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Character Study on James the Greater An Apostle of Zeal

James the Greater: An Apostle of Zeal Power-Point Presentation  Setting: Middle Adults Class Length of Delivery: 40 minutes for each lesson Name of Student: David W. Tack Student ID: 713154 Class: NBST 521 Instructor’s Name: Dr. Rodney Woo Date Submitted: 10/2/2010.

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Character Study on James the Greater An Apostle of Zeal

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  1. James the Greater: An Apostle of ZealPower-Point Presentation Setting: Middle Adults ClassLength of Delivery: 40 minutes for each lessonName of Student: David W. TackStudent ID: 713154Class: NBST 521Instructor’s Name: Dr. Rodney WooDate Submitted: 10/2/2010

  2. Character Study onJames the GreaterAn Apostle of Zeal

  3. Lesson 1The Three James’

  4. Introduction The name “James” appears frequently in the gospel narratives. There are three separate James’ mentioned amidst the early church in Jerusalem: James the greater; James the less; and James the righteous. Correct interpretation of which James is being mentioned is vital.

  5. The Three James’Overview • James the Greater • James the Less • James the Righteous

  6. James the Greater • James’ Family • Father: Zebedee • Mother: Salome • His Younger Brother: Apostle John

  7. James the Greater • Character of John the greater • His name: James • His Occupation: Fisherman from Galilee • His Personality: Boisterous

  8. James The Less • Family Identifiers • Son of Alphaeus • Three brothers • Matthew • Joses • Simeon

  9. James the Righteous • Family Identifiers • The Son of Joseph and Mary • Important Milestones • Author: Book of James • First Bishop of Jerusalem • Leader of Jewish Wing Christianity • Death of a Martyr

  10. Conclusion The (3) three James are intertwined throughout the gospel accounts. Each James played a crucial role during the early church era. Point: It is essential for today’s disciple of God to rightly divide the word of truth to prevent misinterpretations (II Tim. 2:15; II Tim. 3:16).

  11. Lesson 2James: A Fisherman with a New Occupation

  12. Introduction The twelve apostles were chosen by Jesus. Prominent figures included (2) sets of brothers: Andrew/Peter and James/John. Their occupation was fisherman by trade. Jesus’ calling required them: to forsake their old lives and to follow Him. The new purpose of James and the other apostles was: to become fishers of men.

  13. James: A Fisherman with a New OccupationOverview • Calling the Disciples • A Call That Involved: Immediacy • The Ordination (appointment)- Involved Action • James and John: Jesus Reference as: Sons of Thunder”

  14. James: A Fisherman with a new occupation • Calling the Disciples • Rugged, common men- tasking: gospel proclamation to Jerusalem--- world. • David Wheeler puts it like this: “If you want to catch fish you first got to fish in stocked ponds.”

  15. The apostles, who were called to service, would begin to understand the discipleship call would be at a cost. Servanthood, involves forsaking the familiar and following a new and less known pathway.

  16. James: A Fisherman with a new occupation • The Call Involved: Immediacy (Matt. 4:22) • Leaving ship (livelihood) • Leaving father (family)

  17. This call involved forsaking and following. Next, the appointment will involve communion, expansion, and labor.

  18. James: A Fisherman with a new occupation • The Ordination (Appointment) Involved Action (Matt. 10:1-4) • Time Frame: Prior to Sermon on the Mount • Purpose: One of Action (Mark 3:14) • Action of communion: to be with Him • Action of expansion: to send forth • Action of labor: to preach

  19. James: A Fisherman with a new occupation • James and John: Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder” • Why the Name? • Positive Possibility: zealousness harnessed • Negative Possibility: zealousness unharnessed

  20. Point: God is able to use all temperaments. We are to be indwelt and empowered with the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, we must be surrendered to God’s will.

  21. Conclusion Today we are: called by Christ; required to forsake and follow Him; and were ordained (appointed) for God purpose. Endued with the Holy Spirit the apostles shook the world; walked worthy of their vocations; and were ambassadors for Christ. Point: These things still apply to today’s churches and Christians.

  22. Lesson 3James: A Part of the Inner Circle

  23. Introduction There were “many” followers of Jesus; yet, there were only three “inner circle” apostles: Peter, James and John. The “inner circle apostles” were selected by Christ, to witness “important events”; more specifically, to be eyewitnesses of three monumental events: the Transfiguration; the raising of Jairus’ daughter; and Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane.

  24. James: A Part of the Inner CircleOverview • Three Monumental Events • Other “Important Events Including James

  25. James: A Part of the Inner Circle • Three Monumental Events • First Event: The Transfiguration • Divinity of Jesus is demonstrated • Second Event: The Raising of Jairus’ Daughter • Power over death is stressed • Third Event: Prayer in Gethsemane • Humanity of Jesus is demonstrated

  26. Not only was James the Greater one of the “inner circle apostles” who was privy to the “three monumental events”; but, James is listed in other important biblical accounts. These “other” important accounts include: seats of honor request; and, questioning Jesus regarding the signs of His return.

