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the world to the knowledge of Jesus as Lord. Paul and James are not fighting each other, but they
are fighting two different enemies.

Paul is fighting the unbeliever who insists on works to bring salvation. James is fighting the believer
who insists that works have no place in the Christian life. The unbeliever puts up a barrier between
himself and God. The believer puts up a barrier between himself and the world. Look at Jesus. The
Bible tells us he increased in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). Toward God, He had faith. Toward
the world, he had works (John 9:4).

This does not mean that faith cannot save an individual, but rather that faith without outward works
is useless in displaying salvation. The world around us needs the witness of our lives, and good works
are the obvious display of our salvation.
Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

There must have been quite a bit of poverty in the Jerusalem church (Acts 4:35, 6:1, 11:29‐
30). The term “naked” does not mean without clothes; it means poorly dressed (cf.
Matthew 25:36, John 21:7). This person is not to be overlooked in the daily operations of
the Christian life. We are not to be so taken up in the pursuit of money that we forget about
the ultimate use of finances (Ephesians 4:28). Our ultimate responsibility is to the body of
Christ (Galatians 6:10) to show them love, not only in word, but also in service to their
needs (1 John 3:17‐18). The person in this verse is cold and hungry and has no natural
means of solving their own problem.

Jas 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled;
notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what
doth it profit?

And one of you (congregation) say unto them, Depart in peace, be warmed and filled;
notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it
profit?

The response of the congregational member for the brother or sister in need is a façade of
caring, but it is not indicative of a true desire to really see them doing better. Their response
also seems to indicate that they have other things on their mind and are pressed for time.
They want to act concerned, but this emergency meeting has bothered them and changed
their priorities for the day. They say, “Depart in peace” but really mean just “Depart.” The
term “Go in peace” was a popular expression in the ancient world (Mark 5:34, Acts 16:36).
Jesus used it to dismiss those who had come to him for help (Luke 7:50, 8:48), but only after
he had met their need. This congregational member only offers words with no physical
health.

B. Faith or Facade

Two factors must be true to make this reaction from a believer a facade:

1. True Need: The person in need truly has a need and is not taking advantage of the
generosity of other Christians.