Epistles of Paul

1 Thessalonians

1.      The church In Thessalonica was planted during Paul and Silas’ trip and the new converts made during this drip were predominately “…Greek men and quite a few prominent women…,” along with a few Jews (Acts 17:1-4). Paul and Silas had to leave suddenly (due to persecution) and this young church, who had gaps in there faith (3:10), began facing persecution (1:6). The church is told to work hard and not depend on others support so they will be a witness; we can imagine they were becoming lazy and living off charity (4:11-12; 5:14). They are warned about false teachers who teach a message pleasing to man; we can imagine false teachers tried to lead them astray (1:4). They were dealing with sexual sin and lust and reminded that “God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives” (4:7). They had questions about death and resurrection and it is believed they were experiencing the natural deaths of first generation Christians and confused about what resurrection mean; thinking they missed it (4:13-511). Honoring and respecting their leaders was stressed and they could have been struggling with form of submission (5:12-13). They are commended for there faith (1:8), living in a way that pleases the Lord (4:1-2), and loving all believers (4:10).

2.      The main idea of this epistle is “God’s will is for you to be holy…” (4:3) and looking forward to resurrection with Christ (4:13-5:11). Paul says may God “…make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen for he who calls you is faithful” (5:23-24).

3.      The character & nature of God revealed in Thessalonians is meant to reveal parts of the Lord that were vital to their walks with God. In facing persecution they needed to know that God understood since he suffered death and persecution himself (1:6), and that in the midst of this God has a plan and a will (4:3). Amidst their questions and search for understanding concerning death and resurrection they needed to understand that God is eternal and lives “…forever” (1:17).  They needed to understand that unlike other pagan gods; God is not angry but “chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ...” (5:9). So the message this church received is: God is understanding and cares about us, He is sovereign and has a plan for our lives, God is eternal and God loves me.

 

2 Thessalonians

1.      In this second letter to the church of Thessalonica they are still being persecuted and suffering for the gospel (1:3-12).  False teachers continue to try to penetrate their church; especially by saying “…the day of the Lord has already begun” (2:2). Because of these false teachers they are starting to doubt their inclusion in Gods family; but are assured they will be included since they “…believed…” what they were told about Jesus (1:10). They have question about the end times (2:1-12), and also are again urged to not be lazy (3:11-12) for “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat” (3:10).

2.      The main idea of this epistle is to “…never get tired of doing good” (3:13).  They are admonished to “…stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you…” (2:15) Amidst persecution and difficulty the church is encouraged to rest in God (1:7) and receive a gift of “…patient endurance that comes from Christ” (3:5).

3.      The character & nature of God revealed in II Thessalonians reveals a God of justice who “…will pay back those who persecute…” them (1:6). It shows a God that will provide rest for those who are being persecuted (1:7). In the end times God will be victorious and they are on Gods team; therefore they will be victorious with Christ (1:7-2:15). “…The Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one” (3:2). This would have been an important truth about God for this persecuted church. It is within God that we grow, gain understanding, and learn to love (3:4-5).

 

Galatians acts 15:7-11

1.      Galations was written to a church made up of mostly former Jews who were being decieved regarding the basis of their salavation (2:1-8) and the truth of the gospel message (1:14). “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law.For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law” (1:15-16).  They were believeing the lie that through circumcision and following the law  of Moses they would have salvation and Paul passionately rebukes and corrects them. This is the biggest sin problem in the church for the galation who were calling themseleves Christians but not receiving the gift of Christ and living under the law. They were in legalism (4:10;5:19), boasting in themselevs (6:14), not following the truth of the gospel (2:14;3:5-6;3:11;4:10;4:15;5:22), and were loosing their joy and grateful spirits as a result of sumbmittig again to the law (4:15).

2.      The verse that encompasses the theme of this powerful, timeless book is Galataions 5:1: “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” A word often used is slave (slavery) and an example is given about the son of Haggar (Ishmeal) and the son of Sarah (Issac)(4:7;4:24-31).  “Get rid of the slave and her son, for the son of the slave women will not share the inheritance with the free woman’s son” (4:30). Another word used often that encompasses the theme is “believed.” “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his , faith. The real children of Abraham then, are those who put their faith in God” (3:2;3:5-7).

