The Epistles. Response Required: Submission Inspiration Response Required: Spirituality Response Required:…

The Epistles

ResponseRequired:

Submission

Inspiration

ResponseRequired:

Spirituality

ResponseRequired:

Study

Illumination Interpretation

A. Inspiration

B. Illumination

1. Salvation (I Cor. 2:9, 14)2. Diligence (Acts 17:10-12a; II Tim. 2:15)3. Desire (I Pet. 2:2; Prov. 2:4,5; Job 23:12; Ps. 119:97)4. Holiness 5. Prayer (Eph. 1:15-18a)

C. Interpretation

A. The Literal PrincipleB. The Historical PrincipleC.The Contextual PrincipleD.The Gramatical PrincipleE.The Synthesis PrincipleF.The Application Principle

I Introduction to the Epistles A. What are epistles?

B. The Biblical epistles1. The Pauline Church Epistles2. The Pauline Pastoral Epistles3. The General Epistles

E. Elements of Biblical Epistles

•Name of the writer (ex. Paul)•Name of recipients (ex. church of God in Corinth)•Greeting (ex. Grace and peace to you. . . )•Prayer, wish, or thanksgiving (ex. I always thank God for you. . . )•Body of letter•Final greetings and farewell

D. The Reason for the Epistles



II. Principles for Understanding the EpistlesA. The epistles address particular issuesB. The epistles are not systematic theology books. C. Try to reconstruct the historical situation facing the writer and readers.D. First read the whole letter straight through.

E. Read the letter again and jot down answers to the following questions:

1. Who is writing the letter?2. Who is the audience of the letter?3. Why is the author writing the letter?4. What situation does the author face while

writing his letter?5. What problems does the author address in the

letter?6. Does the writer state his purpose for writing

the letter?7. What are the major themes, concepts, and

words in the letter?

II. Principles for Understanding the Epistles:

F. Identify the paragraphs of thought in the letter you are studying and ask yourself, “What point is the author making in this paragraph?”

Foundational Epistles

Romans1st & 2nd CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians

1st & 2nd Thessalonians

Prison Epistles

Prophetic Epistles1st & 2nd TimothyTitusPhilemon

Pastoral Epistles

RomansKey Verse Romans 12:1, 2a

To Church at Rome

Where Written Corinth

When Written AD 57

Theme Salvation: Righteousness from God

RomansRomans

What is the “big idea” in the What is the “big idea” in the Epistle to the Romans?Epistle to the Romans?

RomansRomansThe Righteousness of GodThe Righteousness of God

Chapters 1-8

The Righteousness of God has been The Righteousness of God has been revealed…revealed…

Chapters 9-11

Chapters 12-16

In judging sinners

In saving believers

In His dealings

with Israel

In the lives of those

who follow Him

Doctrinal PracticalObedience of Faith (1:5)

Obedience of Faith (16:26)

I am not ashamed of the gospel…I am not ashamed of the gospel…• It is the power of God for salvation

to everyone who believes• In it the righteousness of God is

revealed

How is the righteousness of God revealed in

the gospel?

• In the wrath of God toward those who sin (Romans 1-3)

• In the grace of God toward those who believe (Romans 4-8)

The Righteousness of God is The Righteousness of God is revealed…revealed…

• In judging the pagans who In judging the pagans who rejected Him (Chapter 1)rejected Him (Chapter 1)

• In judging the Jews who In judging the Jews who disobeyed Him (Chapter 2)disobeyed Him (Chapter 2)

• In judging all men who have In judging all men who have sinned against Him (Chapter 3)sinned against Him (Chapter 3)

Romans 3:23-25a Romans 3:23-25a

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith.

Justification

Redemption

We sinnedWe sinned

Propitiation

God’s graceGod’s grace

How is a person

Justified?

Break into Groups of Break into Groups of 3-4 and discuss the 3-4 and discuss the following questions:following questions:

• What does Paul mean when he states What does Paul mean when he states that people are justified by faith?that people are justified by faith?

• How can God justify someone when they How can God justify someone when they are not inherently just?are not inherently just?

• How has this idea of justification impacted How has this idea of justification impacted your own life?your own life?

