James Significance Paper

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Dallas Theological Seminary *

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Course

5107

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Philosophy

Date

Apr 25, 2024

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pdf

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10

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SIGNIFICANCE PAPER #2: JAMES ___________________ A Paper Presented to Dr. Stephen S. Kim Dallas Theological Seminary ___________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course BE5107OL ___________________ by Bryan Walker September 2023
1 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HEBREWS TO YOUR LIFE AND MINISTRY 1. State briefly the purpose and argument of the book. (Give references to support your statements ) The letter of James is written to Jewish Christians outside of Palestine (1.1), who were experiencing persecution for their faith (1.2). 1 For the most part they were poor and in need of social justice (1.9; 2.6; 5.1-6). 2 Though tormented by the rich they still struggled with showing the rich favoritism (2.1-7) and “ they were often succumbing to the old sin nature and being defeated by temptation ” (1.13-15; 4.1- 3). 3 They were relying on worldly wisdom as opposed to God ’ s wisdom and this resulted in quarrels in the church (3.13-4.6). 4 Patience and effective prayer were lacking (1.2-8; 4.2-3; 5.7, 13-18) and they were “ flirting with the notion that faith was sufficient in and of itself without the evidence of a holy life ” (2.14-26). 5 The primary emphasis of James is on the genuineness of the faith as evidenced in its outworking before men (2.14-26). 6 The epistle of James is ethical, practical, and doctrinal. 7 James being concerned about his readers straying from faith provides tests to know the genuineness of their Christian faith. 8 James will argue 1 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 406. 2 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 406. 3 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 407. 4 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 407. 5 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 407. 6 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 410. 7 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 407. 8 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 407.
2 that orthopraxy, not just orthodoxy, is the issue. 9 James argues that “ True faith is proven in the tests of life and authenticated by works. ” 10 James begins by arguing that true faith matures through trials (1.2-12). 11 This is because trials will develop perseverance and maturity (1.3-4) He will argue that true faith withstands temptation (1.13-18). 12 This is because God only gives good gifts and has created us to overcome (1.16-18). 13 James will then argue that true faith obeys the Word (1.19-27). He explains that there is a new a new standard of life, the word must do its work, obedience to the Word is essential and evidenced by actions (1.19-27). 14 James goes on to argue that true faith loves without favoritism (2.1-13) because God has chosen the poor and scripture condemns favoritism (2.5-11). James argues that true faith is authenticated by works (2.14-26), as he demonstrates how works authenticate faith with the examples of Abraham and Rahab (2.20-2.26.) James then turns his attention to the tongue. He argues that true faith controls the tongue (3.1-18), explaining controlling the tongue demonstrates maturity, warning that the tongue is powerful, destructive, and untamable (3.1-7). And so true faith controls the tongue seeking wisdom from God (3.9-18). 9 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 407. 10 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 411. 11 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 411. 12 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 411. 13 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 411. 14 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 411.
3 James then looks to the source of fights and issues in the church. He will argue that true faith submits to God (4.1-17), explaining that fights and quarrels come from submitting to the world (4.1-4), so be humble and submit to God (4.7-10). James will then exhort his readers to be patient and persevere. He argues that true faith patiently waits for the Lord ’ s coming (5.7-12), explaining the need to stand fast, look to the prophets and Job and maintain self-control (5.7-12) And finally, James argues that true faith prevails through prayer (5.13-20). 15 2. Select at least 4 themes you feel are pertinent to the argument and purpose of the book. Give cross-references (books or passages), doctrines, people, attitudes, and/or activities that relate to other books in both Testaments. OT Present Book NT James 1 Kings 3.9-10; Proverbs 2.3-6; Daniel 1.17; 2.21; Psalm 51.6 James 1.5 – God gives wisdom generously. Matthew 7.7 Psalm 119.113 James 1.8 – Warning against doublemindedness. 2 Peter 2.14; 3.16 Psalm 19.7; Psalm 34.13; 39.1; 141.3; Deuteronomy 14.29; Job James 1.22-27 – Be doers of the Word Matthew 7.21; John 8.32; Galatians 2.4; John 13.17; 1 Peter 3.10; 15 Kenneth Hannah, Gospels to Glory . (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2014) 411.
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