Epistles 3

The General Epistles: James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude

3.0.0 Introduction to Epistles 3

Epistles 3 is a verse by verse study of the General Epistles. The seven letters of James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude are often called the General Epistles because they seem to speak to the Christian church in general, rather than to individual churches. These seven letters also share a common practicality.

The New Testament consists of 27 books. The story of how we got the order we have today is very interesting, and it affects how we engage with it.

Alphabetical order

If you access a Bible via the popular YouVersion app, you can choose to sort the books of your Bible by 'Traditional' or 'Alphabetical' order. When the books of the Bible are sorted alphabetically, they go from Acts to Zephaniah, and the New Testament goes from Acts to Titus. The alphabetical order will vary from language to language, and it is not very useful theologically, but can be very useful if you are not used to the traditional order of the books. Some Bibles come with a contents page at the front, with the books listed alphabetically and a page number for the first page of each book. An alphabetical list can be very helpful if you really don't know where to find Job, Nahum or Titus. The reality is that the order that the books of the New Testament are put in is down to historical tradition.

Traditional order

The order of the New Testament which is found in modern published Bibles is called the 'canonical' order, or if you use bible apps the 'traditional' order. The problem with calling it the canonical or traditional order is that it is misleading. There is in fact no one single set tradition or canonical order, although those people only used to one tradition may not realise this.

In the Orthodox or Eastern tradition the New Testament is ordered by placing the General Epistles before St Paul's letters, so that the Epistle of St James follows Acts. Why the order of the epistles in the eastern and western traditions differ is debated. One idea is that for the Eastern Churches the writings of James, Peter, John and Jude took precedence over the writings of St Paul, who was admitted as an apostle later. James, Peter and John were considered the pillars of the Early Church (Galatians 2:9), with James and Jude being considered actual half-brothers of Jesus. The order with the General Epistles before the Pauline Epistles is an ancient order found in the fourth century Codex Vaticanus and the fifth century Codex Alexandrinus.

However, in the Catholic or Western tradition the letters of St Paul are placed after Acts and before the General Epistles, so that the Epistle to the Romans comes after Acts. The Western book order goes back to the Latin Vulgate. Some people think that the Roman Church favoured the writings of St Paul over the writings of the other apostles, and so placed his letters first. However, this is also an ancient order, which is nearly the same as found in the fourth century Codex Sinaiticus.

English language Bibles English Bibles follow the Western traditional order. The Protestant tradition came out of the Catholic tradition and has the same book order, so English Bibles (whether Catholic or Protestant) have the same book order for the New Testament. Whilst this is only a tradition and a convention, few publishers and mission agencies are willing to change the order.

Does the order matter?

On one level the order of the books does not really matter because it is just a convention and standard. It is useful to have a set order to help to find books when you get used to where they are. If you are in one of the major historic traditions of the Church, which access the Bible by a lectionary then the verses which are read each day, or each Sunday, are not selected according to the printed order of the Bible anyway.

Why the order does matter

However, on another level the order does matter. People who read through the New Testament tend to start at the beginning and read through to the end, so the printed order is the order in which they read. The order gives the idea of a progression of events from Jesus in the Gospels, to the start of the Early Church in Acts, to the development of the life and practice of the Early Church in the letters.

By placing the letters of St Paul first we get the distorted view that they are more important than those of James, Peter, John and Jude, whereas actually St Paul deferred to James, Peter and John. So by placing the letter to the Romans after Acts it makes it seems to Catholics and Protestants that Romans is the most important letter.

While it is an important letter, its location as the first epistle has misled people through the ages into thinking it is in that location because it is the most important. To those from the Orthodox tradition the letter of James is the first letter after Acts, and so this seems to give it more significance in the Eastern Church.

Actually, there was no idea of ranking by importance in the Early Church. This idea came later with Martin Luther.

Luther's order

During the Reformation the Catholic traditional order of the New Testament found in the Latin Vulgate was kept. However, Martin Luther had a low opinion of the Epistle of James, which he regarded as an "epistle of straw", and was suspicious of Hebrews, Jude and Revelation too. In his first German New Testament published in 1522, Luther recognised 23 books as the authoritative books of the New Testament, which he numbered in the contents, but then he placed the books of Hebrews, James, Jude and Revelation at the end, which were not numbered in the contents. Traditional Lutheran Bibles still follow this order.

Tyndale's order

William Tyndale was the first Englishman to translate the New Testament from Greek into English. He probably completed it in 1525, and the New Testament was being brought into England from 1526. Tyndale knew German and was familiar with Luther's work, so his 1526 New Testament followed Luther's order. Thus, the first printed New Testament into English did not follow the traditional order of New Testaments which we use today.

Other orders

The New Testament is not ordered chronologically, but rather books are grouped together by author and type in sections. This echoes the Old Testament which for Jews was ordered by Torah, Prophets and Writings, and so the New Testament has the History, Epistles and Revelation.

Some people have attempted to order the New Testament chronologically. This can be done two ways. Even then it can be ordered chronologically by the dates in which the texts were written, sometimes known as the compositional order, or it can be ordered chronologically by the dates in which the events happened in sequential order. The problem is we cannot be exactly sure of either, but there is some consensus on general order.

Compositional order

Attempts to put the New Testament in composition order tend to put the epistles before the Gospel accounts. We can't be sure of the exact dates of composition of the original books. They did not come with dates, but scholars can find clues in the text. Most scholars think that most of Paul's letters were written first, and the letters of John were written last. Most scholars also think that the Gospels were written later, and that Mark was the first which was also used by Matthew and Luke.

