medical attention might not be as desperate as it is overseas, but people also have emotional needs. Showing others that we care, taking an interest in their lives, and being a difference to them is frequently the best first step of evangelism. [Moving Mountains by Amazing Facts]

COMMENT

Certainly, prayer counts as a work of faith when one is unable to do much else.

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

James 2:17 - Converted in Thought and Deed.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230602-1039.html

James 2:17 - Faith and Works.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2016/20161216-2029.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/