Romans 3 21 28 Summer Reading 8 Pauls

Romans 3: 21 -28

Summer Reading 8: Paul’s Letters

Letters = 78% of the New Testament • 13 letters by Paul • 3 letters by John • 2 letters by Peter • 1 by James • 1 by Jude • 1 by the unknown author of Hebrews

Major Themes in the Letters 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Jesus the Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promises. The new life of believers is a gift of God. Salvation is by grace through faith. The Church is the restored Israel. Christians will experience persecution now, glory later. False teachers subvert the true Gospel of Christ.

Paul’s Letters in order of writing: • Galatians • 1 Thessalonians • 2 Thessalonians • 1 Corinthians • 2 Corinthians • Romans • Philippians • Colossians • Philemon • Ephesians • 1 Timothy • Titus • 2 Timothy

GALATIANS • As a Pharisee, Paul was a fiery opponent of Christians, and once he became a Christian, he became a fiery opponent of those Jewish Christians who wanted to require Gentile believers to observe the very same Jewish laws he himself had once revered. • Although Paul learned to modulate and moderate his message over time, Galatians, his first letter of concern for churches he had established, is still pretty fiery.

In the tables that follow for each book, the first table is from The Life Application Bible (Tyndale, 1996) and the second table is from Bruce Wilkinson, Your Daily Walk (Zondervan, 1991).

GALATIANS AUTHOR Paul WHAT The Magna Carta of Christian Freedom WHERE Galatia, Jerusalem WHEN c. A. D. 48 -49, from Syrian Antioch, prior to the Jerusalem Council of A. D. 50 WHY KEY PEOPLE To refute the Judaizers (who taught that Gentile believers must obey the Jewish law in order to be save), and to call Christians to faith and freedom in Christ Paul, Peter, Barnabas, Titus, Abraham, false teachers

GALATIANS FOCUS DIVISIONS Defending the Gospel’s Minister Defending the Gospel’s Message Demonstrating the Gospel’s Might 1: 1 -1: 10 Perverters’ Renunciation 1: 11 -2: 21 Paul’s Apostleship 3: 1 -4: 20 Law Cannot Set Free 4: 21 -4: 31 Grace Sets Free 5: 1 -5: 12 Peril to Freedom 5: 13 -6: 18 Practice in Freedom Autobiography Argument Application Authority, not Opinion Freedom, not Bondage Spirit, not Flesh TOPICS PLACE South Galatian Theory: Syrian Antioch North Galatian Theory: Ephesus or Macedonia TIME South Galatian Theory: A. D. 49 North Galatian Theory: A. D. 53 -56

Paul’s 1 st and 2 nd Missionary Journeys

Paul’s 3 rd Missionary Journey & his Journey to Rome

Paul’s Gospel as Divinely Revealed • Galatians 1: 11 -12 11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Justification by Grace, not by Works • Galatians 2: 15 -16 15 “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

Crucified with Christ • Galatians 2: 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

The Magna Carta of Christian Freedom • Galatians 3: 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

The Fulfillment of the Law • Galatians 5: 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself. ”

The Fruit of the Spirit • Galatians 5: 22 -23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and selfcontrol. Against such things there is no law.

Salvation by God’s Spirit, not by Ritual • Galatians 6: 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.

1 & 2 Thessalonians • Essays on the Return of Christ • Christian response to persecution • Ethical concerns • Misunderstandings about the Second Coming

1 THESSALONIANS AUTHOR Paul WHAT A letter about Jesus’ return WHERE Thessalonica WHEN c. A. D. 49 -51 from Corinth; one of Paul’s earliest letters WHY KEY PEOPLE To strengthen the Thessalonian Christians in their faith and give them the assurance of Christ’s return Paul, Timothy, Silas

1 THESSALONIANS FOCUS DIVISIONS Personal Relations to the Thessalonians 1: 1 -10 Paul’s Memories 2: 1 -3: 13 Paul’s Methods Personal Parental Practical Instructions to the Thessalonians 4: 1 -12 Paul’s Directions 4: 13 -5: 11 Christ’s Return 5: 12 -28 Paul’s Reminders Prophetic Practical TOPICS A Saving Hope A Purifying Hope PLACE Corinth TIME c. A. D. 51 A Comforting Hope

