The Body of Peter’s First Letter Introduction This is a continuation of Lesson One. In this lesson we will make a summary observation of the body and close of Peter’s first letter. We will keep his express purpose for writing the letter in mind according to Lesson One. The aim is to follow Peter’s thoughts […]
Lesson One – Reading I & II Peter
Reading I & II Peter Please review Part I, “Reading James,” item A, entitled, “Biblical principles for reading and interpreting a letter.” We will apply these same principles for reading Peter’s letters. In fact, we cannot properly read his first letter until we understand his prophesies in his second letter. They are about what the […]
Introduction, Why Peter Wrote I & II Peter
Why Peter Wrote I & II Peter Why were these letters written? This is the first question disciples of Jesus Christ ask about each letter in the Bible. We ask this and other questions so we can read them according to the principles of biblical interpretation. This exegetical approach protects us from forcing our presuppositions […]
Lesson Thirteen – The Church Family
The Church Family Lesson Text: James 5:13-20. A. Word Study. From Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical words. 1. 5:13. a. “Afflicted” (KJV) and “in trouble” (NIV) has been translated from “kakepatheo.” This is a combination of “kakos,” evil, plus “pathos,” suffering; it signifies “to suffer hardship.” b. “He should pray.” NIV. “Let them pray.” KJV. […]
Lesson Twelve – The Rich and the Proud
The Rich and the Proud Lesson Text: James 4:13-5:12 A. Word Study: 4:16. The English words “boast” (NIV), and “rejoice” (KJV) are translated from the root of the Greek word “kauche.” It means to glory or boast. See Word Study, Lesson Nine, A, 5. Paul used this word as a “technical word” in the Corinthian […]
Lesson Eleven – What is Your Life
What is Your Life Lesson Text: James 4:7-12. A. Introduction: This block of scripture could be applied to a large number of topics in the Bible. James could have had all the topics he introduced in this letter in mind. How “God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble” is God’s story about […]
Lesson Ten – Satisfaction for Innate Needs
Satisfaction for Innate Needs Lesson Text: James 4:1-6. A. Review of James chapters 1-3. B. Word Study. Verse 1. Lusts (KJV), desires (NIV) and pleasures (RV). The Greek word is “hedone.” It means the gratification of sinful desires. This Greek word is translated “pleasures” in both KJV and NIV in Luke 8:14. Verse 2. […]
Lesson Nine – Wisdom From Above
Wisdom from Above Text: James 3:13-18. A. Word study from “The Expanded Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.” 1. Verse 13. Wise (Gr. sophos). This is an adjective describing believers endowed with spiritual and practical wisdom. See Romans 16:19. Wisdom is translated from the Greek word “sophia.” It means insight into the true nature […]
Lesson Eight – The Tongue
The Tongue Text: James 3:1-12. A. Introduction: The subject of communication by speech has been introduced in James 1:19, 26; 2:12. In the text of this lesson James will make a very clear statement about the power of communication. He used “the tongue” as an analogy for the communication that passes from our inner most […]
Lesson Seven – Faith Made Perfect
Faith Made Perfect Text: James. 2:14-26, plus related scriptures. A. Introduction: The aim of this lesson is to show how Christians’ faith shapes our “world view” after we learn the teachings in column one of the following chart. It will also serve as a summary of the previous lesson. Christians have decided in our minds […]
