The Epistle Of James Chapter Five
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To appreciate the need for patience in times of oppression
2) To see the value of prayer and confessing sins in times of sickness
SUMMARY
The final chapter opens with a strong condemnation toward the rich who were oppressing the poor while living in pleasure and luxury. Most likely these were rich unbelievers such as those mentioned earlier (cf.2:6-7). The Lord heard the cries of those defrauded, and judgment was to come upon the rich who had condemned and murdered the just. This passage may be an allusion to the destruction of Jerusalem foretold by Jesus in Matthew 24 and fulfilled in A.D. 70. James counsels his brethren to patiently wait for the coming of the Lord, and to establish their hearts. Appealing to the farmer, the prophets, and to Job as examples of patience, he also warns against grumbling against one another and swearing rash oaths (1-12).
The last half of the chapter provides a call to prayer and praise. The suffering are to pray, the cheerful are to sing praises, and the sick are to call for the elders of the church. The elders were to pray over the sick and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord. What is uncertain is whether the anointing was sacramental or medicinal (I think the latter, see Review Questions below). In answer to the prayer of faith, the Lord will raise the sick and also forgive sins if they had been committed. In this context James encourages Christians to confess their sins to one another and pray for one another that they may be healed. He reminds them of the value of fervent prayer by the righteous, using Elijah as an example of how God answers prayer providentially. The epistle then closes with a reminder that turning a sinner
from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins(13-20).
OUTLINE
I. TRUE RELIGION DISPLAYS PATIENCE UNDER OPPRESSION (1-12)
A. GOD'S ANGER AT RICH OPPRESSORS (1-6)
1. The rich are called to weep and howl for the miseries to come upon them
a. Their riches are corrupted
b. Their garments are moth-eaten
c. Their gold and silver are corroded
1) Which will be a witness against them
2) Which will eat their flesh like fire
d. They have heaped up treasure in the last days
2. The reasons for God's anger against the rich
a. They have defrauded the laborers who mowed their fields
1) Keeping back wages owed them
2) The cries of the reapers have been heard by the Lord of Sabaoth (Hosts)
b. They have lived in pleasure and luxury, fattening their hearts in a day of slaughter
c. They have condemned and murdered the just who does not resist them
B. A CALL FOR PATIENCE UNDER OPPRESSION (7-12)
1. Be patient until the coming of the Lord
a. Consider the patience of the farmer
b. Establish your hears, for the coming of the Lord is at hand
2. Do not grumble against one another
a. Lest you be condemned
b. The Judge is standing at the door
3. Remember the examples of suffering and patience
a. Such as the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord and are blessed for their
endurance
b. Such as the perseverance of Job, to whom the Lord proved very compassionate and
merciful at the end
4. Above all, do not swear (make rash oaths)
a. Either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath
b. Let your "Yes" mean "Yes," and your "No" mean "No"
c. Lest you fall into judgment
II. TRUE RELIGION BLESSED THROUGH PRAYER, SINGING, AND CONCERN FOR THE ERRING (13-20)
A. THE BLESSING OF PRAYER AND SONG (13-18)
1. If anyone is suffering, let him pray
2. If anyone is cheerful, let him sing psalms
3. If anyone is sick, let him call for the elders of the church
a. Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord
b. The prayer of faith will save (heal) the sick, and the Lord will raise him up
c. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven
d. Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another
1) That you may be healed
2) For the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much
a) The example of Elijah, a man with a nature like ours
b) He prayed that it would not rain, and no rain fell for three years
c) He prayed again, the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit
B. THE BLESSING OF LOVE FOR ERRING BRETHREN (19-20)
1. He who turns back one who wanders from the truth will save a soul from death
2. He who turns a sinner from the error of his way will cover a multitude of sins
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
2) Who is being condemned in verses 1-6 of this chapter? (1)
3) What sort of miseries were to come upon them? (1-3)
4) Why is God so angry at these rich? (3-6)
5) What are the Christians to do in response to such oppression? (7-12)
6) What three examples does James provide to encourage patience? (7-11)
7) What does James encourage one to do when suffering? When cheerful? (13)
8) What is one who is sick to do? (14)
9) What are they to do? (14)
10) Is "anointing with oil" sacramental or medicinal?
11) What will save (or heal) the sick? Who will raise him up? (15)
12) What if the one who is sick has committed sins? (15)
13) What are Christians to do? Why? (16)
14) What avails much? Who is a good illustration of this? (16-18)
15) What happens when one turns a sinner from the error of his way? (19-20)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Establish Pattern of the Mature Disciple
6.5. Establish Pattern of the Mature Disciple
Perspective
( Eccl. 12:13-14 ; 1 Pet. 1:17 ; 1 John 4:11,19 ; Heb. 12:5-10 ; Phil. 2:12-13 )
Successfully facing and dealing with specific problems is only the beginning of living a godly life. Focus must remain on God's standards for continuing toward Christ-likeness. Accordingly, one must evaluate the whole of one's life constantly conforming to God's standards.
Hope
( Isa. 40:8 ; Acts 10:34-35 ; John 14:21 ; John 15:10-11 ; 1 John 3:22 ) God's
standards are always consistent and are never subject to the whim of the moment. They
are the same for all individuals, in all cultures, and at all age levels, regardless of personality or background. Keeping God's commandments, having reverence and awe of
God, is the key to fruitfulness.
( Ps. 145:17 ; Jer. 29:11-17 ; Deut. 11:8-9 ; James 1:22-25 ) God's plan for you
are for your benefit and have as their goal your maturity in Christ. If you keep God's commandments, He will bless you; otherwise, you will be subject to discipline.
( Matt. 11:28-30 ; Josh. 1:8-9 ; Ps. 103:1-5 ; Isa. 40:29-31 ; Eph. 1:13-14 ; Phil.
2:12-13 ) God's standards are not burdensome for He will strengthen, uphold, and keep
you from stumbling as you walk in His ways, cooperating with the changes He is
accomplishing in your life.
Change
( Rom. 13:1-3 ; Rom. 13:12-14 ; Eph. 6:10-18 ) Put-off deeds of darkness, put-on
the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for fleshly lusts. Put on the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of the devil.
( Rom. 5:3-5 ; Matt. 5:10-12 ; 1 Pet. 4:12-19 ; 1 Pet. 3:13-17 ) Do not be surprised
at trials, even if they seem fiery. Instead, rejoice because God uses them to develop
Christlike maturity in your life. Be prepared to be reviled and to suffer persecution. You will be blessed when you do.
( Gal. 5:22-23 ; Eph. 1:4 ; Eph. 4:1,17 ; Eph. 6:9 ; Col. 3:12-24 ; 1 Tim. 4:7-8 ; 2
Pet. 1:2-10 ) Establish and maintain biblical standards that will encourage you and your children toward godliness. Identify godly traits that need to be developed along with corresponding biblical responsibilities and activities which will demonstrate Christlikeness.
Perspective
( Eccl. 12:13-14 ; 1 Pet. 1:17 ; 1 John 4:11,19 ; Heb. 12:5-10 ; Phil. 2:12-13 )
Successfully facing and dealing with specific problems is only the beginning of living a godly life. Focus must remain on God's standards for continuing toward Christ-likeness. Accordingly, one must evaluate the whole of one's life constantly conforming to God's standards.
Hope
( Isa. 40:8 ; Acts 10:34-35 ; John 14:21 ; John 15:10-11 ; 1 John 3:22 ) God's
standards are always consistent and are never subject to the whim of the moment. They
are the same for all individuals, in all cultures, and at all age levels, regardless of personality or background. Keeping God's commandments, having reverence and awe of
God, is the key to fruitfulness.
( Ps. 145:17 ; Jer. 29:11-17 ; Deut. 11:8-9 ; James 1:22-25 ) God's plan for you
are for your benefit and have as their goal your maturity in Christ. If you keep God's commandments, He will bless you; otherwise, you will be subject to discipline.
( Matt. 11:28-30 ; Josh. 1:8-9 ; Ps. 103:1-5 ; Isa. 40:29-31 ; Eph. 1:13-14 ; Phil.
2:12-13 ) God's standards are not burdensome for He will strengthen, uphold, and keep
you from stumbling as you walk in His ways, cooperating with the changes He is
accomplishing in your life.
Change
( Rom. 13:1-3 ; Rom. 13:12-14 ; Eph. 6:10-18 ) Put-off deeds of darkness, put-on
the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for fleshly lusts. Put on the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of the devil.
( Rom. 5:3-5 ; Matt. 5:10-12 ; 1 Pet. 4:12-19 ; 1 Pet. 3:13-17 ) Do not be surprised
at trials, even if they seem fiery. Instead, rejoice because God uses them to develop
Christlike maturity in your life. Be prepared to be reviled and to suffer persecution. You will be blessed when you do.
( Gal. 5:22-23 ; Eph. 1:4 ; Eph. 4:1,17 ; Eph. 6:9 ; Col. 3:12-24 ; 1 Tim. 4:7-8 ; 2
Pet. 1:2-10 ) Establish and maintain biblical standards that will encourage you and your children toward godliness. Identify godly traits that need to be developed along with corresponding biblical responsibilities and activities which will demonstrate Christlikeness.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
The Epistle Of James- Chapter Four Study Guide
The Epistle Of James- Chapter Four
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To gain insight into the source of wars and fighting, even among brethren
2) To see the importance and means of befriending God, of not speaking evil of brethren, and planning for the future with the Lord's will in mind
SUMMARY
James asks his readers to consider the source of wars and fights among themselves. He identifies the problem as their own desires for pleasure which war within themselves. Perhaps exaggerating for the sake of emphasis, he describes their lust and coveting (even murder!) for things they do not have and cannot obtain. It renders their prayers fruitless, for they have selfish motives in mind. Sounding like an Old Testament prophet, James charges them with adultery for trying to befriend the world. Becoming a friend of the world leads to enmity with God, who jealously desires us. But if they are willing to humble
themselves, God is willing to show more grace (1-6).
James therefore counsels them to draw near to God in humble submission, with clean hands, purity of heart, and true contrition. He warns against speaking evil of brethren and judging one another, lest they become judges and not doers of the law. The chapter ends with a call to make plans with the Lord's will in mind, for we have no idea what the morrow holds and life is short. Otherwise we boast in our arrogance and sin when we fail to do what we know is good (7-17).
OUTLINE
I. TRUE RELIGION DOES NOT BEFRIEND THE WORLD (1-6)
A. THE SOURCE OF WARS AND FIGHTS (1-3)
1. From within, from desires that war in one's members
2. Such as lust (envy), murder (hate?), coveting, which do not give what one seeks
3. Leading to unanswered prayers, due to selfishness
B. FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD IS ENMITY WITH GOD (4-6)
1. Whoever wants to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God
2. Even as the Scripture warns, and not in vain
3. While God resists the proud, He is willing to give grace to the humble
II. TRUE RELIGION DRAWS NEAR TO GOD (7-17)
A. BY SUBMITTING TO GOD'S AUTHORITY (7-12)
1. Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee
2. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you
a. Cleanse your hands, sinners
b. Purify your hearts, double-minded
c. Mourn and weep for your sins
d. Humble yourself before God, and He will lift you up
3. Let God be the Lawgiver and Judge
a. Do not speak evil of one another and judge one another
1) Otherwise you speak evil of the law and judge the law
2) Otherwise you are not a doer of the law, but a judge
b. When there is really only one Lawgiver who is able to save and destroy
B. BY SUBMITTING TO GOD'S WILL (13-17)
1. We should be careful in making plans for the future
a. We do not know what will happen tomorrow
b. Life is but a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes
2. Therefore we should acknowledge "If the Lord wills" in our plans
a. Otherwise we boast in arrogance, which is evil
b. For one to know to do good and not do it, that is sin
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
2) Where do wars and fights find their origin? (1-2)
3) Why do some not receive what they ask for? (3)
4) What does James call those who would be a friend of the world? (4)
5) What possible translations for the Scripture quoted in verse 5?
