James 2 And Soul Winning

A carnal truth in James 2 that can be applied to evangelism as well.

James 2:15-16 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 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?

We often think about this passage in James 2 as an exhortation to do more to help a poor brother or sister in Christ. Obviously, the primary application is about helping someone in need, rather than just SAYING that you’re going to help – with no action.

The Bible, especially in the book of James, exhorts believers to put their faith into action. Don’t just “talk the talk,” but “walk the walk.” Be a doer of the word and not a hearer only, we’re reminded in the first chapter.

You can apply that carnally – to helping brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling to make ends meet. To church members living paycheck to paycheck who may not be able to sufficiently provide for themselves. To the poor 1 Timothy 5 widow who has nowhere else to turn. Any way you look at it, James 2 teaches us to demonstrate our faith outwardly by helping other people through ACTION rather than just WORDS.

Here’s another, secondary application: Soul winning.

Churches that send people to hand out pamphlets and never preach the gospel are basically saying “be ye warmed and filled” to the unsaved, without actually helping them at all.

The unsaved are sick. They have a terminal illness that is leading them to Hell.

Unfortunately, many churches are handing them a tract and wishing them well without actually giving them the spiritual medicine necessary to cure them of their ailment. A disease that cannot be cured without the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Great multitudes are spiritually destitute, without daily food, naked and hopeless. To hand them a flyer without preaching the gospel is to tell them “depart in peace” without providing that which is needful for their soul.

What does that profit? Nothing.

Advertisement