3 - NT Survey032316

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Revised 3-7-13
Entrusted to Drew Stockton (drew.ebc@gmail.com) for evaluation, teaching and projection use only.
NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY
COURSE MANUAL
1
New Testament Survey
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Dennis J. Mock is an ordained pastor, having served on staff
from January 1985 until October 1995 at First Baptist Church, Atlanta,
Georgia, USA, as Minister of Adult Education and Minister of Bible
Teaching and Training. Since January 1989 his ministry has focused
almost exclusively on BTCP, of which he is the founder and President.
He is also currently pastor of Genesis Bible Church, Atlanta. Prior to
entering the ministry in 1982, Dr. Mock practiced law in Atlanta for 13
years. He has been married since 1963 to the former Patricia Walters.
They have three children and six grandchildren.
Dr. Mock has written numerous Bible book studies for use in Sunday
School and was on the adjunct/extension faculty of Columbia Bible College
(S.C.) from 1985 to 1990. He holds the following degrees: BA (1966)
from Samford University; Doctor of Law, J.D. (1969) from Emory
University Law School; and MA in Biblical Studies (1984) from Dallas
Theological Seminary. He is active in Bible teaching, teacher training,
curriculum development and writing.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
While God placed the vision for the development of these course
manuals and the Bible Training Centre for Pastors concept directly on my
heart, the finished product would not have materialized without—
• the enablement of the Holy Spirit

• the encouragement, constant love and patience of my wife, Pat
• the unconditional backing and support of George Morgan,
Director of World Missions at First Baptist Church, Atlanta,
Georgia, USA
• the consistent work of my ministry assistant, Karen Bryan
• the mutually-shared vision of Chuck Kinzer, AIC Kibera Church,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Dennis J. Mock
Atlanta, Georgia
April 1989
“Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION.

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission
of Zondervan Bible Publishers.”
2
COURSE MANUAL
© 1989 by Dennis J. Mock, Atlanta, GA
All rights reserved.
This material may not be copied, duplicated, photocopied,

reproduced, transmitted, recorded, translated or otherwise
used in any way without the prior written permission of the
copyright owner.
(Rev. 04/14)
3
PREFACE
The material in this manual has been prepared from a perspective which represents
the traditional mainstream of Christian theology and practice and is therefore
• conservative • evangelical • Bible-centered
This course manual is an integral part of a unified, self-contained curriculum of
basic courses which is designed to provide a local pastor or church leader anywhere
in the world with the basic knowledge and skills which are necessary to effectively
carry out their biblical responsibilities. The material included is essentially “generic”
in nature and can be used in almost any culture. Since the issue of “contextualization”
or “culturalization” primarily relates to communication, not to content, the instructor
or teacher will necessarily supply culturally relevant illustrations and examples where
appropriate to more effectively communicate the basic content.
These course manuals, along with an approved Study Bible (see p. 13 of the
BTCP Program Summary Manual or p. 9 of any course manual), constitute the teaching
materials used in the Bible Training Centre for Pastors and Church Leaders. This
approach is designed to meet the challenge of practically, adequately and effectively
equipping pastors and leaders who have had little, if any, formal training at the Bible
college or seminary level.
These course manuals are not to be used as a “self-study guide” or to be taught by
unqualified teachers or instructors. Each course is planned for a minimum of 40 hours
of classroom instruction and 30 hours of additional time for review, assignments and
assimilation of the content and skills presented. Some courses may require 60 or more
hours of class time. The courses range in length from about 100 pages to 300 pages
depending on the subject. When the training is completed these course manuals will
constitute an ongoing “working resource/research library” for the pastor or church
leader. They will also provide an extensive source of biblical material from which the
pastor can teach and preach for years.
The underlying biblical premise for this approach can be found in the scriptural
admonition for the pastor or leader to make disciples by preaching and teaching the
word of God (2 Ti. 4:2; 2 Ti. 2:1-2; Mt. 28:18-20), knowing that the Bible is the required
curriculum content.
All scripture is God-breathed [inspired] and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting, training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped
for every good work (2 Ti. 3:16-17).
The goal of this curriculum material is to equip leaders so that they will be able as
pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of service, so the body of Christ
may be built up (Eph. 4:11-12), to the glory of God and the advancement of His purposes
on earth.
Course Distinctions
Bible Training Centre for Pastors (BTCP) is the full course of study of all ten
manuals, which are designed for men who are called as pastors, lay pastors, elders,
evangelists or deacons.
Bible Training for Church Leaders (BTCL) includes eight of the ten courses selected
as the core curriculum for training all other church leaders including women to be
equipped for service. BTCL includes Course 4 as Communicating Biblical Messages by
covering only the first 84 pages of Preaching Biblical Messages and Pastoral Ministry.
The remaining two courses (8. Teaching Principles and Methods and 9. Church History
Survey) can be taught as electives in the BTCL application for church leaders.
4
BIBLE TRAINING
CENTRE FOR PASTORS
BTCP Curriculum
Courses hours Courses hours

1. Bible Study Meth./Interpret. 40 6. Personal Spiritual Life 40
2. Old Testament Survey 60 7. Church Ministry/Admin./Educ. 40
3. New Testament Survey 60 8. Teaching Princp./Methods 40
4. Preaching Biblical Messages 60 9. Church History 60
and Pastoral Ministry 10. Missions/Evang./Discp. 60
5. Bible Doctrine Survey 60 Total 520
BTCL General Curriculum BTCL Electives
Courses hours Courses hours

1. Bible Study Meth./Interpret. 40 8. Teaching Princp./Methods 40
2. Old Testament Survey 60 9. Church History 60
3. New Testament Survey 60 Total 100
4. Preaching Biblical Messages 40*
5. Bible Doctrine Survey 60 Would take about 6 months to complete
6. Personal Spiritual Life 40 @ 4 hours per week with breaks.
7. Church Ministry/Admin./Educ. 40
10. Missions/Evang./Discp. 60 * In BTCL only, p. 1-84 of this course
Total 400 are covered as "Communicating
Biblical Messages".
Would take about 2 years to complete

@ 4 hours per week with breaks.
NOTES:
1. An approved Study Bible (see p. 9) must be used as the Bible text.
2. Courses 1–6 must be taken in order in both BTCP and BTCL.
5
TEACHING APPROACH
In order to effectively cover the scheduled material in each class session and not
get “bogged down” in the detail or “side-tracked”, the teacher should generally
heed the following suggestions:
In the class period:
• introduce the lesson content.
• ask “leading or loaded” questions.
• emphasize and explain important concepts.
• focus on and use selected key scriptures.
• highlight significant portions of the material.
• stimulate the student’s interest.

• orient the student’s thinking in a particular direction.
• answer questions briefly and directly and refer others to the Q & A time later.
• don’t try to cover and read the manual material in detail or “word for word”
– the students will read and study it completely later.
• create a context or frame of reference into which the details and sections
can be placed.
• refer to and review previously covered truths and principles and

preview others.
• summarize and restate key ideas, etc.
• integrate and refer to material in other course manuals.
• use a combination of lecture, discussion-dialog and question-answer.

• use “exploratory” questions to test the effectiveness of the teaching
learning process.
• evaluate the progress by pages or sections covered on a daily basis and

consult with other teachers where available.
6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR .............................................................2
PREFACE......................................................................................4
BTCP TEACHING APPROACH................................................ 6
GENERAL MATERIAL
• Syllabus.......................................................................... 8
• Course Schedule...........................................................10
• Teaching Instructions................................................... 11
• Course Outline.............................................................12
COURSE CONTENT
I. Introduction..................................................................14
II. The 27 books of the New Testament............................23
III. Summary - Most significant chapters
of the New Testament................................................325
APPENDIX
• Practical Hints for Using The NIV Study Bible.............. 1
• The 66 Books of the Bible ............................................7
• Plan of Salvation............................................................9
• Statement of Faith........................................................10
7
Course 3
Syllabus
Course Description:
An overview survey of the New Testament focusing on the theme, purpose,
structure and basic content of each individual book and relating each book to
the whole Bible. Strong emphasis is also given to the applicational message of
each book.
Course Goals:
1) To provide pastors and church leaders with the knowledge necessary to
understand the essential meaning and significance of the New Testament as
it relates to salvation and sanctification.
2) To train pastors and church leaders in the use of the survey method of study,
including book charts.
3) To instruct pastors and church leaders in the basic content of each New
Testament book and how that content applies today.
4) To increase appreciation for the scope, unity, purpose and reliability of
Scripture.
5) To prepare pastors and church leaders for effective ministry by equipping

them with the Word of God.
6) To enhance understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ.
7) To reinforce dependence on the Word of God as the fundamental ministry

resource.
8) To encourage pastors and church leaders to preach and teach the principles,
truths and concepts of the New Testament.
*Knowing the content and structure of the New Testament

will enable pastors and church leaders to know Christ more fully
and minister to people more effectively.*
8
Course Resources:
(1) This manual
(2) A preapproved Study Bible
• The NASB Study Bible Copyright ©1999 by Zondervan
• The 1984 Text NIV Study Bible (if available) Copyright ©1985, 1995,
2002, 2008 by Zondervan
• The KJV Study Bible Copyright ©2002 by Zondervan
• The ESV Study Bible Copyright ©2008 by Crossway Bibles
• The NKJV Study Bible Copyright ©1997, 2007 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
• The HCSB Study Bible Copyright ©2010 by Holman Bible Publishers
Course Requirements:
1. Classroom activity. Be prepared to take notes in this manual on class lectures
and discussions, and to participate in those discussions.
2. Daily assignments. Carefully read and review the material covered in class
that day including reading all Bible references and completing any assignments.
Make sure you understand the content, concepts and application of that material
(about 4-10 pages per class). When assignments are completed, the student
should work on reading the Study Bible as set forth below.
3. Classroom attendance. Attendance in class is required. Excessive absences
may result in dismissal from the class. Any missed classes must be made up by
listening to the audio (where available) and completing any assignments. To
receive a BTCP or BTCL certificate, attendance of 75% is required.
4. Evaluation. In order to take additional courses at the Bible Training Centre,
you must demonstrate to the instructor satisfactory understanding of the
content and ability to practice the skills being taught. Please ask the
instructor to answer any questions or clarify any confusion you may have.
The instructor will review the completed assignments in your course manual,
evaluate your class participation, practical ministry involvement and interview
you regularly to insure that learning is occurring.
5. Additional requirements.
a. Prior to the last class session, you must hand in a one-page statement
describing the truth, principle, concept or biblical person that has
impacted you the most in this course.
b. During the breaks between terms, you are required to complete the
following reading schedule:
• Re-read and review carefully the manual for this course.
• Read the following section of your Study Bible:
By start of Course 3 Genesis -1 Kings
By start of Course 5 2 Kings- Song of Solomon
By start of Course 7 Isaiah - Malachi
By end of Course 10 Matthew - Revelation
*Read 25 pages per day (only the Scripture, not the Study Notes, etc.).
• Turn in a written statement that you have completed these requirements.
9
Course Schedule
Session # Date Page #s Topic
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
etc.
Note: The instructor may want to fill out this schedule and advise the students of the
material intended to be covered each class (about 5-10 pages depending on the course).
The instructor may also want to start with Practical Hints for using The NIV Study Bible in the
Appendix of this manual. If another approved Study Bible is used the instructor is respon-
sible to start by teaching students to use the tools it contains.
Suggested Schedule Modular Track