6) Whom does God resist? To whom does He give more grace? (6)
7) What counsel does James give to those tempted by the world? (7-10)
8) Why should one not speak evil of a brother? (11)
9) What other reasons does James give for not judging one another? (12)
10) Why should we be careful about the plans we make? (13-14)
11) With what qualification can one make plans for the future? (15)
12) Of what is one guilty when plans are made without considering the Lord's will?
(16)
13) Of what is one guilty if they know what is good, but fail to do it? (17)
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To gain insight into the source of wars and fighting, even among brethren
2) To see the importance and means of befriending God, of not speaking evil of brethren, and planning for the future with the Lord's will in mind
SUMMARY
James asks his readers to consider the source of wars and fights among themselves. He identifies the problem as their own desires for pleasure which war within themselves. Perhaps exaggerating for the sake of emphasis, he describes their lust and coveting (even murder!) for things they do not have and cannot obtain. It renders their prayers fruitless, for they have selfish motives in mind. Sounding like an Old Testament prophet, James charges them with adultery for trying to befriend the world. Becoming a friend of the world leads to enmity with God, who jealously desires us. But if they are willing to humble
themselves, God is willing to show more grace (1-6).
James therefore counsels them to draw near to God in humble submission, with clean hands, purity of heart, and true contrition. He warns against speaking evil of brethren and judging one another, lest they become judges and not doers of the law. The chapter ends with a call to make plans with the Lord's will in mind, for we have no idea what the morrow holds and life is short. Otherwise we boast in our arrogance and sin when we fail to do what we know is good (7-17).
OUTLINE
I. TRUE RELIGION DOES NOT BEFRIEND THE WORLD (1-6)
A. THE SOURCE OF WARS AND FIGHTS (1-3)
1. From within, from desires that war in one's members
2. Such as lust (envy), murder (hate?), coveting, which do not give what one seeks
3. Leading to unanswered prayers, due to selfishness
B. FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD IS ENMITY WITH GOD (4-6)
1. Whoever wants to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God
2. Even as the Scripture warns, and not in vain
3. While God resists the proud, He is willing to give grace to the humble
II. TRUE RELIGION DRAWS NEAR TO GOD (7-17)
A. BY SUBMITTING TO GOD'S AUTHORITY (7-12)
1. Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee
2. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you
a. Cleanse your hands, sinners
b. Purify your hearts, double-minded
c. Mourn and weep for your sins
d. Humble yourself before God, and He will lift you up
3. Let God be the Lawgiver and Judge
a. Do not speak evil of one another and judge one another
1) Otherwise you speak evil of the law and judge the law
2) Otherwise you are not a doer of the law, but a judge
b. When there is really only one Lawgiver who is able to save and destroy
B. BY SUBMITTING TO GOD'S WILL (13-17)
1. We should be careful in making plans for the future
a. We do not know what will happen tomorrow
b. Life is but a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes
2. Therefore we should acknowledge "If the Lord wills" in our plans
a. Otherwise we boast in arrogance, which is evil
b. For one to know to do good and not do it, that is sin
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
2) Where do wars and fights find their origin? (1-2)
3) Why do some not receive what they ask for? (3)
4) What does James call those who would be a friend of the world? (4)
5) What possible translations for the Scripture quoted in verse 5?
6) Whom does God resist? To whom does He give more grace? (6)
7) What counsel does James give to those tempted by the world? (7-10)
8) Why should one not speak evil of a brother? (11)
9) What other reasons does James give for not judging one another? (12)
10) Why should we be careful about the plans we make? (13-14)
11) With what qualification can one make plans for the future? (15)
12) Of what is one guilty when plans are made without considering the Lord's will?
(16)
13) Of what is one guilty if they know what is good, but fail to do it? (17)
Friday, July 23, 2010
Develop the Practice of Righteousness
6.4. Develop the Practice of Righteousness
Perspective
( Rom. 5:3-5 ; Rom. 12:1-2 ; Matt. 10:16-28 ; 1 Pet. 3:13-17 ) Do not be surprised
at trials, even if they seem fiery. Rejoice in them because God uses them to reveal the spirit that is in you, and develop Christlike maturity. Be prepared to be reviled. If you should endure suffering for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed of the Lord. Renewing the mind is a constant process to free us from our own corruption of lusts and appetites; and to defend and protect ourselves from the fashions and customs of the world.
Hope
( Eph. 5:15-16 ; 1 Tim. 4:7-11 ; Heb. 5:14 ; Gal. 5:22-23 ; Heb. 13:20-21 ) You
must faithfully practice your daily responsibilities and discipline yourself toward godliness. As you continue to be a doer of the word, your senses will be trained to discern good and evil. Your growth is a sovereign work of God that is divinely linked to your living in a biblical manner.
(Prov. 3:5-10 ; Ps. 55:22 ; Ps. 94:17-19 ; Jer. 29:11 ; Rom. 8:28-29) God has
promised to provide all the necessities of life as you seek to please Him. He is always available to help you and He is firmly in control of every aspect of your life. Living in a biblical manner, the believer is assured that God is arranging and re-arranging 'all things' for his good on a daily basis. Thus, hope is really faith extended into the future, living the divine life in the present.
( Matt. 6:25,34 ; Luke 12:22-34 ; Matt. 6:33 ; Heb. 5:14 ; James 1:22-25 ) Put-off
self-centered concern about the future and put-on doing the Word. As you dwell on the
things of God, He will protect and provide for you in all areas of your life.
God made man a spiritual being. As such, man is not to be preoccupied with making it on his own, taking care of oneself in this world, and fighting and struggling to make it through life. As a citizen of heaven, he works in partnership with God. He trusts and acknowledges God while doing all he can: plows and works, not looking back; and while working, trust the results to God. God says he will see to it that such a trusting person will always have the necessities of life.
Change
( John 3:30 ; John 12:24-26 ; Matt. 20:26-28 ; Rom. 15:1-3 ; Col. 3:23-24 ) Stop
living to please self in daily situations, responsibilities and relationships. Regard others as more important than yourself and be a servant to God and others. The Christian believer who truly lives and witnesses for Christ gives himself up to Christ. In Christ, as a bondslave, he ministers to the needs of others.
( Prov. 9:6 ; Prov. 14:16 ; Gal. 5:16-21 ; James 1:19 ; John 15:5 ; James 1:22-25
; James 4:17 ) List the circumstances or relationships in which you are (or have been) tempted to become angry or bitter. Develop a biblical plan for overcoming anger and bitterness in these situations. Formulate a contingency plan for dealing with anger and bitterness that may arise suddenly. What you comprehend, you will be conformed to, and this is what you will communicate.
( Prov. 10:12 ; 1 Cor. 13:4-8 ; 1 Pet. 1:22 ; Eph. 4:32 ; 1 Pet. 3:8-9 ) Practice
biblical love by forgiving others just as God has forgiven you. Do kind and tenderhearted deeds to the very individuals with whom you become irritated. Forbearance is giving what a person needs, not what he deserves.
Perspective
( Rom. 5:3-5 ; Rom. 12:1-2 ; Matt. 10:16-28 ; 1 Pet. 3:13-17 ) Do not be surprised
at trials, even if they seem fiery. Rejoice in them because God uses them to reveal the spirit that is in you, and develop Christlike maturity. Be prepared to be reviled. If you should endure suffering for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed of the Lord. Renewing the mind is a constant process to free us from our own corruption of lusts and appetites; and to defend and protect ourselves from the fashions and customs of the world.
Hope
( Eph. 5:15-16 ; 1 Tim. 4:7-11 ; Heb. 5:14 ; Gal. 5:22-23 ; Heb. 13:20-21 ) You
must faithfully practice your daily responsibilities and discipline yourself toward godliness. As you continue to be a doer of the word, your senses will be trained to discern good and evil. Your growth is a sovereign work of God that is divinely linked to your living in a biblical manner.
(Prov. 3:5-10 ; Ps. 55:22 ; Ps. 94:17-19 ; Jer. 29:11 ; Rom. 8:28-29) God has
promised to provide all the necessities of life as you seek to please Him. He is always available to help you and He is firmly in control of every aspect of your life. Living in a biblical manner, the believer is assured that God is arranging and re-arranging 'all things' for his good on a daily basis. Thus, hope is really faith extended into the future, living the divine life in the present.
( Matt. 6:25,34 ; Luke 12:22-34 ; Matt. 6:33 ; Heb. 5:14 ; James 1:22-25 ) Put-off
self-centered concern about the future and put-on doing the Word. As you dwell on the
things of God, He will protect and provide for you in all areas of your life.
God made man a spiritual being. As such, man is not to be preoccupied with making it on his own, taking care of oneself in this world, and fighting and struggling to make it through life. As a citizen of heaven, he works in partnership with God. He trusts and acknowledges God while doing all he can: plows and works, not looking back; and while working, trust the results to God. God says he will see to it that such a trusting person will always have the necessities of life.
Change
( John 3:30 ; John 12:24-26 ; Matt. 20:26-28 ; Rom. 15:1-3 ; Col. 3:23-24 ) Stop
living to please self in daily situations, responsibilities and relationships. Regard others as more important than yourself and be a servant to God and others. The Christian believer who truly lives and witnesses for Christ gives himself up to Christ. In Christ, as a bondslave, he ministers to the needs of others.
( Prov. 9:6 ; Prov. 14:16 ; Gal. 5:16-21 ; James 1:19 ; John 15:5 ; James 1:22-25
; James 4:17 ) List the circumstances or relationships in which you are (or have been) tempted to become angry or bitter. Develop a biblical plan for overcoming anger and bitterness in these situations. Formulate a contingency plan for dealing with anger and bitterness that may arise suddenly. What you comprehend, you will be conformed to, and this is what you will communicate.
( Prov. 10:12 ; 1 Cor. 13:4-8 ; 1 Pet. 1:22 ; Eph. 4:32 ; 1 Pet. 3:8-9 ) Practice
biblical love by forgiving others just as God has forgiven you. Do kind and tenderhearted deeds to the very individuals with whom you become irritated. Forbearance is giving what a person needs, not what he deserves.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Three Kinds Of Faith
Three Kinds Of Faith
James 2:14-26
INTRODUCTION
1. Faith is certainly an essential element in the Christian life...
a. Without faith, it is impossible to please God - He 11:6
b. The Christian is saved by faith - Ep 2:8
c. The Christian is to walk (live) by faith - 2 Co 5:7
d. Whatever we do apart from faith is described as sin - Ro 14:23
2. It is important to realize, however, that there are different kinds of faith, but only one that is truly “saving faith”
3. In Ja 2:14-26, we find James discussing different kinds of faith, with an emphasis upon that faith which works to the saving of the soul
[Beginning with vs. 14-17, we notice the first kind of faith. We might call this kind of faith...]
I. DEAD FAITH (14-17)
A. THIS KIND OF FAITH...
1. Substitutes words for deeds (consider James’ example)
a. People with this kind of faith:
1) Know the correct vocabulary for prayer and sound doctrine
2) Can even quote the right verses from the Bible
b. But their “walk” does not measure up to their “talk”!
2. Is only an intellectual faith
a. In one’s mind, he or she knows the doctrine of salvation
b. But they have never really submitted themselves to God and trusted in Jesus for
salvation
c. They know the right “words”, but they do not back up their words with their “works”!
B. CAN THIS KIND OF FAITH SAVE...?
1. No! Three times in this passage, James emphasizes that “faith without works is dead” - Ja 2:17,20,26
2. Any declaration of faith that does not result in a changed life and good works is a false declaration: A dead faith!
3. Dead faith is counterfeit faith and lulls the person into a false confidence of eternal life
C. DO WE HAVE THIS KIND OF FAITH...?
1. We do, if our walk does not measure up to our talk!
2. We do, if our works do not measure up to our words!
[We need to beware of mere intellectual faith. As Warren Wiersbe has said, “No man can come to Christ by faith and remain the same, anymore than he came into contact with a 220-volt wire and remain the same.” (compare this to 1 Jn 5:12) The next kind of faith discussed by James is...]