An attempt at compositional order was produced by the publisher Biblica, who produce the New International Version. Biblica produced an edition of the New Testament called "The Books of the Bible" which unusually re-orders the New Testament in some kind of rough compositional order, while also clustering books by author. It starts with Luke-Acts, then has St Paul's epistles, then Matthew, Hebrews, James, Mark, 1 and 2 Peter, Jude, John, 1-3 John and Revelation. The publisher claims that "the books of the Bible are arranged in an order that helps you see the unfolding drama more easily". Reading the New Testament in chronological compositional order is perhaps not as helpful as reading it in chronological sequential order.

Chronological order

Reading the Bible in chronological order of the events is difficult to do because the time frames of many books overlap. Ever since the Early Church there have been attempts to make a harmony of the Gospels, putting all the events in order of sequence. The earliest known Gospel harmony is the Diatessaron of the second century.

Modern attempts have been made to ordering the whole Bible chronologically. This has been done by re-ordering the books, or more extremely by cutting and splicing sections and verses so that for example the psalms related to certain stories actually follow them, and the prophets are placed with the context of the relevant kings. Today a number of publishers produce Chronological Bibles which follow different theories of chronology, or different models of splicing.

Reese's Chronological Bible

The earliest published Chronological Bible was produced by Dr Edward Reese (1928-2015) who was professor of Bible and History at Hyles-Anderson College, Hammond, Indiana in the USA. This can be bought today as Reese's Chronological Bible, which is produced with the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.

Daily Bible in Chronological Order

Lectionary Order

Many Christians do not engage with the Bible by reading it in order. Instead Christians in liturgical traditions such as the Orthodox, Catholic and Anglican communities engage with the Bible especially on Sundays, using a lectionary, using the ecclesiastical calendar to guide the readings. The lectionary orders passages and places according to their relevance for the Church calendar.

Almost all major lectionaries are based on the three-year cycle of the Revised Common Lectionary, which takes people through much of the Bible in the context of the traditional cycle of church festivals. It can make more sense to use a lectionary and for example to read about the crucifixion and resurrection at Easter, and the birth narratives at Christmas, rather than use a seemingly-random Verse of the Day from a digital app.

Engaging with the text

Any belief in the inspiration of Scripture should not extend to a belief in the divine inspiration of the order of those books, which is down to tradition. Most people don't really think about the book order, but as we read the New Testament we should be aware that the book order can influence and shape how we engage with the text. For example there is the danger that we give undue prominence to the early books and less emphasis to the latter books.

We should be aware that the way in which we perceive and engage with the New Testament can be affected by the order we use to access those texts. Each order has its merits, and using a Bible organised in a different way, or using a reading plan or lectionary, can provide a helpful and fresh way of engaging with the New Testament.

3.1.0 Introduction to James

I. The Writer of the Epistle of James

James 1:1 "James a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…

James Who?

This simple signature tells us the writer was well known to his readers and did not need a lengthy introduction. He was a man highly esteemed among them, one who stood in a position of recognized spiritual authority, and one whom they were obliged to obey. There are four men named James' who lived around the NT era.

a) James the son of Zebedee & brother of John was the most prominent "James" in the gospels. He was one of the "sons of thunder," originally a fisherman with John (his brother), along with Peter and Andrew. He became a disciple of Jesus, He was one of the three inner disciples and was later martyred by Herod Agrippa I, as recorded in Acts 12:2 (A.D. 44). There is not much chance that this James could have written this letter before he was killed, and there is no tradition arguing that he did.

b) James the son of Alphaeus, another disciple of our Lord of whom very little is known was the brother of Matthew (Levi). Although a disciple of Jesus, there is no hint that he is the one who wrote this epistle. Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13

c) James the father of Judas the disciple (Judas Thaddaeus) is even more obscure and not a likely candidate

d) James the brother of Jude & half-brother of our Lord and also known as James the Just, appears to be the writer of the epistle of James. He is not so identified, but much about his character is revealed that is in keeping with what is known about him. This choice is also in keeping with tradition which tells us that he remained in Jerusalem and that Peter, James, & John chose James, the brother of Jesus to be the pastor of the Jerusalem church after the ascension of Christ according to Clement of Alexandria. This appointment was despite the fact that James was not one of the original 12 apostles.

"For they say that Peter and James and John after the ascension of our Saviour, as if also preferred by our Lord, strove not after honor, but chose James the Just bishop of Jerusalem." — Clement (c. 35 AD – 99 AD) in the sixth book of his Hypotyposes

The fact that the writer does not identify himself (as our Lord's brother) may be an indication of his humility, but it also reveals the standing and personal authority he had over his readers. He was a man well known and highly esteemed in the new Christian community. "James, a servant of God and of Jesus Christ" was sufficient identification for them.

(Note: At least four other men beside the original 11 have apostolic status: Matthias [Acts 1:26], Barnabas [Acts 14:4, 14], Paul, and James.)

James' Testimony

1:1 — James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Matthew 13:55 — Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

John 7:5 — For neither did his brethren believe in him.

Mark 3:21 — And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. {friends = relatives}

After hearing the rumors of what Jesus had been up to his relatives (probably including James) concluded he was deranged and determined to take him home to restore him to his right mind. Thier "carpentar" brother: quit his job, spent more and more time in the desert denying himself of mere necessities, called to himself 12 disciples and taught them such things as He being the Messiah. Surely, He has lost his Mind!

1 Corinthians 15:7 — After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

Acts 1:12 — Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. 13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

The remaining references to James (Gal. 2:12-13 & Acts 21:18-19) reveal his zeal for the Mosaic law (circumcision; "zealous of the law"). He was evidently in firm agreement with the decision of the Jerusalem council (Acts 15:13-19), but he was also careful to keep peace between the Gentile believers and the more "legalistic" Jewish Christians (verse 20). Perhaps he himself (as Peter in Galatians 2:11) carried this matter too far; this does not minimize his standing as an apostle, however (Galatians 1:19).