Almost total freedom is given to A one week modular program of 6
design a schedule which fits the hours per day (30 hours per week)
needs of the students. Here are some would take 18 weeks to complete.
common tracks all of which allow One modular week per month would
completion in 3 years maximum. require one and one-half years to
complete.
Full Daytime Track
Night or Weekend Track
A full daytime program consists of 3
or 4 hours of class per day Monday- A weekend or night track of 4 hours
Friday, providing 15 to 20 hours of per week would take about two and
class time each week. Using six-week one-half years to complete while 6
terms with four two-week breaks in hours per week would take about one
between would allow completion in and one-half years.
about 10 months (3 hours per day)
or 8 months (4 hours per day.)
10
Teaching Instructions
The teaching philosophy behind this course is that of practical equipping—
the assimilation of basic, useful knowledge and skills. The assignments are
designed to personally involve the students in practicing the principles being taught. The
review sections seek to make sure the students have grasped and
can state the essential truths. The teacher will want to combine lecture, question-answer and
discussion to insure good interaction and evaluate the learning
process. The teacher should supply culturally relevant illustrations and examples.
Except as otherwise permitted, the material is designed to be taught without the use of
tests, exams, research papers or textbooks other than the approved Study Bible.
The course manuals are designed to encourage continual use of the main text—the ap-
proved Study Bible. The principal Bible references in the manuals should be read in class
and used as the point of emphasis.
Suggestions For Teaching Course 3
Pages: 330 Hours required: 60 Class sessions: 30
Pace and schedule: 10-12 pages per 2 hour session adjusted for natural divisions in the
material.
Note: After covering the introductory material pp. 14–22 (which will take at least 1 hour)
the teacher may want to divide the course by books, deciding how much time to
spend on each. For example, one approach would be as follows: Intro pp. 14–22, 1/2
session; Mt., Mk., Lk., Jn., 1 session each (4); Acts, 2 sessions; Romans, 2 sessions; 1
& 2 Co., 2 sessions each; Gal. - 2 Ti., 1 session each (8); Titus/Philemon, 1/2 session;
Hebrews, 1 session; James, 1 session; 1 Pe. through Jude, 1 session; Revelation, 3
sessions.
Hints and approach
• At least scan read the book and headings before each class.
• Be familiar with the content and key chapters.
• Emphasize the relationship between OT and NT and their unity.
• For each book of the NT, the teacher should make sure the students understand the
structure, content, theme; how it fits into the NT Canon and flow of NT history; the
applicational message; the book’s contribution to theology and our understanding of
God and man.
• Specifically use the book chart to talk through the book; refer to and use in class
a few key passages from the book which focus on the theme and main teachings;
highlight a few main teachings; focus on key distinctive features and the book’s
contribution to the Bible as a whole; don’t get “bogged-down” in details or try
to cover all the book. Remember, this is a survey or overview with synthesis not
analysis being the most important aspect. Keep in mind that all of the key truths,
principles and concepts of each book will be covered in a later course. Don’t try to
do it all in the survey (e.g. the issue of spiritual warfare in Eph.6 is dealt with in both
Bible Doctrine Survey and Personal Spiritual Life). The assignments in Courses
2 and 3 are designed to help students develop the skill of finding the main idea or
central truth of a passage. The teacher will want to illustrate the concept in class
using an example from the manual.
Note There is more detail on most NT books than OT books and many more main teachings.
• Emphasize the concept and ministry of the church and the spiritual life of the
believer.
• At the end, focus on the rapture of the Church, second coming of Christ, faithfulness
of God, sovereign plan and purpose of God as revealed in Scripture, and nature of
completed revelation.
11
Course Outline
I. Introduction (pp. 14–21)

A. How we got the New Testament p. 14
B. The 27 books of the New Testament p. 15
C. Overview of developments between Old and New
Testament p. 15
D. Time periods of New Testament history p. 16
E. Relationship between the Old Testament and New
Testament p. 17
F. Theology of the New Testament p. 20
G. Theme of the New Testament p. 20
H. Suggested order of writing of New Testament books p. 21

II. The 27 Books of the New Testament (pp.23–323)
A. The 4 Gospels of Jesus (pp. 23–74)
• Introduction to the Gospels

• Overview outline of life of Christ
• Major events in life of Christ
• Selected chronology of life of Christ
• Map of New Testament Palestine
• Matthew
• Mark
• Luke
• John
B. The 1 Book of Church History (pp. 75–87)
• The Acts
12
C. The 13 Letters of Paul (pp. 89–227)
• Introduction to Paul’s letters
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Letters to churches Ephesians
Philippians Prison Epistles
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
Personal letters 2 Timothy Pastoral Epistles
Titus
Philemon ] Prison Epistle
D. The 8 General Letters (pp. 229–304)
• Introduction to the general letters

• Hebrews
• James
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude
E. The 1 Book of Prophecy (pp. 305–324)
• The Revelation
III. Summary—Most Significant Chapters of the New Testament (pp.325–330)
13
I. Introduction
A. How We Got The New Testament
The New Testament picks up where the Old Testament leaves off to complete
God’s plan of redemption by revealing Jesus Christ as the Messiah promised in
the Old Testament. It focuses on the first and second coming of Christ and the
response which God desires each person to make to the revelation of Himself in
the Person of Christ.
Some facts about the New Testament will help us understand it better—
• Written over a period of about 50 years (45 AD – 95 AD).
• Written by at least eight different human authors.
• 27 books with a unifying theme.
• Written in common Greek.
• Over 5,000 manuscript copies of all or part of the NT have been

preserved—it is the best attested of all ancient writings.
• The earliest fragment is from John and dates about 135 AD.
• Most complete manuscript copies date from the 4th century AD.
• By 397 AD the church Council of Carthage recognized all 27 books as

being inspired scripture.
• Copies of the NT were meticulously made by scribes until the invention

of the printing press by Gutenberg in the 15th century.
• In the 3rd century AD the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible was
made by Jerome and became the Bible of Christianity in the Western
World for over 1000 years.
• The 1611 King James translation has been the most widely used Bible
in Protestant churches since that date.
Entrusted to Drew Stockton (drew.ebc@gmail.com)

14 for evaluation, teaching and projection use only.
B. The 27 Books of The New Testament
Gospels Letters Prophecy
REVELATION
MATTHEW
ROMANS
MARK 1 Book
1 AND 2 CORINTHIANS
LUKE
GALATIANS
Paul’s Epistles
JOHN
EPHESIANS
4 Books PHILIPPIANS
COLOSSIANS
1 AND 2 THESSALONIANS
History Of Church 1 AND 2 TIMOTHY
TITUS
ACTS PHILEMON
1 Book HEBREWS
JAMES
General
1 AND 2 PETER
1, 2, 3 JOHN
JUDE
21 Books
C. Overview of Developments Between the OT and the NT

1. Babylonian Rule (605-539 BC)
Key developments – Three captivity deportations, and preservation of the Jew’s
identity.
2. Persian Rule (539–331 BC)
Key developments – Three returns from captivity to Jerusalem and restoration of
temple and city, but not to former glory and position (close of OT).
3. Greek Rule (331-143 BC)
Key developments – Hellenization of Hebrew culture.
Note:a) Ptolemies from Egypt ruled from 331-198 BC.
*b) Seleucids from Syria ruled from 198-143 BC during which time
Antiochus IV Epiphanes [little horn-antichrist - see Da. 8:9-14, 23-25]
abolished temple worship (167 BC) until overthrown in the Maccabean
revolt of 164 BC.
4. Hasmonean Rule (143-63 BC)
Key developments – Golden era; political independence; beginnings of Sanhedrin
(Sadducees and Pharisees).
5. Roman Rule (63 BC–192 AD)
a) 63 BC – Roman rule begins (common language; road system)
b) 70 AD – Fall of Jerusalem and "The "Diaspora" of the Jews
c) 70 AD–192 AD – Under Roman rule
Key developments – Coming of Christ; beginning of NT; Christ’s birth c. 4 BC;
ministry began c. 29 AD; crucifixion c. 33 AD.
*For additional help, look for an article and/or chart between the books of Malachi and
Matthew in your Study Bible that deals with the time between the Testaments.

D. Time Periods of New Testament History
1. Gospels 4 BC – 33 AD (Matthew-Luke) c. 37 years
• Birth and ministry of John the Baptist

• Incarnation of Jesus Christ
• Life of Christ
– virgin birth
– baptism
– temptation
– ministry of preaching, teaching, healing, forgiving, miracles
– rejection
– crucifixion
– bodily resurrection
– ascension
2. Early Church AD 33- AD 70 (Acts-Jude) c. 37 years
• Pentecost – birth of church • Jerusalem Council, AD 49

• Stephen martyred • Spread of Gospel to Europe
• Persecution of church • Arrest and trials of Paul
• Salvation of Ethiopian Eunuch • Establishment of churches
• Salvation of Paul • Appointment of elders
• Peter – Apostle to the Jews • Development of churches
• Paul – Apostle to the Gentiles • Pastoral epistles
• Church at Antioch • Intense persecution of Christians
• James – head of Jerusalem church by Rome
• Missionary journeys of Paul • Destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD
– Silas
– Barnabas
– Luke
3. Later Church 90 AD - 100 AD (John; 1, 2, 3 John; Revelation) c.10 years

• Maturing of the church
• False doctrine and teachers
• Letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor
• The Revelation
• Close of NT c. 100 AD
16
E. Relationship between the Old Testament and New Testament
The reference to the first 39 books of the Bible as the Old Testament and the
27 books of the Bible as the New Testament developed during the 2nd
Century AD.
The term “Old” Testament (covenant) focuses primarily on the Mosaic

Covenant which God made with Israel at Mt. Sinai after the Exodus and
before they entered the promised land (Ex. 20-24; Dt. 28-30; see also
Jer. 31:32; Gal. 3:6-26; Heb. 9:15-22). The Mosaic Covenant included the
law and all its regulations, rituals and sacrifices. It was the breaking of the
Old Covenant which led to Israel’s fall to Assyria in 722 BC and Judah’s fall
to Babylon in 586 BC.
But the Old Testament is more than “law” and records the history of God’s
covenant people in relationship to His plan of redemption, not just of the
Jews but also of the Gentiles.
The term “New” Testament (Covenant) focuses on the references by Christ

in the gospels (Lk. 22:14-20; and also Heb. 9:15; and 2 Co. 3:3-9). But even
the New Covenant is not really “new” but relates to:
• The promise of spiritual blessings to all nations in the Abrahamic

Covenant (Ge. 12:3; Gal. 3:6-17) on which the salvation of all believers
rests (Ro. 4:1-25).
• The New Covenant promised to Israel in Jer. 31:31-37 and Eze. 36:22-28
the spiritual-salvation blessing, of which benefit all those who believe
in God.
In Christ the righteous demands of the Old Covenant were all fulfilled and
God replaced the old covenant of law with the new covenant of promise.
(Col. 2:13-14; Eph. 2:15-16; Ro. 8:3-4).
17
The contrasts between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant are depicted on the
following chart:
OLD COVENANT NEW COVENANT
law external law internal
relationship to God only through close personal relationship to God

priest
knowledge of God was through those knowledge of God through

who taught indwelling Spirit and Word
temporary provision for sins permanent provision for sins
no enablement divine enablement (motivation and

ability)
designed to show God’s holiness designed to save; shows God’s

and man’s sinfulness holiness in Christ
obedience demonstrates faith faith demonstrated by obedience
collective individual
ended with Christ’s death began with Christ’s death

