Preaching the Word: James—Faith That Works

by R. Kent Hughes

Publisher:

Crossway

, 1991

Overview

The epistle of James is perhaps the most practical—and most convicting—book of the entire New Testament. It is a marvelous exposition of the outworking of genuine Christian faith. True faith works! An inspiring manual on living Christianity in a fallen world.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Trials are not a sign of God’s displeasure but are opportunities to persevere in the Lord.” (Page 21)

“However, there is no real contradiction between James and Paul regarding faith, for Paul’s teaching about faith and works focuses on the time before conversion, and James’ focus is after conversion. As Douglas Moo has pointed out, ‘Paul denies any efficacy to pre-conversion works, but James is pleading for the absolute necessity of post-conversion works.’⁴ Paul was fighting against tradition which promoted a false works salvation. James was fighting against a ‘lite’ faith which minimized the necessity of works after coming to Christ. Paul says works cannot bring us to Christ. James says after we come to Christ they are imperative.” (Page 108)

“The right mind-set—dependence on God—is more important than saying the right words.” (Page 206)

“What does James’ command really mean? In answer, we must first understand what it does not mean. James is not ordering all-encompassing joyful emotion during severe trials; nor is he demanding that his readers must enjoy their trials, or that trials are joy. He knew, as did the writer of Hebrews, that ‘No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful’ (Hebrews 12:11).” (Page 18)

“What the Scriptures forbid is judgmentalism, a critical and censorious spirit that judges everyone and everything, seeking to run others down.” (Page 196)

Product Details

• Title: James—Faith That Works
• Author: R. Kent Hughes
• Series: Preaching the Word
• Publisher: Crossway
• Print Publication Date: 1991
• Logos Release Date: 2001
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. James › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. James › Homiletical use
• Resource ID: LLS:29.64.3
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-11-11T23:10:20Z

About R. Kent Hughes

R. Kent Hughes is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois. Hughes earned a DMin in 1981 from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a DD from Biola University in 1991. Dr. Hughes’ 42 years of ministry consists of 10 years as a youth pastor, five as a church planter, and 27 as a senior pastor at College Church.

Hughes has authored numerous books, including the best-selling Disciplines of a Godly Man. He is also editor of and contributor to the 19-volume Preaching the Word series, including Mark: Jesus, Servant and Savior, which received the E.C.P.A. Gold Medallion Book Award for best commentary in 1990.