James 3;1

James 3:1 says, My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.  James said that we should not want to be masters, which I believe would refer to leaders in the church, because as such, we receive greater condemnation if we fail spiritually.  Of course, if we are called to be a leader, we should not refuse.  We just need to faithfully do what God calls us to do, which is really true of every Christian.  

Verse two adds, For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.  James said that in many things we offend all, and that if we don't offend God's word, we are perfect.  Of course, only one Person was able to do this, and that is Jesus Christ.  James said if we were to be perfect, we would need to control our whole body and not allow sin to rule any part of it.  

Verse three continues, Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.  James gave the example of putting a bit in a horse's mouth to control the horse's whole body.  A bit is a small thing, but it controls the whole horse's direction.  

Verse four concludes, Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.  James then gives the example of a ship being guided by a small rudder even in high winds.

James 2:21

James 2:21 says, Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?  James then gives the example of Abraham being willing to offer Isaac as a sacrifice.  This was a work, or action, that Abraham took in obedience to God, and it showed his faith.  

Verse twenty-two adds, Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?  James asked could they not see that Abraham's faith led him to do this and by his willingness to do what God asked, he proved his faith in God.  If we say we have faith but are unwilling to do something that God calls us to do, then where is our faith.  

Verse twenty-three continues, And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.  James said that Abraham believed God when He asked him to take Isaac up the  mountain to offer as a sacrifice out of faith in God, and because he was willing to put his faith in God, he was known as a Friend of God.  If we want to be known as a friend of God, we must put our faith into action when God calls us to do something, even if we don't know what the outcome will be.  

Verse twenty-four concludes, Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.  James then asked if we cannot see that we are justified by putting our faith into action and not by just professing that we have faith and having nothing in our life change.  We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone, but once we are saved, our faith should be shown by our works, or the way we live our life.  

Verse twenty-five states, Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?  James then asked if the actions, or work, of Rahab the harlot had not justified her, since her action in helping the spies was based on her faith in God.  Many of the people of Israel professed to have faith in God, but they were unwilling to live by that faith.  Their lack of works proved their faith to either be weak or false.   

Verse twenty-six adds, For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.  James said just as our body without the spirit is dead, so is faith without works.   We cannot see our spirit, but as long as we are live we know that it is there, and our actions prove this. It is the same with faith being shown by our works, even if faith cannot be seen physically.

James 2:18

James 2:18 says, Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  James said that some might say that they had faith and another person had works to redeem them, but that faith could not be shown without works, or actions that proved one's faith.  Our works do not save us, faith in Jesus Christ does, but our works show our faith ti the world.  

Verse nineteen adds, Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  James said that if we believe that there is but one God, we do well, but that demons also believe this. Many religions believe that there is but one god, just not the One God.  

Verse twenty continues, But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  James said we were vain, or foolish, if we claim we have faith, but it doesn't lead us to doing anything for God.  Our faith in Jesus Christ should lead us to do the work that He calls us to do.  

James 2:14

James 2:14 says, What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?  James asked if it would profit a man to say he had faith but didn't do any work to bring about God's purpose for him.  He was not saying that we must work for our salvation, but if we profess to be saved by faith in Jesus Christ, then our faith will lead us to do the work that God has called us to do.  Works are evidence of our faith in Jesus Christ, but they are not a requirement for salvation.  

Verse fifteen adds, If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,  James then gives the example of a fellow Christian being naked and in need of food.  We here in America aren't often that bad off, especially for being naked, but our fellow Christians in other parts of the world may often be.  

Verse sixteen continues, 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?  James then asked if  another Christian told them to depart in peace and be warmed and filled without offering them any real help, what would it profit either of them.  Anytime we see someone in need but only offer kind words without really doing anything to help them if we are able to do so, what does it profit them or us.  Empty words will not help them physically nor us spiritually.  

Verse seventeen concludes, Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. James then said that faith without works is dead.  Faith in Jesus Christ brings us salvation. Once we have salvation through faith, God will have a purpose for us and we should do our best to fulfill it.  We are not saved to just sit back and do nothing for God, but as Paul said of certain people, we are to be fellow laborers in Christ.