Heb. = berith Gr. = diatheke
(agreement, contract) (will, testament, bequest)

General characteristics of God’s covenants
(1) Between parties of unequal bargaining power.
(2) Unilateral (initiated and made by God alone).
(3) Unconditional as to promises (may be conditional as to blessings).
(4) Irrevocable – cannot be changed or altered but only accepted or rejected.
(5) Acceptance creates a relationship.
18
New Covenant = God’s gracious undertaking (declaration of purpose) through
the shed blood of Jesus Christ whereby He has unconditionally promised and
provided salvation to those who accept the benefits and blessings of the atonement
by faith.
Sometimes the Old Covenant is referred to as “law” and the New Covenant as
“grace” (see Jn. 1:14-18) but those designations are also too narrow. For there
was grace under law in the OT and there is law under grace in the NT. (See
Jn. 14:15)
While we will use the terms OT and NT, it is best to think of the Bible as a
unified whole containing the full divine, progressive, redemptive revelation
of God in two successive stages (Heb. 1:1-3).
The Old Covenant has been fulfilled and replaced by the New Covenant.
Thus, it is helpful to understand the following truths about the relationship of

the OT and the NT:
Old Testament New Testament
• Begins God’s revelation Completes God’s revelation
• Predicts Christ as Messiah Presents Christ as Messiah
• Requires faith for salvation Requires faith for salvation
• Requires living by faith Requires living by faith
• Predicts God’s prophetic plan Presents God’s prophetic plan
• Gives understanding of God Explains and amplifies understanding

of God and His ways
• Records God’s principles and Restates and reinforces God’s

truths principles and truths
• NT concealed in the OT OT revealed in the NT
• OT not complete without the NT NT not understandable without the OT
• Asserts truth about God, man, Affirms truth about God, man,
sin, salvation, etc. sin, salvation, etc.
* The NT does not contradict the OT but completes, confirms and

complements the OT.*
19
F. Theology of the New Testament

The NT completes God’s progressive revelation of Himself to man and provides
us with a clear picture of what God is really like (see Heb. 1:1-3; Jn. 1:14, 18;
Jn. 14:8-11). In Christ we also see a clear picture of man as God intended man
to be.
All of the attributes of God the Father are seen in the NT, especially as embod-
ied in the Person of Christ. Thus, the theology of the NT is the same as the OT,
simply more complete.
The theology of God’s kingdom on earth is especially prominent in the NT as is
the unfolding of God’s purpose and plan for the world now and in eternity.
Of all the theological themes in the NT, none stands out more vividly than that of
salvation, as God in Christ completes His promised redemption. The faithfulness
of God to fulfill completely His OT promises related to Messiah in particular
and prophecy in general is also a dominant theological motif. Great emphasis is
placed on the incarnation of Christ and the significance of His bodily resurrection.
G. Theme of the New Testament
Theme: The coming of Jesus Christ the Messiah as a man to die and to com-
plete God’s plan of redemption on the cross; His rejection by men; His death and
resurrection; His provision for continued ministry through the church; and the
anticipation of His second coming in great power and glory to judge sin and rule
and reign as King of Kings.
Major emphases include:
• the faithfulness of God to fulfill OT prophecy
• the incarnation of Christ
• the virgin birth of Christ
• the substitutionary atoning death of Christ on the cross to effect redemption and
forgiveness of sins
• the bodily resurrection of Christ
• the rejection of Jesus by Israel
• the appointment of the church during the Church Age
• salvation by grace through faith alone
• the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit
• walking by faith not sight
• godly living in the power of the Holy Spirit
• bearing witness to Christ through preaching the Gospel
• Great Tribulation period
• the second coming of Christ
• Millennial Kingdom followed by final judgment
• the end of human history and the eternal state - new heavens/earth
H. Suggested Order of Writing of NT Books
0 1. James 45 AD
02. Galatians 48 AD
03. 1 Thessalonians
04. 2 Thessalonians
05. 1 Corinthians
06. 2 Corinthians
07. Romans
08. Mark 58 AD
09. Matthew 59 AD
10. Luke
11. Acts 65 AD
12. Colossians 61 AD Paul’s prison epistles

13. Ephesians
14. Philemon
15. Philippians
16. 1 Timothy 62 AD Paul’s pastoral epistles

17. Titus
18. 2 Timothy
19. 1 Peter
20. Hebrews 67 AD
21. Jude
22. 2 Peter 68 AD
23. John 90 AD
24. 1 John
25. 2 John
26. 3 John
27. Revelation 100 AD
* Note: All dates are approximate and not all agree with this dating system

22
II. The 27 Books of the New Testament
A. The 4 Gospels of Jesus
• Introduction to the Gospels
“Gospel” means “good news” and thus the accounts of the four gospel
writers contain the good news about—
• the earthly life and ministry and
• the divine redemptive mission
of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God who came into the world
as a man to become the savior of all men.
The Gospels can perhaps best be described as selective topical
narratives or historical biographies of Jesus Christ from a
theological perspective.
Each of the gospel accounts was written under the inspiration of
the Holy Spirit by different men at different times but each gospel
presents—
• the same basic message
concerning the ministry and mission of Jesus centered on His
atoning, substitutionary death on the cross followed by His
triumphant and unique bodily resurrection.
• from a different viewpoint
designed to present a complete portrait of Jesus Christ as Son
of God and Son of Man for various readers.
While some critical scholars claim that the Gospels contradict each
other and are repetitious, in fact the four gospel accounts—
• complete each other.
• complement each other.
• confirm each other.
The first three gospels – Matthew, Mark and Luke are primarily
historical biographies or topical narratives of the life and ministry of
Christ. They are known as the Synoptic Gospels because they “see
together” the life of Christ by covering the same basic events while
each contributes its own unique material and emphasis. They were
all written during the 50’s–60’s AD in the following probable order:
Mark (c. 50–60 AD)
Matthew (c. 60-65 AD)
Luke (c. 65-68 AD)
23
Mark seems to be the basic gospel account with essentially all of its material
included in Matthew and Luke. Forty-two percent of Matthew’s material is
unique and almost 50% of Luke is different. The synoptics focus on the public
ministry of Christ, His humanity and teachings.
John, on the other hand, is known as the supplementary gospel, having been
written over 30 years later (c. 90 AD) from an almost purely theological perspec-
tive with over 92% unique material. John focuses more on the private ministry of
Christ and His divinity. See before Matthew, Essay on the Synoptic Gospels in
the NIV/NASB/KJV Study Bible (or for related resources in other Study Bibles).
And while several of the other NT books were apparently written before the Synoptic
Gospels, they still form the foundational core of the NT. The four Gospels pro-
vide us with essentially all of the available, reliable information we have about
the person and work of Jesus Christ.
The chart which follows depicts some of the distinctions between the four Gospels.
Comparison of the 4 Gospels
Gospel Emphasis Portrait of Christ Audience Key Word
Matthew Teachings Kingship (Lion) Jewish “fulfilled”

(Teacher) Promised Messiah
King
Mark Miracles Redeemer (Ox) Roman “immediately”

(Preacher) Suffering Servant
of the Lord
Luke Parables Humanity (Man) Greek/ “Son of Man”

(Historian) Sinless Son of Man Gentiles
John Doctrine Deity (Eagle) Christians/ “believe”

(Theologian) Perfect Son of God Universal
See Harmony of the Gospels, in the NIV/NASB/KJV Sutdy Bible, after John (or
for a similar resource in other Study Bibles).
24
OVERVIEW OUTLINE
Life of Christ
INTRODUCTION
I.
A. Advent; virgin birth - Incarnation; visit to Jerusalem
B. John the Baptist
C. Baptism and temptation
II. AUTHENTICATION – acceptance/authority
A. Miracles – wine, healing, demons, disease, death, distance, nature
B. Reading scripture in synagogue in Nazareth
C. Forgiving sins
D. Dispute over Sabbath
E. Commissioning of 12
F. Sermon on Mount – teaching and preaching
III. CONTROVERSY – unofficial rejection
A. Rejection for casting out demons by power of Satan (Matthew 12)
B. Form of new Kingdom – parables (Matthew 13)
C. Demonstrates power – nature, demons, disease, blind
IV. INSTRUCTION OF 12 – discipleship
A. Feeding of 5,000
B. Sonship, humility, pride, forgiveness, servant-hood
V. OPPOSITION – authority and person questioned
A. Conflict over law/light
B. 72 sent out
C. Instructions to disciples
VI. PREPARATION OF DISCIPLES
A. Sinners – wealth, divorce, prayer, eternal life
B. Postponed kingdom
VII. OFFICIAL PRESENTATION
A. Triumphal entry
B. Authority questioned – temple cleansed, fig tree cursed
VIII. PREPARATION FOR DEATH
A. Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, 25)
B. Judas’ betrayal predicted and Peter’s denial
C. John 13–17 – Training of 12 and high priestly prayer
OFFICIAL REJECTION
IX.
A. Arrest, religious and civil trials
B. Cross, crucifixion and burial – sealed tomb
X. RESURRECTION
A. Appearances, teaching
B. Great Commission, ascension
25
MAJOR EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF CHRIST
• Virgin birth
• Flight to Egypt
• Visit to temple at age 12-13
• Baptism
• Start of ministry in Nazareth
• Temptation
• Recognition by John the Baptist as Lamb of God
• Encounter with Nicodemus
• Encounter with Samaritan woman at well
• Choosing 12 apostles
• Sermon on Mount
• Authentication miracles
• Sabbath controversies
• Rejection by Jews
• Teaching kingdom parables
• Feeding of 5,000
• Peter’s confirmation
• Transfiguration
• Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem
• Cleansing of temple
• Passover meal
• Upper room discourse
• Garden of Gethsemane
• Arrest
• Religious and civil trials
• Crucifixion
• Bodily resurrection
• Post-resurrection appearances and ministry
• Ascension
SELECTED CHRONOLOGY OF LIFE OF CHRIST
• Birth 5-4 BC
• Christ as a boy at temple in Jerusalem 9 AD
• Ministry of John the Baptist began 29 AD
• Ministry of Jesus began (Baptism/Temptation) Summer/Fall 29 AD
• Ministry of Jesus Fall 29 AD - Spring 33 AD
• Crucifixion/Resurrection April 33 AD
26
PALESTINE
Sidon
IA
Mt. Hermon
IC
Tyre Caesarea Philippi
EN
JORDAN
O
PH
L. Merom
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
GALILEE
Chorazin
Bethsaida
Capernaum
Magdala
Tiberias Sea of
Mt. Carmel Cana Galilea
Nazareth
R.Yarmuk
Caesarea Nain
S
LI
PO
Samaria CA
DE
N
S A M A R I A

R D A
Sychar
Shechem R. Jabbok
J O
Joppa
Bethel Bethabara
J U D E A
P EREA
(Bethany?)
Jericho
Emmaus
Jerusalem
Bethany
Bethlehem
• Gaza
Dead Sea
Hebron R. Arnon
Wilderness of Judea
Beersheba
1” = 26 miles
27
28
 Matthew – Jesus, the Promised Messiah-King
1. Introduction and Outline (found at the beginning of the book)