II. DEMONIC FAITH (18,19)
A. EVEN DEMONS HAVE A KIND OF FAITH...!
1. They believe in God (no atheists or agnostics here!)
2. They even believe in the deity of Christ - cf. Mk 3:11-12
3. They also believe in the existence of a place of condemnation - cf. Lk 8:31
4. And they believe Jesus will be the Judge! - Mt 8:28-29
B. WHAT KIND OF FAITH DO DEMONS HAVE...?
1. We saw that the man with “dead faith” was “touched only in his intellect”
2. The demons are “touched also in their emotions” (note that they “believe and tremble”)
3. This is one step above a “dead faith” - it involves both intellect and emotions
C. CAN THIS KIND OF FAITH SAVE...?
1. No! A person can be enlightened in his mind and even stirred in his heart and still be lost forever!
2. True saving faith involves something more, something that can be seen and recognized: a changed life! (cf. Ja 2:18)
3. Being a Christian involves trusting Christ and living for Christ!
a. You first receive the life...
b. Then you reveal the life!
D. DO WE HAVE THIS KIND OF FAITH...?
1. We do, if we just believe the right things and feel the right things
2. We do, if our service to God does not go beyond...
a. Intellectually adhering to the right doctrines
b. Emotional experiences while attending services
[Thus, James has introduced us to two kinds of faith that can never save: dead faith (involving the intellect alone), and demonic faith (involving the intellect and the emotions, but stopping there). He closes this section by describing in vs. 20-26 the only kind of faith that can save...]
III.DYNAMIC FAITH (20-26)
A. WHAT KIND OF FAITH IS THIS...?
1. We know from other passages that such faith is based upon the Word of God - Ro 10:17
2. Dynamic faith involves the whole man
a. Dead faith touches only the intellect
b. Demonic faith involves both the intellect and the emotions
c. Dynamic faith involves the intellect, the emotions, and the will!
1) The mind understands the truth
2) The heart desires and rejoices in the truth
3) The will acts upon the truth
3. True, saving faith, then, leads to action
a. It is not intellectual contemplation
b. It is not emotionalism
c. It is that which leads to obedience in doing good works
B. TO ILLUSTRATE, JAMES REFERS TO ABRAHAM AND RAHAB...
1. You could not find two more different persons!
a. Abraham was the father of the Jews; Rahab was a Gentile!
b. Abraham was a godly man; Rahab had been a sinful woman, a harlot!
c. Abraham was the friend of God; Rahab had belonged to the enemies of God!
2. What did they have in common? Both exercised saving faith in God!
a. Abraham demonstrated his saving faith by his works - Ja 2:20-24
b. Rahab demonstrated her saving faith by her works - Ja 2:25-26
3. We learn from this passage that:
a. Faith without works is a dead faith - Ja 2:20,26
b. That “faith only” (the only time this phrase is found in the Scriptures) cannot justify one- Ja 2:24
c. That perfect faith necessitates works - Ja 2:22
CONCLUSION
1. It is important that each professing Christian examine his or her own heart and life, and make sure that they possess true saving faith, which is a dynamic faith
2. Satan is the great deceiver; one of his devices is imitation...
a. If he can convince a person that counterfeit faith is true faith...
b. ...then he has that person in his power!
3. Here are some questions we can ask ourselves as we examine our faith:
* Was there a time when I honestly realized I was a sinner and admitted this to myself and to God?
* Was there a time when my heart stirred me to flee from the wrath to come? Have I
ever been seriously worked up over my sins?
* Do I truly understand the gospel, that Christ died for my sins and then rose again?
Do I understand and confess that I cannot save myself?
* Did I sincerely repent of my sins, making the decision to turn from them? Do I now
hate sin and Fear God? Or do I secretly love sin and want to enjoy it?
* Have I trusted Christ and Him alone for my salvation by responding to the
commands He has given?
* Have I confessed my faith in Christ and then been baptized for the remission of my
sins as He and His apostles commanded?
* Has there been a change in my life? Do I maintain good works, or are my good
works occasional and weak?
* Do I seek to grow in the things of the Lord? Can others tell that I have been with
Jesus?
* Do I have a desire to share Christ with others? Or am I ashamed of Him?
* Do I enjoy the fellowship of God’s people? Is worship a delight to me?
* Am I ready for the Lord’s return? Or will I be ashamed when He comes for me?
4. To be sure, not every Christian has the same degree of faith; those who have had more time to grow should be stronger in faith
5. But for the most part, the above spiritual inventory can assist a person in determining his or her true standing before God
May our prayer be similar to that of the Psalmist’s:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And
see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
(Psa 139:23-24)
Note: Much of the material for this outline was adapted heavily from The Bible Exposition Commentary, Volume 2, by Warren W. Wiersbe, pages 353-357.
James 2:14-26
INTRODUCTION
1. Faith is certainly an essential element in the Christian life...
a. Without faith, it is impossible to please God - He 11:6
b. The Christian is saved by faith - Ep 2:8
c. The Christian is to walk (live) by faith - 2 Co 5:7
d. Whatever we do apart from faith is described as sin - Ro 14:23
2. It is important to realize, however, that there are different kinds of faith, but only one that is truly “saving faith”
3. In Ja 2:14-26, we find James discussing different kinds of faith, with an emphasis upon that faith which works to the saving of the soul
[Beginning with vs. 14-17, we notice the first kind of faith. We might call this kind of faith...]
I. DEAD FAITH (14-17)
A. THIS KIND OF FAITH...
1. Substitutes words for deeds (consider James’ example)
a. People with this kind of faith:
1) Know the correct vocabulary for prayer and sound doctrine
2) Can even quote the right verses from the Bible
b. But their “walk” does not measure up to their “talk”!
2. Is only an intellectual faith
a. In one’s mind, he or she knows the doctrine of salvation
b. But they have never really submitted themselves to God and trusted in Jesus for
salvation
c. They know the right “words”, but they do not back up their words with their “works”!
B. CAN THIS KIND OF FAITH SAVE...?
1. No! Three times in this passage, James emphasizes that “faith without works is dead” - Ja 2:17,20,26
2. Any declaration of faith that does not result in a changed life and good works is a false declaration: A dead faith!
3. Dead faith is counterfeit faith and lulls the person into a false confidence of eternal life
C. DO WE HAVE THIS KIND OF FAITH...?
1. We do, if our walk does not measure up to our talk!
2. We do, if our works do not measure up to our words!
[We need to beware of mere intellectual faith. As Warren Wiersbe has said, “No man can come to Christ by faith and remain the same, anymore than he came into contact with a 220-volt wire and remain the same.” (compare this to 1 Jn 5:12) The next kind of faith discussed by James is...]
II. DEMONIC FAITH (18,19)
A. EVEN DEMONS HAVE A KIND OF FAITH...!
1. They believe in God (no atheists or agnostics here!)
2. They even believe in the deity of Christ - cf. Mk 3:11-12
3. They also believe in the existence of a place of condemnation - cf. Lk 8:31
4. And they believe Jesus will be the Judge! - Mt 8:28-29
B. WHAT KIND OF FAITH DO DEMONS HAVE...?
1. We saw that the man with “dead faith” was “touched only in his intellect”
2. The demons are “touched also in their emotions” (note that they “believe and tremble”)
3. This is one step above a “dead faith” - it involves both intellect and emotions
C. CAN THIS KIND OF FAITH SAVE...?
1. No! A person can be enlightened in his mind and even stirred in his heart and still be lost forever!
2. True saving faith involves something more, something that can be seen and recognized: a changed life! (cf. Ja 2:18)
3. Being a Christian involves trusting Christ and living for Christ!
a. You first receive the life...
b. Then you reveal the life!
D. DO WE HAVE THIS KIND OF FAITH...?
1. We do, if we just believe the right things and feel the right things
2. We do, if our service to God does not go beyond...
a. Intellectually adhering to the right doctrines
b. Emotional experiences while attending services
[Thus, James has introduced us to two kinds of faith that can never save: dead faith (involving the intellect alone), and demonic faith (involving the intellect and the emotions, but stopping there). He closes this section by describing in vs. 20-26 the only kind of faith that can save...]
III.DYNAMIC FAITH (20-26)
A. WHAT KIND OF FAITH IS THIS...?
1. We know from other passages that such faith is based upon the Word of God - Ro 10:17
2. Dynamic faith involves the whole man
a. Dead faith touches only the intellect
b. Demonic faith involves both the intellect and the emotions
c. Dynamic faith involves the intellect, the emotions, and the will!
1) The mind understands the truth
2) The heart desires and rejoices in the truth
3) The will acts upon the truth
3. True, saving faith, then, leads to action
a. It is not intellectual contemplation
b. It is not emotionalism
c. It is that which leads to obedience in doing good works
B. TO ILLUSTRATE, JAMES REFERS TO ABRAHAM AND RAHAB...
1. You could not find two more different persons!
a. Abraham was the father of the Jews; Rahab was a Gentile!
b. Abraham was a godly man; Rahab had been a sinful woman, a harlot!
c. Abraham was the friend of God; Rahab had belonged to the enemies of God!
2. What did they have in common? Both exercised saving faith in God!
a. Abraham demonstrated his saving faith by his works - Ja 2:20-24
b. Rahab demonstrated her saving faith by her works - Ja 2:25-26
3. We learn from this passage that:
a. Faith without works is a dead faith - Ja 2:20,26
b. That “faith only” (the only time this phrase is found in the Scriptures) cannot justify one- Ja 2:24
c. That perfect faith necessitates works - Ja 2:22
CONCLUSION
1. It is important that each professing Christian examine his or her own heart and life, and make sure that they possess true saving faith, which is a dynamic faith
2. Satan is the great deceiver; one of his devices is imitation...
a. If he can convince a person that counterfeit faith is true faith...
b. ...then he has that person in his power!
3. Here are some questions we can ask ourselves as we examine our faith:
* Was there a time when I honestly realized I was a sinner and admitted this to myself and to God?
* Was there a time when my heart stirred me to flee from the wrath to come? Have I
ever been seriously worked up over my sins?
* Do I truly understand the gospel, that Christ died for my sins and then rose again?
Do I understand and confess that I cannot save myself?
* Did I sincerely repent of my sins, making the decision to turn from them? Do I now
hate sin and Fear God? Or do I secretly love sin and want to enjoy it?
* Have I trusted Christ and Him alone for my salvation by responding to the
commands He has given?
* Have I confessed my faith in Christ and then been baptized for the remission of my
sins as He and His apostles commanded?
* Has there been a change in my life? Do I maintain good works, or are my good
works occasional and weak?
* Do I seek to grow in the things of the Lord? Can others tell that I have been with
Jesus?
* Do I have a desire to share Christ with others? Or am I ashamed of Him?
* Do I enjoy the fellowship of God’s people? Is worship a delight to me?
* Am I ready for the Lord’s return? Or will I be ashamed when He comes for me?
4. To be sure, not every Christian has the same degree of faith; those who have had more time to grow should be stronger in faith
5. But for the most part, the above spiritual inventory can assist a person in determining his or her true standing before God
May our prayer be similar to that of the Psalmist’s:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And
see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
(Psa 139:23-24)
Note: Much of the material for this outline was adapted heavily from The Bible Exposition Commentary, Volume 2, by Warren W. Wiersbe, pages 353-357.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Develop the Practice of Righteousness
6.4. Develop the Practice of Righteousness
Perspective
( Rom. 5:3-5 ; Rom. 12:1-2 ; Matt. 10:16-28 ; 1 Pet. 3:13-17 ) Do not be surprised
at trials, even if they seem fiery. Rejoice in them because God uses them to reveal the spirit that is in you, and develop Christlike maturity. Be prepared to be reviled. If you should endure suffering for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed of the Lord. Renewing the mind is a constant process to free us from our own corruption of lusts and appetites; and to defend and protect ourselves from the fashions and customs of the world.
Hope
( Eph. 5:15-16 ; 1 Tim. 4:7-11 ; Heb. 5:14 ; Gal. 5:22-23 ; Heb. 13:20-21 ) You
must faithfully practice your daily responsibilities and discipline yourself toward godliness. As you continue to be a doer of the word, your senses will be trained to discern good and evil. Your growth is a sovereign work of God that is divinely linked to your living in a biblical manner.
