1951 Bible Studies - page 3

BIBLE S T U D I E S .

" N o w these were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they

received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures

daily whether these things were so " (Acts 17. I I . )

VOLUME 19.

JANUARY, 1951.

CONTENTS.

Page

Editorial 1

Seven Epistles 1

The First Epistle of Peter:

Faith and its p r o v i n g . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

Questions and A n s w e r s . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Remarks  .  ..  .  ....  ..  .  ...  .  .

10

EDITORIAL.

We welcome a few more study-corners this month, and it is our sincere desire that our meditations on the epistles of Peter and Jude will result in the final instruction of the former --" But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" -- being realised in us, with the outcome that to Him will be the glory both now and unto the day of eternity.

We regret our page issue is limited. Correspondents will assist much by observ-ing the following :

(a) Writing on one side of the paper, and leaving a margin ;

(6) expressing their thoughts as concisely as possible, and (c) forwarding papers to reach editors in good time.

" Grace to you and peace be multiplied. "

Jas. M.

SEVEN EPISTLES.

The structure and correlation of the pastoral epistles other than those written by the Apostle Paul is worthy of close study and meditation.  The seven epistles from James to 3 John occupy a unique position and form a vital link in the pattern of the Scriptures of truth. They were written towards the close of the first century and their ministry is apposite to days of apostasy.  Their message is one of unified presentation which covers the whole field of Christian experience.

Faith is that which is before the apostle James in his letter to the Dispersion, not just the expression of faith upon realization of sinner-need and God’s offer of eternal life in Christ, but of a practical outworking of that faith in day-to-day experience --" Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only. " Patience, which should be the proved fruit of faith’s labours, will be the means whereby a correct attitude of mind and heart is achieved in relation to the Lord’s return.

Hope, as will be seen in the present studies, is the subject of Peter’s discourse to the Dispersion.  The words of the Lord to Peter, recorded in John 21 ., made a

lasting impression on Peter’s mind.  How was he to feed and tend the flock of God and to stablish his brethren? The rock-man finds the answer in the "living hope, "

being made available by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  What precious truths flow out from a true apprehension of the fruits of the work of Christ !

-- the establishment of a testimony on earth to render service for God, both God-ward and manward.  The second Epistle brings out the same truth, as is epitomized in chapter 1., verses 10, 11. Surely the hope of receiving worthy mention by name in that future day should spur us on to fight the good fight of faith, energized by

the hope of an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.