The theme for the Spring 2011 Bible conference in Phoenix is found both at the beginning and end of the book (1Ti 1:18, 1Ti 6:12). In each reference, different words and phrases are used. In the first, Paul speaks of the good fight of faith as an ongoing campaign, thus reminding us that we are part of a vast and great spiritual army. In the last, his words focus on our own personal struggle, a good reminder that no one can fight our battle for us. This scope and intensity will be captured as we follow Paul’s thought through the book.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: 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, Hebrews 11:13, James 5:11, Hebrews 8:6
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.