Prov. 3:5-10 ; Ps. 55:22 ; Ps. 94:17-19 ; Jer. 29:11 ; Rom. 8:28-29 God has
promised to provide all the necessities of life as you seek to please Him. He is always available to help you and He is firmly in control of every aspect of your life. Living in a biblical manner, the believer is assured that God is arranging and re-arranging 'all things' for his good on a daily basis. Thus, hope is really faith extended into the future, living the divine life in the present.
( Matt. 6:25,34 ; Luke 12:22-34 ; Matt. 6:33 ; Heb. 5:14 ; James 1:22-25 ) Put-off
self-centered concern about the future and put-on doing the Word. As you dwell on the
things of God, He will protect and provide for you in all areas of your life.
God made man a spiritual being. As such, man is not to be preoccupied with making it on his own, taking care of oneself in this world, and fighting and struggling to make it through life. As a citizen of heaven, he works in partnership with God. He trusts and acknowledges God while doing all he can: plows and works, not looking back; and while working, trust the results to God. God says he will see to it that such a trusting person will always have the necessities of life.
Change
( John 3:30 ; John 12:24-26 ; Matt. 20:26-28 ; Rom. 15:1-3 ; Col. 3:23-24 ) Stop
living to please self in daily situations, responsibilities and relationships. Regard others as more important than yourself and be a servant to God and others. The Christian believer who truly lives and witnesses for Christ gives himself up to Christ. In Christ, as a bondslave, he ministers to the needs of others.
( Prov. 9:6 ; Prov. 14:16 ; Gal. 5:16-21 ; James 1:19 ; John 15:5 ; James 1:22-25
; James 4:17 ) List the circumstances or relationships in which you are (or have been)tempted to become angry or bitter. Develop a biblical plan for overcoming anger and bitterness in these situations. Formulate a contingency plan for dealing with anger and bitterness that may arise suddenly. What you comprehend, you will be conformed to, and this is what you will communicate.
( Prov. 10:12 ; 1 Cor. 13:4-8 ; 1 Pet. 1:22 ; Eph. 4:32 ; 1 Pet. 3:8-9 ) Practice
biblical love by forgiving others just as God has forgiven you. Do kind and tenderhearted deeds to the very individuals with whom you become irritated. Forbearance is giving what a person needs, not what he deserves.
Perspective
( Rom. 5:3-5 ; Rom. 12:1-2 ; Matt. 10:16-28 ; 1 Pet. 3:13-17 ) Do not be surprised
at trials, even if they seem fiery. Rejoice in them because God uses them to reveal the spirit that is in you, and develop Christlike maturity. Be prepared to be reviled. If you should endure suffering for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed of the Lord. Renewing the mind is a constant process to free us from our own corruption of lusts and appetites; and to defend and protect ourselves from the fashions and customs of the world.
Hope
( Eph. 5:15-16 ; 1 Tim. 4:7-11 ; Heb. 5:14 ; Gal. 5:22-23 ; Heb. 13:20-21 ) You
must faithfully practice your daily responsibilities and discipline yourself toward godliness. As you continue to be a doer of the word, your senses will be trained to discern good and evil. Your growth is a sovereign work of God that is divinely linked to your living in a biblical manner.
Prov. 3:5-10 ; Ps. 55:22 ; Ps. 94:17-19 ; Jer. 29:11 ; Rom. 8:28-29 God has
promised to provide all the necessities of life as you seek to please Him. He is always available to help you and He is firmly in control of every aspect of your life. Living in a biblical manner, the believer is assured that God is arranging and re-arranging 'all things' for his good on a daily basis. Thus, hope is really faith extended into the future, living the divine life in the present.
( Matt. 6:25,34 ; Luke 12:22-34 ; Matt. 6:33 ; Heb. 5:14 ; James 1:22-25 ) Put-off
self-centered concern about the future and put-on doing the Word. As you dwell on the
things of God, He will protect and provide for you in all areas of your life.
God made man a spiritual being. As such, man is not to be preoccupied with making it on his own, taking care of oneself in this world, and fighting and struggling to make it through life. As a citizen of heaven, he works in partnership with God. He trusts and acknowledges God while doing all he can: plows and works, not looking back; and while working, trust the results to God. God says he will see to it that such a trusting person will always have the necessities of life.
Change
( John 3:30 ; John 12:24-26 ; Matt. 20:26-28 ; Rom. 15:1-3 ; Col. 3:23-24 ) Stop
living to please self in daily situations, responsibilities and relationships. Regard others as more important than yourself and be a servant to God and others. The Christian believer who truly lives and witnesses for Christ gives himself up to Christ. In Christ, as a bondslave, he ministers to the needs of others.
( Prov. 9:6 ; Prov. 14:16 ; Gal. 5:16-21 ; James 1:19 ; John 15:5 ; James 1:22-25
; James 4:17 ) List the circumstances or relationships in which you are (or have been)tempted to become angry or bitter. Develop a biblical plan for overcoming anger and bitterness in these situations. Formulate a contingency plan for dealing with anger and bitterness that may arise suddenly. What you comprehend, you will be conformed to, and this is what you will communicate.
( Prov. 10:12 ; 1 Cor. 13:4-8 ; 1 Pet. 1:22 ; Eph. 4:32 ; 1 Pet. 3:8-9 ) Practice
biblical love by forgiving others just as God has forgiven you. Do kind and tenderhearted deeds to the very individuals with whom you become irritated. Forbearance is giving what a person needs, not what he deserves.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Biblical discipleship 3
6.3. Establish Biblical Structure for Change
Perspective
( Rom. 5:3-5 ; 2 Tim. 3:16-17 ; James 1:21-25 ; 2 Pet. 1:2-4 ) Effective and lasting
biblical change is a continuing process. You are to obey the commands and guidelines in God's word for every area of your life (your thoughts, words and actions). As you stop(put-off) the old continuing pattern of sin and begin (put-on) the new practice of righteousness and holiness, you are renewed in the spirit of your mind.
Being justified, we are no longer defeated by trials and sufferings. To the contrary, by God's grace, we use problems as opportunities to grow in Christ. Working through pressure, oppression, afflictions, and distress, we develop endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, constancy, perseverance. Thus, patience stirs experience and this develops character, integrity, strength. Also experience stirs up hope. By enduring trials, we experience the presence and strength of God. When a justified man becomes stronger in character, he draws closer to God. The closer he draws to God, the more he hopes for the glory of God.
Hope
( John 15:10-11 ; John 16:33 ; Matt. 6:33 ; 1 John 2:3-4 ; 1 John 3:22 ) You are
to walk in a manner worthy of God and to please Him in every area of your life. As you obediently respond to God's love, you become mature in the Lord and are blessed with peace and joy regardless of your feelings, other people or circumstances of life. The believer's hope, peace and joy is based upon the presence of God's Spirit who dwells within the believer. These virtues are activated when one biblically responds to life.
( 1 Cor. 6:19-20 ; 1 Pet. 1:17-19 ; Luke 16:10-13 ; John 16:17 ; 1 John 2:20,27 )
You were purchased with the precious blood of Jesus, you wholly belong to Him. You are God's possession and a steward (managing servant) of all that the Lord has provided for you. The anointing of Christ is with you. God's wisdom, strength and ability are within you to exercise your particular talent and gifts to become a blessing to those about you. Christ in you, the hope of glory, the anointing of God is upon your flesh to do the things flesh cannot do.
( Ps. 119:165 ; Matt. 5:3-12 ; John 14:27 ; John 15:11 ; John 16:33 ) God's peace
and joy are available to believers regardless of others, possessions or circumstances. We are to be dependent upon God. As we become so we will not be controlled by others but will be free to love others as God loves us. We are primarily accountable to God-not to self, spouse, parents or others.
Change
( Eph. 4:22-24 ; Matt. 7:5 ; 1 Cor. 11:28-31 ; Heb. 4:12 ; Rom. 6:12-13 ; 2 Cor.
10:5 ) To keep God's anointing flowing through you, you must daily put-off old sinful
habits, identify them, judge yourself in the light of God's word, confess and repent and put them aside immediately. Do not take life for granted. You are God's ambassador on earth. You are His standard for the world to see.
( 2 Tim. 2:22 ; Titus 2:11-12 ; Gal. 5:16 ; Matt. 22:37 ; Col. 1:10 ; Rom. 8:29 ;
Rom. 5:17 ) As we put-on the righteous deeds in the power of the Holy Spirit, we grow
daily in the image of God. We become on earth, vessels reflecting and revealing the Spirit of God within to the world without as we destroy the works of the devil and establish God's righteousness on earth. We are to rule and to exercise predominance over the world's system and institutions ( Gen. 1:28 ; Matt. 28:18-20 ).
( Prov. 10:12 ; Eph. 4:32 ; 1 Pet. 3:8-9 ) We begin the process by forgiving others
biblically as necessary. We seek reconciliation and restoration in accordance with biblical principles. We do not retaliate, we eliminate stumbling blocks, and seek ways to bless others. Our Lord took care of sin at the cross. Our role is to destroy the structure - the scaffolding - the habit patterns - of sin embedded in our minds over the years. We are to rebuild these structures until our faculties, our intellect, our passions, are placed solely under the rule and lordship of Jesus Christ ( 2 Cor. 10:3-5 ; Prov. 21:22 ).
Perspective
( Rom. 5:3-5 ; 2 Tim. 3:16-17 ; James 1:21-25 ; 2 Pet. 1:2-4 ) Effective and lasting
biblical change is a continuing process. You are to obey the commands and guidelines in God's word for every area of your life (your thoughts, words and actions). As you stop(put-off) the old continuing pattern of sin and begin (put-on) the new practice of righteousness and holiness, you are renewed in the spirit of your mind.
Being justified, we are no longer defeated by trials and sufferings. To the contrary, by God's grace, we use problems as opportunities to grow in Christ. Working through pressure, oppression, afflictions, and distress, we develop endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, constancy, perseverance. Thus, patience stirs experience and this develops character, integrity, strength. Also experience stirs up hope. By enduring trials, we experience the presence and strength of God. When a justified man becomes stronger in character, he draws closer to God. The closer he draws to God, the more he hopes for the glory of God.
Hope
( John 15:10-11 ; John 16:33 ; Matt. 6:33 ; 1 John 2:3-4 ; 1 John 3:22 ) You are
to walk in a manner worthy of God and to please Him in every area of your life. As you obediently respond to God's love, you become mature in the Lord and are blessed with peace and joy regardless of your feelings, other people or circumstances of life. The believer's hope, peace and joy is based upon the presence of God's Spirit who dwells within the believer. These virtues are activated when one biblically responds to life.
( 1 Cor. 6:19-20 ; 1 Pet. 1:17-19 ; Luke 16:10-13 ; John 16:17 ; 1 John 2:20,27 )
You were purchased with the precious blood of Jesus, you wholly belong to Him. You are God's possession and a steward (managing servant) of all that the Lord has provided for you. The anointing of Christ is with you. God's wisdom, strength and ability are within you to exercise your particular talent and gifts to become a blessing to those about you. Christ in you, the hope of glory, the anointing of God is upon your flesh to do the things flesh cannot do.
( Ps. 119:165 ; Matt. 5:3-12 ; John 14:27 ; John 15:11 ; John 16:33 ) God's peace
and joy are available to believers regardless of others, possessions or circumstances. We are to be dependent upon God. As we become so we will not be controlled by others but will be free to love others as God loves us. We are primarily accountable to God-not to self, spouse, parents or others.
Change
( Eph. 4:22-24 ; Matt. 7:5 ; 1 Cor. 11:28-31 ; Heb. 4:12 ; Rom. 6:12-13 ; 2 Cor.
10:5 ) To keep God's anointing flowing through you, you must daily put-off old sinful
habits, identify them, judge yourself in the light of God's word, confess and repent and put them aside immediately. Do not take life for granted. You are God's ambassador on earth. You are His standard for the world to see.
( 2 Tim. 2:22 ; Titus 2:11-12 ; Gal. 5:16 ; Matt. 22:37 ; Col. 1:10 ; Rom. 8:29 ;
Rom. 5:17 ) As we put-on the righteous deeds in the power of the Holy Spirit, we grow
daily in the image of God. We become on earth, vessels reflecting and revealing the Spirit of God within to the world without as we destroy the works of the devil and establish God's righteousness on earth. We are to rule and to exercise predominance over the world's system and institutions ( Gen. 1:28 ; Matt. 28:18-20 ).
