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 #6
The value of works is what is shows about character. Teachers receive a stricter judgement (Jam 3:1) -- desiring the teachin gift is the problem. "Perfect" = "complete" or "mature" (Jam 3:2). As the horse obeys a rider, so the believer obeys the Spirit/Word (Jam 3:3). The abuse of the tongue can destroy a local body of believers (Jam 3:5-6). Forest is the local church or sphere of influence; tongue is the fire (Jam 3:4-7). The tongue is a restles evil until under control of the Spirit (Jam 3:7-12). Our greatest witness is what you do -- 'meekness' is voluntary surrender to God -- we have to lay ourselves on the alter (Rom 12:1, Jam 3:13). Envy is the most destructive of emotions (Mat 27:18, Act 13:45, Gen 4:8, Act 13:14) -- we need to acknowledge our problem (Jam 3:14). Control of the tongue is wise (Jam 3:13-18). Christ has become our wisdom (1Co 1:30). Envy and lust is creating strife (Jam 4:1-4). We should pray first for others. If we have humility, our priorities will be spiritual and will make wise decisions which result in right action and be blessed in the doing (Jam 4:5-6, Jam 4:10). The Holy Spirit yearns jealously for our attention (Jam 4:5).
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: James 3:13, James 3:13-18, James 3:1, Romans 12:1, James 3:14, James 3:7-12, Acts 13:14, James 4:5, James 3:4-7, Genesis 4:8, James 4:10, James 3:5-6, Acts 13:45, James 4:5-6, James 3:3, Matthew 27:18, James 4:1-4, James 3:2
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.