Galatians 1:19 — But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

He was "nicknamed" "James the Just" because of his recognized piety, and was said to have "knees like those of camels" because of his much time spent in prayer.

So far James has come from his unbelief!

James' Death

Details of James the Just' martyrdom around 62 A.D. are found in the writings of Josephus, Eusebius, and Jerome. When Festus, the governor of Judea, died, Nero replaced him with Albinus. About the same time, Herod Agrippa II replaced the Jewish high priest Joseph with Ananus. After Festus died and before Albinus had arrived in Judea to replace him, the new high priest decided to pressure James to deny that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. Ananus was taking advantage of a lapse in leadership at the end of Festus' reign. (Similar circumstances at the end of Pilate's reign over Judea had led to the stoning of Stephen.)

The Jewish high priest, Ananus, asked James to stand on the Temple wall and speak against Jesus to the crowds which had gathered in preparation for the Passover. James instead spoke in favor of Jesus as the Christ; many heard him and many were converted. So the Jewish religious leaders threw James down from the Temple wall. He did not die from the fall, so they began to stone him. Still he did not die from the stoning, so a man took a fuller club (used to beat out clothing) and clubbed him to death. In this way, James died at the age of 94 after being the leader of the Church at Jerusalem for 30 years.

II. The Contents of the Epistle of James

A. Key Text: James 2:17,18

James 2:17,18—Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

B. Theme: A living faith is shown by works.

1:3,4,25,27; 2:18,20,22,26; 3:17,18; 4:6-11,17; 5:7-9,12,15,17-20

C. The Purpose of Writing: Intruct & Inspire

Instruct

The epistle of James is a guidebook for true religion*; James gives a pattern showing the characteristics of true faith. He encourages perfection in Christian Character. In encouraging the perfection of Christian character, James warns of many vices as evil works and in opposition to the works that should accompany our faith:

The epistle of James is also an instruction in patience. The great lesson which he teaches them as Christians is patience, and the ground of their patience is that the coming of the Lord is drawing nigh. We need to have a full Revelation of God's Word that we may understand God's Eternal Purpose.

James 5:7-9 — Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Patience…:

Inspire

The epistle of James is not merely instructional but is also inspirational. The object of the writer is to inspire men to take on the practical duties of the Christian life. In James 1:2-12 James gives five urgent requirements of faith and in so doing he illustrates faith's spiritual vitality. WE NEED FAITH; without it we will die. In order for faith to remain true and alive it must be added to. Faith can only be added to as it is exercised. Faith is to always be in action; not just in motion doing something, but doing the Will of God.

D. Textual Outline

The whole book of James is dealing with practical everyday living according to the Word of God. When he begins and ends the book, he deals with several points briefly, but in the main body of the letter, he singles out several important issues and takes some time to deal with them individually.

3.1.1 James 1

Chapter one contains practical instructions for Christian Living.

  1. The Address

1:1 — James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Matthew 13:55 — Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

1:1 — "To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad."

The "diaspora" or the "dispersion" was originally to be understood as Jews scattered from Israel among the Gentile countries, but in the epistles is used to reference specifically Christian Jews scattered or dispersed among the Gentile nations.

Deuteronomy 30:3 — That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.

Zechariah 2:8 — For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Acts 1:8 — But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The Great Commission given by Jesus outlines God's will that the Gospel be spread broadly and like a sower scattering his seeds, God allowed the persecution of the first century church to scatter these believers beyond Jerusalem and to the nations.

Mark 16:15 — And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Matthew 5:16 — Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Even though it was and is God's plan for the Gospel to be spread to the world, God did not couple this commission with a gaurantee that it would be easy. As a matter of fact, God has caused his will to be accomplished through great difficulties of the saints.

John 15:18 — If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

Acts 5:41 — And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Revelation 1:9 — I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Acts 13:46 — Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

The Hellenization of the Jews (in which the Greeks attempted to replace their distinct national character) was a factor in early tensions between Mosaic Jews and Christian Jews.

Stephen was the first Christian convert martyr (Acts 8:2) and James the Son of Zebedee was the first Apostle martyred (Acts 12:2).

Acts 12:1 — Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

Adelphos [brethren] can be found 319 times in the New Testament and derived from the word for "womb".

Matthew 12:49 — And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

The kinship James expresses by calling them brethren is healing and unifying in the face of how difficult it was to be Christian. He is emphasizing their common bond by calling them brethren and reminding them that regardles of to where they are scattered they are not alone. They shared as brethren:

- Being Jews by birth.
- Being Born Again.
- Being scattered from their homes.
- Being persecuted for the name of Jesus.
- Having a love for Christ and for the brethren.

1 Peter 3:8 — Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

greeting: calmly happy; rejoice; a salutation on meeting or parting; farewell; Godspeed;

Luke 1:28 — And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

  1. The Fruit and Work of Patience

1:2-4 — My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

  1. The Gift of Wisdom

1:5-8 — If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

  1. A Crown for those that Rejoice in Temptation

1:9-12 — Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: 10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

  1. Judge God Right

1:13-18 — Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

  1. The Advantage of Meekness

19 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

  1. The Blessing of both Hearing and Doing the Word

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

  1. The Contrast of a Pure and a Vain Religion

26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Formalism consists in washings and outward ceremonies. Whereas, James reminds us that true religion consists in active love and purity.

3.1.2 James 2

James is addressing imbalances and abuses in the early church as a result of neglecting some fundamental duties.

These duties are the convictions resulting from examining:

These imbalances should not be as:

  1. They are obviously out of order in the light of Christ (v.1)
  2. Are disloyal (Whose side are we on? Whom do we really serve? v.5)
  3. In so doing we commit sin against God (v.9)
  4. In so doing we cause harm to others (v.15,16)

1. The Duty of Impartiality, vs.1-9

Favoritism - Respect of persons. Partiality. James 2:1-18

James 1:5 — Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

GBN — He shows that those who prefer the rich over the poor are wicked and disobedient judges, since God on the other hand prefers the poor (whom he has enriched with true riches) over the rich.