Justification

Redemption

We sinnedWe sinned

Propitiation

God’s graceGod’s grace

How is a person

Justified?

Romans 4:1-2 Romans 4:1-2 What then shall we say that

Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

Romans 4:3Romans 4:3For what does the Scripture

say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Romans 4:4-5 Romans 4:4-5 Now to the one who works,

his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,

ReckonedReckoned

Our sinfulness

ReckonedReckoned

Christ’s Righteousness

Reckoned

Our sinfulness

The Righteousness of God is The Righteousness of God is revealed…revealed…

• In reckoning men as righteous by crediting them with the righteousness of Christ (Chapter 4)

• In declaring men to be righteous on the basis of the reckoning described in the previous chapter (Chapter 5)

Romans 5:12 Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through

one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned--

One Man

Romans 5:13-14 Romans 5:13-14 …for until the Law sin was in

the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

Adam’s sin was imputed to all Adam’s sin was imputed to all menmen

Romans 5:18-19 Romans 5:18-19 So then as through one

transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. 19 For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

The Righteousness of God is revealed…The Righteousness of God is revealed…• In reckoning men as righteous by

crediting them with the righteousness of Christ (Chapter 4)

• In declaring men to be righteous on the basis of the reckoning described in the previous chapter (Chapter 5)

What about sin?

– Can we continue to live in sin? (6)– What about the sin that is still in our lives? (7)

• In adopting us as His children (Chapter 8)

• Not all Israel is Israel.• God is sovereign and able to chose

whom He wills.• Salvation is offered to all who believe.• Israel’s unbelief has resulted in

blessings to the Gentiles.• All Israel will be saved.

What about What about Israel?Israel?

How can we see God as righteous when How can we see God as righteous when His own chosen people do not believe His own chosen people do not believe and receive His promises?and receive His promises?

Chapters 1-11Doctrinal

Chapters 12-16PracticalSo

What?

I Urge you…I Urge you…• To present your bodies a living and holy

sacrifice• Do not be conformed to this world• Be transformed by the renewing of your

mind

GalatiansGalatiansOur Freedom in Our Freedom in

ChristChrist

GalatiansKey Verse Galatians 5:22, 23

To Church at Galatia

Where Written Antioch in Syria

When Written AD 49

Theme Free in Christ Through Faith

What is Legalism?What is Legalism?

GalatiansGalatiansChapters 1-2 Chapters 3-4 Chapters 5-6

History Doctrine Practice

Paul’sapostleship

& vindication come from

the Lord

Man is justifiedthrough faith

alone

We are to walkby faith and

love

RomansRomans• Calm reflection • Passionate, emotional

GalatiansGalatians

• Christianity in the study

• Christianity on the battlefield

• Later Epistle • Earlier Epistle

• Justification by faith set forth systematically

• Justification by faith defended from attacks

Galatians 1:1-3 Paul, an apostle (not sent from

men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…

Galatians 1:6-7 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ.

Galatians 1:8-9Galatians 1:8-9 But even if we, or an angel

from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

Paul and JerusalemPaul and Jerusalem• Paul’s Gospel did not

come from Jerusalem (Chapter 1)

• Paul’s Gospel did not change in Jerusalem (2:1-10)

• Paul’s gospel was not changed by Jerusalem when they came to Antioch (2:11-16)

Jerusalem

Antioch

Who hasBewitched

You? Did you receive the Spirit by the

works of the Law, or by

hearing with faith?

Are youso foolish?Having begun by

the Spirit, are you now being perfected

by the flesh?

Did you sufferso many things

in vain?

Does God givethe Spirit and

Miracles by theLaw or by Faith?

Salvation isSalvation isthrough faiththrough faith

Appeal toof Abraham

Appeal tothe Law

Appeal tothe Tutor

Appeal toAdoption

Appeal to the Covenant

Promise

Appeal tofriendshipAppeal to

Scripture

If you are free…If you are free…Don’t be entangled

in a yoke of bondage Don’t turn yourFreedom into anOpportunity for

The flesh

Walk bythe Spirit

Bear oneanother’sBurdens

Share allgood things

Do good toall men

Galatians 6:14-16Galatians 6:14-16 But may it never be that I

would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

Discuss the following questions:Discuss the following questions:• What has been your own What has been your own

experience in coming to experience in coming to understand the gospel?understand the gospel?

