In what is essentially part I of a two part lesson, we continue to follow James' reasoning as to why works are a vital part of salvation. In v14-17, James is making an analogy in which he likens the empty words of one who says he has faith to the empty words of one who says "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled" yet does not do anything to help his poor brother or sister in the time of their affliction. These empty words, James redefines as dead faith with no power to save.
Secondly, in v18-19, James speaks to the belief or essentially the theology of the believers. You believe that God is one, you do well. Theology matters (it is very important), but James points out that the demons believe this as well and they shudder in fear of their future judgment. Belief by itself is not salvific.
The components of true, Biblical faith are belief interwoven with works of obedience to the word. This all flows from what we've been learning previously. This is a reference to the one who is a doer of the word and not a hearer only. This is the same as the person whose religion (or worship) is pure and undefiled in the sight of God. These two essential elements (belief and works of obedience) are woven together by the thread of the work of the Holy Spirit by the Word which has been received in humility. This received word of truth does a sanctifying work inside which produces a life of obedience--a life of good works that James talks about here.
This is the point James is making, here. His readers have a misunderstanding of faith which has led them to believe that they have genuine faith by belief only-without any works. James is correcting their thinking.
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