2 THESSALONIANS AUTHOR Paul WHAT More words about Christ’s return, and the antichrist WHERE Thessalonica WHEN A. D. 49 -51, a few months after 1 Thessalonians, from Corinth WHY To clear up the confusion about the second coming of Christ KEY PEOPLE Paul, Silas, Timothy

2 THESSALONIANS FOCUS Commendation Instruction Correction DIVISIONS 1: 1 -12 Return of Christ 2: 1 -17 Revelation of Antichrist 3: 1 -18 Return to Work Strengthening the Stressful Confirming the Confused Disciplining the Disorderly Encouragement Explanation Exhortation TOPICS PLACE Corinth TIME c. A. D. 51

The Return of Jesus • 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 -18 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

The Return of Jesus • 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 -18 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Attitudes for Christian Living • 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 -18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Don’t be “so heavenly-minded” that you’re no earthly good. • 2 Thessalonians 3: 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat. ”

1 & 2 Corinthians • “Well, at least our church is not that messed up!”

Four Letters to Corinth • Paul’s first visit to Corinth 1. Paul’s first letter from Ephesus to Corinth 2. “ 1 Corinthians” • Paul’s second visit to Corinth 3. 4. “The Tearful Letter” “ 2 Corinthians” • A Planned 3 rd visit to Corinth

1 CORINTHIANS AUTHOR Paul WHAT A passionate appeal for unity in the Church WHERE Worship meetings in Corinth WHEN WHY KEY PEOPLE c. A. D. 53 -55, near the end of Paul’s three-year ministry in Ephesus, during his third missionary journey To identify problems in the Corinthian church, to offer solutions, and to teach believers how to live for Christ in a corrupt society Paul, Timothy, members of Chloe’s household

1 CORINTHIANS FOCUS DIVISIONS Four Problems Four Perspectives 1 -6 Problems of Factions and Lawsuits 7 -10 Perspectives on Marriage & Liberty 11 -14 Perspectives on Worship 15 -16 Perspectives on the Resurrection Division Discussion Corporate Private Disorder Disbelief TOPICS Public PLACE Written in Ephesus TIME A. D. 56

Wisdom & Foolishness • 1 Corinthians 1: 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. • 1 Corinthians 1: 21 -24 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

The Source of Spiritual Understanding • 1 Corinthians 2: 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

On Consideration for Others • 1 Corinthians 8: 9 9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. • 1 Corinthians 8: 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.

On Resisting Temptation • 1 Corinthians 10: 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

The Institution of the Lord’s Supper • 1 Corinthians 11: 23 -29 23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. ” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. ”

The Institution of the Lord’s Supper • 1 Corinthians 11: 23 -29 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

On Spiritual Gifts • 1 Corinthians 12: 4 -6 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

The Love Chapter • 1 Corinthians 13: 1 -8 a 1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

Died – Buried – Raised – Seen! • 1 Corinthians 15: 3 -8 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

On the Resurrection • 1 Corinthians 15: 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. • 1 Corinthians 15: 17 -22 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

2 CORINTHIANS AUTHOR Paul WHAT An intensely personal letter of pastoral concern WHERE Corinth, Jerusalem WHEN c. A. D. 55 -56, from Macedonia WHY KEY PEOPLE To affirm Paul’s ministry, defend his authority as an apostle, and refute the false teachers in Corinth Paul, Timothy, Luke, false teachers

2 CORINTHIANS FOCUS Consolation Exhortation Vindication DIVISIONS 1 -5 Paul’s Ministry of the Gospel 6 -9 Paul’s Motivation in the Gospel 10 -13 Paul’s Authority as a Gospel Minister Character Collection Credentials TOPICS The Repentant Majority PLACE Written in Macedonia TIME c. A. D. 56 The Rebellious Minority

Paying Grace Forward • 2 Corinthians 1: 3 -4 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

We Live by Faith • 2 Corinthians 1: 20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. • 2 Corinthians 5: 7 7 For we live by faith, not by sight.

The “Weight of Glory” • 2 Corinthians 4: 16 -18 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

The Judgment Seat of Christ • 2 Corinthians 5: 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

The “Clear Kernel of the Gospel” • 2 Corinthians 5: 17 -21 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

On Generosity • 2 Corinthians 9: 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh” • 2 Corinthians 12: 7 -10 7 because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

ROMANS 1. 2. 3. 4. Can one be right with God through obeying the Law? Is Abraham the father of both Jewish & Gentile Christians? What role does the Law play with reference to sin? What does the salvation of the Gentiles indicate about the future of Israel? 5. Should Christians observe Old Testament food laws?