( Prov. 10:12 ; Eph. 4:32 ; 1 Pet. 3:8-9 ) We begin the process by forgiving others
biblically as necessary. We seek reconciliation and restoration in accordance with biblical principles. We do not retaliate, we eliminate stumbling blocks, and seek ways to bless others. Our Lord took care of sin at the cross. Our role is to destroy the structure - the scaffolding - the habit patterns - of sin embedded in our minds over the years. We are to rebuild these structures until our faculties, our intellect, our passions, are placed solely under the rule and lordship of Jesus Christ ( 2 Cor. 10:3-5 ; Prov. 21:22 ).
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Epistle Of James- Chapter Three
The Epistle Of James
Chapter Three
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To appreciate the power and danger of the tongue
2) To understand the difference between heavenly wisdom, and that which is earthly, sensual,and demonic
SUMMARY
James begins this chapter with a caution against many becoming teachers. In view of the stricter judgment that awaits teachers, one should be sure they possess the maturity and self-control necessary to control the tongue. James then provides a series of illustrations to demonstrate the power and danger of the tongue, and how we can easily be inconsistent in our use of it (1-12).
Perhaps some sought to be teachers so as to appear wise. Yet James writes that wisdom and understanding are to be shown by one's conduct, done in meekness. He then defines and contrasts the difference between two kinds of wisdom. There is wisdom which is earthly that causes confusion and every evil thing. On the other hand, there is wisdom which is heavenly that produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness (13-18).
OUTLINE
I. TRUE RELIGION CONTROLS THE TONGUE (1-12)
A. CAUTION AGAINST BECOMING TEACHERS (1-2)
1. Teachers shall receive a stricter judgment
2. Maturity and self-control are required not to stumble in word
B. THE POWER OF THE TONGUE (3-4)
1. Like a bit which controls the horse
2. Like a small rudder which directs the ship
C. THE DANGER OF THE TONGUE (5-6)
1. A little member which boasts great things
2. Like a little fire which kindles a great forest fire
3. Indeed, the tongue can be a fire, a world of iniquity
a. Capable of defiling the whole body
b. Capable of setting on fire the course of nature, being set on fire by hell
D. THE DIFFICULTY OF TAMING THE TONGUE (7-12)
1. Man can control creatures of land and sea, but not the tongue
2. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison
3. With it we bless God, and then curse man made in His image
a. Thus blessing and cursing proceed from the same mouth
b. Something which should not be so
1) For no spring sends forth both fresh and salt water
2) Neither does a fig tree bear olives, nor a grapevine bear figs
II. TRUE RELIGION DISPLAYS HEAVENLY WISDOM (13-18)
A. THE TRUE DISPLAY OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING (13)
1. To be seen in one's conduct
2. With works done in meekness
B. THE DISPLAY OF EARTHLY WISDOM (14-16)
1. Full of bitter envy, self-seeking, boasting and lying
2. A wisdom not from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic
3. Producing confusion and every evil thing
C. THE DISPLAY OF HEAVENLY WISDOM (17-18)
1. Wisdom from above is first pure, then it is...
a. Peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits
b. Without partiality and without hypocrisy
2. The fruit of righteousness is produced by peacemakers who sow in peace
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
2) Why does James caution against many becoming teachers? (1)
3) What is one indication of maturity and self-control? (2)
4) What two illustrations does James use to show the power of the tongue? (3-4)
5) What illustration is used to show the danger of the tongue? (5)
6) How does James describe the tongue? (6-8)
7) What example does James use to show how the tongue is often misused? (9-10)
8) What illustrations does James provide to show the incongruity of such speech? (11-12)
9) How is the wise and understanding person to manifest himself? (13)
10) What characterizes wisdom that does not descend from above? (14)
11) What is the source of such wisdom? (15)
12) What exists when there is envy and self-seeking? (16)
13) What are the qualities of wisdom that is from above? (17)
14) Who produces the fruit of righteousness? (18)
Chapter Three
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To appreciate the power and danger of the tongue
2) To understand the difference between heavenly wisdom, and that which is earthly, sensual,and demonic
SUMMARY
James begins this chapter with a caution against many becoming teachers. In view of the stricter judgment that awaits teachers, one should be sure they possess the maturity and self-control necessary to control the tongue. James then provides a series of illustrations to demonstrate the power and danger of the tongue, and how we can easily be inconsistent in our use of it (1-12).
Perhaps some sought to be teachers so as to appear wise. Yet James writes that wisdom and understanding are to be shown by one's conduct, done in meekness. He then defines and contrasts the difference between two kinds of wisdom. There is wisdom which is earthly that causes confusion and every evil thing. On the other hand, there is wisdom which is heavenly that produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness (13-18).
OUTLINE
I. TRUE RELIGION CONTROLS THE TONGUE (1-12)
A. CAUTION AGAINST BECOMING TEACHERS (1-2)
1. Teachers shall receive a stricter judgment
2. Maturity and self-control are required not to stumble in word
B. THE POWER OF THE TONGUE (3-4)
1. Like a bit which controls the horse
2. Like a small rudder which directs the ship
C. THE DANGER OF THE TONGUE (5-6)
1. A little member which boasts great things
2. Like a little fire which kindles a great forest fire
3. Indeed, the tongue can be a fire, a world of iniquity
a. Capable of defiling the whole body
b. Capable of setting on fire the course of nature, being set on fire by hell
D. THE DIFFICULTY OF TAMING THE TONGUE (7-12)
1. Man can control creatures of land and sea, but not the tongue
2. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison
3. With it we bless God, and then curse man made in His image
a. Thus blessing and cursing proceed from the same mouth
b. Something which should not be so
1) For no spring sends forth both fresh and salt water
2) Neither does a fig tree bear olives, nor a grapevine bear figs
II. TRUE RELIGION DISPLAYS HEAVENLY WISDOM (13-18)
A. THE TRUE DISPLAY OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING (13)
1. To be seen in one's conduct
2. With works done in meekness
B. THE DISPLAY OF EARTHLY WISDOM (14-16)
1. Full of bitter envy, self-seeking, boasting and lying
2. A wisdom not from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic
3. Producing confusion and every evil thing
C. THE DISPLAY OF HEAVENLY WISDOM (17-18)
1. Wisdom from above is first pure, then it is...
a. Peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits
b. Without partiality and without hypocrisy
2. The fruit of righteousness is produced by peacemakers who sow in peace
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
2) Why does James caution against many becoming teachers? (1)
3) What is one indication of maturity and self-control? (2)
4) What two illustrations does James use to show the power of the tongue? (3-4)
5) What illustration is used to show the danger of the tongue? (5)
6) How does James describe the tongue? (6-8)
7) What example does James use to show how the tongue is often misused? (9-10)
8) What illustrations does James provide to show the incongruity of such speech? (11-12)
9) How is the wise and understanding person to manifest himself? (13)
10) What characterizes wisdom that does not descend from above? (14)
11) What is the source of such wisdom? (15)
12) What exists when there is envy and self-seeking? (16)
13) What are the qualities of wisdom that is from above? (17)
14) Who produces the fruit of righteousness? (18)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Biblical Discipleship 2
6.2. Explore Problems and Develop Sensitivity to Sin
Perspective
( John 14:26 ; Eph. 5:18 ; Isa. 55:8-9 ) At the point you choose to stop perpetuating
self-interest and begin to consider the interest of others before your own, God's wisdom, strength and ability will enter into your spirit to do those things that are pleasing to God. Only in the power of the Holy Spirit are you able to live the abundant life. You cannot live according to God's design in your own way or by your own wisdom.
The Holy Spirit will help the believer through the trials of life by teaching him all things: the words and life of Christ, the Truth and the Life, the Word and how to live, the theory and the practice, the principles and the conduct, the morality and the behavior of Christian existence.
Hope
( Heb. 4:16 ; James 1:5-8 ; James 1:22-25 ; Phil. 4:13 ) It is a question of faith. You believe God's word, you respond to it, (whether you feel like it or not), to what God says. You turn over your intellect and will to God, allowing God to direct your faculties, your passions, and to refurbish your memory. God intervenes through you into the situation or circumstances to resolve the problem in God's way, and to reconstitute your very being in order to establish His kingdom and His will on earth.
( Matt. 7:1-5 ; Gal. 6:1-5 ; 2 Cor. 1:3-4 ; 1 Cor. 11:28-31 ) Practicing God's word
begins with judging ourselves and removing sinful obstructions from our own lives. Since we have no righteousness of our own, our only worthiness is Jesus Christ. The only time we could be counted worthy would be when we are walking in constant fellowship with Him. This means that we are to be actively thinking upon and talking with him through confession, repentance, praise and request. Thus, our hope is in Him who brings us to fruition and fulfillment.
( 1 John 2:3-6 ; 2 Pet. 1:3-11 ; John 16:33 ; John 15:10-11 ) You must obey God's
word consistently to grow increasingly into godliness and to realize true peace and joy. The Lord's joy and glory was doing the will of God and looking ahead to the joy and glory of eternity with His Father and His followers. Likewise, the joy of believers is the joy of Christ Himself reigning within their hearts. And this joy is fulfilled as believers study His word, the promises and commandments which He made.
Change
( Luke 17:10 ; John 14:5 ; 2 Cor. 5:15 ; 2 Cor. 10:5 ; Col. 3:1-7 ; Col. 1:10 ) In
order to mature (grow up) in Christ, you must persevere in doing what is good in the
Lord's sight: by being obedient to Scripture, disciplining your thought life, speaking in a manner that is helpful to others, and loving others in a biblical manner.
Patience, kindness, goodness embodies the standard by which we are to live. We belong
to Him totally. It is our duty as His ambassadors, to serve Him, to increase in the
knowledge of Him, and to fulfill our roles as His disciples.
( Gen. 4:7 ; Isa. 26:3 ; Luke 11:28 ; John 15:10-11 ; Matt. 7:21 ) Your
contentment in all situations is dependent upon your obedient response to God in your
thoughts, words and actions. This brings forth a tranquility of mind, a purity of memory, a composure, a peace that is calm in the face of bad circumstances and situations. By obeying the Lord in your daily walk, a person becomes bound, woven and joined together with himself, with God, and with others. We are naturally inclined to maliciousness and to retaliation. Accordingly, as a constant, check yourself to determine what spirit you are manifesting in all encounters ( Luke 9:53-55 ).
( 1 John 1:9 ; Matt. 3:8 ; 2 Cor. 7:9-11 ; James 4:8-10 ; Eph. 4:31-32 ) Confess
your sins to the Lord and, when appropriate, confess sins to others whom you have
offended. Honor the Blood that washed away your sins, by 'acting forgiven'. To fall into despair or self-pity is to honor the enemy. No matter how many times you fall into sin, honor the Cross and Blood of Christ by getting up, confessing, repenting, and starting over again.
As a basic guideline, judge yourself in the areas of failing to be patient, failing to be kind, and failing to exercise goodness in contrary situations. To do this, list your failures, formulate a specific plan to change, and begin to implement the plan.
Perspective
( John 14:26 ; Eph. 5:18 ; Isa. 55:8-9 ) At the point you choose to stop perpetuating
self-interest and begin to consider the interest of others before your own, God's wisdom, strength and ability will enter into your spirit to do those things that are pleasing to God. Only in the power of the Holy Spirit are you able to live the abundant life. You cannot live according to God's design in your own way or by your own wisdom.
The Holy Spirit will help the believer through the trials of life by teaching him all things: the words and life of Christ, the Truth and the Life, the Word and how to live, the theory and the practice, the principles and the conduct, the morality and the behavior of Christian existence.
Hope
( Heb. 4:16 ; James 1:5-8 ; James 1:22-25 ; Phil. 4:13 ) It is a question of faith. You believe God's word, you respond to it, (whether you feel like it or not), to what God says. You turn over your intellect and will to God, allowing God to direct your faculties, your passions, and to refurbish your memory. God intervenes through you into the situation or circumstances to resolve the problem in God's way, and to reconstitute your very being in order to establish His kingdom and His will on earth.
