I. True religion involves knowing Christ (v. 18)
In this passage James speaks of "salvation’s origin" (He chose to give us birth). He speaks of "salvation’s operation" (through the word of truth). He then speaks of "salvation’s outcome" (that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created).
II. True religion involves sowing consistency (vv. 19-25)
In this paragraph James insists that if we are to present to our world a true picture of Christ, then we must not only know Him personally but our lives must be consistent with His word. This involves being “consistent in talk” (vv. 19-20). It also entails being “consistent in walk” (vv. 22-25).
III. True religion involves showing character (vv. 26-27)
James begins these verses by saying, If anyone considers himself religious…. Many people “consider” themselves to be religious. True believers not only know Christ and sow consistency, they show character and they do so in three ways. There is the “evidence of our conversation” (v. 26), the “evidence of our concern” (v. 27), and the “evidence of our conduct” (v. 27).
Perhaps the single greatest issue facing the church today is the credibility crisis. Are we credible? The world is watching to see if we are for real. Our Lord ended the greatest sermon ever preached with a story to illustrate the importance of being what we ought to be and doing what the word of God says. The house that withstood the storm was the one built on the solid rock by that one who "heard the word of God and put it into practice."
For a more detailed exposition including Greek word studies, illustrations and applications, see Getting Down to Brass Tacks: Advice from James for Real World Christians, pages 46-53, O. S. Hawkins, Loizeaux Publishers.)