ROMANS AUTHOR Paul WHAT An organized and carefully-presented statement of Paul’s faith WHERE Rome WHEN c. A. D. 57, from Corinth WHY KEY PEOPLE To introduce Paul to the Romans and to give a sample of his message before he arrives in Rome Paul, Phoebe

FOCUS Doctrinal 1 -3 Problem of Unrighteousness 4 -5 Provision of Righteousness 6 -8 Pursuit of Righteousness 9 -11 Program of Righteousness DIVISIONS ROMANS Practical SIN SALVATION SANCTIFICATION 12 -16 Practice of Righteousness SELECTION SERVICE TOPICS Understanding the Gospel Living the Gospel PLACE Probably in Corinth TIME c. A. D. 57

On the Gospel • Romans 1: 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. • Romans 2: 14 -15 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them. )

Who is really a Jew? • Romans 2: 28 -29 28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

Sola Fide! Grace Alone! • Romans 3: 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Romans 5: 1 -2 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

The “Roman Road” to Salvation • Romans 3: 23 -24 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. • Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. • Romans 5: 8 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The “Roman Road” to Salvation • Romans 10: 9 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord, ” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. • Romans 10: 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. ”

No Condemnation!!! • Romans 8: 1 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. • Romans 8: 9 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

No Fear! • Romans 8: 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. • Romans 8: 31 -32 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? • Romans 8: 38 -39 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Living Sacrifice • Romans 12: 1 -2 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

PHILIPPIANS • The first church in Europe • Paul’s favorite church • A “missionary support” letter

PHILIPPIANS AUTHOR Paul WHAT Paul’s joyful letter to his favorite church WHERE Philippi WHEN c. A. D. 61 -62, from Rome during Paul’s imprisonment there WHY KEY PEOPLE To thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent Paul and to strengthen these beleivers by showing them that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, Euodia, Syntyche

PHILIPPIANS FOCUS DIVISIONS Rejoice in God’s Will Relax in God’s Peace 1: 1 -11 Paul and Philippians 1: 12 -26 Paul and Prison 1: 27 -2: 18 Christ and Living 2: 19 -30 Timothy and Epaphroditus 3: 1 -4: 1 Philippians and Errors 4: 2 -9 Philippians and Holiness 4: 10 -21 Paul and a Gift Information Appeal Plans Warning Exhortation Thanks TOPICS Rejoicing in Affliction Rejoicing in Ministry Rejoicing in Jesus PLACE Rome TIME c. A. D. 62 Rejoicing in Blessings

Paul’s Love for the Philippians • Philippians 1: 3 -6 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. • Philippians 1: 9 -11 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

In prison, Paul contemplates his execution. . . • Philippians 1: 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. • Philippians 1: 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.

Paul’s Hymn of Christ • Philippians 2: 5 -11 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Paul’s Hymn of Christ • Philippians 2: 5 -11 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

My “Life Verses” • Philippians 3: 10 -14 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice! • Philippians 4: 4 -7 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

God’s Provision • Philippians 4: 11 -13 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. • Philippians 4: 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

COLOSSIANS • Paul never visited Colossae. • Epaphras took the Gospel to Colossae. • The Colossians had been deceived by “spirituality. ” • Colossians is highly Christological.

COLOSSIANS AUTHOR Paul WHAT Paul’s great Christological letter WHERE Colosse, Laodicea (4: 15 -16) WHEN c. A. D. 60 -62 during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome WHY KEY PEOPLE To combat errors in the church and to show that believers have everything they need in Christ Paul, Timothy, Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras

COLOSSIANS FOCUS Christ, the Lord of the Universe Christ, the Lord of Life DIVISIONS 1: 1 -12 Prayer to the Father of Christ 1: 13 -2: 3 Supremacy of Christ 2: 4 -23 Sufficiency of Christ 3: 1 -17 New Life 3: 18 -4: 1 Home Life 4: 2 -6 Christian Life 4: 7 -18 Conclusion Transforming Relationship Transformed Relationships Consistent Doctrine Consistent Life TOPICS PLACE Rome TIME A. D. 60 -61

The Preeminent Christ, part 1 • Colossians 1: 15 -20 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

The Preeminent Christ, part 2 • Colossians 2: 9 -15 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

The Preeminent Christ, part 2 • Colossians 2: 9 -15 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

“in the Name of the Lord Jesus” • Colossians 3: 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

PHILEMON • A very short, personal letter • Philemon was a wealthy believer in Colossae. • Onesimus was a runaway slave. • Onesimus became a committed Christian. • Faith changes relationships.

