Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For as the body without the spirit is dead - There can be no more a genuine faith without good works, than there can be a living human body without a soul. We shall never find a series of disinterested godly living without true faith. And we shall never find true faith without such a life. We may see works of apparent benevolence without faith; their principle is ostentation; and, as long as they can have the reward (human applause) which they seek, they may be continued. And yet the experience of all mankind shows how short-lived such works are; they want both principle and spring; they endure for a time, but soon wither away. Where true faith is, there is God; his Spirit gives life, and his love affords motives to righteous actions. The use of any Divine principle leads to its increase. The more a man exercises faith in Christ, the more he is enabled to believe; the more he believes, the more he receives; and the more he receives, the more able he is to work for God. Obedience is his delight, because love to God and man is the element in which his soul lives. Reader, thou professest to believe; show thy faith, both to God and man, by a life conformed to the royal law, which ever gives liberty and confers dignity. "Some persons, known to St. James, must have taught that men are justified by merely believing in the one true God; or he would not have taken such pains to confute it. Crediting the unity of the Godhead, and the doctrine of a future state, was that faith through which both the Jews in St. James' time and the Mohammedans of the present day expect justification. St. James, in denying this faith to be of avail, if unaccompanied with good works, has said nothing more than what St. Paul has said, in other words, Romans 2, where he combats the same Jewish error, and asserts that not the hearers but the doers of the law will be justified, and that a knowledge of God's will, without the performance of it, serves only to increase our condemnation." - Michaelis.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Faith is a spiritual thing: works are material. Hence we might expect faith to answer to the spirit, works to the body. But James reverses this. He therefore does not mean that faith in all cases answers to the body; but the FORM of faith without the working reality answers to the body without the animating spirit. It does not follow that living faith derives its life from works, as the body derives its life from the animating spirit. Next: James Chapter 3
John Gill Bible Commentary
For as the body without the spirit is dead,.... This simile is made use of to illustrate what the apostle had asserted in Jam 2:17 that as a body, when the spirit or soul is departed from it, or the breath is gone out of it, is dead, and without motion, and useless; which the Jews (d) express in like manner, , "the body without the spirit", or "breath, is a carcass". So faith without works is dead also: a vain thing, useless and unprofitable, can neither justify, nor save, nor prove that a man is justified, or will be saved. (d) Ohel. Moed, fol. 15. 1. Next: James Chapter 3
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:26 Good works are as necessary to faith as breath is to a physical body (Gen 2:7). We cannot have one without the other.
Faith and Works
25In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route?26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Without Faith, It Is Impossible to Please Him
By Timothy Tow1.3K25:12Pleasing GodMAT 6:33MAT 28:3JHN 3:16ROM 10:9HEB 11:6JAS 2:14JAS 2:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in salvation. He references John 3:16, which states that whoever believes in Jesus will have everlasting life. He also mentions Romans 10:9, which emphasizes the confession of faith in Jesus and the belief in His resurrection. The preacher shares a personal story of initially struggling with the concept of salvation through faith alone, but eventually coming to understand the balance between faith and good works. He concludes by highlighting the importance of having a balanced faith that is accompanied by good works, as stated in James 2:14-26.
Calling on God - Part 3
By Joshua Daniel1.2K08:542KI 2:2MAT 17:201CO 2:5HEB 11:6JAS 2:26This sermon reflects on the impossibility of atheism in light of the faith of great men like Sir Isaac Newton and other scientists who followed the Lord Jesus. It emphasizes the need to grow in faith and not rely on superstitious devotion to earthly leaders, contrasting it with the deep devotion of Elisha to Elijah. The speaker acknowledges his own shortcomings in faith and the importance of supplying faith to those around us.
Repentance - Part 2
By Michael H Yeager1.1K08:30MAT 7:21ROM 6:62CO 5:17GAL 5:24JAS 2:26This sermon emphasizes the importance of true repentance and living a life that reflects genuine faith in Christ. It warns against self-deception and highlights the need for a transformed life that aligns with God's holiness and grace. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their hearts and actions, stressing that true conversion involves crucifying the flesh and its sinful desires.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 29
By Zac Poonen65125:23EZK 28:14MAT 7:21LUK 10:42JAS 2:261JN 3:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and living a life of holiness, contrasting the significance of genuine repentance and faith over mere works or gifts. It warns against false prophets who may focus on outward displays of miracles and gifts but lack true transformation and obedience to God's will. The message stresses the need for believers to bear good fruit, reflecting a heart that is aligned with God's will and free from sin, as the ultimate criterion for entering God's kingdom.
