James 2

James 2 continues to develop the thoughts he began in chapter 1. In this chapter James continues to instruct us on the nature of true religion verses false religion.

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well.

James 2:1 and 8, ESV

James 2 continues to develop the thoughts he began in chapter 1. In this chapter James continues to instruct us on the nature of true religion verses false religion.

James 2 - Show No Partiality

In the second chapter of James two thoughts are the focus of discovering the nature of true religion. First, James develops the idea of showing no partiality and secondly he covers the subject of faith without works.

We are encouraged, as true believers, to show no partiality, especially by preferring the wealthy over the poor. Then he emphasizes the ideal of showing no partiality by giving us what he calls as the royal law of love. Last of all, we learn to show no partiality by acting in light of judgment.

James 2 - Faith without Works is Dead

Verses 14 and 15 of James 2 discuss faith without works. Then, in verses 18 through 20, we hear the response of the critic. Last of all, in verses 21-26, James uses two examples: Abraham and Rahab.

James 2 - General Thoughts

James is a book that the Christian could read again and again and continue to find nuggets of truth for daily life. Understanding that James is writing these thoughts to a very young church of new believers, we realize that these are new thoughts to the believers. They are totally at odds with the culture of that time. And yet, two thousand years later, we find this book to be filled with great helps to believers today as we face the dilemma of living the Christian life in a world that is totally at odds with Biblical truths. In terms of the culture in which we live, not much has changed in 2000 years.

As we travel through this chapter, I pray that our lives will be enriched and that we will be encouraged. Christ is all. All we need for peace, joy, happiness, and contentment is found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

He not only has saved us, but, as we are reminded in Psalm 23, He is our Shepherd.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.

Psalm 23:1-3, ESV

Go today in the strength and power of Christ and may He restore your soul as you continue to study the truths found in the book of James.

God Bless You,

Linda