Calvary Church | Messages

In the first two chapters, James calls us to live fully integrated lives where our beliefs and actions align. He continues this theme in chapter 3 by specifically addressing the importance and the power of our words. If our heart (the source) has been changed by Christ, this should be evident in our words.

In this text, James shows us the relationship between faith and works, reminding us that that true saving faith will, by nature, produce good works. In contrast to a workless, dead faith, a living, dynamic faith is revealed through our actions. Today, James challenges us to examine the genuineness of our faith to see if it has produced fruit in our life.

In chapter 1, we explored how a steady faith helps us navigate trials and temptations while fostering an attentive heart—quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. As we turn to chapter 2, we continue to be challenged to be doers of the Word and not hearers only by not showing partiality towards others based on external appearances.

A steady faith is quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger—not only in our interactions with others, but also in our approach to God and His Word. As we receive His Word with an attentive heart, we are not hearers who forget, but doers who act. This is then demonstrated in our controlled speech, active mercy, and pure living.

Last week, James challenged us to keep a steady faith, especially in the face of the many trials that come our way. This week, he goes one step further, helping us recognize that temptation is a unique kind of trial—one that doesn’t come from God, but comes from within ourselves.