I Corinthians 14

• I Corinthians 14:2 – Speaking in tongues is only beneficial if the language is understood or can be translated.
• I Corinthians 14:3-5 – Prophecy is seen as the more generally useful gift.
• I Corinthians 14:6-9 – Speaking in tongues is useless unless the language is understood.
• I Corinthians 14:10-11 – See Genesis 11:7-9. Clear communication is critical!
• I Corinthians 14:13 – Apparently it was at least sometimes possible for one speaking in tongues to also interpret.
• I Corinthians 14:14-17 – “Mind” is also translated “understanding.”
• I Corinthians 14:18-19 – Compare Paul’s attitude in I Corinthians 10:33. The emphasis was always on edification.

Introduction

• Matthew 8
• Authority – the right to act or to command others to act.
• Isaiah 45:9

We should respect God’s authority and be thankful that His laws are good for us.

• Hebrews 10:30
• Deuteronomy 4:5-8 – God’s laws were for their good!
• Malachi 3:12
• Deuteronomy 10:12-13
• Acts 2:36-38 – Jesus has authority! He is Lord!
• I John 5:3 – Obedience is how we experience God’s love.
• Philippians 3:1
• II Timothy 3:16-17
• I should submit to God’s authority.

But many reject God’s authority and turn to a different one.

• Colossians 2:8-9, 20-23
• I John 3:4
• I John 2:4
• Matthew 7:21-23, 15, 20
• James 1:26
• Romans 1:21, 25, 29-31

Others attempt to ignore the need for God’s authority.

• Hebrews 7:12-14; 6:20; 8:5
• Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32
• Proverbs 30:5-6 – Do not add to God’s words!
• Revelation 22:18-19

Introduction

• Hebrews 5:11-14

What is I John about?

Determining the meaning

• Commentary, workbook?
• Read, read, read, read, read the text.
• Ephesians 3:4

Gathering evidence: objective, empirical

• Hear, see, looked upon, touched – I John 1:1
  • The best evidence we have for God is Jesus. John 14:9
• Fellowship possible – I John 1:2-4

Sin

• All are sinners – I John 1:8, 10
• What it is – I John 3:4; 5:17 – unrighteousness, lawlessness
• Two types of walking – I John 1:6, 7 – walking in light and darkness
• How to avoid – I John 3:6, 9; 5:18 – get away from sin!
• Provisions for – I John 3:5; 1:7; 2:2; 4:10
• Consequences of – I John 3:6, 8, 10
• When we sin – I John 1:9; 2:1

I Corinthians 14

• I Corinthians 14:2 – Speaking in tongues is only beneficial if the language is understood or can be translated.
• I Corinthians 14:3-5 – Prophecy is seen as the more generally useful gift.
• I Corinthians 14:6-9 – Speaking in tongues is useless unless the language is understood.
• I Corinthians 14:10-11 – See Genesis 11:7-9. Clear communication is critical!
• I Corinthians 14:13 – Apparently it was at least sometimes possible for one speaking in tongues to also interpret.
• I Corinthians 14:14-17 – “Mind” is also translated “understanding.”
• I Corinthians 14:18-19 – Compare Paul’s attitude in I Corinthians 10:33. The emphasis was always on edification.

James 2:14-26

• James 2:14 – This is a rhetorical question.
• James 2:18 – If I truly have faith, it changes how I live.
• James 2:19 – Compare Luke 4:33; Acts 19:15. The demons believe in God also!
• James 2:21-24 – Exhibit A: Abraham
  • Galatians 3:7
  • Abraham was declared righteous because of his works.
  • Titus 3:7; Romans 5:9; I Corinthians 6:11
  • Genesis 22:1-3, 10-12, 15-18
  • Hebrews 11:17 “by faith” vs James 2:21 “by works.” Two ways of describing the same event.
• James 2:25 – Exhibit B: Rahab
  • Hebrews 11:31
  • Joshua 2:1-6 – Rahab was commended for welcoming the spies in peace – not for lying.
  • Joshua 2:8-11

But what about Romans 4?

• Romans 4:1-8
• Romans is using the word “works” in a different way than James 2.
• Romans 4: Works = actions which allow one to “boast” about what he is “due.”
  • Romans 3:23
  • None of us are saved from being perfect!
• James 2: Works = obedient actions which make faith come alive.

Develop a faith that works!

• Hebrews 11:7-9, 23-25, 30
• Joshua 6:1-5, 20 – They did these things by faith.
• Ephesians 2:8 ➡ I Peter 3:21