3.      The character & nature of God revealed in Galations is firstly Jesus as our mediator (3:19). God is also shown as faithful, a covenant and promise keeper (3:26;4:6), the source of freedom (4:12; 5:22), and humble and gentle (6:1). The attribute of God most revealed though, his God as a Father. This church must have needed an understanding of a loving Daddy . “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (3:26). “…God sent his son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are a child, God has made you his heir” (4:4-7). So amazing to be called a son of God and his heir! God longs for relationship and want to be our Daddy.

 

Philipians

1.      The church in Philippi is proud of their citizenship as Romans; and are urged to “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ” (1:27, 3:20). They were privlidged not just with citizenship, but wealthy and self-focused. They are told not to be “…selfish… Be humble, thinking of others better than yourselves. Don’t look only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too…” (2:3-4). They are given an example of the humbleness and obedience of Christ (2:5-11), are told not to put their confidence in their own efforts (3:3),  they are not living like servants of Christ (3:18-20), and there are disgreements in the church (4:2). They have many strengths:  they are generous with there money (4:15), sharing in the burdens and suffering of Paul (4:15-16), and are striving to put into practice what they’ve learned (4:9).

2.   The main theme of Philipians is our citizenship as of heaven and the conduct of our lifes and joy that results with this attidude. “…Live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ” (1:27). A word used often is “joy” or “rejoicing” as the attidude we must have when we are citizens of heaven. “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again- rejoice” (4:4)!

3.    The character and nature of God revealed in Philippians reveals that God is: full of grace and peace (1:2),  has tender compassion (1:8), is delieverer (1:19),  has a will and a plan for us (2:19), is a perfect example of love (2:28), is our father and we are his children (2:14), is strong and the giver of strength (4:13-14). Two attributes I find most relevant to the church that Paul highlights are the humbleness and faithfulness of God. “…He gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God…” (2:7-8). The church was struggling with pride their status as Roman citizens so this reality of the humbleness of God would have spurred them in this. “…God, who began  the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (1:6). The commitment and faithfulness of God to them would speak volumns that God was holding them; they werent holding onto God or making fruit happen in their lives.

Corinthians  Acts 18-19

1.      The weaknesses of the church in Corinth are: living unholy (1:2), getting proud and boasting in human knowledge and intelligence (1:5, 19, 21, 23, 24, 17, 25; 2:1,5; 3:18; 4:8-9), being controlled by sin (3:3), sexual sin and marriage (5:1-2, 7), idol worship (10:14), eating food sacrificed to idols (8:1; 10:14), disregarding the Lord’s supper (    ), and the biggest of all is unity that’s hindering their love for one another (11:18, 13). The strengths of the church are: longing to use their spiritual gifts (13, 14), keeping Paul and other missionaries in there thoughts (11:2), and their eagerness to give/

2.      “Let love be your highest goal!” This passage in 1 Corinthians 14:1 reveals the theme and primary message of this book. A common command used is “love others” and is the answer to the difficulties and disunity the church is facing (13:1-2). “…Love will last forever… three things last forever- faith, hope and love- and the greatest of these is love” (1:8;1:13). This theme of love is seen in 1 Corinthians.

3.       The character and nature of God that is highest revealed is His definition of love; revealing to the church that in Him these characteristics are found. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud of rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth winds out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (13:4-7). I just imagine the church of Corinth replacing “love” with “God” and learning so much about his character and nature. God also gives us victory over sin and death (15:56-57), God is all powerful and in the highest authority (15:27), and God is holy and commands the same of us (1:2-3).

 

II Corinthians

1.      The second letter written to the Corinthians was after Titus had delivered the first message and informed Paul of the distention, false prophets attacking his character, and pride of the church. He writes this second letter from Macedonia. The second letter to the church of Corinth address their weaknesses of: disunity (6:14), pride (3:1; 10:17, 11:30; 12:5,8), believing false teachers called “super apostles” (11:4), selfishness and not caring for the poor (9:4-14), hardening of their hearts towards other believers (6:12), not repenting and remaining in sexual sin (12:21), turning away from God (6:1;12:21). The churches strengths has been an eagerness to give (9:2).