2. Structure and Major Divisions
 28 chapters
 4 major divisions
1-4 4-11 12-20 20-28

Chapters Chapters Chapters Chapters
1:1-4:11 4:12-11:30 12:1-20:28 20:29-28:20
Person Program Persecution Prevailing

of Christ of Christ of Christ of Christ
Genealogy Preaching of Gospel Rejection by Jews Palm Sunday

Virgin birth Sermon on the Mount Sabbath conflict Temple cleansing
Flight to Egypt Miracles/power Unpardonable sin Olivet Prophecy
John the Baptist Sending out the 12 Kingdom parables Passion
Baptism of Jesus Coming Judgment False teaching of Plot to kill Jesus
Temptation of Pharisees Arrest
  Jesus Preparation of Trials
disciples Crucifixion
Peter’s confession Resurrection
Transfiguration Great Commission
The Gospel to the Jewish world
29
3. Book chart MATTHEW
The Gospel of Jesus – The Promised Messiah/King
Person of Christ Program of Christ Persecution of Christ Prevailing of Christ
1 4 4 11 12 20 20 28
Genealogy Principles of the Kingdom Rejection by Jews Presentation
Son of David 4:12 – 7:29 12:1-50 20:29-23:29
Son of Abraham • 2 blind men healed
Gospel preached Sabbath controversies • Palm Sunday entry
1:1-17 Disciples called 4:12-25 Plot to destroy Jesus “See your king”
People healed Jesus’ work attributed to Satan • Cleanse temple
Unpardonable sin–unbelief • Authority questioned
Jesus rejects Jews • Kingdom taken
Sermon on the Mount away for a time
5:1–7:29 • Greatest command-
ment
• Teachings of Jesus • Announcement of
Beatitudes, Lord’s Prayer woes
Virgin Birth • “You have heard it said... Program changed Predictions
The virgin will but I say to you” I came to 13:1–16:12 24:1–25:46
give birth to a fulfill––not to abolish Kingdom parables for Church Age • Olivet Discourse
son-Immanuel • Principles and practice of sower/seed/soils
wheat/tares - Israel’s prophetic
Isa.7:14 1:18-25 Kingdom life program previewed
mustard seed
• Wise man obeys God leaven - 2nd Coming pictured
hidden treasure - Judgment on Israel
pearl of great price predicted in parables.
fish net - Judgment of Gentiles–
more ministry sheep/goats
Feeding of 5000/miracles/
persecution Millennial Kingdom
feeding of 4000
vain worship/false teaching
of Pharisees & Sadducees
Herod’s death Preparation of Disciples Passion
decree
Christ to be born 16:13–20:28 26:1–27:66
in Bethlehem Peter’s confession Plot to kill Jesus
Visit of Magi Jesus predicts His death Betrayal by Judas
The transfiguration previews Lord’s Supper
Flight to 2nd coming in glory Prediction of Peter’s
Egypt Through parables, miracles and denial
Return to example, Jesus trains His Garden of Gethsemane
Power of the King
Nazareth disciples for ministry Arrest
2:1-21 • casting out demons Trials before Jews
8:1–9:34 • temple tax & Pilate
John the Jesus crucified and
miracles
• greatest in Kingdom
Baptist is servant buried
Baptism Over disease nature • child-like faith
of Jesus Resurrection
distance demons • ungrateful servant
“This is my son” death blindness • divorce 28:1-20
3:1-16 disciples sins • rich young ruler Bodily resurrection of
• workers in the vineyard Jesus
Ministry Program False report of the
Temptation guards
9:35–11:30
of Jesus Teaching • Preaching • Healing Great Commission
Worship and Sending out the 12 disciples Make disciples by
serve God alone Verification to John the Baptist • going • baptizing
4:1-11 Announcement of coming • teaching to obey all
judgment My commandments
“Come to Me all who are
weary...I will give you rest”
1:1 4:11 4:12 11:30 12:1 20:28 20:29 28:20
Right to Reign Reality of who Jesus is Rejection of Jesus Resurrection
“To fulfill what Discourse #1 Discourse #3 Discourse #5
the Lord had said Sermon on Mount (5-7) Kingdom parables (13) Olivet prophecy (24-25)
through the Prophet” Discourse #2 Discourse #4 Discourse #6
Entrusted to1:22
Drew StocktonSending out the Twelve (10)
(drew.ebc@gmail.com) Greatest in Kingdom
for evaluation, (18)
teaching Great projection
and Commission (28)
use only.
The Gospel to the Jewish world c. 60-65 AD DJM
4. Summary of content
While Mark was likely written earlier, Matthew was probably included first
because of its direct tie-in to the OT, especially as to the fulfillment of Messianic
prophecies. There are at least 47 OT quotations in Matthew, most related to
Messiah. Matthew authenticates the person of Jesus through His words and works
(miracles) and affirms His right to reign as Messiah King. Matthew was originally
intended for primarily Jewish audiences.
Chapters 1:1 – 4:11 — Person of Christ

Matthew begins his gospel account with the genealogy of Jesus Christ showing
His right to reign as King of the Jews—”Son of Abraham” (which would make
Jesus the promised Messiah—see Ge. 12:3; Gal. 3:6-9, 16-18); and “Son of
David” (which would make Jesus the promised King to sit on David’s Throne—
see 2 Sa. 7:12-16; Ps. 89:3-4, 19-21, 27-29, 35; and Mt. 1:1-17).
Matthew’s genealogy focuses on the public record, legal line descent of Jesus
(“Son of David”) through Joseph which gives Him the right to reign as Messiah
King!
Luke’s genealogy (Lk. 3:23-38) focuses on the private, physical line of descent of
Jesus (“Son of Adam”) through Mary, emphasizing His humanity and qualifying
Him as the unique Son of God who had the right to redeem men from sin.
The following events recorded in this first section of Matthew are all designed to
authenticate the person of Jesus as the promised OT Messiah (“The Christ”) and
to inaugurate His ministry/mission—
• Virgin birth
• Born in Bethlehem
• Visit of Magi to worship the King of the Jews
• Flight to Egypt
• Death plot of Herod
• Return to Nazareth
• Ministry of John the Baptist
• Temptation of Jesus
Chapters 4:12 – 11:30 — Program of Christ
Jesus began His ministry by—
• preaching the gospel
• exhorting men to repentance
• calling disciples to follow Him
• healing the sick and diseased
• teaching in the synagogues
His impact was immediate and astounding. Jesus enjoyed great acceptance
among the common people.
31
Matthew also emphasizes the teaching ministry of Jesus, for after the
introduction in 1:1-4:11 each of the other sections contains at least two major
teaching discourses. In this section the two are the—
• Sermon on the Mount (Chap. 5-7)

• Sending out of the twelve (Chap. 10)
The Sermon on the Mount is designed to demonstrate the kind of righteous attitudes
and actions which will characterize people who have placed their faith in God
and are a part of His Kingdom. This righteousness was embodied in Christ and can
only come from Him. It stands in sharp contrast to the self-righteous legalism of
the religious groups of Jesus’ day (Pharisees and Sadducees). Jesus was teaching
them the right and narrow way to God as opposed to the wrong and wide way
which they taught based on personal merit and works. Jesus spent a lot of time in
His ministry correcting false teaching.
This section also emphasizes the miraculous power of Jesus over everything,
including distance, disease and death itself. These miracles were designed to
authenticate the person of Christ, to glorify God, and lead men to faith.
This section closes with Jesus—
• seeing the lost multitudes and having compassion on them.
• sending out the 12 disciples to preach, teach and heal the people.
• settling the issue of whether or not He was Messiah with John the Baptist.
• predicting judgment on that generation for failing to repent.
• promising spiritual rest from the burdens of man-made religion for those
who come to Him.
Chapters 12 – 20 — Persecution of Christ
In chapter 12, the tone of Matthew’s gospel shifts dramatically as controversies

between Jesus and the Pharisees developed over the proper observance of the
Sabbath. Keeping the Sabbath was the confirming sign of the Mosaic Law and
at the very heart of the Jewish religious system. The Sabbath concept, however,
was pre-law, having its origin in relation to creation (see Ge. 2:1-3). Over the
centuries the Jewish religious leaders had added erroneous, burdensome, legalistic
requirements to the Sabbath. It was this erroneous teaching and practice that
Jesus denounced. And since the Sabbath observance was critical to the existence
of Judaism, Jesus was seen as a real threat to the religious system of the day.
The controversy was so intense and the threat so real that the Pharisees began to
plot to kill Jesus. Jesus was wrongly accused of all kinds of things, like healing
on the Sabbath. But when Jesus was accused of performing miracles by the
power of Satan instead of the power of the Holy Spirit, it amounted to an
32
informal rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders of Israel (chapter 12).
This blasphemy which was clear evidence of unbelief became known as the
unpardonable sin.
In response Jesus announced judgment on that generation and a temporary
rejection by God of His program in Israel.
Then in chapter 13 Matthew recorded the Kingdom parables to indicate the form
the Kingdom of God would take during the time between the Ascension of Jesus
and His Second Coming. During this period to be known as the Church Age,
Israel would be temporarily replaced by the church as God’s chosen instrument
through which the message and plan of salvation would be accomplished. These
Kingdom parables in this 3rd teaching discourse describe the characteristics of
the Kingdom of God during the Church Age when the gospel is widely preached
with varying responses, but the Kingdom of God continues to grow by the power
of the Spirit.
The balance of this section focuses on—
• Jesus continuing to perform miracles and teach despite opposition and
persecution from the religious leaders.
• Jesus predicting His death.

• the transfiguration as a preview of the 2nd coming glory of Christ’s
Kingdom when He returns.
• Jesus’ continued preparation and teaching of the disciples in anticipation
of His death.
• the 4th teaching discourse on servant-hood.
Chapters 20:29 – 28:20 — Prevailing of Christ

About 3-1/2 years had now passed since Jesus started His ministry. On Palm
Sunday before Jesus’ crucifixion on the next Friday, Jesus presented Himself
as Messiah–King by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey in specific fulfillment
of Zec. 9:9. Again, Jesus was well received by the common people. But the
religious leaders, who were looking for a Messiah to deliver them from the
oppression of Rome, would not accept Jesus as the Suffering Servant Messiah
who came to die and deliver them from the bondage of their sins.
Because Jesus taught that their righteousness was not sufficient to enter the
Kingdom of God and their religious system was corrupt and based on false
doctrine, the Jews rejected Jesus as their King. Jesus was a real threat to their
religion and way of life and thus they had Him crucified.
33
During the last week of His earthly ministry, Jesus—
• delivered the Olivet Discourse (discourse #5) revealing God’s prophetic

plan for Israel focusing on His Second Coming in judgment.
• was betrayed by Judas and ate the Last Supper with His disciples.
• afterward went to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives with

His disciples where He was arrested by Roman officials upon the urging
of the Jewish leaders.
• was tried before the Sanhedrin (religious council) for blasphemy in that
He claimed to be God.
•
was found guilty by the Jewish religious court although He had proven by
His words and miracles that He was indeed God.

