LESSON 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL EPISTLES.

Do you think the general epistles are useful for Christian life today? Why?

[Link] Christian Living

James, for example, teaches about faith in action, taming the tongue, dealing with trials,
and caring for the poor. These are daily struggles for modern Christians too

2. Warnings Against False Teaching

2 Peter and Jude warn believers to be alert and not be swayed by false teachers. In today's
world of many voices (including on social media and in the church), that warning is still
crucial.

3. Endurance in Suffering

1 Peter offers encouragement to Christians who are suffering for their faith. Many believers
today still face persecution, hardship, or isolation because of their beliefs.

4. Love, Fellowship, and Truth

1, 2, and 3 John emphasize love, obedience, and walking in truth. These letters remind us
that Christian life is not just about belief, but relationship—with God and with others.

> "Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." — 1 John 3:18

LESSON 2

THE EPISTLE OF JAMES.

Discuss the major issues seen in James that are very prevalent in our churches today.
Suggest ways in which we could face these issues

[Link] Without Works

James 2:14-26 emphasizes that faith without action is dead. Many believers today profess
faith but lack deeds that reflect genuine transformation.

How to face it:

Encourage discipleship programs that move people beyond belief to action.

Teach the importance of living out faith in everyday life, not just attending church.

[Link] and Favoritism

James 2:1-9 warns against showing favoritism, especially towards the wealthy or
influential. Today, some churches give special treatment to prominent people while
neglecting the poor or marginalized.

How to face it:

Preach equality and love for all, regardless of status or background.

Create a welcoming environment for all social classes.

Establish policies that promote inclusivity in church leadership and decision-making.

[Link] the Tongue (Gossip, Slander, Division)

James 3:1-12 talks about the power of the tongue. Gossip, slander, and hurtful words are
common causes of division in churches.

How to face it:

Teach about the responsibility of speech from the pulpit and in small groups.

Encourage conflict resolution through love and truth rather than rumor.

Promote accountability groups where people can build each other up.

[Link] and Pride

James 4:1-10 rebukes believers for their selfish desires, pride, and friendship with the
world. Many churches today struggle with materialism and competing for power and
recognition.

How to face it:

Emphasize humility, holiness, and servant leadership.

Discourage competition for positions; instead, cultivate a spirit of servanthood.

[Link] of the Needy

James 1:27 calls caring for orphans and widows "pure religion." Churches today can
sometimes focus more on internal programs than external compassion.

How to face it:

Create ministries aimed at supporting the vulnerable (e.g., widows, orphans, refugees).

Encourage members to practice social justice and charity as part of their faith.

Partner with local NGOs or community programs.

[Link] of Prayer and Dependence on God

James 5:13-18 encourages prayer, confession, and reliance on God. Many churches today
may neglect sincere prayer, relying more on strategy than spiritual power.

How to face it

Prioritize corporate and personal prayer.

Organize prayer retreats, vigils, and intercessory teams.

Teach the value of faithful, expectant prayer.

LESSON 3

Distinguish the main themes in the letters of Peter and their relationship to the church
today. In your discussion show how the letters are similar and areas where they differ

Main Themes in the Letters of Peter

1 Peter – Suffering and Hope in Christ

Key Themes:

1. Suffering for Faith – Christians are called to endure suffering for doing good (1 Peter
3:17).
2. Holiness – Believers are a chosen people, called to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).

3. Hope and Salvation – Despite trials, Christians have a living hope through Christ (1 Peter
1:3-5).

4. Submission and Conduct – Encourages proper behavior in society, marriage, and

5. Christian Identity – Believers are living stones, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).

Relevance to the Church Today:

1. Encourages believers to remain faithful amid persecution or social pressure.

2. Emphasizes identity in Christ and the call to holiness in a secular world.

[Link] guidance on how to live honorably and witness through suffering.

2 Peter – Warning Against False Teachers

Key Themes:

1. Spiritual Growth – Believers should grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 1:5-8).

2. Authority of Scripture – The prophetic word is trustworthy (2 Peter 1:19-21).

3. False Teachers and Heresy – Warns against deceptive leaders (2 Peter 2).

4. Judgment and God's Patience – God delays judgment to allow repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

5. The Second Coming – Emphasizes Christ’s return and final judgment (2 Peter 3:10-13).

Relevance to the Church Today:

1. Urges discernment against false teachings and modern-day heresies.

2. Highlights the need for spiritual maturity and doctrinal soundness.

3. Reaffirms the hope of Christ’s return, encouraging holy living in anticipation.

Similarities Between 1 Peter and 2 Peter

[Link]-Both attributed to the Apostle Peter.

[Link]-Pastoral and encouraging, yet serious and exhortative.

[Link] to Holiness-Both letters emphasize living godly lives.

[Link] on Christ-Centrality of Christ's example and return is common.

Differences Between 1 Peter and 2 Peter.

[Link] Focus-1st Peter is enduring suffering with hope while 2nd Peter warns against false
teachers and affirming the Second Coming.

[Link]-1st Peter is comforting and pastoral while 2nd Peter is urgent and confrontational

[Link]-1st Peter is ethical and practical guidance while 2nd is theological and prophetic
warning.

