James 2:15
Verse
Context
Faith and Works
14What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.16If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If a brother or sister be naked - That is, ill-clothed; for γυμνος, naked, has this meaning in several parts of the New Testament, signifying bad clothing, or the want of some particular article of dress. See Mat 25:36, Mat 25:38, Mat 25:43, Mat 25:44, and Joh 21:7. It has the same comparative signification in most languages.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The Greek is, "But if," &c.: the "But" taking up the argument against such a one as "said he had faith, and yet had not works," which are its fruits. a brother, &c.--a fellow Christian, to whom we are specially bound to give help, independent of our general obligation to help all our fellow creatures. be--The Greek implies, "be found, on your access to them."
John Gill Bible Commentary
If a brother or sister,.... A Christian man or woman, a fellow member of a church of Christ; for this relation is to be understood in a spiritual sense, though it does not exclude such who are in this relation in a natural sense: be naked; or clothed in rags, or in very mean and sordid apparel, such as will neither keep them warm, nor clean and decent; for they must not be supposed to be entirely naked, but to be in a very uncomfortable and indecent garb: and destitute of daily food; have not food sufficient for the day; or aught to support nature with, and yield them proper refreshment and nourishment.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:15-16 Suppose you see: As in 2:2-4, James gives an illustration of “faith” that is useless. • no food or clothing: In first-century Palestine and the Roman world in general, many poverty-stricken persons lacked the bare necessities of life. • stay warm and eat well: This sentence probably expresses a presumption that God would provide the needs of the poor person. The speaker might suppose that what is needed is simply an expression of faith that it will happen. But without participation (action), it is an empty wish.
James 2:15
Faith and Works
14What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.16If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Justification by Works
By J. Vernon McGee5.5K44:45JHN 13:35ROM 12:15ROM 13:8ROM 14:191CO 15:58GAL 6:10PHP 4:4COL 3:9JAS 2:15In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the topic of faith and works in the book of James. He begins by highlighting James' unique method of presenting an illustration before explaining the truth. McGee then discusses an illustration given by James, where he emphasizes the importance of providing for the physical needs of others rather than just offering empty words. He connects this illustration to Paul's teachings in Romans, showing that both James and Paul emphasize the importance of genuine faith being accompanied by good works. McGee concludes by emphasizing that true faith is verified by the presence of good works, such as regular church attendance, financial giving, and caring for the poor and needy.
Testimony - Part 6
By Jackie Pullinger3.7K09:56TestimonyJAS 2:15In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a young girl named Maria who was sold into a brothel at a young age. The speaker recounts how he prayed to God to help him find Maria, and miraculously, he was led to a specific location where he found her. Despite his initial doubts and concerns, the speaker felt compelled to help Maria and decided to sell his only possession, an opal, to pay off her debts. Three months later, the speaker receives a phone call from Maria, confirming that she had been able to escape the brothel. This story serves as a powerful reminder of God's guidance and the importance of showing compassion and helping those in need.
Survival in Economic Crisis Eng to French
By George Verwer1.1K1:11:02Economic CrisisJAS 2:151JN 3:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of counting the cost before engaging in battle. He highlights the potential negative influence of television, particularly in regards to the increasing presence of explicit content. The speaker emphasizes the need for discipline and prioritizing God's activities over consuming hours of television. Additionally, the sermon touches on the importance of saving money and being mindful of expenditures, as well as the potential impact of financial disagreements on marriages. The speaker encourages a simpler lifestyle and references biblical teachings on love and caring for others in need.
Prayer Night 23.8.83
By George Verwer1.0K37:07Prayer MeetingJAS 2:15In this sermon, Gary Davies expresses his frustration and anger towards the lack of access to medicine for millions of children suffering from diarrhea. He contemplates various ways to address this issue, including reaching out to government agencies and opening an organization to provide aid. Despite facing opposition from some leaders, Davies emphasizes the importance of helping suffering children, particularly through education and providing simple health regulations. He also discusses the burden of inequality and the need for compassion and obedience to God's teachings. Additionally, Davies mentions the importance of prayer for upcoming conferences and highlights the simultaneous nature of different conference events.
What Is God Doing Through Om?
By George Verwer98251:37Mission MovementJAS 2:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the original vision of reaching every creature with the word of God. They emphasize that training was not initially a part of their vision, but rather the goal was to share the gospel with everyone. The speaker acknowledges the challenges of maintaining unity and loyalty as a movement grows larger. They also mention the importance of planning and the current focus on pastoral counseling and budgeting within their organization. The sermon references Acts chapter 15, where Paul and Barnabas continue to teach and preach the word of the Lord and decide to visit their brethren in every city.