• was tried for treason before the Roman governor Pilate because the Jews
had no authority to put a man to death.
• was found innocent by Pilate of the charges of treason and insurrection,

but sentenced to death by crucifixion upon the insistence of the Jewish
leaders.
• was crucified as King of the Jews and buried on Friday.
• on Sunday morning was bodily resurrected from the grave by the power
of God in fulfillment of His predictions and in validation of His claims.
Following His resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples and some of the women.
Matthew ends with Jesus in Galilee where He gave to His disciples the Great
Commission to make disciples of all nations by going, baptizing and teaching,
promising to be with them always (discourse #6).
34
Note: In Matthew you will find the following helps in the NIV/NASB/KJV
Study Bible (in other Study Bibles look for related resources).
Maps
Journey to Bethlehem; flight to Egypt
Jesus’ baptism and temptation
Charts
The Synoptic Gospels
House of Herod
Herod’s Temple
Jewish sects
Life of Christ
5. Theme/purpose/applicational message
Theme/purpose
Matthew wrote to prove that Jesus Christ is the Messiah-King promised in
the OT who was rejected by the Jews even though He authenticated Himself
by His words and works.
Applicational message
The Messianic claims of Jesus Christ cannot be ignored—they must either
be personally accepted or rejected with eternal consequences flowing from
the decision.
6. Key chapters
Mt. 1 Legal genealogy—Joseph
2 Visit of Magi; death decree of Herod
3 Baptism
4 Temptation
5-7 Sermon on Mount
6 Lord’s prayer
10 Sending out of the twelve
11 Invitation to come unto Me
12 Sabbath controversies/unpardonable sin/rejection by Israel
13 Kingdom parables
16 Peter’s confession/the church
17 Transfiguration
18 Church discipline
19 Marriage, divorce and re-marriage
21 Palm Sunday entrance; parable of vineyard—Israel rejected
24-25 Olivet discourse
26 Betrayal by Judas/Passion
27 Trials and crucifixion
28 Resurrection and Great Commission
35
7. Key Passages
1:1-6 11:20-24 20:1-16
1:16-17 11:25-30 20:17-28
1:18-25 12:1-8 21:1-11
2:1-12 12:14-37 21:12-17
2:13-23 12:38-41 21:28-32
3:1-17 12:46-50 22:1-14
4:1-11 13:1-23 22:15-22
4:12-25 13:24-30 22:23-33
5:1-12 13:31-32 22:34-40
5:12-16 13:33 23:1-12
5:17-20 13:34-43 23:23-26
5:21-22 13:44 23:27-36
5:27-28 13:45-46 23:37-39
5:38-42 13:47-50 24:1-44
5:43-48 13:58 25:14-30
6:1-4 14:1-12 25:31-46
6:5-15 14:13-21 26:1-5
6:19-24 14:22-33 26:14-16
6:25-34 15:1-20 26:17-30
7:1-5 16:1-12 26:31-56
7:7-11 16:13-20 26:57-68
7:12 16:21-26 26:69-75
7:13-29 17:1-13 27:1-10
8:14-17 17:14-21 27:11-26
8:23-27 18:1-6 27:27-44
9:1-8 18:7-14 27:45-56
9:9-13 18:15-20 27:57-66
9:18-26 18:21-22 28:1-10
9:36-38 19:3-12 28:11-15
10:1-42 19:13-15 28:16-20
11:2-15 19:16-26
Assignment:
Choose any 3 of the key passages listed above; read them in context and
in one sentence write the main idea taught by that passage.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
36
8. Main Teachings
• Jesus Christ is the promised OT Messiah.
• Jesus was born of a virgin.
• John the Baptist was the Lord’s messenger to prepare the way for Christ.
• Jesus used Scripture to resist Satan’s temptations.
• Jesus’ main ministry consisted of

– calling and training disciples
– preaching the gospel
– teaching the truth
– healing and meeting people’s needs.
• Internal attitudes result in external actions.
• Apart from Christ men do not have the righteousness required to enter
God’s kingdom.
• Persecution is a sign of confirmation for a believer.
• Believers are to be like salt and light in the world.
• Our good works should glorify God.
• Jesus came to fulfill the law, not abolish it.
• The teaching of Jesus is superior to the teachings of men.
• Wrong attitudes are as much sin as wrong actions.
• The practice of religious ritual for the wrong reasons is rejected by God.
• Prayer must be genuine, sincere and seek God’s will, not our own.
• God’s kingdom and righteousness should be first in our lives.
• We should not be anxious or worried over things God has promised

to provide.
• When we judge others we judge and condemn ourselves.
• The way to God is narrow and few find it.
• Everyone who calls Jesus Lord and does works in His name is not saved.
37
• Obedience to the Word confirms our professed faith.
• God has power over everything, including death.
• Jesus sends out believers to preach the Gospel and proclaim the truth to
all men.
• A right relationship to and resting in Jesus frees us from the bondage and
burden of religious ritual.
• The Sabbath concept was meant to be properly obeyed.
• The only unpardonable sin is unbelief.

• Because the Jews rejected Jesus as King in His first coming, Jesus has
temporarily rejected Israel as His chosen instrument.
• The Kingdom parables describe God’s program in the Church Age.
• Only Christ can discern a believer from an unbeliever.
• Miracles prove the Person of Christ and demonstrate His power.
• The teachings of Christ are superior to the traditions of men.
• Defilement from sin comes from the inside not the outside.
• Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
• The reality of who Jesus is can only be spiritually discerned.
• The church is founded on confession of faith in Christ.
• Jesus came to die for sin.

• God does not intend for us to live continually on a spiritual mountaintop
but in the reality of life.
• Child-like faith is required for salvation.

• Church discipline in regard to a sinning member is biblically
commanded and is designed for correction and restoration.
• We should forgive each other continually.
• God’s perfect intention is for marriage to be permanent.

38
• Salvation apart from God is impossible.
• God is “just” in His dealings with men.
• Servant-hood should be the way of life for a believer.
• Jesus genuinely offered Himself to the Jews as their promised Messiah.
• Many are called but few are chosen.
• Relationships in heaven will be spiritual not physical or by family.
• Loving God and loving others is the great NT commandment which sums
up the OT Ten Commandments.
• God still has a prophetic program for Israel to fulfill.
• In His second coming, Christ must come in judgment before He can

reign as King.
• Eternal punishment by fire was prepared originally for Satan and

his demons.
• Jesus was illegally convicted of blasphemy before the Sanhedrin.
• Pilate found Jesus innocent of treason under Roman law.
• The Jews rejected Jesus because He threatened their religious system and
He was not the kind of Messiah they wanted.
• Jesus was crucified, died and was buried.
• On the third day Jesus was bodily resurrected by the power of God.
• False reports were circulated by the Jews that Jesus’ disciples had stolen
His body.
• Jesus appeared to many after His resurrection.
• Jesus commanded His disciples and us to make disciples of all the nations.
39
9. Selected related scriptures
Dt. 6:4-6
Ex. 20:1-17
Isa. 53:4-5
Gal. 3:1–4:7
Ro. 9–11
1 Co. 15:1-32
Rev. 6:1-17
10. Distinctive features
• Fulfillment of Messianic prophecies

• Legal genealogy of Jesus through Joseph
• Virgin birth fulfilling Isa. 7:14
• Angel visiting Joseph
• Herod’s death decree
• Visit of Magi
• Flight to Egypt/return to Nazareth
• Sermon on the Mount
• Peter walking on water
• Christ’s response to Peter’s confession of faith
• Woes against Pharisees
• Sheep/goat judgment
• Judas’ suicide
• Kingdom parables
• Parable of talents
• Jesus’ invitation to “come unto me”
• Emphasis on Israel’s rejection of Jesus
• Partial resurrection of OT saints during crucifixion
• Bribing of Roman soldiers at tomb
• False reports of Jews about stolen body of Jesus
• Extended Olivet Discourse
• Great Commission
40
 Mark – Jesus, the Precious Suffering Servant
1. Introduction and Outline - (found at the beginning of the book)

 16 chapters
1–10 11-15 16
Chapters Chapters Chapters
1:1–10:45 10:46–15:47 16:1–16:20
Service Sacrifice Success

of Christ of Christ of Christ
Preparation Triumphal Entry Resurrection

– Baptism
– Temptation Teaching in light Commission
of rejection
Preaching and Miracles
“Repent and believe” Predictions Ascension
Parables and Power Passion and Sacrifice Action in Response
Personal Teaching of
Disciples in Galilee
and Perea
The Gospel to the Roman world
41
MARK
The Gospel of Jesus – The Precious Suffering Servant
Service of Christ Sacrifice of Christ Success of Christ
1 10 11 15 16
Preparation 1:1-13 Triumphal Entry 10:46-11:11 The Resurrection 16:6
3. Book chart
Messenger–John the Baptist Mercy–blind Bartimaeus healed “Don’t be alarmed... you are looking
Baptism “immediately” “immediately” Messiah–blessed is he who comes for Jesus... who was crucified... He has
Temptation in the name of the Lord “Hosanna” risen, He is not here! Go and tell His
disciples.”
Preaching and Miracles 1:14–3:35 Teaching in Light of Rejection 11:12-12:44 Great Commission 16:15
“Repent and believe in the gospel” Cursing of fig tree/cleansing temple “Go into all the world and preach the
Casting out demons Teaching : Faith; Jesus’ authority; rejection as good news to all nations”
Healing: sickness, disease, leprosy, paralysis cornerstone; Sadducees and resurrection
Lord of Sabbath: old wineskins; Call of 12 apostles Great Commandment
Opposition/rejection Widow’s mite
Parables and Power 4:1–5:43 Predictions in Light of Rejection 13:1-37 Ascension 16:19
Sower/soils; lamp; growing seed Destruction of temple “He was taken up into heaven”

Power over storms, demons, death; Taught crowds in Apostasy
parables but explained everything to His disciples Great Tribulation
2nd Coming of Christ in judgment
Persecution and Opposition 6:1–8:26 Passion and Sacrifice 14:1-15:47 Action 16:20
Rejected in hometown; Herod kills John the Baptist; Anointing by Mary “The disciples went out and preached
Jesus feeds 5000 and walks on water; Multitude healed; Last Supper and the Lord worked with them and
Pharisees denounced-hypocrisy, external ritual religion; Gethsemane confirmed His Word.”
Following traditions of men (sin is internal) –on the way
Beware of leaven of Pharisees (false teaching) –praying
Personal Training of Disciples 8:27-10:45 –betrayal and arrest
Peter’s declaration “Thou art the Christ” Christ before Caiaphas
Call to discipleship and cross-bearing Peter’s denial
Transfiguration; Prediction of death; Preview of hell Christ before Pilate
Teaching against divorce Christ beaten and mocked
Salvation is impossible without God Crucifixion, death, burial
Jesus came to give His life
1:1 10:45 10:46 15:47 16:1 16:20
Ministry in Galilee and Perea Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem Ministry After His Resurrection
“Christ did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as ransom for many” 10:45

