🎙️ YouTube Script: James — Faith Without Works Is Dead
Today, we’re continuing our study in the book of James, focusing on how faith is demonstrated through works.
James makes it clear that genuine faith is not just a belief—it’s a living, active trust that produces visible results in a believer’s life.
🕊️ Review
James begins this section by reminding us not to show partiality among the saints in James 2:1–13.
Then, he transitions into one of the most discussed portions of the epistle—faith without works is dead—in verses 14 through 17.
✝️ Faith Shown Through Works (James 2:18–26)
In verse 18, James emphasizes that faith is revealed through actions.
This isn’t about displaying righteousness before God or impressing others—it’s about showing how faith transforms a person’s daily life.
In verse 19, he reminds us that simply believing there is a God does not equal faith.
Even the demons believe that God is one—and they tremble, a word translated from the Greek φρίσσω, meaning to shiver or shudder.
This word appears only once in Scripture.
Outside of Scripture, φρίσσω was used by writers such as Plutarch, describing the soul shuddering at impiety; by Philo of Alexandria, noting men who tremble at divine manifestations; and by medical writers like Galen and Aretaeus, who used it to describe the physical reaction of goosebumps from fear or fever.
The demons clearly understand who God is—they call Jesus God in Mark 3:11, and recognize the Father as “the Most High” in Mark 5:7.
Yet, mankind corrupts this truth, changing the incorruptible God into corruptible man, as Paul explains in Romans 1:23.
💭 Faith Without Works Is Empty (James 2:20)
James calls those who separate faith from works “foolish,” meaning empty or without effect.
Paul uses the same term when describing how preaching would be empty if Christ had not been raised (1 Corinthians 15:14).
He also warns that false teachers use empty words to deceive (Ephesians 5:6), and that empty philosophy can rob believers of their freedom (Colossians 2:8).
🧔 Abraham’s Faith Justified by Works (James 2:21–24)
James gives Abraham as an example of living faith.
Abraham offered Isaac on the altar, fully believing that God could raise him from the dead, as recorded in Hebrews 11:17–19.
His actions demonstrated his faith; they didn’t earn his righteousness but revealed the reality of his trust in God.
Through these actions, Scripture was fulfilled, showing that true faith results in corresponding deeds.
🕯️ Rahab’s Faith Justified by Actions (James 2:25)
Rahab provides another example.
When the King of Jericho sought the spies, she hid them and sent the King’s men in another direction (Joshua 2:3–6).
She acted on what she had heard about the God of Israel and believed that He alone was Lord (Joshua 2:9–13).
Her actions reflected her faith.
⚰️ Faith Without Works Is Dead (James 2:26)
James concludes the chapter with a vivid comparison:
Just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is lifeless.
Genuine faith naturally expresses itself through the believer’s choices and conduct.
🗣️ Bridling the Tongue (James 3:1–12)
James then turns to the topic of speech and the responsibility of those who teach.
In verse 1, he warns that teachers will face stricter judgment for their words.
A teacher must live consistently with what he teaches; otherwise, as Paul says in Romans 2:20–24, hypocrisy causes the name of God to be blasphemed among unbelievers.
In verse 2, James says that one who does not stumble in word is mature.
To stumble means to trip or strike against something.
Israel stumbled so that salvation might come to the Gentiles (Romans 11:11).
Likewise, teachers must be careful not to stumble in what they say, and diligence in one’s calling prevents this (2 Peter 2:10).
James then uses three illustrations to show the power of the tongue.
A bit controls a horse, a rudder directs a ship, and words—small though they are—can steer the course of a life (James 3:3–5).
He goes on to describe the difficulty of controlling the tongue.
It is a world of unrighteousness that stains the entire body.
Every creature can be tamed—but not the tongue.
It is unstable and full of deadly poison (James 3:6–8).
Finally, James concludes by warning against the dual use of the tongue.
With it, we bless God and curse men, but this should never be.
A spring cannot produce both fresh and salt water, and a fig tree cannot bear olives (James 3:9–12).
The tongue is not meant for both blessing and cursing—it should be used to proclaim truth and grace, not judgment.
💡 Closing Thought
Faith that does not produce works is not living faith—it’s empty and dead.
A believer’s faith should be visible through actions, speech, and conduct that reflect the life of Christ within.
True faith changes how we live, how we speak, and how we treat others.
📖 Key Scriptures
James 2:1–26 | James 3:1–12 | Romans 1:23 | Hebrews 11:17–19 | Joshua 2:3–13