2.      The theme of II Corinthians

3.      The character & nature of God revealed in II Corinthians is that God is encouraging. “…God, who encourages those who are discouraged…” (7:6). God is gentile and kind (10:1), God is jealous for his people (11:2). These attributes of God displayed would be meaningful to the church of Corinth because it would help lead them to repentance to know God cares. It’s the kindness of God that leads up to repentance and in their pride God uses his encouragement and gentleness to lead them to himself.

Romans

1.      “I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people” (1:7) The book of Romans was written to all the believers in Rome; Jew believers and gentile believers. There was division between the two and Paul’s aim is to unify them over Christ. “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:5-6). There weaknesses are: dishonoring talk (2:13), judging others (2:2-3), living by their sinful nature (8:12), pride (11:25), disunity (12:16), favoritism (2:11), not showing genuine love (12:9), being lazy (12:11), and accepting false teachers (1:8;1:12). There strength was their commendable faith in God (1:8,12).

2.      A main theme of Romans is righteousness in Christ through faith; regardless of Jew or Gentile. “There is only God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles” (3:30). A common word used in Romans is “faith” and the scriptures says “Because of our faith God has brought us into this place of undeserved priviledge where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory (5:2). These ideas of righteousness and faith would spur believers to be unified in their striving.

3.      “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, patient, and tolerant God is with you?...can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin” (2:4). This is the most important nature of God displayed; His kindness that leads people into relationship with him .Other attributes of God seen in Romans are: the creator (1:20), the truth (1:25), the sovereignty (7), judging (2:1), righteousness (2:5), his hatred for selfish living (2:8), his mercy and undeserved kindness (3:24), his glory (5:2), his great sacrificial love (5:5), his forgiveness and heart of grace (5:15), he is father (8:15-17), he is friend (5:11), and he is rich in wisdom and knowledge (11:33).

Colossians

1.      “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourself  with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (3:12). This verses reveals Paul’s desire for the church to have love and unity together in the Spirit of Christ. The churches weakness’ are: a shaky foundation in Gods truth (1:6; 1:23), being deceived by false teachers (2:2-4), focusing on their current circumstances (3:1), sexual immorality, greediness, idolatry, anger, slander, lying (3:5-10), and submission and marriage (3:18). Dispite all this Paul does commend them for “Living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong” (2:5).

2.      The main theme of Colossians is Christ and this new reality that believers have when Christ is Lord. “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body” (2:9).

3.      The character and nature of God revealed in Colossians focuses mainly on the deity of Christ (2:9). This attribute of Christ’s deity would have been important to the Colossians because it is the basic foundation of faith in Jesus and a truth they needed.

 

Ephesians

1.       The weaknesses of the Church of Ephesus were: division (2:14-16; 4:1-17), lack of holiness (5:22), child rearing and marriage (5:22-6:10; 4:31-32), dealing with conflict (6:10-29), and unity (4:17). The Ephesians were living in a intense idol worshipping and pleasure seeking city and were being discipled by the letter to come into a new identity and new way of relating with a God that loves them.

2.       The theme of Ephesians is identity as a child of God and modeling this new life. We have a new identity and calling (1:3), and we are dead to sin and raised with Christ in “…heavenly places” (2:6). This new calling births a desire in us to love God and obey him (4:1; 7:10). The word “glory” is repeated many times in Ephesians (1:6; 12; 14) and a picture of the church being without “spot or wrinkle” (5:27)

3.       God is revealed as a loving father who adopts us as his own and makes us heirs. The quality of God would have been so different from any other god they had tried to serve or please. God is also shown to be: rich in mercy (2:4), abounding in love  (2:10), the amazing creator, full of grace, has plans for us, has all wisdom and knowledge (1:17), is faithful (1:1), full of forgiveness and grace (1:6-7), and a husband (5:25).