  27. James: A Part of the Inner Circle • Other “Important Events Including James • James and John “Honor Seats” Request • Second Event: Sign’s of Christ’s Return

  28. MacArthur characterizes James as one who “wanted a crown of glory; Jesus gave him a cup of suffering. He wanted power; Jesus gave him servanthood. He wanted a place of prominence; Jesus gave him a martyr’s grave. He wanted to rule; Jesus gave him a sword—not to wield, but to be an instrument of his own execution” MacArthur, John. Twelve Ordinary Men (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. 2002) 91.

  29. Conclusion The apostles: lived, ate, and learned from the Son of God. Eyewitnesses of three monumental events; yet, they had questions regarding the end of the ages. Point: We have accounts of countless miracles; and the astounding power of Jesus (the Holy Spirit) embodied in flesh. In a Spiritual sense we are still required to commune with our God, to walk and talk with Jesus and to learn from the Holy Spirit.

  30. Lesson 4James: After Calvary

  31. Introduction James: one of God’s “inner circle” disciples is mentioned very little after Calvary. The amount of space given to James martyrdom (1 passage), who was such an important character; in comparison to Stephen’s “who was a simple deacon” is astounding. What we know is: James did remain active in ministry, maybe in Spain and definitely upon his return to Jerusalem. James was first apostle to be martyred and is the only apostolic martyr mentioned in Scripture.

  32. James: After CalvaryOverview • What Do We Know: Regarding James After Calvary • Events/Persons Surrounding the Death of James the Greater (Acts 12:1-3)

  33. Though information about James during the time frame between Pentecost and his death is sparse; the witness of James, true to his brash “Sons of Thunder” character, probably caused his martyrdom initiated by Herod Agrippa I, a sympathizer to Judaist Judaism. James: After Calvary • What Do We Know: Regarding James After Calvary • James Was Present at Pentecost (Acts 1:13)

  34. Though information about James during the time frame between Pentecost and his death is sparse; the witness of James, true to his brash “Sons of Thunder” character, probably caused his martyrdom initiated by Herod Agrippa I, a sympathizer to Judaist Judaism.

  35. James: After Calvary • Events/Persons Surrounding Death of James the Greater (Acts 12:1-3) Herod Agrippa I Herod Antipas

  36. James: After Calvary • Events/Persons Surrounding Death of James the Greater (Acts 12:1-3) • Historical Data Surrounding James Death • Herod Agrippa I • A mixed Jew, trying to please Jews and Romans • Grandmother was a Hasmonean princess • Pro-Pharisee • Nephew of Herod Antipas • Herod Antipas- Killed John the Baptist- Put Jesus on trial

  37. James: After Calvary • Events/Persons Surrounding Death of James the Greater (Acts 12:1-3) • Historical Data Surrounding James Death • Herod Agrippa I (cont.) • Ordered Peter’s imprisonment • Motive: to please the Jews (Acts 12:3-4a) • Peter’s miraculous escape (Acts 12:7-10) • Guards executed (Acts 12:19) • Herod Agrippa I relocates from Judea to Caesarea (Acts 12:19)

  38. Point of Consideration God’s Sovereign ways James to martyrdom Peter to freedom.

  39. James: After Calvary • Events/Persons Surrounding Death of James the Greater (Acts 12:1-3) • Death of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:23) • An act of God • Eaten by worms • Method of James Execution • With a Sword: Beheading • Considered less cruel and more merciful than crucifixion

  40. Conclusion We know little of what James did between Calvary and his death. James was condemned to death while Peter was miraculously delivered. Though despised by the Judaist/Hellenistic Herod Agrippa I, James certainly remained true to his character and faith until the very end. Point: What an example for you and I! (I Co. 15:58)

  41. Lessons learned Lesson 1 It is essential for today’s disciple of God to rightly divide the word of truth to prevent misinterpretations (II Tim. 2:15; II Tim. 3:16). Lesson 2 Today we are: called by Christ; required to forsake and follow Him; and were ordained (appointed) for God purpose. (Matt. 4:19-22)

  42. Lessons learned Lesson 3 We have accounts of countless miracles; and the astounding power of Jesus (the Holy Spirit) embodied in flesh. In a Spiritual sense we are still required to commune with our God, to walk and talk with Jesus and to learn from the Holy Spirit. Lesson 4 Though despised by the Judaist/Hellenistic Herod Agrippa I, James certainly remained true to his character and faith until the very end. Point: What an example for you and I! (I Cor. 15:58)

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