• What are the various errors What are the various errors into which people fall in their into which people fall in their understanding of the gospel?understanding of the gospel?

The Epistles of Paul

EphesiansKey Verse Ephesians 2:8, 9

To Church at Ephesus

Where Written Rome

When Written AD 60/61

Theme The Church and Body of Christ

And you were dead in And you were dead in your trespasses and your trespasses and sins, sins, 22 in which you in which you

formerly walked formerly walked according to the according to the

course of this world, course of this world, according to the according to the

prince of the power of prince of the power of the air, of the spirit the air, of the spirit

that is now working in that is now working in the sons of the sons of

disobedience. disobedience. Ephesians 2:1-2

Among them we Among them we too all formerly too all formerly

lived in the lusts of lived in the lusts of our flesh, our flesh,

indulging the indulging the desires of the desires of the

flesh and of the flesh and of the mind, and were by mind, and were by nature children of nature children of wrath, even as the wrath, even as the

rest. rest. Ephesians 2:3

• Dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1).

• Children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3).

• Slaves of sin (Romans 6:20).

• In Adam (1 Corinthians 15:22).

How do How do we get we get there there from from

here?here?

But God, being rich in But God, being rich in mercy, because of His mercy, because of His great love with which great love with which He loved us, He loved us, 55 even even

when we were dead in when we were dead in our transgressions, our transgressions,

made us alive made us alive together with Christ together with Christ (by grace you have (by grace you have

been saved)… been saved)… (Ephesians 2:4-5).(Ephesians 2:4-5).

……and raised us up and raised us up with Him, and seated with Him, and seated

us with Him in the us with Him in the heavenly places in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Christ Jesus, 77 so so that in the ages to that in the ages to

come He might show come He might show the surpassing riches the surpassing riches

of His grace in of His grace in kindness toward us in kindness toward us in

Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6-7).(Ephesians 2:6-7).

Ephesians 2:8-9 Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been

saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-10 Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been

saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

PhilippiansKey Verse Philippians 2:14, 15

To Church at Philippi

Where Written Rome

When Written AD 62

Theme Joy at All Times

ColossiansKey Verse Colossians 2:9, 10

To Church at Colossae

Where Written Rome


Theme Christ is Everything

1 Corinthians1 Corinthians

Practical Lessons on UnityPractical Lessons on Unity

1 Corinthians Key Verse 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5

To Church at Corinth

Where Written Ephesus

When Written AD 56

Theme Addresses Problems in the Church

Corinth

CorinthCorinth• A smelting pot of many peoples.• Pagan cults.• Immorality.• Church plagued by division.• Divorce• Trend to glorify the scientific and

philosophical and to ridicule the spiritual.• The role of men and women in the church.• Questions of the uses and misuses of the

spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 1:10-111 Corinthians 1:10-1110 Now I exhort you,

brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.

11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you.

Chapters 1-6

Unity• Divisions• Need for Unity• Necessary Divisions

Chapters 7-10

Questions• Single & Married• Meat & Idols

Chapters 11-16

Errors• Women & Worship• Lord’s Supper• Gifts• Resurrection

2 Corinthians Key Verse 2 Corinthians 12:9

To Church at Corinth

Where Written Macedonia

When Written AD 56

Theme Paul’s Authority Against False Teachers

What is eschatology?What is eschatology?

The First Epistle The First Epistle to the to the

Thessalonians Thessalonians

An Encouraging Expectancy

1 ThessaloniansKey Verse 1 Thessalonians 5:16-23

To Church at Thessalonica


When Written AD 51

Theme Letter to New Christians

• God’s choice of you (1:2-5).• Your imitation of Christ (1:6-8)• Your turning to God (1:9-10)

A shared salvation history

Chapter 1


Chapter 1

Paul’s ministry in

Thessalonica

Chapters 2-3

1 Thessalonians 2:9. For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.


Chapter 1


Thessalonica

Chapters 2-3

1 Thessalonians 3:1-2. Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith,

• The principle stated (4:1)

• Sexual purity (4:3-8)• Responsible work (4:9-

12).• A Promise of Comfort in

the face of Death (4:13-18).


