Paul shows how the good news should create ethnically diverse communities that are unified by devotion to Jesus and to each other. In the book of Ephesians, we see how the gospel story affects believers’ everyday lives. God the Father planned throughout history for Jesus to create a multi-ethnic community of followers. Comprised of Jews and …
Category Archives: Discipleship
38717 Overview: Philippians
Paul thanks the Philippian Christians for their generosity and shares how they are all called to imitate Jesus’ self-giving love. In the book of Philippians, we read a series of short vignettes revolving around the Messiah Poem in Chapter 2. The poem retells the gospel story and references Adam’s rebellion from Genesis and the suffering servant in Isaiah. The gospel …
38718 Overview: Colossians
Paul encourages the Colossian Christians to see Jesus as the center of all reality, so they don’t give in to pressure from other religions. In the book of Colossians, Paul addresses problems the Church faces and encourages believers to remain devoted to the exalted Jesus. Creation reconciled Because of Jesus’ position as the firstborn and head …
38719 Overview: 1 Thessalonians
Paul directs the persecuted Thessalonian Christians to hope in the future of king Jesus’ return who will make all things right. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians celebrates a flourishing Church. Despite persecution and suffering, believers stand strong in their commitment to Jesus. Love is stronger than persecution From the very beginning, following Jesus as King …
38720 Overview: 2 Thessalonians
Paul clarified his earlier teachings about Jesus’ future return and rebukes the Christians who were disrupting the community. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul addresses ongoing problems in the Church. Despite intense persecution, Paul encourages them to show victory over the world by imitating Jesus’ non-violent and patient endurance. Maintain hope While they also worried they had missed …
38721 Overview: 1 Timothy
Paul shows Timothy how to restore order and purpose to the church in Ephesus which has been disrupted by false teachers. In 1 Timothy, we read a holistic vision of the nature and mission of the church. Many bad teachers shared false theology that confused believers. The church models Jesus Paul instructs Timothy on how to …
38722 Overview: 2 Timothy
Paul is near execution and offers a personal challenge to Timothy to keep following Jesus no matter the sacrifice and risk. Paul’s final and most personal letter, 2 Timothy encourages church planter Timothy to accept his calling and deal with corrupt teachers. The church needs faithful leaders The letter also reminds Timothy to maintain faith …
38723 Overview: Titus
Paul commissions Titus to show how the good news of Jesus and the power of the Spirit can transform Cretan culture from within. Paul wrote the book of Titus for his companion. Titus was to visit Crete, infamous for its sin, and restore order to house churches there. Part of his job was to replace corrupt teachers in the churches with …
38724 Overview: Philemon
Paul helps his friend Philemon to reconcile with his escaped former slave Onesimus, and shows that they are equals because of Jesus. One of Paul’s shortest and the most explosive letters, the book of Philemon demonstrates the gospel through action. It’s written to Philemon whose slave Onesimus ran away and became a believer under Paul’s teaching. Paul gets personal Paul urges Philemon to …
38725 Overview: Hebrews
The author shows how Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s love and mercy and is worthy of our devotion. The book of Hebrews compares and contrasts Jesus to key historical people and events from the Old Testament. Through these comparisons, we see His superiority. He is greater than angels, the Torah, Moses, the Promised Land, priests, …