Matthew 11:5 — Mt 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

Romans 12:3 — For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

2. The Duty of Obedience to the Whole Law, vs.10-13

James 2:10 — For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

3. The Duty of Good Works, vs.14-26

Luther, supposing that James did actually teach the doctrine of justification by works, which his good sense showed him to be absolutely insufficient for salvation, was led to condemn the epistle in toto, as a production unauthenticated by the Holy Spirit, and consequently worthy of no regard; he therefore termed it epistola straminea, a chaffy epistle, an epistle of straw fit only to be burnt.

JOHN WESLEY: From James 1:22 the apostle has been enforcing Christian practice. He now applies to those who neglect this under the pretence of faith. a) Paul had taught that a man is justified by faith without the works of the law. Some wrestled wrongly with this to their own destruction. b) Therefore James, purposely repeating, Jas 2:21,23,25, the same phrases, testimonies, and examples which Paul had used, Ro 4:3; Heb 11:17,31, refutes not the doctrine of St. Paul, but the error of those who abused it.

theme James Paul
Abraham's Imputed Righteousness James 2:23— ... Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:... Romans 4:3 — ...Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Abraham Offered Up Isaac James 2:21 — Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac ... Hebrews 11:17 — By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: ...
Rahab the Harlot James 2:25 — Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? Hebrews 11:31 — By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, ...

John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

3.1.3 James 3

I. What Happens When You Speak?

  1. Unbridled Tongue Invalidates a man's Religion (Exposes it for What it Is), James 1:26

James 1:26 — If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Matthew 15:10-13 — And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: 11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. 12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? 13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

  1. When You Say ... ("sit here") ... become Judges of Evil Thoughts, James 2:4

James 2:4 — Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Evil Thoughts become evil words and deeds. Just words? EVIL IN ITS EFFECT.

  1. Speak in Light of that which we will be Judged ("The Law of Liberty")

James 2:12 — So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

Not "My truth" "My perspective"

  1. Unhelpful Talk & a Faith that Does not Work, James 2:14-16

James 2:14-16 — What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

  1. Asking Wrongly: , James 4:1-10

James 4:3 — Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

  1. Speak not Evil of Another (Being a Judge), James 4:11-12

James 4:11 — Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? [cp. James 3:1 "be not many masters" & James 5:9 "The Judge standeth before the door."]

  1. Presumptuous Talk, James 4:13-15

James 4:13-15 — Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

  1. God Hears the Cries of those who have received Injustice, James 5:4

James 5:4 — Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

  1. Take for Example of Sufferig Affliction & Patience the Prophets (Who Have Spoken in the name of the Lord), James 5:10

Jas 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

  1. EXAMPLES OF A BRIDLED TONGUE: Swear Not, Pray, Sing Psalms, Call for Prayer, Pray the Prayer of Faith, Confess Your Faults, Pray for Another, Pray Again, James 5:12-20

II. Mastering Me, vs. 1-12

A. "Be Not 'Many Masters'", vs.1,2

James 3:1,2 — My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

B. 5 Pictures for Mastering Me

Why you should focus on the tongue when mastering you.

1. "We put Bits in the Horses' Mouths", v.3

James 3:3 — Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

2. "Ships are Turned about with a Very Small Helm": , v.4

James 3:4 — Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

3. "The Tongue is a Fire": It is Massively Destructive though Small, vs.5,6

James 3:5-6 — Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

4. Taming of Beasts, Birds, Serpents and Things in the Sea: It Is Unrestrained Evil, vs.7,8

James 3:7-8 — For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

5. Sources in Creation: It Is Contrary to the Divine Order vs.9-12

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Genesis 1:11 — And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

III. The Way of Wisdom: Where Does it Lead?, vs.13-18

James is written during the time of the diaspora of Acts 8:1.

Acts 8:1 — And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

1. Guard the Gates: Let Him and NOT Him, vs. 13,14

James 3:13 — Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

2. Wisdom from Below, vs. 14-16

Tension exisists where there is truth. Most desire for truth to be on their side while not necessarily willing to be on the side of truth ("comming to the truth" versus "desiring the truth to come to me").

14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

a. "bitter zeal and party-spirit": (Acts 23:12-35)

If you're under the influence of a strong false view, fierce, unkind and contemptuous spirit (while pretending to defend true religion), "ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts." Attempting or pretending to defend true religion, and to boast of your works or success in silencing an enemy; is not pure religion, nor true wisdom, and to profess either without giving God the full Glory is to lie against the truth.

Paul wisely spoke the truth (vs. 1-6). "God Shall Smite Thee (the High Priest!)" "I wish he was not the high priest..." and then seeing the "party lines, v.6" Paul says "I am a Pharisee".

Seeing the crowd might "tear Paul apart" the High Priest has Paul arrested. The next day 40 Jews "banded together" under a curse that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul!

b. The Source of this Wisdom is:

for ENVYING and STRIFE are, (God is not) There is confusion and every evil work. This kind of "knowledge" leads to self-conceit because a man is force to defend his own opions instead of humbling submitting to the truth.

This wisdom is ENVIOUS & QUARELSOME and leads to CONTENTION.

ENVY — painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage

quarrel — a ground of dispute or complaint [quarrelsome: pettily so]

contention — a point advanced or maintained in a debate or argument

If God Is Good, Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Jews for Judaism website on Matthew 2:23, "Since a Nazarene is a resident of the city of Nazareth and this city did not exist during the time period of the Jewish Bible, it is impossible to find this quotation in the Hebrew Scriptures. It was fabricated."

