EPHESIANS, JAMES, I PETER

Generalization:

Many people in the Roman world were unhappy both with themselves and in their relationships with other people. The “mystery” religions helped somewhat in this area, but the New Testament letters (particularly James, Ephesians and I Peter) show that the church had even more to offer in helping people feel better about themselves and in helping them establish better relationships with other people.

ID’s:  JAMES, EPHESIANS, I PETER, JAMES THE JUST, AGAPE, SOPHIA (wisdom), GLOSSA, ERGA, PLOUSIOS, MYSTERY RELIGION, EPHESUS, MYSTERIA, UPOTASSO, I PETER

I.  Introduction: the Roman quest to feel right about themselves

II. Mystery Religions
    A.  Mythological Roots
    B.  Mystery religion—path to feeling good
        1. Initial purification
        2.  Mystic, secret communication/Sacred Story
        3.  Sight of holy objects
        4.  Rituals
        5.  Crowning with garlands/welcome to an exclusive community
        6.  Experience of happiness and enlightenment
        7.  Assurance of afterlife of bliss

III. Ephesians
     A.  Background: the city of Ephesus
    B.  Christianity: the great "mystery" religion
        1.  Secrets (Ephesians 1:9)
        2.  Sacred story (Ephesians 1:13)
        3.  Elect group (Ephesians 2:4-6, 2:19-22)
        4.  Purifying ritual (Ephesians 2:13-16)
        5.  Happiness and enlightenment (Ephesians 1:13-19)
        6.  Victory over death (Ephesians 2:1-6)
    C.  Standards/keys for maintaining standards
        1.  Unity
        2.  Transformation of desires
        3.  The "new man"
        4.  Guidance for wives, husbands, children, etc.
    D.  Soldiers for Jesus

IV.  James
    A.  Background: James the Just
    B.  Keys to pleasing God/maintaining high ethical standard
        1.  Attitude toward life: view life as a test
        2.  Seek standards from God himself
        3.  Desire to do the right thing
        4.  Keep an open heart
        5.  Control the tongue
        6.  Put others first
        7.  Watch attitudes toward money
        8.  Confess your faults/pray for each other
    C.  Insistence that belief is not enough
    D.  Insistence that the law is not enough
    E.  Love: The Royal Law

V.  I Peter
    A.  Peter’s own struggle/cycle of success and failure
    B.   Challenges facing church
    C.   How to be ready
        1.  “In his steps”
        2.  Right attitude toward secular authorities
        3.  Right attitude toward unbelievers
        4.  Instructions to husbands, wives, servants, masters, children, parents
        5.  Pass it on--instructions to leaders