Chapter 1


Thessalonica

Chapters 2-3

Exhortation to walk in a

worthy manner

Chapter 4


• Living in light of the Day of the Lord (5:1-11).• Attitudes toward Christians workers (5:12-13).• Closing instructions (5:14-28).

Chapter 1


Thessalonica

Chapters 2-3

Exhortation to walk in a

worthy manner

Chapter 4

Living in light of Christ’s return

Chapter 5

What God has done in our lives

How we are to live as a result of what God has

done

2 ThessaloniansKey Verse 2 Thessalonians 3:4-6

To Church at Thessalonica


When Written AD 51

Theme Persevere Until Christ Returns

What did the New What did the New Testament Church look Testament Church look

like?like?

In what ways was the New In what ways was the New Testament church similar Testament church similar

to the church today?to the church today?

In what ways was the New In what ways was the New Testament church different Testament church different

from the church today?from the church today?

The First Epistle to Timothy

From Father to Son

1 TimothyKey Verse 1 Timothy 4:12, 13

To Timothy, leader of Church at Ephesus

Where Written Macedonia


Theme Caring for the Church

GREECEASIA MINOR

Ephesus

Macedonia

In the face of false

teachings

Chapter 1

Instructions…

Chapter 2 Chapters 3-4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6

For some men, straying from For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, fruitless discussion, 77 wanting to wanting to

be teachers of the Law, even be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand though they do not understand

either what they are saying or the either what they are saying or the matters about which they make matters about which they make confident assertions. (1 Timothy confident assertions. (1 Timothy

1:6-71:6-7))


teachings• A call for men to pray

(2:1-8).• A call for women to

adorn themselves modestly and with good works (2:9-15)

Chapter 1

Instructions…

Chapter 2

About men and women

Chapters 3-4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6


teachings• Qualifications for

leaders (3:1-16)• False teachers (4:1-11)• Personal instructions to

Timothy (4:12-16)

Chapter 1

Instructions…

Chapter 2

About men and women

For leaders

Chapters 3-4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6


teachings• Honor to the

elderly (5:1-2)• Care for widows

(5:3-16)• Honor for elders &

leaders (5:17-25)

Chapter 1

Instructions…

Chapter 2

About men and women

For leaders

Chapters 3-4

About the

elderly

Chapter 5 Chapter 6


teachings• Slaves & Masters (6:1-2)• Those who seek financial profit (6:3-10)• A charge to personal faithfulness (6:11-

16)• Instructions to the rich (6:17-19)• Conclusion (6:20-21)

Chapter 1

Instructions…

Chapter 2

About men and women

For leaders

Chapters 3-4

About the

elderly

Chapter 5


teachings

Chapter 6

2 TimothyKey Verse 2 Timothy 3:15-17

To Timothy, leader of Church at Ephesus

Where Written Rome

When Written AD 67

Theme Paul’s Last Words

The Epistle to TitusThe Epistle to Titus

Adorning the Gospel of

God

TitusKey Verse Titus 3:4-7

To Titus, leader of Church in Crete


When Written AD 63

Theme Living in Faith

Crete

Nicopolis

True Leaders

• Opening Salutation (1:1-4).

1:1-9

Leaders

1:10-16 2:1-10 2:11-15 3:1-15

Laity

TITUS – Adorning the Doctrine of GodTITUS – Adorning the Doctrine of God

Paul, a bond-servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, (Titus 1:1).

True Leaders

• Opening Salutation (1:1-4).

1:1-9

Leaders

1:10-16 2:1-10 2:11-15 3:1-15

Laity


…in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3 but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior;

True Leaders

• Opening Salutation (1:1-4).• Titus’ Job Description: To

appoint elders in every city (1:5).

• Qualifications for elders/overseers (1:6-9)

1:1-9

Leaders

1:10-16 2:1-10 2:11-15 3:1-15

Laity


True Leaders

• The Problem of Rebellious Men (1:10-11)

• The Testimony of Rebellious Men (1:12-13).

