New Testament: Epistle of St. James Quiz

New Testament Dec 2024 Course

• This course is an English Christian Education course
• The course deals with the New Testament

Epistle of St. James

• Writing Time: 55-60 A.D.
• Recipients: The twelve tribes which are scattered abroad
• Setting: Trials of Persecution, Faith and works/actions, Warning from Sin
• Writing Style: Simple, straightforward, and wise
• Purpose: To encourage perseverance through trials and actions, stress practical faith and faithfulness, explain suffering's purpose, offer hope and address false teachers.
• Key Lessons: Trials shape character; Faith without works is dead; Controlling the tongue; Heavenly wisdom; Obedience; Avoiding worldly desires; Maintaining faithfulness; Living a holy Godly life, loving one another; being careful when encountering false teachers; Living righteously, Walking in truth and love. Not supporting false teachers, supporting true leaders, showing hospitality, contending for the faith, and recognizing and avoiding false teachers building oneself up in faith.
• Outline: The Epistle of St. James can be summarized with a title for each chapter. -Chapter 1: Trials and Tribulations -Chapter 2: Faith and Works -Chapter 3: The Tongue and Wisdom -Chapter 4: Desires and Judgment -Chapter 5: Money and General Advice

Summary of James Chapter 1

• Trials and Tribulations: Life is full of challenges; trials are gifts shaping character.
• Perfection and Completion: Striving for perfection, aligning actions with Christian values.
• Wisdom: Gaining wisdom, understanding challenges from a new perspective.
• God's Generosity: God generously bestows wisdom on those who seek it in faith.
• Poverty and Trust: Poverty and suffering can foster trust in God.
• Short-term Wealth: Wealth is temporary; focus on lasting values.
• Facing Challenges: Learn from Jesus' example: facing challenges with God's confidence.
• New Birth: God transforms through Jesus, enabling us to face suffering
• Action: Putting God's word into practice; acting on faith

Summary of James Chapter 2

• Favoritism: The sin of favoritism is inconsistent with Christian faith.
• Faith and Works: Faith must be accompanied by actions to be genuine.
• Practical faith: The importance of faith accompanied by action should be stressed.
• Personal gain: Actions and motives as a means to personal gain and the need to focus on serving God vs personal benefit should be discussed

Summary of James Chapter 3

• Caution for Teachers: Leaders should be careful in their teaching, wisdom should be spiritual.
• Control of the Tongue: Careful control over speech. Perfection is controlling every aspect of ones life.
• Wisdom from Above: Heavenly wisdom vs earthly, unspiritual wisdom; wisdom from God is pure, peaceful, and gentle.
• Envy and Self-Seeking: Envy hinders spiritual growth.

Summary of James Chapter 4

• Source of Conflicts: Conflicts often stem from selfish desires (envy, lust, greed).
• Judging Others: Judging others, speaking negatively or giving harsh judgments, is wrong

Summary of James Chapter 5

• Warning to the Rich: Wealth is fleeting; rich should be aware of impending woes.
• Against Swearing Oaths: Honesty in speech is essential. Avoiding unnecessary oaths is necessary.
• Power of Prayer: Prayer is powerful, especially for those facing hardship, joy, or sickness.

Key Lessons

• Profiting from Trials: Learning and growing from trials
• Avoid Favoritism: Treat all people fairly.
• Tame Your Tongue: Control your words and actions
• Resist Desires: Resist impulses and desires
• Dangers of Loving Money: Avarice and the pursuit of money can be harmful.

Introduction to the Book of Revelation

• Historical Background: Revelation was written on the island of Patmos around 95 AD, addressed to seven Asian churches.
• Author: Written by the Apostle John who received divine revelation.
• Purpose: Unveiling of the future, the control of history and being the Master. Removal of any veil. Showing the Lord who worked for salvation.
• Significance: Present Jesus as the glorified King; a harmonious image of God’s perfect, infinite love toward man; heavenly hymns and prayers, book of hope and victory.
• Title: The Revelation of Jesus Christ, unveiling God’s heavenly perspective on history and current events.
• Characteristics: God opens the doors of heaven through significant words and phrases repeating like the word 'throne' that is repeated approximately 40 times. Uses metaphors, symbols and numbers to present his words

Symbolic Book

• Lists of symbolic elements in the book of Revelations, including seven churches, spirits, stars, seals, bowls, trumpets and more