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 ).
Saturday, July 10, 2010
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?
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