[Link] Teaching-1st Peter is not a major focus while 2nd is central concern.

[Link] Coming-1st Peter implied as a hope while 2nd is explicit and detailed.

LESSON 4.

QUESTION 1.

Analyse the members of your church using the examples of 3 John. What would you say
forms most of the membership? Gaius, Diotrephes or Demetrius? What steps are you
willing to take to effect a change?

In the book of 3 John, three individuals are mentioned — Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius
— each with different characteristics that can be used to analyze church members today:

1. Gaius:

He is faithful, loving, and walks in the truth.

He supports fellow believers and shows hospitality.

He is committed to spiritual growth and leadership.

Members like Gaius are humble, supportive, and serve quietly but faithfully in the church.

2. Diotrephes:
He is proud and loves to be first.

He rejects authority, speaks against others, and causes division.

He refuses to welcome others and discourages those who try.

Members like Diotrephes cause conflict, are controlling, and are not open to correction.

3. Demetrius:

He has a good reputation among everyone.

He is commended for his faith and truth.

He is a model believer.

Members like Demetrius are respected, trustworthy, and faithful witnesses for Christ.

Majority of Membership:

In many churches today, the majority may reflect a mix, but some churches have more
members like Diotrephes, who cause division or resist leadership. In healthy churches,
more members reflect Gaius and Demetrius, who support ministry and live in truth.

Steps I Am Willing to Take to Effect Change:

1. Lead by example – Live like Gaius and Demetrius by showing love, truth, and
faithfulness.

2. Promote unity – Avoid gossip and confront conflict with grace and wisdom.

3. Encourage growth – Mentor and support members who struggle or are new in faith.

4. Pray for the church – Seek God’s help to transform hearts and build a Christ-like
community.

5. Speak truth in love – Correct Diotrephes-like behavior gently but firmly.

QUESTION 2.
"In which ways would you say the letters of John complement each other? "The letters of
John — 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John — complement each other in the following ways:

1. Common Themes:

All three letters emphasize truth, love, and obedience.

They teach that true believers should love one another and live in the truth of Christ.

2. Warning Against False Teachers:

1 John and 2 John warn about deceivers who deny Jesus came in the flesh.

They guide the church to stay faithful to the original gospel message.

3. Emphasis on Christian Living:

1 John explains how believers should walk in light, love, and righteousness.

2 John applies the same teaching in a brief personal letter.

3 John applies it in a church setting, showing how individuals should behave in leadership
and fellowship.

4. Balance of Doctrine and Practice:

1 John focuses more on doctrine (right belief).

2 and 3 John focus more on practice (right behavior).

Together, they show that both belief and action matter.

5. Pastoral Tone:

All letters are written with love and care for believers, like a father to children, showing
unity in message and heart

QUESTION 3.

List down the lessons that could be learnt from the letters of John."

Here are key lessons from the letters of John:

1. Love is the Mark of a True Christian

Believers must love one another as proof of knowing God (1 John 4:7–8).

2. Obedience to God’s Commands

A true believer lives in obedience to God’s word (1 John 2:3–6).

Christians should be discerning and test every spirit to see if it is from God (1 John 4:1).

4. Truth Matters

Walking in truth is essential; do not support or encourage false teaching (2 John 9–11).

5. Support Fellow Believers

Hospitality and generosity to traveling preachers and missionaries are encouraged (3 John
5–8).

6. Character Matters in Leadership

Gaius shows good leadership and love; Diotrephes is a warning example of pride and
control (3 John).

7. Faith Overcomes the World

Believers can live victoriously through faith in Jesus (1 John 5:4–5).

LESSON 5.

Lesson 5 Question:

"Evaluate a named ministry alleged to be false within the church and give biblical ways it
can be corrected."

"Prosperity Gospel Movement", which is found in some churches today. This ministry
teaches that if you have faith and give money (seeds), God will always bless you with
wealth, health, and success.

Why It’s Alleged to Be False:

1. Focus on Materialism:

It places too much emphasis on riches and blessings rather than spiritual growth and
holiness.

2. Twists Scripture:

Verses about blessings are taken out of context to support selfish gain (e.g., misusing
Malachi 3:10 or 3 John 1:2).

3. Ignores Suffering:
It falsely teaches that real Christians should never suffer, while Jesus and His disciples
clearly suffered (John 16:33, 2 Timothy 3:12).

4. Manipulates the Poor:

Some leaders in this ministry exploit poor believers by promising blessings if they give
money.

Biblical Ways to Correct It:

1. Teach the Full Gospel:

Focus on repentance, faith, obedience, and eternity — not just earthly success (Luke 9:23–
25).

2. Promote Sound Doctrine:

Encourage Bible study and test every teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1)

3. Expose False Teachings in Love:

Church leaders should gently correct wrong beliefs and guide people to truth (2 Timothy
4:2).

4. Encourage Generosity Without Pressure:

Giving should be voluntary and from the heart, not manipulated (2 Corinthians 9:7).

5. Uplift Christ, Not Money:

Jesus should remain the center of all teaching — not wealth or comfort (Colossians 1:18).