James 1-5: Faith Without Works is Dead

There is no definitive answer on who wrote the book of James.  It might be James, the brother of John and son or Zebedee, or James, the half brother of Jesus.  In either case, it is apparent that the author spent time with Jesus as many of the things he writes about were taught by Jesus himself.  And as both were martyred for their faith, they knew what they were talking about when they talked about persecution.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. - James 1:2-3 NIV

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12

But the message that stands out, that sounds the most like what they learned from Jesus is that faith without works is not faith at all.  What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:14-17 NIV)  Faith is acting on what you believe, like Abraham when he built an altar to sacrifice his only son.  Putting works into action means not bragging or hoarding up wealth to take care of yourself, but being humble, peaceful, merciful, giving.  Sowing into others rather than reaping for yourselves.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.  For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18 NIV

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. James 5:1-5 NIV

Not only is faith without works dead, it will eventually bring destruction and judgment.