3. Wisdom from Above, vs.17-18

3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Common Things Sinners Say Against Christians:

  1. Christians are against more things than they are for.

  2. I would like to learn about the Bible from someone who actually believes it.

  3. I don't see much difference in the way Christians live compared to others.

  4. Some Christians try to act like they have no problems.

Other Questions by James:

3.1.4 James 4

Foul Talk or Evil Speaking

James 4:11—Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Fearlessness and Boasting

James 4:16—But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

3.1.5 James 5

Introduction

I. Vocabulary

1. cankered (vs.3) —

2. "Lord of Saboath" (vs.4) —

3. "wanton" (v.5) —

4. "coming of the Lord" (v.7) —

5. "husbandman" (v.7) — farmer

6. "until he receive the early and latter rain" (v.7) — metaphor

7. "the judge standeth before the door" (v.9) — metaphor

8. "the patience of Job" and "the end of the Lord" (v.11)

II. Ye rich men, Weep and Howl for your Miseries (vs. 1-6)

III. An example of Suffering Affliction, and of Patience (vs. 7-11)

Job 1:20-22 — Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

A. NOT SO PATIENT JOB

B. JOB'S FRUSTRATION was the result of him not being given a clear explanation

Job 10:1,2 — My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.

C. THE PATIENCE OF JOB and THE END OF THE LORD (James 5:11)

Job 42:3-6 — Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. 4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (compare with Job 1:20-22)

IV. Prayer (vs. 12-20)

Scriptures

Read James 5:10,11; James 5:1-20

1. James 5:1-6

2. James 5:7-11

3. James 5:12-20

3.1.6 Topical Outline of James

Topical Outline

The trying of your faith. 1:1-27

The showing of your faith. 1:22-3:18

The fruit of your faith.1:5,17-18; 2:5,23; 3:13-18; 5:16

Warnings. 4:1-5:20

Exhortations 1:2,12,18,25,27; 2:1,18; 3:1,17,18; 4:4,6-12,17; 5:7,8,9,17, 18

Instructions 1:3,5-8,13-15; 2:1-13;14-26; 3:1-18; 4:1-5,7-11,13-16; 5:12,13-16

The Trying of Your Faith (Joy and Patience) James 1:1-27

There are five urgent requirements of faith: Joy, Patience, Wisdom, Unwavering Mind and Love.

Joy

Count it a joy to serve God even when your faith is being tried. We can have a Joy that will rejoice in the Promise rather than react to the problem. Where Christ is working there is Joy. James 1:2 "Count it all joy" 5:10; 4:9

Patience

Know that the trial is to work Patience so that we press in, press through and press on. Patience is a sign your faith is working. Patience has its place with Faith and Joy unto Perfection. Where Christ is working there is Patience.

James 1:3�The trying of your faith worketh patience.
James 1:4�Let patience have her perfect work.
Wisdom

Ask for Wisdom and it shall be given. We are given the Unction to speak and act wisely in the hour of trial. Where Christ is working there is wisdom.

James 1:5�If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God…
Unwavering mind

We need a humble mind that will always depend on the Lord. A faith that refuses to respond to the surging billows of doubt in the hour of trial. Endurance has its place with Faith and Love through every trial. Where Christ is working there is endurance (1:12) with an unwavering mind.

James 1:6�…nothing wavering…
James 1:8�A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Love

Pure Love never fails to make faith work perfectly. Faith and love are content with God's dealings in the hour of trial. Where Christ is working there is Love.

James 1:12�Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
James 1:2�My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

There are diverse temptations and trials. 1:2

Faith tried by the Word. Ps. 105:19; Jer. 23:29; I Cor. 3:13; I Peter 1:7,22

Promises (1:12) /Father of lights (1:17) /Word of Truth (1:18) /engrafted Word (1:21,23) /The Perfect Law of liberty (1:25) /Gospel: pure & unspotted religion /Wisdom from Above (3:17)

God tests and never tempts (James1:12-13). God tests to prove our faith, correct our conduct and to perfect our character.

God allows temptation (James 1:2, 12-13; 2:5; 5:13; I Cor. 10:13).

God rewards those that truly love Him. James 1:12

Faith Tried by Afflictions, Hardships, Tests, and Trials. Affliction is any condition that produces suffering or pain.
There are two types of affliction:

THE FIRST is designed to judge sin (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 24:29; Romans 2:9)

THE SECOND is designed to purify and perfect the believer (James 1:2-4; 5:13; Rom. 5:3-5; 8:18 II Thess. 1:4-7; Isaiah 48:10; 63:9; Hosea 5:15; II Chron. 33:12; I Peter 5:9,10).

In both cases you that are spiritual must be a help to those that are afflicted (James 1:17; Gal. 6:1; I Cor. 2:15).
How to pray in affliction.
INSTRUCTION REFERENCE
Learn to pray through alone. (learn to believe God for yourself, but there is strength and victory when everyone works together) James 5:13; Isaiah 51:1,2; 40:31; Psalm 34:19; 40:1,2
You can't pray away the night of sorrow, but you can endure. James 1:12; 5:11; Hebrews 12:7
Let God change you inside while you praise Him through the trial. James 5:13b�sing
Pray that you enter not into temptation. Luke 22:40,46;
Watch you therefore and pray always. Luke 21:36
Three examples to follow when suffering affliction are given by James. 5:10 (The prophets); 5:11 (Job); 5:17 (Elijah)
Examples of those falling into temptation.

The Showing of Your Faith. (Wisdom and Meekness) James 1:22-3:18

Jas. 2:18�I will shew you my faith by my works.

