Subject: Missiology Praxis

Topic: Mission in General Epistle & Revelation

Submitted by: K.Solomon Raja
Submitted to: Dr.Selvin Durai

Introduction:
The seven letters of James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude are often called the
General Epistles because they seem to speak to the Christian church in general, rather than to
individual churches. They are also united by their interest in practical matters such as organizational
leadership, hard work, fairness, good relationships, and effective communication. The general
epistles contain three themes: faith, hope, and love. These epistles were meant to inspire each of us in
our daily Christian walks.

Lessons from the General Epistles

Much of the general epistles focus on the practical side of our faith. For instance, James'
epistle is a guide for getting through difficult times in our lives. He teaches us the power of prayer,
how to hold our tongue, and being patient. In today's world, those are incredibly undervalued lessons.
We face everyday afflictions. From those problems, we can develop a stronger faith and relationship
with God. From these epistles, we learn patience and persistence. It is also through these epistles that
we are introduced to the idea of deliverance. We get to hope that Christ will return, giving us hope.
We are also again warned against false ministers that would lead us away from God's teaching.
Through our reading of the general epistles, we learn to overcome fear. We learn that we have power.
We learn that we have the love and grace of God to overcome anything. We take comfort in that we
have an eternal future in Him. He allows us to think freely. He allows us to care for others and feel
cared for at all times. We are encouraged by these epistles and those of Paul to be brave in the Lord.

Controversies with the General Epistles

While there are seven books that are classified as general epistles, there continues to be
debate over Hebrews. Some attribute Hebrews to Paul, so it is sometimes classified as a Pauline
epistle, while others believe the epistle had a different author altogether. No author is named in the
epistle, so there continues to be uncertainty. Also, it is believed that 2 Peter was a pseudepigraphical
work, meaning that it may have been written by another author, though attributed to Peter.

James: Chapter 1
The letter is addressed to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad,” described as
“brethren” or Christians (1:2, 19; 2:1, 7). After acknowledging their trials (1:1-4), James encouraged
readers to use wisdom and apply godly principles to derive benefits from these adversities (1:5-27).

Chapter 2
James encouraged brotherly love and avoiding snobbery, as this is contrary to the law that
states, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (2:1-13). Both faith and works are important:
“Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (2:14-26).

Chapter 3
Proper control of the tongue is important for spiritual growth (3:1-12), and James makes a
distinction between worldly and godly wisdom (3:13-18).
Chapter 4
A number of subjects are covered, including the causes of war and conflicts. There are
warnings against coveting and selfish desires, encouragement to resist the devil by drawing near to
God, to not speak evil of others, and to not leave God out of future plans.

Chapter 5
James gives warnings about the pitfalls of riches and tells readers not to place all hope and
desires on earthly things. Rather, he tells them, be patient and place your trust and confidence in
Christ who will return to the earth to establish His Kingdom and reward His servants (5:1-11). He
also gives instructions to those who are sick (5:14-16) to exercise faith as Elijah did (5:16-18).

1Peter: Chapter 1
Peter calls those to whom he writes the “elect,” especially chosen by God for the purpose
of service. He refers to them as “pilgrims,” sojourners in a foreign country waiting for “an
inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away … ready to be revealed in the last
time” (1:2-5). What an incredible inheritance is reserved for true Christians! With this great promise
of eternal inheritance in mind, Peter, in the rest of the chapter, encourages Christian conduct,
including such character traits as perseverance, obedience to the truth and “sincere love of the
brethren.”
Chapter 2
Peter continues to admonish spiritual growth and development, the “laying aside” (2:1) of
traits that are contrary to a spiritually healthy Christian. He ends the chapter by using the attitude of
Christ as an example to emulate (2:21-25).
Chapter 3
Peter emphasizes conduct within the marriage and family (3:1-7), followed by further instruction in
Christian living (3:8-22).
Chapter 4
Peter gives further instruction on overcoming human weaknesses by applying biblical
principles of behavior, such as heartfelt prayers (4:7), “fervent love for one another” (4:8), hospitality
and service (4:10-11). Readers should not be surprised if “fiery trials” overtake them, but remember
Christ as an example of steadfastness in His sufferings (4:12-19).
Chapter 5
Peter gives guidance and instruction for the elders, including a warning about their
adversary, the devil (5:1-9). In conclusion, Peter gives further words of encouragement (5:10-14).

