James teaches us practical godliness: what we do shows what we really believe. He exhorts us to live by the gospel in holiness and love to others!

First, we become evil judges, as soon as we value the rich above the poor.

Vs2-4, “For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, You sit here in a good place, while you say to the poor man, You stand over there, or, Sit down at my feet, have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

If we show favoritism, we say that what’s inside doesn’t count; it is the clothing, the house, and the car; it is the prestige of the world, rather than the grace of Christ. We reveal that we are not walking by faith and practicing the law of liberty.

James is practical. He wants the gospel to PENETRATE the heart and life. He wants holiness towards God and tangible acts of love toward mankind. James 1:27, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." If we have these things, then we do rightly. Otherwise, our religion is vain.

Some can be very lovey, but there’s no holiness, so grace is absent. Others are sound in creed and stingy in heart. Both deceive themselves!

Secondly, we don’t want to be judged by law, so act mercifully.

James 2:10, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty for all of it.”

We don’t want what we deserve, so show kindness to others. James 2:12-13, "So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." We want God’s love, so we must love. We must deal with people in Christ, through Christ, and by Christ, just as we want God to deal with us. We can’t be hateful and expect God’s love. We can’t despise others and expect answered prayer. We can’t refuse to forgive and be forgiven. Matthew 6:15, "but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

James links our conduct with our faith. He says our actions are what we really believe, and by deeds we shall be judged. Romans 2:6, “He will render to each one according to his works.” If we live hatefully, it’s because we’re not forgiven, no matter how much we know about sovereign grace. I love the practicality of true religion. You and I are what we do!

Thirdly, faith without works is vain; it is empty, dead, and a delusion!

James 2:14, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?”

We can say all we want, but if we do not have works to back it up, then it is all a lie; it is talk, and it is cheap. A man tells a woman he loves her, but he won’t see her, spend time with her, or respond when she calls. He has a wife. He tells many women the same thing. Is he telling the truth or lying? A man says he loves God, but he doesn’t love people. There’s nothing to show for it. Is he right or wrong?

We must judge by deeds, not because we’re saved by works, but we’re saved by faith that works! Justification by faith and justification by works are two sides of the SAME GOSPEL. Faith justifies without works. Faith does good works. True faith has both!