The Gospel to the Roman World 50-60 AD DJM
Since the basic narrative account of the life of Christ was covered in Matthew,
no attempt will be made to repeat that material. Rather, for each section Mark’s
emphasis and distinctive features will be highlighted.
Mark is the first in time and shortest in length of the Gospels. Mark probably
wrote on behalf of Peter. It is brief and direct, fast-paced and focuses more on the
actions of Jesus than on His words. “Immediately” is a key word of this gospel
account. Mark centers on the servant-hood of Christ and was originally intended
primarily for Roman readers.
Chapters 1:1 – 10:45 — Service of Christ
Mark completely omits any reference to the background and birth of Jesus
and starts at the inception of the ministry of John the Baptist who announced the
coming of Christ— “In the beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son
of God” (1:1).
The baptism and temptation of Jesus are simply reported without a great amount
of detail or comment.
Jesus is pictured immediately as preaching the Gospel in Galilee—“The

Kingdom is near. Repent and believe the good news” (1:15). Jesus then called
His disciples and began to do mighty miracles to prove He was the Christ.
The Sabbath controversies and the unofficial rejection of Jesus by the Jewish
leaders are recorded as early as chapter 3 when Jesus was accused of performing
miracles by the power of Satan.
The teaching ministry of Jesus is emphasized in Mark through parables which

Jesus used with the crowds. Mark adds that Jesus, however, explained everything
privately to His disciples.
Mark also emphasizes the rejection of Jesus not only by the religious leaders
but by His family and the people of His hometown. Jesus’ confrontation with the
religious leaders centered on their man-made traditions and the false teaching of
the Pharisees.
All the while, Jesus was busy teaching and training His disciples and preparing
them for His upcoming death, while promising His resurrection.
It is in response to a request from James and John about position in the Kingdom
that Jesus rebuked them, about wanting to be first since they should really desire
to be servants. For Jesus’ earthly ministry was given to the ministry of serving
others, meeting emotional, physical and spiritual needs.
43
By chapter 8 Jesus was already in the last six months of His ministry and in
10:45 the theme verse of Mark is recorded.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and
to give His life a ransom for many.”
Chapters 10:46 – 15:47 — Sacrifice of Christ
On the way to Jerusalem through Jericho, Jesus healed a blind man named Bar-
temaeus as a clear Messianic sign which led to faith in Christ.
Jesus’ Palm Sunday entry, the cursing of the fig tree as a sign of judgment on that
generation, and the cleansing of the temple are all recorded by Mark. Also, great
attention was given to the questioning of the authority by which Jesus performed
His works.
Attempts to trap Jesus by various questions were made by teachers, lawyers,

scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees in order to produce some kind of legal charge
against Jesus. All of these were fruitless as Jesus defused their questions with His
answers and own questions.
Finally, Mark records the same basic events of the last week of Christ’s life as
were recorded in Matthew—the pace is fast and the action sharp. This section
ends with the burial of Jesus.
Chapters 16:1-20 — Success of Christ
Mark’s most unique contribution seems to be in the last half of chapter 16. In 16:1-8
the resurrection of Christ is recorded. While verses 9-20 of chapter 16 do not ap-
pear in all of the best manuscript copies, they appear to be genuine. The focus is
on the response of people to the resurrection. Also included is Mark’s version of
the Great Commission.
“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (16:15)
Mark does include a reference to the ascension of Christ and the fact that the
disciples obeyed Jesus and preached the gospel with many confirming signs.
See the NIV/NASB/KJV for these helps on Mark (other Study Bibles may have
related resources).
Maps Chart
Jerusalem Passion week or Holy Week
Decapolis and lands beyond Jordan
Tyre and Sidon
44
Theme/purpose
Mark recorded the servant-hood ministry of Christ during His life and death to
demonstrate that Christ came as the suffering servant of the Lord.
Just as Christ served others by preaching the gospel and meeting their needs, so
should we.
6. Key chapters
Mk. 1 Beginning of gospel ministry
3 Rejection by religious leaders
4 Teaching in parables
6 Rejection in hometown
7 Confronting religious tradition
9 Prediction of death
10 Purpose of ministry
16 “Great” Commission
7. Key passages
1:1 6:1-6 11:12-19
1:12-20 6:30-44 11:27-33
1:40-45 6:45-52 12:13-17
2:21-22 7:5-23 12:18-27
3:1-6 8:34-38 12:28-34
3:13-21 9:23 14:1-11
3:31-35 9:30-32 16:1-8
4:10-13 10:1-12 16:9-20
4:14-20
4:30-34
Assignment:
Choose any 3 of the key passages listed above; read them in context and in
one sentence write out the main idea taught by that passage.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
45
8. Main teachings
• Repent is the first word of the Gospel.

• Repentance is a part of faith and necessary for salvation.
• Often we do not grow to maturity because the Word of God in us is

choked by
– worries of life
– deceitfulness of wealth
– desires for other things.
• Jesus gives to His disciples understanding of and insight into

His teachings.
• Times of rest, prayer and spiritual refreshment are necessary

to maintain vitality.
• False teaching is contagious and infectious.
• Jesus came to suffer and die for sins.
• Jesus came not to be served but to serve others.
• Jesus came to give His life a ransom for many.
• Jesus wants us to respond to Him in faith, proving the genuine

desire of our heart.
• The authority of Jesus is inherent in who He is.
• Rejection in ministry often comes from family and friends.
• We should preach the gospel to every creature.
Isa. 52:13–53:12
Eze. 14:6
Eze. 18:30-32
Lk. 24:44-45
Ac. 26:20
46
• Shortest gospel account

• Action – “immediately”
• Omits background and birth narratives
• No details of Jesus’ temptation
• Teaching multitudes in parables
• Explaining teachings privately to disciples
• Servant-hood of Christ
• Disputed ending (16:9-20)
• Go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature
• Emphasis on boat scenes
47
48
 Luke – Jesus, the Sinless Son of Man
1. Introduction and Outline - (found at the beginning of the book)
 24 chapters
1-4 4-9 9-19 19-24

Chapters Chapters Chapters Chapters
1:1-4:13 4:14-9:50 9:51-19:27 19:28-24:53
Introduction Ministry Rejection Accomplish-

and Advent as Messiah and Response ment of Mission
Prologue Inauguration of Jesus heads toward Palm Sunday

(Sources and Purpose) Messianic ministry Jerusalem
- Nazareth Authority challenged
Birth and advance– Authority of Jesus Sending out the 72
ment of the John demonstrated by Olivet Discourse
the Baptist miracles & words Rejection
Apostles called Last Supper
Birth and advance– Teaching in re-
ment of Jesus Christ Ministry in actions ponse to rejection - Garden of Gethsemane
• preaching • “good samaritan”
Ministry of John the • teaching • prayer Arrest
Baptist • healing • hypocrisy
• greed Peter’s denial
Preparation of Jesus Sending out the 12 • repentance
• baptism • salvation Trials before
• genealogy Feeding 5000 • discipleship • Jews
• temptation • “prodigal son” • Pilate
Peter’s confession • wealth • Herod
• forgiveness • Pilate
Transfiguration • faithfulness
• “Zacchaeus” Crucifixion
Jesus predicts his Burial
death Resurrection
• at tomb
• to 2 disciples
on Emmaus Road
• to other disciples
The Gospel to the Greek world Final instructions
“Great Commission”
Promise of His
Ascension/coming
of Holy Spirit
49
LUKE
The Gospel of Jesus, the Sinless Son of Man
Theme : The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost (19:10)
JESUS SEEKS THE LOST JESUS SAVES THE LOST
3. Book chart
1 19 19 24
4 B.C. Prologue : Sources Messianic ministry Rejection of the Son of Son of Man’s authority challenged 33 A.D.
Miracle: and Purpose of Jesus anointed and Man and His mission Arrested and condemned Miracle:
1:1–1:4 announced “Today this 9:51–11:54 19:28–22:62
scripture is fulfilled”
R
I V Birth and advancement
Teaching ministry in Son of Man tried before men E
N I of John the Baptist 4:14–4:30 22:63–23:25
response to rejection: S
C R and Jesus Authority of Jesus’ hypocrisy, greed, indif- Son of Man crucified and buried U
A G 1:5–2:52 ministry demonstrated 23:26–23:56 R
R I ference, repentance, the
4:31–6:11 Victory of the Son of Man over R
N N Message and ministry of Kingdom, God’s love,
John the Baptist Disciples called to men and death E
salvation, service, hell, C

A B
50
3:1–3:20 ministry and character prophecy, faithfulness, 24:1–24:12
T I
described T
I R Preparation of Jesus for prayer, money, disciple- Reality of the resurrected I
6:12-6:49 ship Son of Man 24:13–24:43
O T ministry (Baptism- O
N H Lineage-Temptation) Ministry of Jesus in 12:1–19:27 Great Commission of the resur- N
3:21–4:13 practice (meeting rected Son of Man
TRUE people’s needs) Lost Sheep TRUE
Promise of Holy Spirit
GOD “A Savior has been 7:1–9:17 Lost Coin Repentance should be proclaimed MAN
born to you: He is
Christ the Lord” Mission of Jesus’ minis- Lost Son in His name to all nations
24:44–24:49
2:11 try declared (The Son of *Loving Father (15)
Man must die) Ascension of the Son of Man
9:18–9:50 24:50–24:53
1:1 4:13 4:14 9:50 9:51 19:27 19:28 24:53

Introduction and Advent Ministry as Messiah Rejection and Response Accomplishment of Mission
HOLY SPIRIT AND MIRACLES TEACHING AND MISSION
DJM
for evaluation, teaching and projection use only.

The Gospel to the Greek World c. 65-68 AD
4. Summary of Content
Luke represents the most complete single gospel account of the life of Christ.
While much of Matthew was topically arranged and Mark perhaps geographically,
Luke’s account is primarily chronological. Luke emphasizes the humanity of
Christ as the Son of Man but not to the exclusion of His deity. Luke presents
Jesus as the true God-man and underscores dramatically the Holy Spirit’s
ministry in the life of Jesus.
Luke, the Gentile author and companion of Paul, also wrote Acts as a follow-up
volume to the gospel. Together Luke-Acts account for over 20 percent of the
material in the NT—more than any other single writer.
Almost 50 percent of the material in Luke is unique to his gospel account, most
of which is found in 9:51–19:27 with a heavy emphasis on teaching, discipleship
and parables.
Luke was primarily intended originally for Gentile readers of the Greek world.
Chapters 1:1 – 4:13 — Introduction and Advent of Jesus
Luke uniquely starts with a prologue recounting the sources and purpose of his
gospel—“to write an orderly account...so that you may know the certainty of the
things you have been taught” (1:3-4).
In great detail Luke covers the announcements and births in alternating fashion
of John the Baptist and Jesus. Luke specifically connects John the Baptist with
the promised messenger who was to prepare the way of the Lord (see Mal. 3:1-4)
and Jesus to the OT messianic prophecies of the Davidic Covenant (see 2 Sa. 7:16)
as Zechariah and Simeon prophesy in the temple. In this opening section, Luke
also emphasizes—
• the ministry of the Holy Spirit

• the miraculous virgin birth which insured that Jesus was born without a
sin nature
• the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
• the early childhood of Jesus
• the Messianic awareness of Jesus in the temple at age 12 or 13
• John the Baptist’s message of the need for real repentance
• the baptism of Jesus as authentication of who He was
• the temptation of Jesus to qualify Him as the sinless Redeemer
Luke also includes a genealogy of Jesus which is constructed differently than
that of Matthew. Luke stresses the humanity of Jesus as the Son of Man by
listing His physical lineage through Mary. Jesus had to be both God and man to
qualify as God’s required sacrifice for the sins of man.
51
Chapters 4:14 – 9:50 — Ministry of Jesus as Messiah
The focus of Luke in this section is on Jesus authenticating Himself as the

