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Resurrection Prophecies  /  Lecture 4: Sixth & Seventh Prophecies About Resurrection  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
James concludes Gentiles shouldn’t be troubled with circumcision/Law-keeping, but he still gives four concrete prohibitions (idols, sexual immorality, strangled things, blood); how does that combination—freedom from becoming Jewish, yet clear moral demands—challenge modern “faith alone means no rules” instincts, and what specific habits or compromises in your life come into focus when you put those four requirements next to your idea of grace?
Another way to ask: James says Gentiles don’t need circumcision or the whole Law, but he still gives four rules (idols, sexual sin, strangled meat, blood). How does that challenge the idea that “faith alone means no rules,” and which of those areas makes you think about your own habits or compromises?

Direct Answer James’s decision, as presented in the transcript, combines real freedom (no requirement to become Jewish or be circumcised) with concrete obedience (four prohibitions), so grace does not equal “no demands.” The transcript doesn’t apply the four rules to personal modern habits directly, but it does press readers to examine where idolatry and sexual immorality still compete with loyalty to God.

Support from Transcript:

  • James rules against adding a heavy burden: “we should not trouble those among the Gentiles who are turning to God,” and earlier the issue was whether they “have to circumcise… follow the law of Moses.”
  • Yet he gives specific boundaries: “abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled and from blood.”
  • The decision is framed as Scripture-guided, not optional: he issues a judgment after quoting Amos 9.
  • Chuck emphasizes the council’s core question: “Do they have to become Jews first?” and James answers essentially, no.
  • James also notes Moses is widely taught: “being read in the synagogues every Sabbath,” implying sensitivity to holiness and community life.
Discussion Follow-ups Which of the four areas is easiest to rationalize today—idols or sexual immorality? What would it mean to take “do not trouble” and “abstain” together in your definition of grace?

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