While Paul’s writings correct legalism, James tackles a different, nearly opposite problem. He aims much of his writing at those who claim ‘faith’ while doing little about it.
- They listen to God’s word, but forget to act on it (James 1).
- They assemble as Christians, but even there they discriminate in blatant ways (James 2).
- They are “brethren,” perhaps even “teachers,” but they fight and wound and kill with their words (James 3-4).
They claimed faith but lacked deeds.
Their actions do not match their professed “religion.” James shows them the true nature of saving faith—it is active faith. Like Paul, James uses the word “works.” But the Spirit uses James’ different approach and different writing style to solve a different problem. He has no immediate need to discuss “works” in a legal sense. Therefore, James uses the word “works” in a different way. After all, the term “works” is not highly technical. It is the ordinary word for doing or for action. James has his own discussion, and he uses “works”—often translated “action”—to match his own subject matter.