2 Peter: Chapter 1
Peter identifies his audience as those called by God and given knowledge of His ways,
including “precious promises” to those who are “partakers of the divine nature” (1:1-4). He
encourages growth in the fruits of God’s Spirit and keeping these teachings in remembrance (1:5-15).
He explains that prophecies are certain, including Christ’s return (1:16-21).
Chapter 2
Peter gives warnings against false prophets and their ways of deception. These individuals
will not go unpunished. This material is similar to the book of Jude.
Chapter 3
Christians must prepare and be ready for the return of Christ and be wary of mockers who
scoff at His literal return. Christ’s second coming is sure and will bring about huge changes to the
world and society (3:1-10). This truth should motivate readers to “grow in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (3:18).
1 John: Chapter 1
John stresses the importance of fellowshipping with fellow Christians1:3-7and the
acknowledgement and confession of sins1:8-10
Chapter 2
John defines some of the main traits of true Christians: keeping the commandments (2:3-6)
and not loving the world (society), as it is passing away (2:15-17).
Chapter 3
John gives several definitions: Christians are “children of God” (3:1-2) and sin is
lawlessness or breaking the law (3:4). He also gives factors that define what true Christian love is
(3:11-18). He also discusses getting to know God through prayer and obedience (3:19-24).
Chapter 4
John gives warnings against false ministers and tells how to detect them (4:1-6). He tells
how to determine if someone has the love of God (4:7-10) and how to demonstrate the love of God
(4:11-21).
Chapter 5
John again defines the love of God (5:1-3). He encourages us to overcome the evils of the
world (society) through faith, love and obedience (5:4-10) and overcome trials through the power of
God (5:11-20). He concludes with a warning against idolatry (5:21).

2 John
 Salutation (1:1-3).
 Love is to “walk according to His commandments” (1:4-6).
 Be constantly on guard against “deceivers” (those who lead into error) and combat their
deception by holding onto sound doctrine (1:7-11).
 Conclusion (1:12-13).

3 John
 Gives an exhortation to “walk in the truth” (1:1-4).
 Encourages hospitality (1:5-8).
 Names Diotrephes as a person desiring an office for selfish gain and advantage (1:9-10).
 Gives concluding remarks (1:11-14).

Jude
 Greetings and purpose (1:1-4).
 Description and judgment of false teachers (1:5-16).
 Factors and traits that make true believers different (1:17-23).
 Conclusion (1:24-25).

Revelation
Revelation 1:4-8. Take turns listing all of the descriptions of Jesus you can find in these verses.
Revelation 5:9-10,13. What does it mean to be ransomed by Christ’s blood?
Revelation 6:14-17
 What will the people of every tribe, language, people, and nation need to know to be
ransomed by Christ and survive his wrath?
  The definition of nation in this verse is a people group that shares heritage and culture.
What needs to happen for people from every tribe, language, people, and nation to have
access to the gospel and know how to respond accordingly?
Revelation 7:9-10. What is true worship? See Matt 15:7-9 and John 4:23-24.
Revelation 11:15-19. What hope is there for the nations?
Revelation 16:4-11. There will be people from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshipping
God on the new earth and yet when God strikes the earth with the last of his wrath and destroys the
old earth for good, there will still be people who refuse to repent. What does this reveal about the
goal of missions?
Revelation 21:22-27.
 What glory could the nations bring that one nation alone could not?
 How can you help get the gospel to the nations overseas or to internationals on your
campus so that they can worship and glorify God in ways that are unique to their culture?

Mission Perspective

James-We can trust God to provide for us. We must work for the benefit of others in need.

1 Peter-Resident Aliens and a Royal Priesthood, Suffering under the World’s Authorities,
Instructions for Leaders and Followers

2 Peter-Work and New Creation

1 John-Walking in the Light

2 John-Honesty and Speaking the Truth in Love, The Cost of Truthfulness

3 John-An Example of Gossip at Work, John cares enough to greet “each” person by name.

Jude-The godly leader treats each person with respect and tries to discern what kind of discipline
might lead them back into the fold.

Conclusion
The General Epistles begin with the twin principles that following Christ makes us able
to trust God for our provision, and that trusting God for our provision leads us to work for the benefit
of others in need. These principles underlie a variety of practical instructions for life at work
(especially in James) and theological insights for understanding the place of work in the life of faith.
Correct theology is inseparable from correct living. The New Testament epistles reinforce this
concept as they demonstrate both the why and how of Kingdom living. The Epistles and Revelation
surveys the New Testament epistles and the Book of Revelation, examining both the introductory
issues and the basic content of each book. Students will wrestle with significant and challenging
passages by exploring the major issues and then interacting with specific passages through inductive
Bible study. The goal of the course is to gain an increased commitment to and capacity for applying
these portions of God's Word to the world and Christian living today.

Bibliography:https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/holybible/new-testament/general-epistles/
https://www.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/general-epistles