Verse of the Day 12/9

Verse of the Day 12/9

James 2:15-16 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?    English Standard Version (ESV)

Our men's Monday Bible study is currently going through the  book of James.  This week we took a look at this passage.  The book of James may be considered the Proverbs of the New Testament.  It is full of wisdom, of living the Christian life, the life of faith, and that living includes doing good works which give evidence to our faith.

Ephesians 2:8-10 tell us that we are saved by grace through faith to do  good works which God has prepared for us to do.  It does not contradict James words.  They build upon and reinforce one another.  In verse 14 James asks "if someone says  he  has faith but has no works, can that faith save him?"  Then in verse 16 he asks to the one who offers words but no action, no works "what good is that"? 

In his commentary, John MacArthur points out that "no particular type of work is specified but the book up to this point  is full of examples.  Enduring hardship and trials (1:3), persevering under trial, purity of life (1;21); obedience to God's Word (1:22-23); compassion for the needy (1:27) and impartiality (2:1-9).  He goes on to mention things like compassion (2:15); control of the tongue (3:2-12); humility (4:6-10); truthfulness (4:11); and patience (5:8). "  Some of these works seem to be more like traits, but that is it,  traits are faith put into action.

We are facing some cold days ahead, more than just saying "be warm and be fed" may we do something  about it, be prepared to do something about it.  "Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?"  The Message.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

James 2:15-17The Message (MSG)

Faith in Action

^14-17 Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?