Authority and Unbelief Part 1
By Phil Beach Jr.2749:59Authority of BelieversFaith in ActionUnbeliefISA 61:1MAT 4:23MAT 17:20MRK 16:17LUK 10:19JHN 12:31ACT 1:8EPH 1:17HEB 11:6JAS 2:26Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of moving beyond mere belief in God's omnipotence to actively participating in faith through obedience and action. He illustrates this with examples from the lives of Abraham and Peter, highlighting that true faith requires stepping out and trusting God, especially in challenging circumstances. The sermon warns against the complacency of the church, which acknowledges God's power but fails to act on it, and calls for a deeper intimacy with God to empower believers to perform His works. Beach stresses that the authority given to the church is meant to be exercised through faith, prayer, and a commitment to God's will, urging believers to confront their unbelief and embrace their role in God's plan.
Fruit Bearing vs. Fruit Producing
By Major Ian Thomas4Faith vs. WorksAbiding in ChristJHN 6:29JHN 15:1JHN 15:8GAL 5:16JAS 2:26Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the distinction between fruit bearing and fruit producing in the Christian life. He explains that fruit bearing is the natural overflow of Christ's life within us, resulting from faith and leading to eternal good works, while fruit producing is a struggle to live by our own efforts, often leading to short-lived results. Thomas highlights that true fruitfulness comes from abiding in Christ, which brings peace and rest, contrasting it with the anxiety of self-effort. He reminds us that our identity in Christ shapes our character and actions, and that genuine faith is evidenced by divine activity flowing through us. Ultimately, he calls believers to embrace their identity as fruit-bearers, relying on God's grace rather than their own strength.
All In
By Dick Brogden2PSA 37:3PRO 3:5PRO 29:25EPH 6:16HEB 11:6JAS 2:26JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 5:3Dick Brogden emphasizes the importance of complete trust and obedience in God, highlighting that disobedience is linked to disbelief, and when we stop believing, we stop obeying. He warns against rejecting God's counsel, as it leads to self-destruction and a descent into evil acts. Brogden stresses that trust in Jesus is essential in defeating the schemes of the devil, who seeks to undermine our faith. He encourages believers to give all their trust, obedience, strength, and thoughts to Jesus, as true happiness in Jesus comes from trusting and obeying Him alone.
Hyper-Evangelism: Another Gospel, Though a Mighty Power
By John W. Kennedy2ISA 8:20MAT 7:20LUK 4:18JHN 3:3JHN 6:441TI 2:52TI 3:16HEB 6:4JAS 2:26John Kennedy of Dingwall, a champion of the Reformed faith in Scotland, warned against the dangers of a superficial presentation of the gospel and the lack of saving faith even under orthodox ministries. He emphasized the importance of a full proclamation of the biblical gospel, resisting the drift from the Westminster Confession and advocating for the true cooperation of church and state. Kennedy's words of caution remain relevant today, as he critiqued the hyper-evangelism movement that focused on excessive emotionalism and neglected essential aspects of biblical and Reformed doctrine, leading to a potential rise of antinomianism. His insights serve as a reminder to prioritize the glory of God, the sovereignty of God in salvation, the necessity of repentance, and the true understanding of faith in Christ.
Crisis in the Church
By Glenn Meldrum1LUK 3:7JHN 3:32CO 5:17GAL 5:22JAS 2:26JAS 4:41JN 2:15Glenn Meldrum addresses the crisis in the evangelical church in the west, emphasizing the need to return to the true faith defined in Scriptures. He highlights the dangerous trend of redefining Christianity to fit a pop cultural, politically correct version that promotes deceptive tolerance and inclusiveness, leading to a distorted gospel. Meldrum urges for a spiritual revolution akin to the Great Reformation to restore the church to its Biblical roots, emphasizing the importance of being 'born again' as a radical and transformative experience that leads to verifiable evidence of a changed life.
