General Epistles Essay

Apparently, the first-century Jewish Christians were having a difficult time in knowing what true religion was. Hence the need for James to pen the following verse; â€Å"Pure, unspoilt religion, in the eyes of God our Father, is this: coming to the help of orphans and widows in their hardships, and keeping oneself uncontaminated by the world† (James 1:27, NJB, 1990). â€Å"Religion is normally understood in terms of cultic obligations, but James has a burning ethical, prophetic interpretation of pure religion† (Painter, J., 2006). True Faith: â€Å"Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?† (James 2:5, NIV) In showing favoritism people judge those who they deem as less valuable by their standards. True Wisdom: In James 3:13-18, James contrasts the wisdom of the world with Godly wisdom. He states that, worldly wisdom, i.e. bitterness, envy and selfish ambition, comes from the enemy. Where on the other hand, Godly wisdom is this, is first â€Å"†¦pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere† (James 3:13-18). 1 and 2 Peter Christian Behavior in Suffering: â€Å"Beloved, I implore you as aliens and strangers and exiles [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges (the evil desires, the passions of the flesh, your lower nature) that wage war against the soul† (1 Peter 2:11, 1987, Amp). By using Christ as the example, Peter, taught the Jewish Christian how to live their lives in the middle of suffering. Danger to Growing Christians: Peter warns the believers of false teachers who would come into their presence and speak lies and devastating heresies. He goes on to say, â€Å"They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you† (2 Peter 2:13) 1, 2, and 3 John Admonition against Antichrists: In 1 John 2:19-26, John admonishes the Gentiles congregations to, â€Å"See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father† (1 John 2:24). John knew that, as long as individuals stay in Christ and do not shrink back, they will see the â€Å"Day of Christ† with much joy. Pride: Diotrephes had fallen into pride by loving himself above all others, refusing to welcome other brothers in the Lord, and he would have nothing to do with the brothers. He was also a, gossip, and stopped those who wanted to do what is right and just. (3 John 9-10) Jude Danger of False Teachers: Because certain individuals whose judgment was written about long ago had covertly snuck in among the church, Jude â€Å"†¦felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people† (Jude 3, 4). Responsibility to Fight for Faith: â€Å"But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life† (Jude 20-21). References Callahan, A. D., 2009, Babylon boycott: The Book of Revelation, Retrieved, March 27, 2011, from: http://web.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&hid=104&sid=82d03de1-65f2-4e8e-8c4d-3a8793c9a0fb%40sessionmgr113 Life Application Study Bible New International Version, 2005, New Testament notes and Bible helps, 1986, Copublished by: Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188, USA, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506, USA Niswonger, R. L., 1988, New Testament history, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids Michigan 49530 Painter, J., 2006, James as the First Catholic Epistle, Retrieved, March 26, 2011, from: http://web.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=5&hid=104&sid=39154ae2-54ba-4ba8-9761-087a07496117%40sessionmgr112