“Christ” (Messiah) by—
• reading from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue in Nazareth and stating that this
clearly Messianic prophecy was fulfilled in Him
• casting out demons
• healing sickness
• calming the stormy sea
• cleansing a leper
• healing a paralytic
• forgiving sins
• calling disciples to follow him
• calling sinners to repentance
• establishing His authority over the Sabbath
• teaching the truth of God
• raising the dead
• assuring John the Baptist of His genuineness
• sending out His disciples to proclaim the gospel
• performing many miracles
• predicting His rejection and death at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders
• promising His second return in glory
The ministry of Jesus was three-fold:

(1) To prove He was Messiah by His words and works (miracles).
(2) To meet the real physical and spiritual needs of people.
(3) To accomplish God’s plan of redemption on the cross.
Note also in this section the many references to the Holy Spirit and His work in
Christ’s life.
Chapters 9:51 – 19:27 — Rejection of Jesus and His Response

Most of the first nine chapters of Luke present the growing reception of the glorious
ministry of Jesus by the people. But toward the end of chapter 9 Luke begins to
focus on the rising rejection of Jesus by the Jewish religious leaders. Almost all of
the material in this section of Luke is not found in the other Gospels—for example,
the sending out of the 72 on a preaching/ministry tour. And in most instances the
material takes the form of Jesus teaching in response to His rejection.
In this section Jesus interacts personally with a number of individuals, including
Zacchaeus and Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus. Much of the teaching takes the
form of parables like the Good Samaritan, the rich fool, the prodigal son, and the
rich man in hell. Heavy emphasis is placed on prayer, true righteousness and the
costs of discipleship. Through His teaching Jesus also refutes much wrong
52
teaching about God and His love for sinners. Those things which keep a person
from entering God’s Kingdom are specifically dealt with by Christ.
Salvation through the power of God alone is the answer to man’s sin problem as
both the rich young ruler and Zacchaeus learned.
Perhaps the theme verse of Luke is found in 19:10—“For the Son of Man came
to seek and to save what was lost.” This whole idea was critically important since
the Pharisees did not believe they were lost and erroneously taught that God
hated sinners and rejoiced in their destruction!
In the first 19 chapters of Luke, Jesus had indeed been seeking the lost and teach-
ing them the way to salvation.
Chapter 19:28 – 24:53 — Accomplishment of Jesus’ Mission
Luke begins the last section with his account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on
Palm Sunday to present Himself as King followed by the cleansing of the temple.
The common people were torn between accepting or rejecting Jesus while the
religious leaders tried to trap Jesus and produce some charge against Him. It is
the authority of Jesus that is questioned and defended again and again.
Luke’s accounts of the Lord’s Supper and the Garden of Gethsemane are both
very personal and moving, stressing the real humanity of Christ as He relates to
those closest to Him. The arrest of Jesus and Peter’s denial carry the same tone.
Luke’s record of the trials of Jesus contain one significant additional fact. Since
local jurisdiction belonged to Herod, the “Jewish King”, Pilate after first hearing
from Jesus sent Him to Herod for inquiry, but Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate
when Jesus would not answer.
The crucifixion account includes the important discussion between Jesus and
the two thieves on the cross. One accepted and the other rejected Jesus. Even in
death Jesus was seeking to save the lost.
After His burial and resurrection, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to
Emmaus relating Himself to OT prophecies about the fact that the Christ had to
suffer. Again Jesus’ personally interacting with His disciples is underscored.
53
At the end of his gospel account, Luke records—

• how Jesus gave insight to His disciples about His fulfillment of
OT prophecy
• the essence of the gospel message—the atoning death and bodily
resurrection of Jesus
• the Great Commission
“and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all
nations beginning at Jerusalem...you are witnesses of these things.”
Lk. 24:47, 48
• the promise of Jesus to send the Holy Spirit to them from the Father
• the warning to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came
• the ascension of Jesus
• the joyful response and praise of His disciples
Luke’s closing focuses on his theme—
The disciples were to continue to “seek and save the lost” in the power of
the Holy Spirit after Jesus went back to heaven.
*For additional helps see the NIV/NASB/KJV (other Study Bibles may have
related resources).
Maps Charts
Palestine under Herod Capernaum synagogue
Parables of Jesus
Resurrection appearances
Theme/purpose
Luke wrote an orderly account of the life and ministry of Jesus to demonstrate
the validity of His claim to be the “Christ” who came as God’s Messiah to
seek and save the lost.
As followers of Jesus we should continue to “seek and save the lost” by
proclaiming the gospel in the power of the Spirit and to make disciples by
teaching them the truth of God’s Word.
6. Key chapters
Lk. 1 Prologue
Announcements of births of John the Baptist and Jesus
Birth of John the Baptist
2 Birth of Jesus
Childhood of Jesus
3 Baptism and genealogy through Mary
54
4 Temptation
Inauguration of ministry in Nazareth (fulfillment of Isa. 61)
5 Large catch of fish—realization of who Jesus is
6 Great Sermon on level place
9 Determination to go to Jerusalem
10 Sending out the 72
Parable of good Samaritan
12 Parable of rich fool
14 Teaching on requirements of discipleship
15 Lost sheep, coin and son
16 Teaching on wealth
Rich man in hell
19 Salvation of Zacchaeus
22 Lord’s Supper – New Covenant
Praying fervently in Garden
23 Trial before Herod
Two thieves on cross
24 Two disciples on road to Emmaus
Last instructions
Great Commission
Promise of Holy Spirit
Ascension
7. Key passages
1:1-4 7:11-17 16:1-14

1:5-17 7:36-50 16:16-17
1:18-23 8:1-3 16:18
1:26–45 9:18-26 16:19-31
1:46-56 9:51-56 17:11-19
1:57-66 9:57-62 17:20-37
1:67-80 10:1-16 18:1
2:1-20 10:17-24 18:31-34
2:21-38 10:25-37 19:1-10
2:39-52 10:38-42 19:11-27
3:1-6 11:1 19:45-48
3:7-18 12:13-34 20:1-8
3:23-38 12:40-48 21:1-4
4:1 12:49-53 22:14-23
4:14-21 13:1-5 22:31-32
4:22-30 13:10-17 22:39-46
4:38-40 13:18-24 23:6-12
5:1-11 14:1-6 23:32-38
55
5:17 14:7-11 23:39-47

5:20-26 14:15-24 24:13-35
5:32 14:25-35 24:36-43
6:12-16 15:1-7 24:44-49
6:17-19 15:8-10 24:50-53
6:20-49 15:11-32
Assignment:
one sentence write the main idea taught by that passage.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main Teachings
• John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah as God’s
promised messenger.
• Christ is the ultimate King who will sit on the Davidic throne.
• Jesus was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit.
• Salvation comes through forgiveness of sins based on the promise
of the Abrahamic Covenant.
• Jesus brought the light of revelation to Gentiles as well as Jews.
• Jesus was aware of His Messianic mission by the time He appeared
in the temple at age 12 or 13.
• Jesus’ physical line of descent goes back to Adam through Mary.
• Jesus conducted His earthly ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Jesus specifically fulfilled by His words and works the Messianic
requirements of Isaiah 61.
• In discipleship the goal is for the student to become like his teacher.
56
• Demons are subject to the authority of Jesus.
• Jesus never wavered in His resolve to go to Jerusalem to die as
the Savior of the world.
• Discipleship requires that Jesus have absolute first priority in the

disciple’s life.
• Ministry service is not the greatest cause for rejoicing—salvation is.
• Mercy is as much action as it is attitude.
• The common responsibilities of life will often distract us from time

with the Lord.
• Greed can take the place of God in our lives.
• When Jesus calls to salvation there are no acceptable excuses.
• The call to discipleship involves great cost:

– putting Christ above human relationships
– denying self-will and submitting to God
– giving up our rights to everything.
• God loves sinners and Christ died for sinners.

• Heaven rejoices when one sinner repents.
• God stands ready to forgive His wayward children.
• How the believer handles money demonstrates his spirituality.
• He who is faithful in little things will be entrusted with more

important matters.
• Hell is a real place of conscious eternal torment from which

there is no escape.
• Faith is increased by exercise.
• It is not impossible for a rich man to be saved (i.e., Zacchaeus).
• Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
57
• To whom much is given much is required.
• The New Covenant is in the blood of Christ.
• In the Garden Jesus fully submitted His will as a man to the will
of God the Father.
• Jesus was innocent of all the charges brought against Him.
• It is only too late to receive Jesus after death.
• Jesus had to suffer and die to enter into His glory.
• Jesus was written about in the law of Moses, all the prophets,
and the Psalms—in all of Scripture.
• Fellowship with Jesus brings spiritual awareness.
• Jesus’ resurrection body was real.
• Jesus opens our minds to understand Scripture.
• The message of the gospel is that Christ suffered, died and

rose again and that repentance for forgiveness of sins must
be preached in His name.
• Believers are witnesses to Christ.

• Believers must minister in the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Jesus ascended back into heaven after His resurrection appearance.
2 Sa. 7:16
Isa. 61:1-2
Ac. 1:8
1 Co. 2:6-16
1 Ti. 6:6-19
Heb. 9:13-18
58
• Prologue
• Details of births of John the Baptist and Jesus
• Physical line–genealogy through Mary
• Ministry of the Holy Spirit
• Childhood of Christ
• Messianic awareness as a child
• Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing
• Humanity of Christ
• Women involved in supporting Christ’s ministry
• Cost and demands of discipleship
• Teaching on greed and wealth
• Raising of dead son of widow of Nain
• 72 sent out
• Martha and Mary
• Unique parables
– Good Samaritan
– rich fool
– prodigal son
– lost coin
• Cleansing of 10 lepers
• Rich man in hell
• Discussion with thieves on cross
• Zacchaeus
• Jesus tried before Herod
• Two disciples on road to Emmaus
• Jesus’ last instructions to disciples
• Most complete, chronological account
• Most personal and intimate account
59
60
 John – Jesus, the Sinless Son of Man

 21 chapters
1 2-12 13-17 18-19 20-21

Chapters Chapters Chapters Chapters Chapters
1:1–51 2:1–12:50 13:1–17:26 18:1–19:42 20:1–21:25
Prologue Public Private Passion Postlude

Ministry Ministry
Presentment Witness of 7 Upper Room Witness of Witness of

of Jesus miracles signs Discourse • Arrest • Empty tomb
as God • Washing feet • Trials • Resurrection
Witness to: • Way to • Crucifixion • Appearances
Word • Nicodemus
in eternity the Father • Death • Meeting with
• Samaritan • Word as disciples
Word woman “I AM”
the Vine
in the world • Jews in control “Great
• Woman • Work of
Word Holy Spirit Commision”
as revelation caught in So I send you
adultery • Work of Feed my sheep
— disciples
Witness of: in world
Presentment
of Jesus • “I AM”
by John • Good
Shepherd
the Baptist
to • Mary’s
anointing
His disciples
• Palm Sunday
“Look, the
Lamb of God
who takes
away the sin
of the world”
The Gospel to the whole world