Birth: Savior; Growth: Spirit
By Miles J. Stanford1JHN 14:26ROM 8:5ROM 8:141CO 2:102CO 5:7GAL 5:16GAL 5:25EPH 1:13HEB 11:1JAS 2:26Miles J. Stanford preaches on the importance of walking in the Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh. He emphasizes that while faith clears us before God through the Cross, the growth ministry of the Holy Spirit is needed to clear us from ourselves. By realizing our position in the Father's presence through faith, we are drawn closer to Him without depending on our senses. Faith allows us to claim our abundant title to be near and happy with God, even when our natural conscience may suggest otherwise. The preacher highlights that walking by sight takes us outside of faith, and God desires us to continually rely on faith for every moment, as it is the evidence of things unseen.
Of the Practical Influence of Faith
By John Newton1ROM 12:2GAL 5:6EPH 4:1PHP 4:6JAS 2:261JN 2:15John Newton emphasizes the importance of faith not only for a sinner's justification before God but also in daily life, guiding believers through challenges and decisions. He highlights the discrepancy between professing faith and displaying ungodly behaviors, stressing the need for true transformation and sanctification. Newton urges believers to walk worthy of God, emphasizing that faith should lead to a life that glorifies God and reflects Christ's character. He explains how faith enables believers to find strength, peace, and guidance in all circumstances, fostering a deep relationship with God and influencing interactions with others.
The Life of Faith
By J.G. Bellet1GAL 2:20EPH 6:16HEB 11:6JAS 2:261JN 5:4J.G. Bellet emphasizes that in the 'life of faith,' it is not just about depending on God or having confidence in Him; it involves a dynamic and energetic existence. True faith, as described in Scripture, goes beyond mere belief and trust in God. It encompasses understanding His ways, aligning with His principles, claiming His promises, experiencing His favor, obeying His commands, seeking His kingdom, achieving victories through His strength, and walking in His light. This kind of faith results in a life that reflects communion with God.
Let Your Light Shine
By Richard E. Bieber1PRO 4:18MAT 5:14JHN 8:12EPH 5:8PHP 2:15COL 3:17JAS 2:261PE 2:91JN 1:5Richard E. Bieber emphasizes the importance of believers being the light of the world, reflecting Jesus' light through their actions and deeds. He highlights that coming to faith in Jesus brings a transformation from darkness to light, enabling believers to see and understand God's truth. Bieber urges believers not to hide their light but to let it shine before others, leading them to glorify God. He stresses that living out the teachings of Jesus is essential in showing His light to the world, and that the glory should always be directed towards God.
The Measure of Faith
By Robert Haldane1ROM 12:31CO 4:7GAL 2:20EPH 2:8JAS 2:26Robert Haldane preaches on the importance of humility and self-awareness, as outlined in Romans 12:3, emphasizing the need for believers to accurately assess themselves based on the measure of faith given to them by God. He explains that faith is the key to our relationship with Christ and the reception of God's blessings, highlighting that the level of faith each believer possesses reflects their standing before God and among fellow believers. Haldane stresses that faith, in all its degrees, is a gift from God, and believers should not boast in themselves but recognize that their faith is a divine endowment.
Of the Death of the Body.
By John Gill1Hope in Eternal LifeThe Nature of DeathGEN 3:19JOB 14:5ECC 12:7LUK 20:36ROM 6:232CO 5:1PHP 1:231TH 4:14HEB 9:27JAS 2:26John Gill addresses the concept of physical death, distinguishing it from spiritual death and emphasizing that it is a separation of the soul and body. He explores the nature of death, its inevitability for all humans regardless of status or age, and the divine sovereignty behind it. Gill explains that while death is a consequence of sin, it is also a necessary transition for believers, leading them to eternal life with Christ. He reassures that death, though formidable, is ultimately a blessing for the righteous, as it frees them from sin and sorrow.