• The Solution for Rebellious Men (1:13-16)

1:1-9

Leaders

1:10-16 2:1-10 2:11-15 3:1-15

Laity

False Teachers


True Leaders

• Old men• Old Women• Young Women• Young Men• Titus as an example• Slaves

1:1-9

Leaders

1:10-16 2:1-10 2:11-15 3:1-15

Laity

False Teachers

Instructions to Various

Groups


True Leaders

• The Grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation…

• Instructing us…– To deny ungodliness– To live…

• Looking for the appearing of Jesus

1:1-9

Leaders

1:10-16 2:1-10 2:11-15 3:1-15

Laity

False Teachers


Groups

Living for the

appearing of Jesus


True Leaders

• Reminder to do good works• Reason for good works• A Call to good works• Rejection of those who cause

divisions• A practical exercise in good works

1:1-9

Leaders

1:10-16 2:1-10 2:11-15 3:1-15

Laity

False Teachers


Groups

Living for the

appearing of Jesus

Living in the light of Jesus


PhilemonKey Verse Philemon 17-19

To Philemon, a friend at Colossae

Where Written Rome


Theme Brothers in Christ

Paul’s Key Themes

Sin: The universal human condition; no one can claim perfection (Romans 3:9-23).

Law: It shows us our sin, but can’t save us (Romans 3:20, 27, 28; Galatians 3:1-14, 21, 22).

Righteousness: We can’t make ourselves good enough to be accepted by God; we must be given His righteousness (Romans 3:21-26; 8:3, 4; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 5:5, 6).

Mercy: God doesn’t give us the punishment we deserve (Romans 9:18).

Grace: God freely gives us the divine favor we don’t deserve (Ephesians 2:1-10).

Covenant: God has made a new agreement with us, declaring that we are His people. The old covenant was written on tablets of stone; the new one is written by the Spirit on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33, 34; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6-18).

Justification: God declares us righteous in His sight. We are justified by grace through faith (Romans 3:28-30; 5:1, 2).

Sanctification: The Holy Spirit works within us to make us more like Christ (Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thess.3:13).

Trinity: Paul refers to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Though the word Trinity isn’t in the Bible, Paul’s words helped confirm this Christian doctrine (2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:6; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Romans 8:9-11).

Holy Spirit: We are to live by the power of God’s Spirit (Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:16-26; 2 Corinthians 5:5).

Messiah: Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies (Galatians 4:4, 5).

Lordship of Christ: Jesus is Lord of all (Rom. 10:9-17; 1 Cor.12:3; Phil. 2:9-11; Col. 1:15-20).

“In Christ”: Paul’s description of our relationship to Jesus (used over 80 times).Crucifixion: We are saved by Jesus’ death on the cross, because He is the only perfect One who could die in our place to take the punishment for our sins (Romans 5:8, 15; 1 Cor. 1:22-25; 2 Cor. 5:14, 19; Col. 1:21, 22).

Love: Love is more important than other traits (1 Corinthians 13).

Resurrection: Jesus was raised from the dead and exalted by God. Because He rose and went to the Father, we shall rise also (1 Corinthians 15).

Return of Christ: This future event gives us hope to face today (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Romans 8:18-21).

Gentiles (non-Jews): No longer excluded from the people of God (Eph. 2:11-22; Rom. 3:29).

Jews: Not abandoned by God, in spite of their unbelief (Romans 11:25-32).

Spiritual gifts: The Holy Spirit has given us gifts to use in Christ’s service (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:11-13).

Church: God has created a community of people who worship Him, love each other, and witness to the world (Eph. 2:11-22; 4:1-6; Gal. 3:26-28; 1 Cor.6:9-11; 1 Timothy 3:15).

Church leaders: God has equipped them to help us in our spiritual development. Paul spells out the requirements leaders must meet (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9; Ephesians 4:11-13).

Marriage & singleness: Paul says singles can focus on serving God; marriage is a calling. The main point is that whether we are married or single, we are to be committed to Christ (1 Corinthians 7).

