This study was presented in the August 2013 Bible conference in Southern California.Though Corinth was a “problem church” for Paul, how thankful we ought to be for them, for without their problems and questions, we would not have the answers and guidance provided in this wonderful letter. As with all the epistles, the challenge is to lay hold of the character of Christ. We are to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Rom 12:2), and to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phi 2:5).
Key verses for this study:
- “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1Co 2:2 and
- “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you are truly unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1Co 5:7
1st Corinthians – California 2013
Gene Cunningham - January 20, 2003
A Faith That Endures #1
The book of James is about suffering: Jam 1:1-2, Jam 1:12, Jam 5:11. There's a parallel to the Beattitudes in Matthew 5-7. The Greek words for trial and temptation is the same; God tests; Satan tempts. James may have been listening to his brother, Jesus who visited him after the resurrection (1Co 15:7). James and Job are the first writings of respective testaments and each is about suffering. Paul responded to suffering with confidence in God (2Co 12:1-10). We are being refined into the likeness of the Lord (Heb 5:8). James is writing to believers; "salvation" in the book means deliverance (5 times he mentions it in the context of trials). Rightly dividing the word of truth (2Ti 2:15, Jam 1:12): (1) Reconize source (2Ti 3:16, 2Pe 1:20, Mat 5:17-18); (2) Unity of scripture -- doesn't contradict itself (Mat 24:35, Joh 10:35); (3) Progressive revelation (Heb 8:6, Heb 11:13); (4) Every book has a purpose/theme; (5)Context, context, context (Gal 3:16); (6) spiritual illumination (1Co 2:10-13; (7) humility is paramont (2Ti 2:20-21).
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Hebrews 11:13, James 5:11, Hebrews 8:6, James 1:12, John 10:35, James 1:1-2, Matthew 24:35, Matthew 5:17-18, James 1:12, Galatians 3:16, Hebrews 5:8
From Series: "James - A Faith That Endures"
Given a the Washington DC Conference in November 2007 this 8-part study in James examines our faith. We are to be 'doers' and not 'hearers' only. By this we are 'justified' before men (not God). In this way James complements (and precedes) Paul writings.