Refuges of Lies
By Charles Finney0False Assurances in FaithTrue Religion vs. DelusionISA 28:17MAT 7:21JAS 2:26Charles Finney addresses the dangers of relying on false assurances in faith, as illustrated in Isaiah 28:17, where God warns that judgment will expose the 'refuge of lies' that people create to evade accountability. He identifies various delusions, such as selfish religion, emotional impulse, mere orthodoxy, and universalism, which people use to avoid the true demands of God. Finney emphasizes that these false refuges ultimately lead to spiritual ruin, as they do not provide genuine peace or salvation. He calls for a return to true faith that is rooted in love for God and obedience to His commands, rather than self-serving beliefs. The sermon serves as a stark reminder that only through genuine faith in God can one find true refuge.
Philemon I. 4-6
By St. John Chrysostom0LUK 17:7ROM 14:8PHP 3:13PHM 1:4JAS 2:26John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of humility and forgiveness, using the example of Paul's letter to Philemon regarding Onesimus. Chrysostom emphasizes the need for masters to show compassion and forgiveness towards their servants, not being harsh or proud, but rather humble and willing to pardon offenses. He highlights the power of love and the transformation it brings, urging listeners to imitate Christ's love and humility in their relationships. Chrysostom encourages a deep reflection on one's actions, motivations, and the genuine practice of humility, reminding believers that true humility is not for self-glorification but for the glory of God.
Epistles of James - Introduction
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0JAS 2:26Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the Epistle of James, highlighting its Jewish character and its focus on practical Christian living. The Epistle addresses Jewish believers, emphasizing the importance of faith evidenced by works, patience in suffering, doing God's will, and awaiting His will. James, the brother of the Lord, is identified as the author, a godly man and leader of the Jewish-Christians in Jerusalem. The Epistle, though initially treated with suspicion, offers valuable exhortations applicable to all believers, regardless of their background.
Exchanged Life
By Major Ian Thomas0Living FaithExchanged LifeJHN 6:29ROM 12:1GAL 2:20JAS 2:26Major Ian Thomas emphasizes that Christian living is not about methods or techniques, but rather about the revolutionary principle of an exchanged life, where 'not I, but Christ liveth in me' (Galatians 2:20). He warns against separating Christian behavior from the Gospel, asserting that true faith must manifest in good works, as faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Thomas highlights that the essence of the Gospel is Christ living in us now, not just a promise of heaven later. He encourages believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, allowing the life of Christ to be displayed through them, which is the only way to gain God's approval. The sermon calls for a faith that breathes with divine action, rooted in dependence on Jesus.
Faith in God and His Word, the Establishment and Prosperity of His People.
By John Gill0Spiritual ProsperityFaith2CH 20:20ISA 26:3MAT 11:9MRK 9:24ROM 10:172CO 7:5PHP 1:6HEB 11:1JAS 2:261JN 5:4John Gill emphasizes the significance of faith in God and His Word for the establishment and prosperity of His people, drawing parallels between the challenges faced by Jehoshaphat and the modern church. He illustrates how prayer and reliance on God's promises can lead to spiritual strength and victory over adversities. Gill explains that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves a deep trust in God and His prophets, which results in both stability and spiritual prosperity. He encourages believers to seek a deeper faith that is rooted in the grace of God, leading to a fruitful and victorious Christian life. Ultimately, Gill warns against the dangers of unbelief and the importance of nurturing one's faith.
Don't Wait
By J. Stuart Holden0ECC 11:42CO 9:6GAL 6:9HEB 11:6JAS 2:26J. Stuart Holden emphasizes the importance of not allowing deterrent influences to hinder our Christian service and commitment. Just as a farmer must sow his seed regardless of unfavorable conditions, we are called to faithfully sow the seeds of God's love and truth in the world, trusting in God's providence and timing. Waiting for perfect circumstances before fulfilling our life-duty is futile; we must act with faith and courage even when conditions seem unpromising.
Consider!
By James Smith0HAG 1:7JHN 3:36ROM 10:10GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 1:21COL 3:17JAS 2:261PE 1:15James Smith preaches a powerful message urging listeners to consider their ways in light of eternity, their sinful nature, and the necessity of sincere faith in Christ for salvation. He emphasizes the immortality of the soul, the reality of sin, the availability of salvation through Jesus, and the importance of living a life dedicated to Christ. Smith highlights that true faith in Christ involves renouncing self-righteousness and fully relying on His finished work, leading to a transformed life of obedience and service to the Savior.
The Oppressed Soul Seeking Divine Interposition.
