Posts by Kevin Collins
A Living Faith Evidenced in Godly Affections: Part 3 (James 4:1-12)
Click here for previous posts on James 4: part 1 and part 2. James has addressed the manifest problem of quarreling and fighting. Then he pinpointed the source of such a problem. Finally, he reveals the solution to that problem. But before the solution, he discusses the need to be convicted of the problem, driving…
Read MoreA Living Faith Evidenced in Godly Affections: Part 2 (James 4:1-12)
James 4 begins by addressing the manifest problem of quarreling and fighting. James pinpoints the source of such a problem. Then he reveals the solution to that problem. The Source of the Problem: Worldly Passions (James 4:1–4) What are passions? And what makes them worldly? Passions are fleshly desires or lusts (desires misdirected). According to…
Read MoreA Living Faith Evidenced in Godly Affections – Part 1 (James 4:1-12)
This section addresses and expands upon James’ third example (James 1:27) of what it means to be a doer of the Word (James 1:22)—keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 4:1–12 brings to a climax the heart of the problem (worldliness rooted in lusts) and the ultimate solution (humble repentance). This section can be outlined…
Read MoreA Book Review of Scott Aniol’s Citizens and Exiles
Previously I had blogged (here and here) that ministry stability and progress require unity in vision, mission, philosophy, and doctrine. I believe that Scott Aniol’s book, Citizens and Exiles, provides clear direction for bringing about such unity. Much of the disunity that can be observed in the church today (whether in conservative evangelical circles or…
Read MoreA Living Faith Evidenced in Wise Speech and Conduct Part 3 (James 3:1-18)
If the tongue is so unruly, why even open your mouth to speak? It might be better to just be silent all the time. Certainly, there can be wisdom in learning to hold one’s tongue. But God did not design us to be silent; He wants us to communicate. In fact, we are commanded to…
Read MoreA Living Faith Evidenced in Wise Speech and Conduct Part 2 (James 3:1–18)
Click here to read part one. A small thing can make a big difference. A tiny bit in a horse’s mouth can turn that massive beast in the direction that the rider determines. A small rudder on a huge ship has the power to turn that massive boat in the direction that the pilot determines.…
Read MoreA Living Faith Evidenced in Wise Speech and Conduct Part 1 (James 3:1–18)
The Book of James is held together by the theme Tests of a Living Faith. The main exhortation of James is to be a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only who deceives himself about the genuineness of his claim to Faith (James 1:22). Being a doer of the Word can be exemplified…
Read MoreA Living Faith Evidenced in Works of Obedience: Part 3 (James 2:14–26)
For part 1, click here. For part 2, click here. In the previous posts we’ve placed this passage in the larger context of James’ argument and in the larger context of the theology of both Paul and James. And we began unfolding James’ argument in the first part of the passage. In this post we’ll…
Read MoreA Living Faith Evidenced in Works of Obedience: Part 2 (James 2:14–26)
Click here to read part 1. The meaning of James 2:14–26 must be understood by a careful understanding of the words and phrases in context. The passage may be outlined as follows: An Inoperative Faith is Useless (James 2:14–19) The Key Question (James 2:14) The Illustration (James 2:15–16) The Answer (James 2:17) The Challenge (James…
Read MoreA Living Faith Evidenced in Works of Obedience: Part 1 (James 2:14–26)
James 2:14–26 is at the heart of James’ theological thrust. Yet, in the outline of the book, this passage is a clarification that continues to press home the main point found in James 1:19–27 (being a doer of the Word and not a hearer only) and the three prime examples which apply that main point…
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