( Matt. 7:1-5 ; Gal. 6:1-5 ; 2 Cor. 1:3-4 ; 1 Cor. 11:28-31 ) Practicing God's word
begins with judging ourselves and removing sinful obstructions from our own lives. Since we have no righteousness of our own, our only worthiness is Jesus Christ. The only time we could be counted worthy would be when we are walking in constant fellowship with Him. This means that we are to be actively thinking upon and talking with him through confession, repentance, praise and request. Thus, our hope is in Him who brings us to fruition and fulfillment.
( 1 John 2:3-6 ; 2 Pet. 1:3-11 ; John 16:33 ; John 15:10-11 ) You must obey God's
word consistently to grow increasingly into godliness and to realize true peace and joy. The Lord's joy and glory was doing the will of God and looking ahead to the joy and glory of eternity with His Father and His followers. Likewise, the joy of believers is the joy of Christ Himself reigning within their hearts. And this joy is fulfilled as believers study His word, the promises and commandments which He made.
Change
( Luke 17:10 ; John 14:5 ; 2 Cor. 5:15 ; 2 Cor. 10:5 ; Col. 3:1-7 ; Col. 1:10 ) In
order to mature (grow up) in Christ, you must persevere in doing what is good in the
Lord's sight: by being obedient to Scripture, disciplining your thought life, speaking in a manner that is helpful to others, and loving others in a biblical manner.
Patience, kindness, goodness embodies the standard by which we are to live. We belong
to Him totally. It is our duty as His ambassadors, to serve Him, to increase in the
knowledge of Him, and to fulfill our roles as His disciples.
( Gen. 4:7 ; Isa. 26:3 ; Luke 11:28 ; John 15:10-11 ; Matt. 7:21 ) Your
contentment in all situations is dependent upon your obedient response to God in your
thoughts, words and actions. This brings forth a tranquility of mind, a purity of memory, a composure, a peace that is calm in the face of bad circumstances and situations. By obeying the Lord in your daily walk, a person becomes bound, woven and joined together with himself, with God, and with others. We are naturally inclined to maliciousness and to retaliation. Accordingly, as a constant, check yourself to determine what spirit you are manifesting in all encounters ( Luke 9:53-55 ).
( 1 John 1:9 ; Matt. 3:8 ; 2 Cor. 7:9-11 ; James 4:8-10 ; Eph. 4:31-32 ) Confess
your sins to the Lord and, when appropriate, confess sins to others whom you have
offended. Honor the Blood that washed away your sins, by 'acting forgiven'. To fall into despair or self-pity is to honor the enemy. No matter how many times you fall into sin, honor the Cross and Blood of Christ by getting up, confessing, repenting, and starting over again.
As a basic guideline, judge yourself in the areas of failing to be patient, failing to be kind, and failing to exercise goodness in contrary situations. To do this, list your failures, formulate a specific plan to change, and begin to implement the plan.
The Epistle Of James- Chapter Two Study Guide
The Epistle Of James
Chapter Two
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To consider the sin and danger of showing personal favoritism
2) To note the folly of faith without works, how that faith without works is a dead faith
SUMMARY
In this chapter we first find a call to hold the faith of Jesus Christ without partiality. Evidently some were displaying favoritism toward the rich in their assemblies, while despising the poor. Showing respect of persons made one a judge with evil thoughts, and James provides several reasons why such prejudice was unbecoming of those who believe in Jesus and worthy of condemnation (1-13).
James then addresses the relationship between faith and works, especially the folly of professing faith when unaccompanied by works. Using several examples to make his point, including those of Abraham the friend of God and Rahab the harlot, James declares three times that faith without works is dead (14-26).
OUTLINE
I. TRUE RELIGION DOES NOT SHOW PARTIALITY (1-13)
A. SUCH AS SHOWING PREFERENCE TO THE RICH (1-3)
1. The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, is not to be held with partiality
2. A case in point: showing preference with seating arrangements in the assembly
B. REASONS NOT TO SHOW PARTIALITY TOWARD THE RICH (4-13)
1. It makes one a judge with evil thoughts
2. Has not God chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?
3. Have not the rich oppressed and blasphemed you?
4. Does not the royal law call upon us to love our neighbor?
5. Partiality will convict us as transgressors, even if we stumble in only one point
6. We shall be judged by the law of liberty, in which judgment without mercy is given to those who show no mercy
II. TRUE RELIGION SHOWS FAITH THROUGH WORKS (14-26)
A. FAITH WITHOUT WORKS CANNOT SAVE ONE (14-19)
1. What profit is there in faith without works?
a. Can such faith save one?
b. Is there any profit to tell a naked and destitute person to be warm and filled, and not give them what they need?
c. Thus faith by itself, without works, is dead
2. Faith is shown by one's works
a. It is not enough to claim to have faith
b. The devils believe in God, and tremble
B. FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD (20-26)
1. As exemplified by Abraham, the friend of God
a. Who was justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar
b. His faith was working with his works, and by them perfected his faith
c. By his works the Scripture was fulfilled that declared him faithful and righteous
2. As exemplified by Rahab, the harlot
a. Who was justified by works when she hid the spies
b. Thus faith without works is dead, just as the body without the spirit is dead
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
2) With what is one not to hold the faith of our Lord Jesus? (1)
3) What example does James use to illustrate his point? (2-3)
4) Of what is one guilty when they show partiality? (4)
5) Why should one not show prejudice against the poor? (5)
6) What had the rich been doing against those to whom James wrote this epistle? (6-7)
7) What would be well for them to do? (8)
8) What is the consequence of showing partiality? (9)
9) Of what is one guilty if they stumble in just one point of the law? (10-11)
10) How then should they speak and act? Why? (12-13)
11) What question does James address next? (14)
12) What example is given to illustrate the futility of faith without works? (15-16)
13) What is the condition of faith by itself, without works? (17)
14) How does James challenge the person who only has faith? (18)
15) What example does James use next to show the futility of faith only? (19)
16) How was Abraham justified? When? (21)
17) What was the relation between Abraham's faith and works? (22)
18) What two things were the result of Abraham's works? (23)
19) What point did the example of Abraham illustrate? (24)
20) What final example does James appeal to? (25)
21) What is James' conclusion regarding faith and works? (26)
Chapter Two
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To consider the sin and danger of showing personal favoritism
2) To note the folly of faith without works, how that faith without works is a dead faith
SUMMARY
In this chapter we first find a call to hold the faith of Jesus Christ without partiality. Evidently some were displaying favoritism toward the rich in their assemblies, while despising the poor. Showing respect of persons made one a judge with evil thoughts, and James provides several reasons why such prejudice was unbecoming of those who believe in Jesus and worthy of condemnation (1-13).
James then addresses the relationship between faith and works, especially the folly of professing faith when unaccompanied by works. Using several examples to make his point, including those of Abraham the friend of God and Rahab the harlot, James declares three times that faith without works is dead (14-26).
OUTLINE
I. TRUE RELIGION DOES NOT SHOW PARTIALITY (1-13)
A. SUCH AS SHOWING PREFERENCE TO THE RICH (1-3)
1. The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, is not to be held with partiality
2. A case in point: showing preference with seating arrangements in the assembly
B. REASONS NOT TO SHOW PARTIALITY TOWARD THE RICH (4-13)
1. It makes one a judge with evil thoughts
2. Has not God chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?
3. Have not the rich oppressed and blasphemed you?
4. Does not the royal law call upon us to love our neighbor?
5. Partiality will convict us as transgressors, even if we stumble in only one point
6. We shall be judged by the law of liberty, in which judgment without mercy is given to those who show no mercy
II. TRUE RELIGION SHOWS FAITH THROUGH WORKS (14-26)
A. FAITH WITHOUT WORKS CANNOT SAVE ONE (14-19)
1. What profit is there in faith without works?
a. Can such faith save one?
b. Is there any profit to tell a naked and destitute person to be warm and filled, and not give them what they need?
c. Thus faith by itself, without works, is dead
2. Faith is shown by one's works
a. It is not enough to claim to have faith
b. The devils believe in God, and tremble
B. FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD (20-26)
1. As exemplified by Abraham, the friend of God
a. Who was justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar
b. His faith was working with his works, and by them perfected his faith
c. By his works the Scripture was fulfilled that declared him faithful and righteous
2. As exemplified by Rahab, the harlot
a. Who was justified by works when she hid the spies
b. Thus faith without works is dead, just as the body without the spirit is dead
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
2) With what is one not to hold the faith of our Lord Jesus? (1)
3) What example does James use to illustrate his point? (2-3)
4) Of what is one guilty when they show partiality? (4)
5) Why should one not show prejudice against the poor? (5)
6) What had the rich been doing against those to whom James wrote this epistle? (6-7)
7) What would be well for them to do? (8)
8) What is the consequence of showing partiality? (9)
9) Of what is one guilty if they stumble in just one point of the law? (10-11)
10) How then should they speak and act? Why? (12-13)
11) What question does James address next? (14)
12) What example is given to illustrate the futility of faith without works? (15-16)
13) What is the condition of faith by itself, without works? (17)
14) How does James challenge the person who only has faith? (18)
15) What example does James use next to show the futility of faith only? (19)
16) How was Abraham justified? When? (21)
17) What was the relation between Abraham's faith and works? (22)
18) What two things were the result of Abraham's works? (23)
19) What point did the example of Abraham illustrate? (24)
20) What final example does James appeal to? (25)
21) What is James' conclusion regarding faith and works? (26)
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Biblical Discipleship
6.1. Establish a Foundation for Biblical Discipleship (by Adam Pulaski)
Perspective
( Isa. 55:8-9 ) We are to think God's thoughts after Him. Unless our thoughts are in
agreement with His, they are to be discarded. Our ways, our habits and practices are to change, to be directed and guided by God's word and commandments regardless of our
feelings or our opinions. We cannot mix our thoughts with His, else God's word becomes polluted. God's words are pure and cannot be mixed with carnal thoughts.
Hope
( Rom. 8:28-29 ; John 14:21 ) As we think God's thoughts and do what He commands,
God enters and intervenes in our lives and into our situation. Regardless if we cause the problem or caused by others, if we respond God's way, He will turn the situation to our advantage. When necessary the Holy Spirit will make His presence known by giving a deep sense of His love and care, helping and giving confidence, forgiveness, and assurance - giving whatever the believer needs.
( 1 Cor. 10:13 ; Eph. 6:10-12 ) The devil operates only in the carnal which is common
to man but we are spiritual. We don't fight him with reason, by will-power, by tangibles: For our weapons are not carnal but spiritual and are mighty to tear down the strongholds of the enemy. Thus, our trust and faith is in God and in Him we face our temptations. God will see us through. He is our refuge, our fortress, our God in whom we trust. It is He who delivers us from the demons ( Ps. 91:1-3 ).
( Heb. 4:14-16 ; 2 Cor. 5:21 ; Heb. 9:14 ; Eph. 2:4-10 ) Jesus went to the end of
temptation, and far beyond it. He did not collapse for no man was ever tempted as He
was. He suffered all of this to secure the ideal and perfect righteousness for us that we may be acceptable to His Father. Based on what Jesus did, we are given the right to enter the Throne room and receive the very help of God Himself: to enable us by His grace to confront any trial, to conquer and triumph over any situation and circumstances of life. God is able to do this because His Son, while on earth, suffered the same trials we do. He knows how to walk through and conquer, and we in Him are to do likewise.
Change
( Eph. 4:22-24 ; Rom. 6:6 ) You must exercise your own will to put-off the old man, the man you were before you accepted Christ. As you choose God's way, the emphasis now is to make new, readjust, change, turn around and regenerate your mind by God's word which becomes the very Presence of Christ in the believer. You have Christ's mind and you are to allow the Spirit of Christ to focus your mind more and more upon God and spiritual things. Becoming a new man, you can now begin life all over again. Your spirit has been recreated into the righteousness and holiness of the truth. This qualifies you to have fellowship with God, enabled to become obedient to God's will and devoted to His service.
