James 2

I have to be honest I was really confused by this chapter. What James is saying seems to go against Martin Luther's teachings of faith and works. James appears to be saying that faith apart from works will not save you. Didn't Martin Luther state that Faith alone is all you need, you will not be judged by your works? Then in Roman chapter 3 Paul states 'for we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.'

Now possibly they are talking about two different things although it certainly is confusing. If you read really hard into James he does say in verse 18 'I by my works will show you my faith.' So is he saying that if you have faith you will work for the kingdom of God? That's how I am going to take this chapter.