James and Philemon Personal Workbook by Chad Sychtysz
Faith that works. Grace that forgives. Two short letters with a lot to say about how a Christian lives.
James and Philemon Personal Workbook is an 11-lesson, 110-page study by Chad Sychtysz on the Epistle of James and Paul's letter to Philemon.
How This Workbook Helps
James has been called "the gospel of common sense." He wrote to Jewish Christians who were under pressure for their faith, and he didn't spend much time on theory. He told them how to face trials, where temptation really comes from, why favoritism has no place in the church, and what a tongue can do when nobody bridles it. Sychtysz walks through all of it verse by verse, and he spends real time on the passage that has troubled so many readers. James and Paul aren't at odds. Paul stresses the grace no one can earn, and James insists that a faith which never shows up in obedience is dead. They're preaching the same gospel.
Philemon is the shortest of Paul's letters and one of the most overlooked. A runaway slave named Onesimus has become a Christian, and Paul sends him home to the master he wronged, with a letter that puts Paul's own reputation on the line. Sychtysz handles the hard questions honestly, including what the New Testament does and doesn't say about slavery, and he shows how the letter mirrors what Christ has done for every one of us. Paul offers to pay whatever Onesimus owes. Christ paid ours.
What's Inside
An introduction to James covers authorship, date, audience, and theme, along with a general outline of the book. Then nine lessons on James:
- The Christian's Attitude toward Trials and Persecution (1:2-11)
- The Christian's Attitude toward Temptation (1:12-18)
- Pure and Undefiled Religion (1:19-27)
- Mercy versus Judgment (2:1-13)
- Faith and Works (2:14-26)
- Resisting the Influence of the World (3:1-18)
- Things to Avoid: Friendship with the World and Human Pride (4:1-12)
- More Things to Avoid: Presuming on Tomorrow and Trusting in Riches (4:13-5:6)
- Final Exhortations (5:7-20)
An introduction to Philemon sets out the background of Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus under Roman law. Then two lessons on Philemon:
- Paul's Praise for Philemon (1:4-9)
- Paul's Appeal on Behalf of Onesimus (1:10-20)
Notes on the salutations and on Paul's final remarks and greetings (1:21-25) round out the study.
Format & Features
A 6 x 9 paperback. Every lesson closes with discussion questions that make a class think, not just fill in blanks. Endnotes carry the supporting detail, a source list closes each half of the book, and Scripture quotations are from the NASB. It is also available as a PDF eBook, with an individual-use version and a class-use license.
Who It's For
Adult Bible class teachers looking for a practical quarter on Christian living, preachers working through the faith-and-works question in James 2, small groups that want a study they can finish, and anyone who has ever wondered what a one-page letter about a runaway slave has to do with them.
Common Questions
Can I use it to teach a class?
Yes. Its 11 lessons fit a quarter of weekly classes, with a week or two to spare. Order a workbook for each student, or buy the class-use PDF license to print copies for your class.
Why are James and Philemon in one book?
They're two short letters with a common concern: faith that actually changes how you treat people. James shows it in everyday conduct, and Philemon shows it in a single, costly act of forgiveness.
What are the eBook options?
The individual-use PDF is for one reader. The class-use PDF license lets a church print or share copies for a whole class.
About the Personal Study Series
The Personal Study Series gives Bible students a workbook for each book Chad Sychtysz covers. Most are drawn from his Quick Study Commentaries, with the explanation simplified and questions added for every lesson, so a teacher can work from the commentary while the class works from the workbook. Other workbooks in the series: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians & Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, Hebrews, 1 & 2 Peter, John and Jude, Acts, Volume 1, and Acts, Volume 2.
About the Author
Chad Sychtysz has preached the gospel since 1994, serving churches in Alaska and Washington state. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and has written more than twenty-five books and workbooks on the Bible. He lives in Billings, Montana.
Product Details
- Author: Chad Sychtysz
- Publisher: Spiritbuilding Publishers
- Series: Personal Study Series
- Lessons: 11
- Size: 6 x 9 inches
- Translation: NASB
- Pages: 110
- Format: Paperback; PDF eBook (individual or class use)
- ISBN: 9798140131012