( Col. 1:10 ; 1 John 1:7 ) Becoming a new person means activity. It is not enough to
know God's will, possess wisdom and understanding - all this must be put into practice. We are to set our lives, our behavior and conduct after Christ - being fruitful in every good work. As we increase in the knowledge of God, His presence and power also increases to enable us to exercise every kind of endurance, patience, forbearance with joy.
Perspective
( Isa. 55:8-9 ) We are to think God's thoughts after Him. Unless our thoughts are in
agreement with His, they are to be discarded. Our ways, our habits and practices are to change, to be directed and guided by God's word and commandments regardless of our
feelings or our opinions. We cannot mix our thoughts with His, else God's word becomes polluted. God's words are pure and cannot be mixed with carnal thoughts.
Hope
( Rom. 8:28-29 ; John 14:21 ) As we think God's thoughts and do what He commands,
God enters and intervenes in our lives and into our situation. Regardless if we cause the problem or caused by others, if we respond God's way, He will turn the situation to our advantage. When necessary the Holy Spirit will make His presence known by giving a deep sense of His love and care, helping and giving confidence, forgiveness, and assurance - giving whatever the believer needs.
( 1 Cor. 10:13 ; Eph. 6:10-12 ) The devil operates only in the carnal which is common
to man but we are spiritual. We don't fight him with reason, by will-power, by tangibles: For our weapons are not carnal but spiritual and are mighty to tear down the strongholds of the enemy. Thus, our trust and faith is in God and in Him we face our temptations. God will see us through. He is our refuge, our fortress, our God in whom we trust. It is He who delivers us from the demons ( Ps. 91:1-3 ).
( Heb. 4:14-16 ; 2 Cor. 5:21 ; Heb. 9:14 ; Eph. 2:4-10 ) Jesus went to the end of
temptation, and far beyond it. He did not collapse for no man was ever tempted as He
was. He suffered all of this to secure the ideal and perfect righteousness for us that we may be acceptable to His Father. Based on what Jesus did, we are given the right to enter the Throne room and receive the very help of God Himself: to enable us by His grace to confront any trial, to conquer and triumph over any situation and circumstances of life. God is able to do this because His Son, while on earth, suffered the same trials we do. He knows how to walk through and conquer, and we in Him are to do likewise.
Change
( Eph. 4:22-24 ; Rom. 6:6 ) You must exercise your own will to put-off the old man, the man you were before you accepted Christ. As you choose God's way, the emphasis now is to make new, readjust, change, turn around and regenerate your mind by God's word which becomes the very Presence of Christ in the believer. You have Christ's mind and you are to allow the Spirit of Christ to focus your mind more and more upon God and spiritual things. Becoming a new man, you can now begin life all over again. Your spirit has been recreated into the righteousness and holiness of the truth. This qualifies you to have fellowship with God, enabled to become obedient to God's will and devoted to His service.
( Col. 1:10 ; 1 John 1:7 ) Becoming a new person means activity. It is not enough to
know God's will, possess wisdom and understanding - all this must be put into practice. We are to set our lives, our behavior and conduct after Christ - being fruitful in every good work. As we increase in the knowledge of God, His presence and power also increases to enable us to exercise every kind of endurance, patience, forbearance with joy.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Epistle Of James- Chapter One
The Epistle Of James
Chapter One
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To appreciate the value of enduring trials
2) To understand how sin develops, from temptation to death (separation from God)
3) To note the importance of being doers of the Word, and practitioners of religion that is pure and undefiled before God
SUMMARY
Following a simple and humble salutation (1), James begins his epistle with a call to view trials as occasions to rejoice, understanding they can produce patience which leads to maturity (2-5). If wisdom is needed, he counsels his readers to ask God with faith and no doubting (5-8). In the meantime, the poor are encouraged to rejoice in their exaltation, while the rich are to be thankful for their humiliation (9-11).
Motivation to endure temptation is given, along with an explanation as to the true source of temptations and the development of sin which leads to spiritual death (12-15). Let no one be deceived, God is not the source of temptation, but the Father of every good and perfect gift which comes down from above, who has brought us forth that we might be the firstfruits of His creation (16-18).
With admonitions to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, James then expounds upon a major theme of this epistle: to be doers of the word and not hearers only. Illustrating the folly of being a hearer only, he contrasts the difference between religion that is useless and that which is pure and undefiled before God (19-27).
OUTLINE
SALUTATION (1)
I. TRUE RELIGION ENDURES TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS (2-18)
A. WITH JOY AND PATIENCE (2-4)
1. Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience
2. Letting patience produce its perfect work
a. That you may be perfect and complete
b. That you may lack nothing
B. WITH WISDOM FROM GOD (5-8)
1. If you lack wisdom, ask God
a. Who gives to all liberally and without reproach
b. It will be given to you
2. But ask in faith, with no doubting; for he who doubts...
a. Is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind
b. Should not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord
c. Is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways
C. WITH A PROPER PERSPECTIVE (9-11)
1. If a lowly brother, glory in your exaltation
2. If rich, glory in your humiliation
a. For as the flower of the field you will pass away, as the grass withers with the burning heat of the rising sun
b. So the rich man will fade away in his pursuits
D. WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF TEMPTATION (12-15)
1. The man who endures temptation will be blessed
a. For he will receive the crown of life when he is proven
b. Which the Lord has promised to those who love Him
2. Temptations do not come from God
a. God cannot be tempted by evil
b. He does not tempt anyone
3. The source of temptations
a. One is tempted when drawn away by his own desires and is enticed
b. When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin
c. Sin, when full-grown, brings forth death
E. WITH AN AWARENESS OF THE FATHER'S GOODNESS (16-18)
1. Do not be deceived, beloved brethren
2. Every good and perfect gift is from above
a. Coming down from the Father of lights
b. With whom there is no variation or shadow of turning
3. Of His own will He brought us forth
a. By the word of truth
b. That we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures
II. TRUE RELIGION CONSISTS OF DOING, NOT JUST HEARING (19-27)
A. ONE SHOULD BE SWIFT TO HEAR (19-20)
1. Let every one be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath
2. For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God
B. ONE SHOULD NOT BE HEARERS ONLY, BUT DOERS (21-27)
1. What to lay aside, and what to receive
a. Lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness
b. Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls
2. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only
a. Otherwise you deceive yourselves
b. You are like a man who after looking in mirror soon forgets what he looked like
3. One who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it...
a. Is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work
b. Will be blessed in what he does
4. Your religion is useless...
a. If you think you're religious, but do not bridle your tongue
b. You deceive only your heart
5. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this...
a. To visit orphans and widows in their trouble
b. To keep oneself unspotted from the world
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
2) How should Christians view trials in their life? Why? (2-3)
3) What is the value of developing patience? (4)
4) If we lack wisdom, what should we do? Why? How? (5-6)
5) What is one who doubts like? What can he expect? Why? (6-8)
6) In what should the lowly brother glory? The rich man? (9-10)
7) What is the rich man like in his pursuits? (10-11)
8) When is the man who endures temptation blessed? How will he be blessed? (12)
9) What should no one say when they are tempted? Why? (13)
10) Then how is one tempted? (14)
11) When is sin born? What does sin produce when full-grown? (15)
12) What is the source of every good gift and every perfect gift? (17)
13) How has God brought us forth (given us birth)? Why did He do this? (18)
14) What does James desire of his "beloved brethren"? (19)
15) Why should one be "slow to wrath"? (20)
16) What needs to be laid aside? (21)
17) What needs to be received with meekness? Why? (21)
18) To avoid deceiving ourselves, what must we be? (22)
19) What is one like who hears the word but does not do it? (23-24)
20) Who will be truly blessed in what they do? (25)
21) Whose religion is useless? (26)
22) What is pure and undefiled religion before God? (27)
Chapter One
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To appreciate the value of enduring trials
2) To understand how sin develops, from temptation to death (separation from God)
3) To note the importance of being doers of the Word, and practitioners of religion that is pure and undefiled before God
SUMMARY
Following a simple and humble salutation (1), James begins his epistle with a call to view trials as occasions to rejoice, understanding they can produce patience which leads to maturity (2-5). If wisdom is needed, he counsels his readers to ask God with faith and no doubting (5-8). In the meantime, the poor are encouraged to rejoice in their exaltation, while the rich are to be thankful for their humiliation (9-11).
Motivation to endure temptation is given, along with an explanation as to the true source of temptations and the development of sin which leads to spiritual death (12-15). Let no one be deceived, God is not the source of temptation, but the Father of every good and perfect gift which comes down from above, who has brought us forth that we might be the firstfruits of His creation (16-18).
With admonitions to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, James then expounds upon a major theme of this epistle: to be doers of the word and not hearers only. Illustrating the folly of being a hearer only, he contrasts the difference between religion that is useless and that which is pure and undefiled before God (19-27).
OUTLINE
SALUTATION (1)
I. TRUE RELIGION ENDURES TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS (2-18)
A. WITH JOY AND PATIENCE (2-4)
1. Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience
2. Letting patience produce its perfect work
a. That you may be perfect and complete
b. That you may lack nothing
B. WITH WISDOM FROM GOD (5-8)
1. If you lack wisdom, ask God
a. Who gives to all liberally and without reproach
b. It will be given to you
2. But ask in faith, with no doubting; for he who doubts...
a. Is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind
b. Should not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord
c. Is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways
C. WITH A PROPER PERSPECTIVE (9-11)
1. If a lowly brother, glory in your exaltation
2. If rich, glory in your humiliation
a. For as the flower of the field you will pass away, as the grass withers with the burning heat of the rising sun
b. So the rich man will fade away in his pursuits
D. WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF TEMPTATION (12-15)
1. The man who endures temptation will be blessed
a. For he will receive the crown of life when he is proven
b. Which the Lord has promised to those who love Him
2. Temptations do not come from God
a. God cannot be tempted by evil
b. He does not tempt anyone
3. The source of temptations
a. One is tempted when drawn away by his own desires and is enticed
b. When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin
c. Sin, when full-grown, brings forth death
E. WITH AN AWARENESS OF THE FATHER'S GOODNESS (16-18)
1. Do not be deceived, beloved brethren
2. Every good and perfect gift is from above
a. Coming down from the Father of lights
b. With whom there is no variation or shadow of turning
3. Of His own will He brought us forth
a. By the word of truth
b. That we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures
II. TRUE RELIGION CONSISTS OF DOING, NOT JUST HEARING (19-27)
A. ONE SHOULD BE SWIFT TO HEAR (19-20)
1. Let every one be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath
2. For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God
B. ONE SHOULD NOT BE HEARERS ONLY, BUT DOERS (21-27)
1. What to lay aside, and what to receive
a. Lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness
b. Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls
2. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only
a. Otherwise you deceive yourselves
b. You are like a man who after looking in mirror soon forgets what he looked like
3. One who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it...
a. Is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work
b. Will be blessed in what he does
4. Your religion is useless...
a. If you think you're religious, but do not bridle your tongue
b. You deceive only your heart
5. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this...
a. To visit orphans and widows in their trouble
b. To keep oneself unspotted from the world
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
2) How should Christians view trials in their life? Why? (2-3)
3) What is the value of developing patience? (4)
4) If we lack wisdom, what should we do? Why? How? (5-6)
5) What is one who doubts like? What can he expect? Why? (6-8)
6) In what should the lowly brother glory? The rich man? (9-10)
7) What is the rich man like in his pursuits? (10-11)
8) When is the man who endures temptation blessed? How will he be blessed? (12)
9) What should no one say when they are tempted? Why? (13)
10) Then how is one tempted? (14)
11) When is sin born? What does sin produce when full-grown? (15)
12) What is the source of every good gift and every perfect gift? (17)
13) How has God brought us forth (given us birth)? Why did He do this? (18)
14) What does James desire of his "beloved brethren"? (19)
15) Why should one be "slow to wrath"? (20)
16) What needs to be laid aside? (21)
17) What needs to be received with meekness? Why? (21)
18) To avoid deceiving ourselves, what must we be? (22)
19) What is one like who hears the word but does not do it? (23-24)
20) Who will be truly blessed in what they do? (25)
21) Whose religion is useless? (26)
22) What is pure and undefiled religion before God? (27)
The Epistle Of James- Introduction
The Epistle Of James
Introduction
AUTHOR
James, who identifies himself as "a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:1). There are four men who bear this name in the New Testament:
1. James, son of Zebedee and brother of John - A fisherman called by Christ (Mt
4:17-22) who later became an apostle (Mt 10:2). Together with John, they were
nicknamed "Sons of Thunder" because of their impulsiveness (cf. Mk 3:17 with Lk
9:51-56). He was killed by Herod in 44 A.D. (Ac 12:1-2).
