First Peter

REFINED BY FIRE: THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER

pdf

Dr. Paul Manuel—2016

The complete study isn't available online but, along with its Bibliography and Endnotes, it can be downloaded as a pdf here.

Refined by Fire:¹ The First Epistle of Peter

• Peter extends his greeting (1:1-2).

I. In view of their privilege

A. Believers must live in hope (1:3-9).
B. Believers must live in holiness (1:10-16).
C. Believers must live in humility (1:17-25).

Application: Does your present lifestyle reflect gratitude for your future lifestyle (1 Pet 1:4)?

II. In view of their pedigree

A. They must minister as a holy priesthood (2:1-8).
B. They must minister as a chosen people (2:9-12).

Application: Do you use the light of God in you to steer peoples’ attention to the One you serve (2 Cor 4:4, 6, 17)?

III. In view of their position

A. Citizens must obey their government (2:13-17).
B. Slaves must obey their masters (2:18-25).
C. Wives must obey their husbands (3:1-6).
D. Husbands must respect their wives (3:7).
E. All must love their brethren (3:8-12).

Application: The character qualities for elders and deacons are similar, but the offices have different duties:

• Deacons are responsible for the physical needs of congregants (Acts 2:2-4).
• Elders are responsible for the spiritual needs of congregants (Acts 20:28a; 1 Tim 5:17a).

IV. In view of their persecution (3:13-4:19)

A. Turn suffering to opportunity (3:13-22).
B. Turn suffering to testimony (4:1-6).
C. Turn suffering to ministry (4:7-11).
D. Turn suffering to expectancy (4:12-19).

Application: You do not determine when you will die, only how you will live (Eccl 8:8a).

V. In view of their position, again (5:1-11)

A. Elders must shepherd the Lord’s people (5:1-4).
B. Congregants must resist the devil’s attacks (5:5-11).

Application: When you experience a serious problem, it may be helpful to realize you are not alone, that others are experiencing similarly difficult times (1 Pet 5:9).

• Peter extends his farewell (5:12-14).

James

FAITH IN ACTION: THE EPISTLE OF JAMES

pdf

Dr. Paul Manuel—2016

Late First Century Ossuary (allegedly) of James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus¹

The complete study isn't available online but, along with its Bibliography and Endnotes, it can be downloaded as a pdf here.

Below find an outline and the beginning of the study.

The Epistle of James

• James extends his greetings (James 1:1).

I. The Believer and Temptation (James 1)

A. God can bring advantages from difficult situations (vv. 2–12).

1. Trials and testing produce perseverance and maturity (vv. 2–9).
2. Humility and endurance produce blessing and reward (vv. 9–12).

B. God is not necessarily the cause of difficult situations (vv. 13–18).
C. Believers must respond properly in difficult situations (vv. 19–27).

Application: Make sure you engage your mind before you engage your mouth (Prov 13:3).

II. The Believer and Balance (James 2)

A. The partiality among congregants causes division (vv. 1–13).
B. The interplay of faith and works requires balance (vv. 14–26).

Application: You are preparing your case now for how you will be presenting your case later (2 Cor 5:110).

III. The Believer and Speech (James 3)

A. He must keep his tongue in check (vv. 1–12).
B. He must avail himself of godly wisdom (vv. 13–18).

Application: Godly character does not come naturally; you must practice it if you want to posses it (Jms 3:17).

IV. The Believer and Humility (James 4)

A. The cause of many disputes is pride (vv. 1–6).
B. The cure for many disputes is humility (vv. 7–10).
C. The complement (to humility) in many disputes is love (vv. 11–12).
D. The complication to many disputes is boasting (vv. 13–17).

Application: Do not allow an occasion of tension to become a cause of division (Matt 7:12).

V. The Believer and Prayer (James 5)

A. He should not brag about the future (vv. 1-6).
B. He should persevere in prayer (vv. 7–12).
C. He should petition for the congregation’s health (vv. 13–20).

Application: As much as you are able, be alert to what you can do, especially to pray for each other’s spiritual condition and to help each other stay the spiritual course (Eph 6:18).