Because the kingdom of God is not a natural kingdom (Luke 17:20) our faith is justified in the eyes of those that behold our good works. Matt. 5:16; Eph. 2:10

I Pt. 2:12�…by your good works which they shall behold , glorify God…

Gal. 5:6; I Thess. 1:3; 2:13; Phil. 2:12-13 ; I Jn. 3:18, 23-24; Titus 3:8; 1:13-14; 2:11-14

Your faith without good works…

Your Faith receives the engrafted Word of God with meekness unto perfection. James 1:17,18,21; 2:18-22; I Peter 1:9-11,13-17,22,23

Abraham (2:21,22) was justified by works and his Faith was made perfect by works. I Peter 1:9; Colossians 2:10; 4:12
Rahab (2:25)was justified by works.
Elijah (5:17-20) saw the need of the nation and did what God told him to do. I Kings 18:1 "Go shew thyself…" 18:15 "today"

Your faith with wisdom.

James 1:5�If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
James 3:1�My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. (finding fault harshly and unwisely)
Proverbs 2:6�In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.;
Ecclesiastes 2:26�For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Psalm 105:22 (Teach wisdom). James 3:17�But the wisdom that is from above is first…

Must constantly be produced. Psalm 92:13,14; James 5:7; Phil. 1:11

Must be grown only in good ground. Matt. 13:8,23; Luke 8:8,15; Gal. 5:22,23;Eph.5:9-11

Without partiality 2:1,4 9; 4:11-12

Without hypocrisy 1;8,16,26;3:9-12;4:1-10,17

The Fruit of Your Faith (Righteousness and Peace)

1:5, 17, 18; 2:5, 23; 3:13-18; 5:16

The trying of your faith worketh patience 1:3

Patience shows itself through faith and good works unto perfection. 1:4
The righteousness of God is revealed to us from faith to faith 2:23; 3:17 Rom.1:17; II Cor, 5:21; I Cor. 1:30
Producing a perfect man James 1:4; I Peter 5:10; Eph. 4:13; James 3:2
Producing a blessed man. 1:12, 25
Producing a patient man. 1:3,4; 5:10, 11
Producing a wise man. 1:5; 3:13, 17
Producing a saved soul. 1:21
Producing beloved brethren. 1:2, 16, 19
Producing a man of love 1:12, 27; 2:8

Sacrificial love for people and Unspotted love for God.

Producing a righteous man 1:20; 2:21-23; 5:16
Producing the first fruits of His creatures 1:18; Phil. 3:14

Chief among his creatures; The first-fruits were the best of every kind to be offered to God, and were given as God's peculiar right and portion; thus the new creature is God's peculiar portion taken out of mankind, which being consecrated to God by a new birth, they ought to serve him with a new spirit, new heart and new thankfulness, as living under the highest obligations unto new obedience.

The fruit of righteousness unto holiness (reproduces after its kind)

James 3:18�And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Romans 6:16�… to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are…
Rom. 6:19�I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Rom. 6:22�But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

From faith to righteousness unto holiness. Obedience to the word to good conduct unto good character. Perfect faith to perfect conduct unto perfect character

Right character should always produce right conduct. The proof of a man's faith is a manifestation of Christ's life.

3.2.0 1 Peter Introduction

Introduction to I Peter

Writer:

Peter an Apostle of Jesus Christ

The Purpose For Writing I Peter

To exhort and testify the revelation given to him 5:12

To fulfill the two commandments Lord gave personally to him.

Strengthen the brethren Luke 22:32 I Peter 5:10 II Peter 1:12
Feed the flock John 21:15-17 I Peter 5:2

To show the Word of the Lord endures forever I Peter 1:25

The Word was living in Peter ( 1:25)
The Word was to live in them (1:23, 25)
The Word is to live in us

Every believer is to be guarded by the power of God (1:5)

Theme

The TRUE Grace of God (I Peter 5:12)

3.2.1 1 Peter Topical Outline

I Peter Topical Outline

Salvation of the Believer

The Triune God preparing an Elect people (1:2)

(The Eternal Purpose of the Godhead)

Foreknowledge of God—God the Father

-Sanctification of the Spirit—God the Holy Spirit -Sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ—God the Son
-Obedience of the believer unto election—Overcoming Saints (Receiving many sons unto Glory) Hebrews: 2:10 I Peter 1:11; 5:1

God's desire in relation to the overcoming Saints is that they overcome all sin, be thoroughly sanctified and take on the likeness of His Son.

-1:1 Strangers scattered called to be the Elect -1:2 Grace and Peace multiplying unto an Election -1:2 Unto Obedience -1:3 Abundant Mercy -1:10 Grace coming unto you -1:13--Grace revealing Christ in you -1:20--Christ's life manifested in you -1:21--That your faith and hope may be in God -1:22--Obeying and loving fervently -2:1--"Lay aside ALL" -2:12--"Desire the sincere milk of the Word" -Romans 1:17--Righteousness revealed from faith to faith -Romans 5:21--Grace reigns through righteousness -Ephesians 2:8--By Grace through Faith -3:12--The eyes of the Lord are over the Righteous -3:14--If ye suffer righteousness sake happy are ye -3:18--"That He might bring us to God" -4:17-18--Or bring us to judgment -4:19: 1:5--Judge Him faithful and commit your soul into His keeping, as you do well, even though you suffer for it

The Word of God is the Source of our Salvation

The full inheritance is reserved in Heaven 1:4

The Power of God's Word is in the obedient believer 1:5, 22

"It is written" 1:6, 11

"The Gospel is preached" 1:25, 12
The truth is revealed 1:5, 12-13, 20, 22-23
The Word of God revealed is seed producing eternal life
The Truth vitally experienced

The true Grace of God working in the believer's life I Peter 1:2, 10, 13; 2:2, 19, 20; 3:7; 4:10; 5:5, 10, 12

Faith—acting on the Word 1:21

Hope—great expectation 1:3, 21
Love—desire and effort for greater demonstration more and more and more 1:22; 4:8, 14
The truth vitally expressed 1:23, 25

We never fail when obeying the Word

The Word of the Lord Liveth, abideth and endureth forever.

