1. Faith and works are organically related, and thus they should not be separated.  They are as organic as life and breath.
2. Though faith and works should not be separated, they are distinguishable.  This is shown in that faith precedes works.  Paul writes in Romans 1:5 regarding an obedience which comes from faith.  Works do not produce faith, but faith produces works. 
3. Where there is faith there will also be works (Romans 1:5).  If there are no works, then there is no faith.  James writes, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 1:26, NIV).
4. Works are not the basis of our justification, nor is faith the basis of our justification, on the basis of the grace of God were are declared righteous.  Paul writes, “being freely declared righteous by his grace through the redemption which is in Messiah Jesus” (Romans 3:24).  He also writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, “⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast” (NIV).
5. The basis of our justification is God’s grace and it will be in keeping with our deeds.  Paul writes, [God] will render to everyone in keeping with his deeds (Romans 2:6).  James writes, “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone” (James 2:24, NIV).  Jesus states, “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37, NIV).

Know

In this section we see the most potent treatment of the concept we are calling ‘trust translated’.  James has already hinted at this concept in chapter 1 while calling for the doing of the word.  In that context James contrasted hearing with doing.  One should not simply hear the word, and be deceived into thinking that one is doing it as well.  Rather, one must hear it and do it.  It is the doer who is blessed by God.

            In this section James contrasts faith and deeds.  In the history of the Church this section has been difficult to understand, because James seems to be contradicting Paul regarding faith and works.  But this could not be further from the truth.  In fact, it is most likely that James wrote this before Paul wrote any of his letters, and rather than contradicting Paul, James is fleshing out to his people something similar to Jesus’ words in Matthew 12:36-37,

³⁶ But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.  ³⁷ For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.

            James’ words are especially important for our culture, which by and large believes that ‘faith’ is a personal matter, and that it ought not have any influence on the rest of life.  This belief is the theology of demons.  James here is arguing that mere mental grasp or assent to biblical ideas is the theology of demons.  This type of faith is not saving faith.  If it were, then all demons would be saved for they believe there is one God.

            James forges a link between faith and deeds.  Faith and deeds are distinguishable, but not separable.  The one who simply has a mental assent (‘faith’) to God will not be justified by God in the last day.  This type of faith is worthless.  Unfortunately it is this type of faith which most Americans possess.  They believe that there is one God, but that belief is not translated into life.  Simply talking about God and saying one believes in God is not the type of faith that honors God. Those who have this type of faith are deceived, and will receive the punishment of demons.

            The faith that honors God is a faith that is translated into life.  It is a faith that produces coherence between belief and action.  It is this type of faith that brings about a declaration of righteousness for a repentant prostitute.  This type of faith lives.

Do

First, examine yourself.  Does your life reflect an allegiance to Jesus in all areas of your life?  If so, be of good cheer and persevere in this faith.  But if you simply see faith as something that can be boxed up and contained, only to be let out on Sunday morning, and it does not affect your speech, your marriage, your parenting, your working, your resting, your entertainment, your sporting, your loving, then be filled with dread, and repent, because your faith is not different from that of demons.

Second, use the connection between faith and deeds as a starting point for talking to others about Jesus.  In a non-offensive manner, show them how a belief in God should transform life.  Gently show the inconsistencies between their belief in God and their life, and then lead them to see the true faith, the faith accompanied by deeds.

Third, remember Jesus’ words, “If you love me, you will obey what I have commanded” (John 14:15, NIV).