Commonly Misused Scriptures Pt 2

*This is the second part in a four-part series on commonly misused scriptures.

“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”  James 2:17

Often I’ve heard this scripture misused with regards to the term “works.” It seems to be a common belief that James meant we must follow-up our prayers to God with some sort of action that supports our request. I’m not disagreeing with that belief entirely, as often times in the Bible people of God had to pray and then get moving. After all, David would not have slain Goliath if he had not actually gone out and slain Goliath. I’m referring to how we misuse this particular scripture in other situations. For example, someone wants to change jobs. They pray for a new opportunity. Then they go and apply for a job elsewhere. If asked what motivated that decision, they respond with “I prayed and you know faith without works is dead.” The scripture is indeed true, but that type of action is not what James was referring to.

The entire book of James reads like the New Testament version of Proverbs. In it, James offers practical insight on living a life of faith. In chapter 2, James speaks on how believers should treat one another. He begins with speaking on not showing partiality towards the rich at the expense of the poor (v. 1-13), then he speaks on faith and works. James says that our faith is dead if it’s not demonstrated by our works. As he says, even the demons believe in God, but theirs is a dead faith because they have no works (v. 19). Faith is made alive when we show it by serving God and others, by doing good works. As Martin Luther said, “faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is never alone.” We are justified by our faith and our works (v. 24). And a true, living faith will always produce works.