Family life: Our families are to reflect our loving relationship to God (Ephesians 5:22–6:4; Colossians 3:18-21).

Masters & slaves: They are equal before God (Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:22–4:1).

Husbands & wives: Christian marriages should exhibit submission and love (Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 3:18, 19).

What are the General Epistles?What are the General Epistles?

General General EpistlesEpistles

• HebrewsHebrews• JamesJames• 11stst & 2 & 2ndnd Peter Peter• 11stst, 2, 2ndnd, & 3, & 3rdrd John John• JudeJude

The Epistle to the The Epistle to the HebrewsHebrews

Jesus is Jesus is BetterBetter

GOD, after He spoke long ago

to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,

in these last days HAS SPOKEN TO US IN HIS SON,

whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

GOD…HAS SPOKEN TO US IN HIS SON,

WHO He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.And He is

the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.

When He had made purification of sins, He SAT DOWN

at the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Than the

angels

1-2 3-4 8-9 10

Hebrews

Than Moses

or Joshua

As a High Priest

Offering a better sacrifice

Jesus is Better…

5-7

Providing a better

Covenant

As a way of Living

11-13

Hold to Jesus…How tolive as aresult ofholdingto Jesus

Than the

angels

1-2 3-4 8-9 10

Hebrews

Than Moses

or Joshua

As a High Priest


Jesus is Better…

5-7

Providing a better

Covenant

As a way of Living

11-13

Beware of…Neglectingso great aSalvation

Falling awayfrom the

Living GodNot entering

into hisRest

Than the

angels

1-2 3-4 8-9 10

Hebrews

Than Moses

or Joshua

As a High Priest


Jesus is Better…

5-7

Providing a better

Covenant

As a way of Living

11-13




into hisRest

Not goingon to

MaturityThose who fall

away from Jesuscannot renew to

repentance

Than the

angels

1-2 3-4 8-9 10

Hebrews

Than Moses

or Joshua

As a High Priest


Jesus is Better…

5-7

Providing a better

Covenant

As a way of Living

11-13




into hisRest

Not goingon to

MaturityThose who fall

away from Jesuscannot renew to

repentance

There remainsno more sacrifice

for sinsComing short ofthe grace of God─ that no root ofbitterness cause

trouble

The Epistle of The Epistle of JamesJames

Faith Faith Leading to Leading to

WorksWorks

Characteristics of the EpistleCharacteristics of the Epistle

• A Lack of Personal NotesA Lack of Personal Notes• Little Mention is made of ChristLittle Mention is made of Christ• Absence of a mention of Gentiles Absence of a mention of Gentiles

in the Churchin the Church• Christianity is not presented in Christianity is not presented in

contrast with Judaismcontrast with Judaism

Epistle of James

Problem with Partiality (2:1-13)Hearing & doing the Word (1:19-27)

Asking God for Wisdom (1:1-18)

Faith & Works (2:14-21)

Wisdom from above (3:13-18)Taming the Tongue (3:1-12)

Warnings…Over Quarrels & Conflicts (4:1-16)Against Arrogant Boasts (4:11-17)Against the Rich (5:1-11)About the need for Prayer (5:12-20)

Does James contradict the Does James contradict the Apostle Paul and his Apostle Paul and his

teaching about salvation by teaching about salvation by grace through faith?grace through faith?

The First Epistle of The First Epistle of PeterPeter

Submissive Submissive SufferingSuffering

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered

throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who

are chosen (1 Peter 1:1)

Pontus

GalatiaCappadocia

Asia

Bithynia

Call to Holy Living

1 Peter 1:1 - 2:12

Call to Submissive

Living

Call to Suffering

1 Peter 2:13 - 3:13

1 Peter 3:14 - 5:14

What kinds of persecutions What kinds of persecutions do Christians around the do Christians around the

world face today?world face today?

What kinds of What kinds of persecutions do Christians persecutions do Christians in this country face today?in this country face today?

Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ has caused us

to be born again

…a living hope through the

resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

…obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled

and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you…

To…

To…

Who…

1 Peter 1:3-41 Peter 1:3-4

In this you greatly rejoice

though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials

Your faith may be proved genuine

It may result in praise, glory and honor

these come so that…

And…

1 Peter 1:6-91 Peter 1:6-9

You rejoice…obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls

1 Peter 1:10-151 Peter 1:10-15As to this salvation…

The prophets searched…

Angels long to look…

Therefore…Gird your minds for action

Keep sober

Fix your hope on grace

Be holy

You were not redeemed with perishable things

1 Peter 1 Peter 1:17-191:17-19

And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man's work

Conduct yourselves Conduct yourselves in fearin fear during the time of your stay upon earth;

Knowing that…

You were redeemed with the blood of Christ

But

…of seed which is perishable

1 Peter 1 Peter 1:22-251:22-25

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren…

fervently love one another from the heart

For you have been born again

imperishableBut

Not

through the living and abiding word of God.

Flesh is like grassButThe Word abides

1 Peter 1 Peter 2:1-22:1-2

Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander…

Thatby it you may grow in respect to salvation

Long for the pure milk of the word

spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood

as living stones

1 Peter 1 Peter 2:4-52:4-5

butrejected by men

choice and precious in the sight of God

And coming to Him as to a living stone

You also…

are being built up To offer up…

For you who believe

Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious

corner stone

For those who disbelieve

You will not be disappointed

The stone which the builders rejected, This

became the very corner stone

A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense

To this doom they were also appointed.

1 Peter 2:6-81 Peter 2:6-8

1 Peter 1 Peter 2:9-102:9-10a chosen race

But you are…

a royal priesthooda holy nationa people for God's own possession

that…you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

Foryou once were not a people

you had not received mercy

butnow you are the people of God

but now you have received mercy.

1 Peter 1 Peter 2:13 – 3:132:13 – 3:13

You wives, be submissive to your own husbands (3:1)

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect (2:18)

Husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way (3:7)

Let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit (3:8)

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution…

1 Peter 1 Peter 3:14-163:14-16

Andyou are blessed.

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness…

do not fear their intimidationAnd

do not be troubledBut

sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

Andkeep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

1 Peter 1 Peter 3:18-203:18-20

In which also…He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison,

Who…once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark,

in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.

The end of all things is at hand;

1 Peter 4:7-1 Peter 4:7-99

therefore…be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Be hospitable to one another without complaint.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

1 Peter 1 Peter 4:12-144:12-14

but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.

If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; 1 Peter 1 Peter

4:17-194:17-19and

if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?

if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?And

let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Therefore

Therefore…1 Peter 5:1-1 Peter 5:1-

33I exhort the elders among you…

as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,

shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight

and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God;

nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.

You younger men, likewise 1 Peter 5:5-1 Peter 5:5-77

and all of you, be subject to your elders

clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God,

casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

He may exalt you at the proper time,

that

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. 1 Peter 5:8-1 Peter 5:8-

1010Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

But resist him, firm in your faith,

knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

PastChapter 1

Present FutureChapter 2 Chapter 3

Holy Living

False TeachersFirst

Coming of the Lord

Second Coming of the Lord

Holy Living

The First Epistle of The First Epistle of JohnJohn

Walking in the Light

The is a Book of Contrasts

• Light versus Darkness• Truth versus Error• Love versus Hatred• Christians versus the World

The Rise of Gnosticism• From the Greek word gnosis (“knowledge”).• It would arise in the 2nd century, but its

seeds were already evident.• The physical is bad; the spirit is good.• Views of Jesus.

– Docetism: Christ only seemed to be human.– Cerenthianism: The Divine Christ entered

Jesus at His baptism and departed prior to His death.

• Salvation through knowledge.

Your walk in the light will be evidenced…In how you walk and in what you say

In how you obey

In how you live

In how you love

In how you believe

11stst JOHN JOHNWALKING IN THE LIGHTWALKING IN THE LIGHT

Chapter 1 Chpt 2 Chpt 3 Chpt 4 Chpt 5

Doxology

Jude 24-25To him who is able to keep you from

stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be

glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now

and forevermore! Amen.

Documents

The Epistles. Response Required: Submission Inspiration Response Required: Spirituality Response Required:…