Notes on James 2:4-26

Discriminated among yourselves - James 2:4

No mere illustration, some within James’ audience had been showing preference to the wealthy and neglecting the poor. These church members have traded the wisdom of God for the wisdom of the world. Violating the practices of true religion in 1:27, James describes them as judges with evil thoughts.

Upside down economy in God's kingdom- James 2:5

In the upside down economy of his kingdom, God makes the poor rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “the meek shall inherit the earth” and the poor will possess “the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3, 5). Earthly riches cannot curry favor with God, because He accepts no bribes. His favor rests solely on those who seek his wisdom. The church would be wise to seek God’s favor, instead of the favor of the rich who often oppress the poor.

The rich exploiting poorer citizens - James 2:6-7

James calls attention to the way in which rich members of the community were using the court to gain further advantages against poorer citizens. By doing so, the rich insult Jesus’ name, because he identified with the poor and illustrated the economic justice of his kingdom and the deceitfulness of riches in his parables.

Royal law - James 2:8-9

James’ echo of Jesus’ teaching is evident again in the way he summarizes the royal law The sum of this law, which is also described as the “law of freedom” and the “word of truth” (1:18, 21, 23, 25), is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:37-40). To favor certain people over others directly contradicts this command.

Whole law . . . one point - James 2:10-11

Using the Ten Commandments, James explains how breaking one part of the law makes one guilty of breaking the whole law. The law has one source, and reflects the character and wisdom of the one, true God (cf. Deut 4:5-8; Matt. 5:19; Gal. 3:10; Eph 3:10). Law-keeping, then, has a missionary purpose to display the character of God.

Going to be judged...mercy triumphs - James 2:12-13

James reminds his readers to speak and act as people who will be judged under the law of freedom. Anyone who thinks they will not be judged for their actions and professes faith in Christ is deceiving themselves (Matt 16:15; 25:32; Acts 10:42; Rom 2:5; 14:10-12; 1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10). Those who are without mercy in judgment will not receive mercy themselves before God’s judgment (Matt. 5:7; 6:14-15). The mercy that triumphs over judgment tempers retributive justice with restorative justice. God’s law does not merely punish lawbreakers, but with mercy it provides paths of restitution and reconciliation so lawbreakers can be restored to communion with God and neighbor (cf. Hosea 6:6; Matt 9:13; 12:7).

Your Works Demonstrate Your Faith - James 2:14-26

Your Works Demonstrate Your Faith. In the last of three sections on wisdom and obedience, James examines the relationship between faith and works in the life of Abraham. A profession of faith in a righteous God that is unaccompanied by righteous practices is foolish and useless.

Can such faith save him? - James 2:14

James questions his readers about the profit of a faith that has no accompanying works. More poignantly, he asks whether such a “faith” can save anyone. Good works must accompany saving faith, because trusting the one, true God changes human motivations and practices, conforming believers to His image and wisdom.

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