PHILEMON AUTHOR Paul WHAT One of three personal letters in the Bible, Paul’s personal plea for a slave WHERE Colosse, Rome WHEN WHY KEY PEOPLE c. A. D. 60 -62, during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, at about the same time as Ephesians and Colossians To convince Philemon to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, and to accept him as a brother in the faith Paul, Philemon, Onesimus

PHILEMON FOCUS Praise for Philemon Plea for Onesimus Preparation for Paul DIVISIONS 1: 1 -3 Paul’s Preface 1: 4 -7 Paul’s Commendation 1: 8 -16 Paul’s Intercession 1: 17 -21 Paul’s Promise 1: 22 -25 Paul’s Message Greetings & Gratitude Grace Good Words Courtesy & Compliment Counsel Conclusion TOPICS PLACE Rome TIME c. A. D. 60 -61

The Seed of the Destruction of Slavery • Philemon 1: 10 -12 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him —who is my very heart—back to you. Philemon 1: 15 -16 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

Living our Faith increases our Understanding • Philemon 1: 6 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.

EPHESIANS • “The Queen of the Epistles” • A “circular letter” • Clear contrast between being “lost” and being “saved” • Clear statement about the nature of the Church • The central clue to “what God is up to” • Two beautiful prayers of blessing • Extended metaphor about spiritual warfare

EPHESIANS AUTHOR Paul WHAT The Queen of the Epistles WHERE The churches of Asia Minor WHEN c. A. D. 60 -62, from Rome during Paul’s imprisonment there WHY KEY PEOPLE To strengthen the believers in Ephesus in their Christian faith by explaining the nature and purpose of the church, the Body of Christ Paul, Tychicus

EPHESIANS FOCUS DIVISIONS The Christian’s Wealth The Christian’s Walk 1: 1 -1: 23 Thanksgiving for Wealth 2: 1 -2: 22 Wealth of Salvation 2: 23 -3: 21 Wealth of the Church 4: 1 -4: 16 Walk at Church 4: 17 -5: 21 Walk in Holiness 5: 22 -6: 9 Walk at Home and Work 6: 10 -6: 24 Walk in Warfare Calling Conduct Privileges Practicalities TOPICS PLACE Rome TIME A. D. 60 -61

The “seal” of God’s Spirit • Ephesians 1: 13 -14 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Paul’s first Prayer of Blessing • Ephesians 1: 17 -19 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Paul’s second Prayer of Blessing • Ephesians 3: 14 -19 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge— that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

By Grace, through Faith! • Ephesians 2: 8 -9 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

One Body, both Jew & Gentile • Ephesians 3: 6 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

The Key to Understanding the Bible • Ephesians 3: 10 -11 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Spiritual Warfare • Ephesians 6: 10 -18 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Spiritual Warfare • 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

THE PASTORAL EPISTLES: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus • Paul is acquitted by Nero after first imprisonment, c. A. D. 62. • Paul preaches in Crete and perhaps in Spain. • Paul writes 1 Timothy & Titus. • Paul is imprisoned a second time. • Paul writes 2 Timothy. • Paul is executed, c. A. D. 67 -68.