By Edward Payson0ISA 38:14JHN 6:37EPH 2:8HEB 7:25JAS 2:26Edward Payson preaches about the need for someone to undertake for us in various aspects of life, including supporting and comforting us through trials, guiding us, assisting in overcoming spiritual enemies, and pleading our cause in heaven. He emphasizes that the only one able and willing to undertake for us is the Lord Jesus Christ, who promises to help all who come to Him in faith. Payson urges the congregation to apply to Christ for help, emphasizing the importance of a living faith that manifests in obedience and active service to God.
The First Time Jesus Cleans Out the Temple John 2:13-25
By David Servant0PSA 69:21MAT 21:13JHN 2:19JHN 2:241CO 6:19JAS 2:261PE 1:15David Servant preaches about Jesus' righteous anger in the Temple, emphasizing the importance of honoring God and worshiping Him sincerely. Jesus' actions in the Temple reveal His divinity as the Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and demonstrating His authority over all things as God in human form. Jesus' resurrection after three days further confirms His deity and power. His body, as a temple of God, surpasses the physical Temple in Jerusalem, highlighting the spiritual significance of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
Judgments at the End of the Age
By John F. Walvoord0MAT 25:1EPH 2:8JAS 2:26John F. Walvoord delves into the Parable of the Ten Virgins, emphasizing the importance of watchfulness and preparation for Christ's second coming. The illustration of the ten virgins symbolizes the readiness of believers for Christ's return, with oil representing the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation. The Parable of the Talents highlights the principle of rewards given according to faithfulness, illustrating the necessity of serving and using God-given abilities wisely. The Judgment of the Nations following the second coming of Christ portrays the separation of the saved and unsaved based on their deeds, serving as evidence of true faith in Jesus Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For as the body without the spirit is dead - There can be no more a genuine faith without good works, than there can be a living human body without a soul. We shall never find a series of disinterested godly living without true faith. And we shall never find true faith without such a life. We may see works of apparent benevolence without faith; their principle is ostentation; and, as long as they can have the reward (human applause) which they seek, they may be continued. And yet the experience of all mankind shows how short-lived such works are; they want both principle and spring; they endure for a time, but soon wither away. Where true faith is, there is God; his Spirit gives life, and his love affords motives to righteous actions. The use of any Divine principle leads to its increase. The more a man exercises faith in Christ, the more he is enabled to believe; the more he believes, the more he receives; and the more he receives, the more able he is to work for God. Obedience is his delight, because love to God and man is the element in which his soul lives. Reader, thou professest to believe; show thy faith, both to God and man, by a life conformed to the royal law, which ever gives liberty and confers dignity. "Some persons, known to St. James, must have taught that men are justified by merely believing in the one true God; or he would not have taken such pains to confute it. Crediting the unity of the Godhead, and the doctrine of a future state, was that faith through which both the Jews in St. James' time and the Mohammedans of the present day expect justification. St. James, in denying this faith to be of avail, if unaccompanied with good works, has said nothing more than what St. Paul has said, in other words, Romans 2, where he combats the same Jewish error, and asserts that not the hearers but the doers of the law will be justified, and that a knowledge of God's will, without the performance of it, serves only to increase our condemnation." - Michaelis.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Faith is a spiritual thing: works are material. Hence we might expect faith to answer to the spirit, works to the body. But James reverses this. He therefore does not mean that faith in all cases answers to the body; but the FORM of faith without the working reality answers to the body without the animating spirit. It does not follow that living faith derives its life from works, as the body derives its life from the animating spirit. Next: James Chapter 3
John Gill Bible Commentary
For as the body without the spirit is dead,.... This simile is made use of to illustrate what the apostle had asserted in Jam 2:17 that as a body, when the spirit or soul is departed from it, or the breath is gone out of it, is dead, and without motion, and useless; which the Jews (d) express in like manner, , "the body without the spirit", or "breath, is a carcass". So faith without works is dead also: a vain thing, useless and unprofitable, can neither justify, nor save, nor prove that a man is justified, or will be saved. (d) Ohel. Moed, fol. 15. 1. Next: James Chapter 3
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:26 Good works are as necessary to faith as breath is to a physical body (Gen 2:7). We cannot have one without the other.