Bro. Bakht Singh's Testimony - Part 2
By Bakht Singh56032:32Prayer and ServiceTestimonyCompassionJAS 2:15Bakht Singh shares a powerful testimony about responding to God's call to help those in need, illustrating how a simple act of giving five rupees to a widow fulfilled her prayer and need. He emphasizes the importance of believers being sensitive to the needs of others and the necessity of prayer to discern those needs. Singh warns against the ambition for power among church leaders who lack compassion and encourages a spirit of sharing and mutual support within the community. He highlights the example of the early church in Antioch, where believers willingly helped each other without begging, driven by prayer and love. Ultimately, he calls for a return to faith and a loving heart in service to God and others.
An Active Faith Necessary
By Billy Strachan5541:01:46FaithJAS 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying the word of God in a practical and relatable way. He shares an anecdote about a group of students from a theological college who were eager to preach on television but failed to communicate effectively to the audience. The speaker highlights the need for faith to be backed up by actions and warns against hypocrisy. He also references the story of the prodigal son to illustrate the significance of God allowing us to make mistakes and learn from them.
1 John 3:17
By John Gill0Love for NeighborsCompassionJAS 2:151JN 3:17John Gill emphasizes the moral responsibility of those who possess worldly goods to show compassion towards those in need. He explains that true love for God is demonstrated through our actions towards our neighbors, particularly those who are less fortunate. Gill highlights that having the means to help others obligates one to act with kindness and generosity, as withholding assistance reflects a lack of God's love within. He stresses that love should be accompanied by genuine compassion and not given begrudgingly. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to reflect on their hearts and actions in relation to their brothers and sisters in need.
1 John 3:18
By John Gill0Genuine LoveAction in FaithJAS 2:151JN 3:18John Gill emphasizes the importance of genuine love among believers, urging that love should not be merely verbal but demonstrated through actions. He explains that true love is not just about kind words but involves tangible acts of kindness and support for one another, reflecting the heart's sincerity. Gill highlights that love must be expressed in both spiritual and practical ways, such as bearing burdens, forgiving, and meeting each other's needs. He warns against superficial expressions of love that lack true commitment and encourages believers to act with a cheerful and generous spirit. Ultimately, love should be a heartfelt and active grace that reflects Christ's love for us.
Active Faith
By A.W. Tozer0Faith in ActionActive FaithJAS 2:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of active faith, warning against the tendency to use prayer as a substitute for action. He critiques the hypocrisy of offering prayers for those in need without taking tangible steps to help them, referencing James and John's teachings on the importance of love expressed through deeds. Tozer argues that true faith manifests in both prayer and service, urging believers to engage in faith-filled actions rather than relying solely on religious words. He concludes that a proper understanding of faith leads to an increase in godly works and a deeper connection to the teachings of the New Testament.
Christian Liberality
By C.H. Spurgeon0Compassion for the PoorCharityPSA 41:1PRO 19:17MAT 25:40LUK 6:38GAL 6:2JAS 2:15C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the Christian duty of considering the poor, as highlighted in Psalm 41:1, which promises divine deliverance to those who care for others in need. He critiques the hurried and thoughtless giving that lacks genuine compassion, urging believers to thoughtfully engage with the plight of the poor and devise meaningful assistance. Spurgeon asserts that true charity involves both care and financial support, and that God rewards those who actively help others during their times of trouble. He encourages Christians to be generous, reminding them that their acts of kindness will invoke God's providential help in their own times of distress. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for believers to empty their pockets and hearts in service to the needy, assuring them of God's faithfulness in return.
1 Corinthians 9:1
By St. John Chrysostom0PRO 19:17MAT 25:40LUK 6:381CO 9:12JAS 2:15John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of generosity and compassion towards the needy, emphasizing the need to care for the poor and vulnerable in society. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their actions and attitudes towards those in need, urging them to follow the example of Christ in showing mercy and kindness. Chrysostom highlights the significance of almsgiving as a way to demonstrate love for others and to fulfill the commandments of God. He warns against indifference and selfishness, encouraging a spirit of generosity and selflessness in all aspects of life. The sermon serves as a call to action for the listeners to examine their hearts and strive to live out the teachings of Christ through acts of charity and compassion.
