What does Christian living look like? This is what James shows us. Some have described it as the New Testament version of Proverbs – it is full of sayings to make us think, to challenge the conduct of those who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ.
It is easy to dismiss James, or to skim the letter, because he doesn’t ascend the heights of doctrinal exposition like Paul, and because it appears that he contradicts Paul on justification by faith (James 2:24). However, this is to misread James. He wants us to realise that right doctrine (true believing) will result in changed lives. Faith bears fruit. True faith is not alone. If there is no fruit in a person’s life, you have to question whether that person is truly converted, no matter how right their “beliefs” are.
In summary, James shows us:
- True faith perseveres (James 1:1-18)
- True faith responds to God’s word (James 1:19-27)
- True faith doesn’t have favourites (James 2:1-13)
- True faith works (James 2:14-26)
- True faith changes the way we speak and think (James 3)
- True faith submits to God in all circumstances (James 4)
- True faith perseveres and prays (James 5).
Do you possess true faith? Read James with a humble heart. Ask God to challenge you and change you.