2. James, son of Alphaeus - Another one of the apostles (Mt 10:3; Ac 1:12),
about whom very little is known. He may be "James the younger," whose mother,
Mary, was among the women at Jesus' crucifixion and tomb (Mt 27:56; Mk
15:40; 16:1; Lk 24:10). In Jn 19:25, this Mary is called the wife of Cleophas,
perhaps to be identified with Alphaeus.
3. James, father of Judas the apostle - Even more obscure, one of the few
references to him is Lk 6:16.
4. James, the brother of our Lord - A half-brother of our Lord (Mt 13:55), who
did not believe in his brother at first (Jn 7:5). He became a disciple following the
resurrection (1 Co 15:7; Ac 1:14) and gained prominence in the church at
Jerusalem (Ga 2:9). As evidence of his prominence, Peter sent him a special
message following his own release from prison (Ac 12:17). James also played an
important role in the conference at Jerusalem (Ac 15:13-33), and Paul brought him
greetings upon arriving at Jerusalem (Ac 21:18-19).
"James, the Lord's brother" (Ga 1:19) is most likely the author of this epistle. Tradition describes James as a man of prayer, which may explain the emphasis on prayer in his letter. It was said that he prayed so much, his knees were as hard as those on a camel. He was martyred in 62 A.D., either by being cast down from the temple, or beaten to death with clubs. It is reported that as he died, he prayed as did Jesus, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
RECIPIENTS
The epistle is addressed to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" (1:1). This naturally leads one to think of Jews (Ac 26:6-7) living outside the land of Palestine. Since the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, many Jews were scattered throughout different nations (Ac 2:5-11). While Jews, the epistle makes it clear that they were also brethren in the Lord, i.e., they were Jewish Christians. Nineteen times James calls them "brethren" and at least one time he definitely means those who were brethren "in the Lord" (2:1).
It appears many of these Jewish Christians were poor and oppressed. Being Jews, they would often be rejected by the Gentiles. As Jewish Christians, they would also be rejected by many of their own countrymen. The letter indicates that most were poor, and some were being oppressed by the rich (2:6-7). Because it was not addressed to a single church or individual, it has been categorized a "General" or "Catholic" (universal) epistle along with 1 and 2 Peter, 1 John, and Jude.
TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING
With no mention of the Jerusalem conference recorded in Acts 15 (A.D. 49), and the use of the word "synagogue" (assembly, 2:2), A.D. 48-50 is the date commonly given for this epistle. This would make it the first book of the New Testament written. If James, the Lord's brother, is the author, then he probably wrote it in Jerusalem.
PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE
The epistle deals with a variety of themes, with an emphasis upon practical aspects of the Christian life. Some of the subjects include handling trials and temptations, practicing pure religion, understanding the relation between faith and works, the proper use of the tongue and display of true wisdom, being a friend of God rather than a friend of the world, and the value of humility, patience and prayer.
While these may appear unrelated, they are crucial to the growth and development of the Christian. For this reason, I suggest that James' purpose was:
TO INSTRUCT CHRISTIANS CONCERNING TRUE AND PRACTICAL RELIGION
In this epistle is a call to be doers of the Word, manifesting a living faith through one's works. In 108 verses, there are 54 imperatives (commands), prompting some to call James "the Amos of the New Testament."
KEY VERSE: James 1:22
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
BRIEF OUTLINE
SALUTATION (1:1)
I. TRUE RELIGION ENDURES TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS (1:2-18)
A. WITH JOY AND PATIENCE (1:2-4)
B. WITH WISDOM FROM GOD (1:5-8)
C. WITH A PROPER PERSPECTIVE (1:9-11)
D. WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF TEMPTATION (1:12-15)
E. WITH AN AWARENESS OF THE FATHER'S GOODNESS (1:16-18)
II. TRUE RELIGION CONSISTS OF DOING, NOT JUST HEARING (1:19-2:26)
A. ONE SHOULD BE SWIFT TO HEAR (1:19-20)
B. ONE SHOULD NOT BE HEARERS ONLY, BUT DOERS (1:21-27)
C. ONE SHOULD NOT SHOW PERSONAL FAVORITISM (2:1-13)
D. ONE SHOULD SHOW THEIR FAITH BY THEIR WORKS (2:14-26)
III.TRUE RELIGION DISPLAYS WISDOM, NOT JUST SPEAKING (3:1-18)
A. DANGER OF THE TONGUE (3:1-12)
B. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEAVENLY AND EARTHLY WISDOM (3:13-18)
IV. TRUE RELIGION BEFRIENDS GOD THROUGH HUMILITY (4:1-17)
A. HOW TO BE AN ENEMY OF GOD (4:1-6)
B. HOW TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD (4:7-17)
V. TRUE RELIGION BLESSED THROUGH PATIENCE, PRAYER AND LOVE (5:1-20)
A. THE CURSE OF RICH OPPRESSORS (5:1-6)
B. THE BLESSING OF PATIENCE (5:7-12)
C. THE BLESSING OF PRAYER (5:13-18)
D. THE BLESSING OF LOVE FOR THE ERRING (5:19-20)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION
1) What four men bore the name of James in the New Testament?
2) Which one is most likely the author of the epistle?
3) To whom was this epistle addressed? (1:1)
4) From the epistle itself, who were the original recipients? (cf. 2:1)
5) What is this epistle commonly called, along with 1 & 2 Peter, 1 John, and Jude? Why?
6) When was this epistle likely written? From where?
7) As suggested in the introduction, what is the purpose of this epistle?
8) What might serve as the "key verse" of this epistle?
9) According to the outline above, what are the main points in this epistle?
Introduction
AUTHOR
James, who identifies himself as "a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:1). There are four men who bear this name in the New Testament:
1. James, son of Zebedee and brother of John - A fisherman called by Christ (Mt
4:17-22) who later became an apostle (Mt 10:2). Together with John, they were
nicknamed "Sons of Thunder" because of their impulsiveness (cf. Mk 3:17 with Lk
9:51-56). He was killed by Herod in 44 A.D. (Ac 12:1-2).
2. James, son of Alphaeus - Another one of the apostles (Mt 10:3; Ac 1:12),
about whom very little is known. He may be "James the younger," whose mother,
Mary, was among the women at Jesus' crucifixion and tomb (Mt 27:56; Mk
15:40; 16:1; Lk 24:10). In Jn 19:25, this Mary is called the wife of Cleophas,
perhaps to be identified with Alphaeus.
3. James, father of Judas the apostle - Even more obscure, one of the few
references to him is Lk 6:16.
4. James, the brother of our Lord - A half-brother of our Lord (Mt 13:55), who
did not believe in his brother at first (Jn 7:5). He became a disciple following the
resurrection (1 Co 15:7; Ac 1:14) and gained prominence in the church at
Jerusalem (Ga 2:9). As evidence of his prominence, Peter sent him a special
message following his own release from prison (Ac 12:17). James also played an
important role in the conference at Jerusalem (Ac 15:13-33), and Paul brought him
greetings upon arriving at Jerusalem (Ac 21:18-19).
"James, the Lord's brother" (Ga 1:19) is most likely the author of this epistle. Tradition describes James as a man of prayer, which may explain the emphasis on prayer in his letter. It was said that he prayed so much, his knees were as hard as those on a camel. He was martyred in 62 A.D., either by being cast down from the temple, or beaten to death with clubs. It is reported that as he died, he prayed as did Jesus, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
RECIPIENTS
The epistle is addressed to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" (1:1). This naturally leads one to think of Jews (Ac 26:6-7) living outside the land of Palestine. Since the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, many Jews were scattered throughout different nations (Ac 2:5-11). While Jews, the epistle makes it clear that they were also brethren in the Lord, i.e., they were Jewish Christians. Nineteen times James calls them "brethren" and at least one time he definitely means those who were brethren "in the Lord" (2:1).
It appears many of these Jewish Christians were poor and oppressed. Being Jews, they would often be rejected by the Gentiles. As Jewish Christians, they would also be rejected by many of their own countrymen. The letter indicates that most were poor, and some were being oppressed by the rich (2:6-7). Because it was not addressed to a single church or individual, it has been categorized a "General" or "Catholic" (universal) epistle along with 1 and 2 Peter, 1 John, and Jude.
TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING
With no mention of the Jerusalem conference recorded in Acts 15 (A.D. 49), and the use of the word "synagogue" (assembly, 2:2), A.D. 48-50 is the date commonly given for this epistle. This would make it the first book of the New Testament written. If James, the Lord's brother, is the author, then he probably wrote it in Jerusalem.
PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE
The epistle deals with a variety of themes, with an emphasis upon practical aspects of the Christian life. Some of the subjects include handling trials and temptations, practicing pure religion, understanding the relation between faith and works, the proper use of the tongue and display of true wisdom, being a friend of God rather than a friend of the world, and the value of humility, patience and prayer.
While these may appear unrelated, they are crucial to the growth and development of the Christian. For this reason, I suggest that James' purpose was:
TO INSTRUCT CHRISTIANS CONCERNING TRUE AND PRACTICAL RELIGION
In this epistle is a call to be doers of the Word, manifesting a living faith through one's works. In 108 verses, there are 54 imperatives (commands), prompting some to call James "the Amos of the New Testament."
KEY VERSE: James 1:22
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
BRIEF OUTLINE
SALUTATION (1:1)
I. TRUE RELIGION ENDURES TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS (1:2-18)
A. WITH JOY AND PATIENCE (1:2-4)
B. WITH WISDOM FROM GOD (1:5-8)
C. WITH A PROPER PERSPECTIVE (1:9-11)
D. WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF TEMPTATION (1:12-15)
E. WITH AN AWARENESS OF THE FATHER'S GOODNESS (1:16-18)
II. TRUE RELIGION CONSISTS OF DOING, NOT JUST HEARING (1:19-2:26)
A. ONE SHOULD BE SWIFT TO HEAR (1:19-20)
B. ONE SHOULD NOT BE HEARERS ONLY, BUT DOERS (1:21-27)
C. ONE SHOULD NOT SHOW PERSONAL FAVORITISM (2:1-13)
D. ONE SHOULD SHOW THEIR FAITH BY THEIR WORKS (2:14-26)
III.TRUE RELIGION DISPLAYS WISDOM, NOT JUST SPEAKING (3:1-18)
A. DANGER OF THE TONGUE (3:1-12)
B. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEAVENLY AND EARTHLY WISDOM (3:13-18)
IV. TRUE RELIGION BEFRIENDS GOD THROUGH HUMILITY (4:1-17)
A. HOW TO BE AN ENEMY OF GOD (4:1-6)
B. HOW TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD (4:7-17)
V. TRUE RELIGION BLESSED THROUGH PATIENCE, PRAYER AND LOVE (5:1-20)
A. THE CURSE OF RICH OPPRESSORS (5:1-6)
B. THE BLESSING OF PATIENCE (5:7-12)
C. THE BLESSING OF PRAYER (5:13-18)
D. THE BLESSING OF LOVE FOR THE ERRING (5:19-20)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION
1) What four men bore the name of James in the New Testament?
2) Which one is most likely the author of the epistle?
3) To whom was this epistle addressed? (1:1)
4) From the epistle itself, who were the original recipients? (cf. 2:1)
5) What is this epistle commonly called, along with 1 & 2 Peter, 1 John, and Jude? Why?
6) When was this epistle likely written? From where?
7) As suggested in the introduction, what is the purpose of this epistle?
8) What might serve as the "key verse" of this epistle?
9) According to the outline above, what are the main points in this epistle?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)