(Reformers and Their Stepchildren) Kommunisten! - Part 2
By Leonard Verduin0DEU 24:10PRO 19:17MAT 25:35LUK 3:11ACT 2:44ROM 12:132CO 9:7GAL 6:2JAS 2:151JN 3:17Leonard Verduin discusses the economic principles and practices of the Anabaptist pioneers, highlighting their emphasis on communal sharing of resources to provide for those in need and their rejection of usury and excessive accumulation of wealth. The Anabaptists believed in helping the less fortunate out of brotherly love and without coercion, advocating for a Christian view of ownership that prioritizes compassion and stewardship. Despite facing persecution and being misunderstood, they stood firm in their belief in assisting those in need and promoting a more equitable distribution of resources.
To Be Like Christ We Love One Another, Through Everything
By Ausbund0JAS 2:15Ausbund preaches on the importance of loving one another as Christ did, emphasizing the need to show love not just in words but through actions. He challenges the congregation to share their blessings with those in need, highlighting that true readiness to sacrifice for others is demonstrated by our willingness to give. Ausbund warns against selfishness and urges the listeners to focus on love, as faithfulness in small matters reflects our trustworthiness in greater responsibilities.
Disguised Blessings
By E.A. Adeboye0PSA 41:1PRO 19:17PRO 21:13MAT 25:31LUK 6:38JAS 2:15E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of helping the poor and needy, revealing that by blessing them, we are actually paving a path to greatness and abundance. He highlights how God promises blessings to those who assist the less fortunate, including deliverance in times of trouble, protection, and support in times of need. Adeboye urges listeners to invest in both the physically and spiritually poor around them to access these blessings and to ask God for guidance in recognizing opportunities to help others.
Three More Twisted Jewish Sayings Refuted
By Timothy Tow0PRO 3:27MAT 5:37LUK 23:34ROM 12:19HEB 6:16JAS 2:15Timothy Tow preaches on the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:33-48, where Jesus refutes twisted Jewish sayings regarding oath-taking, honoring parents, revenge, and love for enemies. Jesus emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully from the heart, avoiding revenge, and loving both friends and enemies. He teaches that Christians should not only forgive but also give generously, showing practical expressions of love and forgiveness. By following Jesus' teachings on honest communication, non-retaliation, and love for enemies, believers can reflect God's perfection and bring glory to the Father in heaven.
A Miracle for the Multitude
By Dan Puckett0MAT 5:16MAT 9:36MAT 14:14MRK 8:2MRK 8:6JHN 8:36ACT 20:35GAL 6:2JAS 2:151JN 3:17Dan Puckett preaches about Jesus' compassion for the multitude, emphasizing how He met people at their point of need, healed the sick, and provided for the hungry. Through the miracle of feeding the 4,000, Jesus showed His care and power, demonstrating that the gospel has the ultimate liberating force to set people free from bondage. Believers are called to be compassionate like Jesus, praying in faith and actively sharing the good news to bring miracles to those in need.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If a brother or sister be naked - That is, ill-clothed; for γυμνος, naked, has this meaning in several parts of the New Testament, signifying bad clothing, or the want of some particular article of dress. See Mat 25:36, Mat 25:38, Mat 25:43, Mat 25:44, and Joh 21:7. It has the same comparative signification in most languages.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The Greek is, "But if," &c.: the "But" taking up the argument against such a one as "said he had faith, and yet had not works," which are its fruits. a brother, &c.--a fellow Christian, to whom we are specially bound to give help, independent of our general obligation to help all our fellow creatures. be--The Greek implies, "be found, on your access to them."
John Gill Bible Commentary
If a brother or sister,.... A Christian man or woman, a fellow member of a church of Christ; for this relation is to be understood in a spiritual sense, though it does not exclude such who are in this relation in a natural sense: be naked; or clothed in rags, or in very mean and sordid apparel, such as will neither keep them warm, nor clean and decent; for they must not be supposed to be entirely naked, but to be in a very uncomfortable and indecent garb: and destitute of daily food; have not food sufficient for the day; or aught to support nature with, and yield them proper refreshment and nourishment.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:15-16 Suppose you see: As in 2:2-4, James gives an illustration of “faith” that is useless. • no food or clothing: In first-century Palestine and the Roman world in general, many poverty-stricken persons lacked the bare necessities of life. • stay warm and eat well: This sentence probably expresses a presumption that God would provide the needs of the poor person. The speaker might suppose that what is needed is simply an expression of faith that it will happen. But without participation (action), it is an empty wish.