We fail only when we neglect His grace that has been given to us 2:8, 10

God's foreordained plan will be revealed in these last days.

This is an End time deliverance. 1:2, 4-17, 20 4:7, 17

Initial

1:2, 18,19, 21,23 2:6, 25 3:18

Progressive

1:2,3-5, 9, 13, 22; 2:1,2

The Blood of Sprinkling

I Peter 1:2; Hebrews 9: 13, 19, 2; Hebrews 10:22; Hebrews 11:28; Hebrews 12:24; Exodus 12:7; Exodus 2:48;Leviticus 4:6;Leviticus 8:15;Numbers 19:4

The inheritance of every obedient believer is by revelation of Jesus Christ 1:4, 5, 12,13, 20

Begotten 1:3
Redeemed 1:18, 19
Born again 1:23
Be ye holy 1:15, 16

Sanctification of the believer.

"Sanctification of the Spirit" 1:2

Sanctification is a separation from sin and a setting apart unto God by the Spirit

-Be obedient (1:2) -Greatly rejoicing (1:6) -Be ye holy (1:16) -Fear God (1:17) -Purify your soul by obeying the truth (1:22) -Love one another (1:22) -Put away all evil (2:1) -Grow up by desiring the pure milk of the Word (2:2) -Offer up spiritual sacrifices (2:5) -Show forth His excellent greatness (2:9) -Abstain from fleshly lust that war against the soul (2:11) -Be honest and show good works (2:12) -Live unto righteousness (2:24) -Sanctify the Lord in your heart (3:15)

The Submission of the believer

Submit yourself to God 5:5,6

Submit yourself to every ordinance of man 2:13

Government 2:13-17

Business 2:18-25

Marriage 3:1-7

Friendship 3:8-12; 5:5

The Suffering of the Believer 3:13-; 5:10

Trials 1:6,7; 2:19-23; 4:12,13,19; 5:9,10

A season of heaviness

Sickness 2:24

By Whose stripes ye were healed

Opportunity to witness 3:13-21; 4:13; 5:1,2

Give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you

The Stewardship of the Believer 4:1,7 - 5:14

Having the mind of Christ 4:1

Have the love of God 4:8

Having the gifts of God 4:10

Having the ability which God gives 4:11

Having the glory of God revealed in your life 4:14; 5:1

Be steadfast 5:9, 12

Salute 5:13

Greet ye one anther with love and peace 5:14

3.2.2 1 Peter Textual Outline

1Pe 4:1 ¶ Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4 ¶ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 ¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 12 ¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

3.3.0 2 Peter

3.4.0 1 John

3.5.0 2 John

3.6.0 3 John

3.7.0 Jude

Jude 1,2— Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: 2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

Introduction to Jude: Equipped to Stand Against the Enemy

The main purpose in this study on Jude is to aid in memorizing the Epistle of Jude by giving a better understanding of it.

Jude is not addressed to any specific church or individual; therefore, it is called a general epistle, and is written to all Christians everywhere.

Jude was inspired from the beginning and he begins his letter in a manner that was customary for his time; which provides for the reader a place to get a grasp similar to the handle of a sword. Jude does write about the ‘common salvation.’ He does not change his purpose; he simply intensifies his focus and begins to focus on an extremely unstable area for Christians in general. We have an adversary that is subtle but so violent. He is on a ‘seek, kill, and destroy’ mission; a mission that is designed to discourage, deceive, and devour every child of God. (John 10:10; I Peter 5:8)

This sly enemy knows that the time to devour is during spiritual infancy, and the most success will be in the area of teaching or training. Jude recognizes this and says, after much serious contemplation about salvation in general, it was necessary for him to focus on this area that the enemy attacks.

Therefore, Jude stands out as one of the great generals of the faith when it comes to training troops and arming them for withstanding the enemy. His epistle gives us the philosophy and principles for an effective defense ‘against the wiles of the devil.’

Paul lays out the description of our adversary and of the soldier's armor for contending with him in Ephesians 6:10-18. Jude lays out the description of the soldier's mind set and tactics for contending with the enemy.

I. There is a God---There is one True God

He is a God:

II. There are some true servants of God. v.1

A. There are true servants of God The Father, v.1

Sanctified by God the Father, v.1

B. There are some true servants of Jesus Christ the Son, v.1

Preserved in Jesus Christ, and called, v.1

C. There are some true servants of the Holy Ghost, v.20

Filled with a diligent Holy Faith, Love, Mercy, compassion, fear and purity. vv.3,20-24

III. An Enemy Attacks

Jude 3—Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

There is an enemy and his adversary is the devil. What does an enemy do? He attacks. We must be aware of the strategies of the enemy in order to maintain a strong defense and offense.

Jude 4 —For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

IV. Strengthen Your Position in Christ

Awareness of the enemy's tactics is important, but before that we must make sure of our position in Christ.

Jude 1:1—Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ

Strengthen your position as a Christian: a Christ follower.

Strengthen your position as a leader: Walk in His steps.

I Peter 2:21—For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Romans 4:12—And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

We must make our position in Christ sure before we confront the enemy. If there is a place in our life for the devil to get a hold of us, he is going to try!

V. Fight for Truth

We have to fight for that which is right, wholesome, and blessed because we have an adversary that is cunningly deceiving so many. It is for the sake of some that we need to form a bulwark and stand against his works. His strategy is to use ‘certain men,’ a variety of men, or men that look just like anybody else, to carry out his treachery. They come in as it were through the side door unnoticed, without any fanfare, just quietly. These men have been previously selected for their mission of subversion. They begin by interpreting the precious grace, mercy, and long-suffering of God as a license to be selfish and to commit sin.

