James shows us that true faith will be attended with works that are consistent with that faith. Anyone can make a profession of faith in Christ, but if they do not really possess it then their works will expose their insincerity. This is the primary means given to the church by which they may protect themselves from imposters and keep God's house pure from unregenerate men and women. "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matt. 7:16). 

    Even the fallen demonic spirit-beings believe there is a God because they have too much evidence to deny it. They even know that there is a day appointed for their torment (See Matt. 8:29). But their belief is solely an intellectual matter. It is a far cry from the faith of God's regenerated people who love Him and trust Him and are willling to give their lives in His service and for His cause. God's people believe and are comforted; they believe and trust; they believe and rejoice; but the devils believe and tremble; they believe and dread; they believe and quake; they believe and fear a certain future punishment. 

    Demonic spirits were very active in the day when Christ walked among men, and they are still active today, but they, as well as Satan, are under His complete control. They can go no further than He suffers them to go (See Matt. 8:28-34). The devils could not remain in the wild Gadarene when Christ commanded them to come out, and neither could they go into the herd of swine without asking, and receiving, His leave. It should be of much comfort to us that He has such absolute control over them. 

    Yes, the devils believe, but they do not, and cannot, believe as do the saints. Their works are evil, and only evil, and that continually. And the best they have to say to Christ is, "What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?"