A Fragrance of Christ…to God

- James – intro / II Corinthians 2:15

September 9, 2007

Fragrance:

“For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”

II Corinthians 2:15

“The name of God is blasphemed (among the Gentiles) because of you.” Romans 2:24

James – four possibilities

1- son of Zebedee /brother of John –

2- son of Alphaeus – another disciple

3- father of Judas, the disciple

4- the half-brother of Christ

James… the man

- Acts 15 –

- I Corinthians 9 –

James… the book

- written from Israel

- “black and white” – 54 commands for 108 verses!

- quotes OT 5 times, alludes to many others

- alludes to Christ's teachings, esp Sermon on the Mount

- references to nature

- date: probably between 45 - 47 AD

ð probably the earliest book written…

- “the 12 tribes who are dispersed abroad”

…failing to live what they said they believed!

- PURPOSE: spiritual maturity – complete, mature

Churches… “playpens for babies or workshops for adults?”

“Not everyone who grows old, grows up.”

Why do I come to church?

James focuses on the practices of Christianity.

Paul focuses on the precepts of Christianity.

* James focuses on a Christian’s life: what he is, what he

does, what he says, what he feels, what he has.

1- essential to be a believer

2- essential to honestly examine my life in light of God’s

Word …mirror

3- essential to obey God, no matter what the cost

4- essential to be prepared for “extra” trials