1 TIMOTHY AUTHOR WHAT WHERE WHEN WHY KEY PEOPLE Paul A letter to the first “second-generation” Christian mentioned in the New Testament; the first of the Pastoral Letters Ephesus c. A. D. 62 -64, from Macedonia (or Rome, or Philippi), just prior to Paul’s final imprisonment in Rome To give encouragement and instruction to Timothy, a young leader Paul, Timothy

1 TIMOTHY FOCUS Organization in the Church Operation of the Church DIVISIONS 1: 1 -20 Law and Grace 2: 1 -15 Worship and Women 3: 1 -16 Bishops and Deacons 4: 1 -16 Apostasy in the Church 5: 1 -25 Age Groups in the Church 6: 1 -21 Areas of Conflict in the Church Life of the Church Leaders of the Church TOPICS Plans Apostasy of the Church Groups in the Church Example to the Church Problems PLACE Macedonia TIME c. A. D. 62 -63

Qualifications for Church Leadership • 1 Timothy 3: 1 -13 1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church? ) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

Qualifications for Church Leadership • 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

An interesting comment about salvation. . . • 1 Timothy 4: 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

On youthful leaders. . . • 1 Timothy 4: 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

On responsibility for one’s family. . . • 1 Timothy 5: 8 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

On the love of money. . . • 1 Timothy 6: 6 -10 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Words to the Wealthy • 1 Timothy 6: 17 -19 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

TITUS AUTHOR Paul WHAT A letter about church leadership; Paul’s third Pastoral Letter WHERE Crete, Nicopolis WHEN WHY KEY PEOPLE c. A. D. 62 -64, at about the same time 1 Timothy was written; probably from Nicopolis between Paul’s imprisonments To advise Titus in his responsibility of supervising the churches on the island of Crete Paul, Titus

FOCUS TITUS DIVISIONS Duties of Church Leaders 1: 1 -9 Elders Designated Duties of Church Members 1: 10 -16 Heresy Described 2: 1 -15 Good Works Demanded 3: 1 -15 Heretics Denounced Service Salvation Servants TOPICS Preservation of Truth Use of Truth PLACE Probably written in Corinth TIME c. A. D. 63

Qualifications for Church Leadership • Titus 1: 5 -9 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quicktempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Instructions for Church Members • Titus 2: 1 -11 1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, selfcontrolled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Instructions for Church Members • Titus 2: 1 -11 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

2 TIMOTHY AUTHOR WHAT WHERE WHEN WHY KEY PEOPLE Paul’s most intimate letter, and his last; the second of the Pastoral Letters Rome, Ephesus c. A. D. 64 -67, from prison in Rome. After a year or two of freedom, Paul was arrested again and executed under Emperor Nero. To give final instructions and encouragement to Timothy, pastor of the church at Ephesus Paul, Timothy, Luke, Mark

2 TIMOTHY FOCUS Be Steadfast in Your Ministry Be Steadfast in Your Doctrine DIVISIONS 1: 1 -5 Thanksgiving for Timothy 1: 6 -18 Exhortation to Timothy 2: 1 -13 Duties of Timothy 2: 14 -3: 17 Apostasy and Timothy 4: 1 -5 Charge to Timothy 4: 6 -22 Death of Timothy’s Friend Hold Fast the Gospel Pass on the Gospel Protect the Gospel Preach the Gospel Foundation Faithfulness Foes Fearlessness TOPICS PLACE Roman Prison TIME c. A. D. 67

Multi-Generational Faith • 2 Timothy 1: 5 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Confidence under Fire • 2 Timothy 1: 7 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. • 2 Timothy 1: 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

A Leader’s Responsibility • 2 Timothy 2: 2 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. • 2 Timothy 2: 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

In Praise of Scripture • 2 Timothy 3: 16 -17 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

One of many demonstrations that God does not intend that all illness be removed in this life. . . • 2 Timothy 4: 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.

Paul’s Farewell • 2 Timothy 4: 5 -8 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Paul’s Most Important Teaching • Romans 3: 21 -28 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Paul’s Most Important Teaching • Romans 3: 21 -28 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. 27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

The Burning Center of Paul’s Teaching • Ephesians 2: 8 -9 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Thoughts to Take Away. . . 1. At the beginning, Paul was extremely religious and also extremely lost. 2. There is no other way to God except through Jesus. 3. Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. 4. To be almost saved is to be completely lost. 5. God can do for you today what God did for Paul long ago.

An Invitation • I urge you to “declare with your mouth [that] ‘Jesus is Lord, ’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, [so that] you will be saved” (Romans 10: 9).

Lift Every Voice and Sing!

Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring, ring with the harmonies of liberty. Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod, felt in the days when hope unborn had died. Yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet come to the place for which our fathers died?

We have come over a way that with tears have been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered. Out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by thy might, led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee. Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath thy hand, may we forever stand, True to our God, true to our native land.