They say words like:

He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son,’ I John 2:22

VI. Some History of Apostasy

Jude 5,7— I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day

Jude gives a little history of apostasy and some examples of God's judgment

  1. God delivered and 2)God judged. Some do not maintain a position of safety (or, salvation).

First, there are those who God has delivered in the past, like Israel from Egypt. Previous deliverance is not a guarantee of final, ultimate safety. The answer is simply to continue submitting to and believing in God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Be on guard against rebellion.

Next, there are the angels. No honest man presumes to be angelic, but even if he were, that condition is not a guarantee for safety. The remedy here is vigilance, which is often connected with prayer when it refers to the believer.

These angels were not watchful, and did not appreciate and stay in their place of safety. Thus, they are being held as prisoners on death row. Their judgment, however, will not be momentary—it will be eternal. You cannot befriend the devil at all and not suffer for it; the devil is always an adversary.

Jude 7—Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

There are those who are so ensnared by pleasure-seeking and promiscuity, like Sodom and Gomorra, who will not heed and obey the moral laws of God, which He has inscribed on the conscience of every human being, who also will be punished in Hell. They refuse to forsake their vile, self-gratifying ways and flee to the place of refuge. The antidote is to know and obey God's Word.

Jude 8—Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

So also is the case with the false teachers of his day and ours. They also will be judged for their vile imaginations. Jude says they soil both the thinking and the conduct with their corrupt ideas. They reject or cast off any form of government, including God's authoritative Word. Also, they attempt to undermine the position and influence of those that are ordained and established in positions of authority. (Ephesians 4:11, 12; Hebrews 13:17)

Jude 9,10—Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

Jude cautions us about railing against those in whom God has placed in power, authority, and anointing. He uses as an illustration the time when ‘Michael the archangel,’ (a chief angel and considered to be the Angel of War) did not rail on Satan. He points out that Michael instead used the Lord's authority and rebuked him. We need to understand that we have no power to thwart or combat the enemy in ourselves or on our own. All that we have is found in His power and authority—‘The blood of Jesus is against you, Satan; and, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.’

Jude 11—Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

"""Woe"" Juea said. He said grief came to them because: (Compare with I John 2: 15-17):"

  • They have acted according to their own design and desires, like Cain.
  • Cain's initial grievance, his jealousy, and his ultimate act of selfishness (murder) stemmed from his own presumptuous plan and act to worship God in his own way. Such thinking has been captured in the refrain of a certain song, which proclaims, ‘…and I did it my way.’ Cain's way, which is the way of self, will lead to destruction.
  • They have reasoned from circumstances and human logic (and, have sought personal gain and glory), like Balaam (Numbers 22-24), who was not only willing, but also sought God and actually went to curse God's children simply because of what he had judged from what he had seen or heard. Balak's messenger had said, ‘Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me,’ Numbers 22:5, 6.
  • They have also been contradictory and contentious, like Core (Korah, Numbers 16). They have refused to admit the value, worth, authority, or position of others. Pride, rebellion, and jealousy have been their adversary.
    • Jude 12,13—These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

    False Teachers AS Spots in Your Feasts of Charity

    Jude further describes these crafty, presumptuous gainsayers or false teachers as: ‘Spots in your feasts of charity,’ ‘clouds…without water,’ ‘trees whose fruit withereth,’ ‘raging waves of the sea,’ and ’wandering stars.’

    What is the meaning of this imagery? What does Jude mean by these word pictures?

    These word pictures depict the treacherous nature and the instability of false teachers. The word spots should not be confused with soil or blemishes. This term denotes a ledge or reef of rock in the sea. In other words, these men are like those hidden rocks that cause ships to wreck even though they are close to shore (home, harbor, safety) and without any consideration of the fact that you are sacrificing for the benefit of others ‘feasts of charity’. They are as dangerous in the church as hidden rocks are in the ocean.

    False Teachers as Changeable and Undependable

    Jude's second word picture refers to them as resembling or appearing to be something that they are not. It also refers to their changeable and undependable nature that is like the clouds, which are blown about by wind.

    False Teachers as Dead Trees

    Word picture number three portrays them to be like trees that have been blown over by a storm. The leaves have dried up and blown away, the fruit still hangs on the branch but it has shriveled up, and the tree itself is dead because it has been ‘plucked up by the roots.’ Many lessons might be drawn from this word picture but here are just a few:

    False Teachers as Raging Waves

    Then, he pictures them as the churning, foaming, even wildly raging ‘waves of the sea.’ False teachers can be very dangerous to those who are carried about by the tumult, but, to the person who stands safely on shore (The Rock) the ‘raging’ of the false is merely boisterous noise. It is the noise they make that deceives the unwary and ultimately drowns them in deceptions.

    False Teachers as Roaming Planets

    Lastly, Jude presents them as ‘stars’ or planets that roam across the sky. Over time this term came to mean an erratic teacher.

    God's Judgement on the False Teachers and their Followers, vs. 14-19

    Verses fourteen to nineteen continue with Jude's vivid description of false teachers and God's judgment on them and on those who are duped by them.

    Words of Praise to God

    Finally, Jude closes with words of praise to God and with wise counsel to those who want to do more than just ‘hold the fort.’ If you want to be a member of the special forces (storm trooper, commando) Conqueror, Overcomer you need to:

    1. Establish and strengthen yourself in the faith. (like a weight trainer)
    2. Pray in the Holy Ghost.
    3. Keep yourself in the love of God. (You can be loyal to truth and yet lack love.)
    4. Recognize the mercy of God at work in your life and in others.
    5. Have compassion on some. (Many will not let you help them.)
    6. Be friend enough to others to tell them just like it is, plainly.
    7. Remember that it is only Jesus who can keep us from falling.
    8. Know that He will ‘present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.’
    9. Give ‘to the only wise God our Saviour…glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever.’