61
JOHN c. 90 AD
The Gospel of Jesus, the Perfect Son of God
The Word of God revealing God to men who must receive Him or reject Him
1 2 12 13 17 18 19 20 21
Purpose Witness Sign #1–Water to wine Upper Room Discourse Wickedness works its way- Witness of the empty tomb- resurrection
1:1-18 Washing the temple (2) arrest, trials (18) Witness of the appearances (20)
3. Book chart
Washing disciples’ feet (13)

“In the beginning was the Witness to Nicodemus (3) Great Commission
Word, and the Word was Word as “The Way” to the “As the Father has sent Me, I am sending
Witness to Samaritan Woman Wrong appears to prevail you... receive the Holy Spirit” (20:21)
with God, and the Word Witness Sign #2–Healing Father (14) crucifixion, death (19)
was God.” (1:1) Capernaum official’s son (4) Word as The “True Vine” Words on fishing and feeding.......... (21)
“When Jesus said, “I am
“The Word became flesh Witness Sign #3–Healing of –fruit bearing (15) He,” they drew back and
and made his dwelling paralytic (5) fell to the ground.”
among us. We have seen Work of the Holy Spirit Purpose Statement
Witness Sign #4–Feeding of (16) (18:6)
his glory, the glory of the 5000 “Jesus did many other miraculous
One and Only, who came Witness Sign #5–Walking on Work of disciples in the “Jesus answered, “You signs in the presence of his disciples
from the Father, full of water (6) would have no power which are not recorded in this book.
world (17)
grace and truth.” (1:14) over Me if it were not But these are written that you may
Witness to the world-belief/
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“No one has even seen given to you from above.” believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son
unbelief (7) Jesus’ high priestly of God, and that by believing you may
God, but God the One (19:11a)
Woman caught in adultery prayer for believers have life in His name.
and Only, who is at the “Jesus said.“It is finished”
Witness of “I AM” “Now this is eternal life: (20:30-31)
Father’s side, has made With that, he bowed his
Jews confronted with truth (8)
him known.” (1:18) that they may know you, head and gave up his spirit.” “Jesus did many other things as well.
Witness Sign #6–blind man the only true God, and Jesus If every one of them were written
Presentation healed (9) (19:30)
Christ, whom you have sent.” down, I suppose that even the whole
1:19-51 world would not have room for the
“Look, the Lamb of God Work of the Good Shepherd (17:3) IT IS FINISHED
(10) books that would be written.”
who takes away the sin of (21:25)
the world.” (1:29) Witness Sign#7–Raising of
Lazarus (11)
Witness of Mary’s anointing
Witness of Palm Sunday (12)
PUBLIC MINISTRY PRIVATE MINISTRY PASSION
PROLOGUE MIRACULOUS SIGNS MARVELOUS INSTRUCTION MATCHLESS SACRIFICE POSTLUDE
Revelation-Response Recitation Redemption
“These (signs) have been written that you may believe...and have life” (20:31) DJM
Gospel to the whole world - to believers
The Gospel of John was known in the early church as the “fourth Gospel” and
was most likely written in the late first century 85-90 AD.
The letter has a universal appeal but was written primarily to Christians and
contains much instruction to the church in chapters 13-17 (Upper Room
discourse) although the word “church” does not appear in the Gospel.
John’s gospel contains its own very clear and powerful purpose statement in
20:30-31—
“...but these [signs] have been written that you may believe that Jesus
is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life
in His name.”
Three of the key words of John are found in the purpose statement and provide a
clue to the theme and structure of the Gospel, i.e.—
1) Sign(s) (semeion) occurs about 17 times in John and refers not so

much to the miracle performed, but to what it signifies. The miracles
were authenticating signs of the divinity and messiah-ship of Christ.
The signs point to God’s revelation of Himself in Christ.
2) Believe (pisteuo) occurs roughly 100 times in John and relates to the
response which God desires to His revelation in Christ. John majors
on the conflict between belief (reception) of Christ and unbelief
(rejection), always forcing a decision. It is never simply intellectual
assent but always involves actively placing trust in Christ. To believe
is to see; to receive is to obey Christ.
3) Life (zoe) as a noun or verb occurs some 40 times in John and relates
to the result which comes from believing in Christ (see 1:12-13;
20:30-31).
Other key words in John are: light, darkness, Word, witness, world, abide, truth,
glory, Father, love.
While the theme can be seen in the purpose statement, it is perhaps most vividly
depicted in such verses as—
“He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but he who does not
obey the Son shall not see life.” (3:36)
“For unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins.”
(8:24)
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In the first 12 chapters of John the central focus is on the seven miraculous signs
which point to Jesus as the Christ of God, while chapters 13-21 concentrate on love
expressed in spiritual and human relationships.
John’s gospel is unique both for what it omits (selectivity of material is

stated—20:30; 21:25) and what it includes. Therefore, it stands in sharp contrast
to the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) as a beautiful complement
to them.
And it is at once the most profound (1:1-2) and yet simple (3:16) of all the
gospels. It is also the most theologically significant and Christo-centric of the
gospels, presenting Christ as God in the flesh.
Ninety percent of John’s material is unique to this gospel. Of John’s seven

miraculous signs, five are distinctly recorded here—only walking on the water
and the feeding of 5,000 are common with the synoptics.
John utilizes several recurring themes, dramatic contrasts and picturesque

language to substantiate his purpose. For example, love is a predominate theme—
of God the Father for the Son, of the Son for the Father, of the Father and Son for
the world, and of the love for one another which should result. Dramatic contrasts
are made between light and darkness, flesh and spirit, life and death. But more
than anything else Jesus is equated with the “I AM” of the Old Testament—God
Himself having taken the form of a man. Christ is seen as Life, Light, Bread of
Heaven, Truth, the Word, the Only Begotten Son, the Way, the Door, and the
Resurrection. Christ’s ministry is threefold:
1) to do the will of the Father with respect to His role as Savior

2) to glorify the Father before men
3) to reveal to men the Father.
As the Gospel unfolds not only is the reader presented with a beautiful and moving
portrait of Christ as God, but he is also confronted with a demanded response—
believe or perish. Man’s response to God’s presentation of His Son Jesus should
be to believe in order to obtain eternal life. So John demonstrates clearly God’s
love gift of His Son to provide salvation, while at the same time stressing that
man has a corresponding responsibility to believe. Also stressed is the necessity
of abiding in Christ as the secret to living the life of a true believer.
Chapters 1:1 – 1:51 — Prologue
The prologue of John’s gospel is especially significant as it presents in miniature

the entire ministry of Christ as the eternal Word of God who came into the world
to reveal God to men who must either receive Him or reject Him. The deity and
eternality of Jesus are clearly presented here as is His earthly mission. “Word”
refers to Jesus’ role as the revelation by God of Himself embodied in human form
(see Heb. 1:1-3).
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In the first part of the prologue (1:1-18) John presents Jesus Christ as the eternal
Word of God who became a man to reveal God to men so that those who believe
in Him would be saved.
In the second part of the prologue (1:19-51) Jesus is presented to the world by
John the Baptist as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”
(1:29). And as Jesus’ disciples began to follow Him, it became clear that He
was indeed the Messiah — “the Son of God, the King of Israel” (1:49).
Chapters 2:1 – 12:50 — Public Ministry of Jesus

This section of John focuses on Jesus witnessing to people and seven miraculous
signs which bear witness to who Jesus is. These miraculous signs, beginning
with changing water to wine, were all designed to—
• prove Jesus was the Messiah
• glorify God
• lead people to believe in Jesus.
The first temple cleansing at the start of Jesus’ ministry was designed to establish
His authority and the holiness of His ministry as opposed to the religious system
of the day.
Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman at the well demon-
strate what is required for a person to be “born again” by the Spirit of God. John
intersperses throughout his gospel significant theological discourses (instruction)
and continually illustrates the responses of different people and groups to Jesus.
Jesus was reaching out in witness to Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles—i.e., to all
people.
The rejection of Jesus by His own people, the Jews, as previewed in the prologue,
occupies a great deal of attention in this section. The more miraculous signs
Jesus performed, the more intense became His rejection by the Jewish leaders.
And after each miraculous sign, Jesus had an important teaching discourse.
For Jesus to claim to be “I AM” was the equivalent of claiming to be God for
He was using the OT name for God in reference to Himself (see Ex. 3:13-15).
Finally, in confronting the Jews Jesus told them that unless they believed that He
was Messiah, they would die in their sins. Not only that, they were really not true
children of Abraham unless they claimed God’s promises by faith, not by keeping
the law or personal merit.
Jesus healing the man born blind from birth brought the religious conflict to a
head—there were really only two choices – to receive Christ or reject Him. The
single most unique contribution of John is perhaps seen in the resurrection account
where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Only God could raise the dead so
Jesus’ claim to be God in the flesh was complete. This miraculous sign caused
many to believe in Jesus.
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The Jewish religious leaders, however, became more convinced than ever that
unless Jesus were killed, their religious system would be doomed. So they plotted to
kill Jesus. Further witness to Jesus was made by Mary anointing him with precious
perfume as if for burial and by His Palm Sunday entrance into Jerusalem.
This section closes by recounting that while many people believed in Jesus, others,
especially the religious leaders, rejected Him in spite of the many things which
clearly witnessed as to His authenticity.
Chapters 13:1 – 17:26 — Private Ministry
Chapters 13-17 almost constitute an intermission or parenthesis in the text before

the story resumes in chapter 18 where Jesus is arrested.
The focus of John here is on the private instruction of Jesus to His disciples in
light of His impending death. This instruction is often called the Upper Room Dis-
course and likely occurred during and after the Last Supper on Thursday before
His Friday morning crucifixion.
Jesus was clearly preparing His disciples to minister effectively after He was
gone. The message was for them and all who would later believe in Jesus.
By example and in words Jesus carefully instructed His disciples concerning

servant-hood and forgiveness; His return to heaven to prepare a place for them; the
coming of the Holy Spirit to teach and empower them; the promise of peace in
Him in the midst of the troubles of the world; the necessity of abiding in Christ
as the true Vine; the disciples’ witnessing work in the world; and the disciples’
unity with God and each other as they carried out God’s purpose in the world to
make Christ known to all men.
Chapters 18:1 – 19:42 — Passion
The passion account of Jesus by John is short and direct. The arrest, trials and
crucifixion picture graphically the rejection of Jesus. But also pictured here is the
fact that Jesus was in complete control of the situation—
• in the garden
• before Pilate
• on the cross
because He laid down His life by His own choice. Jesus’ sacrificial mission was
truly “finished.”
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Chapters 20:1 – 21:25 — Postlude
The conclusion of John’s gospel focuses on the resurrection appearance of Jesus

at the tomb and to His disciples on three different occasions.
The emphasis is on the reality of His resurrection body and the varying responses
of His disciples. John’s version of the Great Commission centers on their mission
being the same as Christ’s— “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you”
(Jn. 20:21). John also includes here his purpose statement for writing—to record
miracle signs so that people would believe in Jesus and have eternal life in Him.
John closes with an intimate meeting between Jesus and the disciples on the
shore of the Sea of Galilee where He asks Peter if he loves Him and then instructs
Peter to “feed My sheep.”
John ends finally with a reference to the genuineness of his own witness even
though it has been a selective one.
John’s gospel does indeed supplement, complement and complete the Synoptic
Gospels with a distinctive portrait of Christ.
Theme/purpose
The Apostle John recorded and arranged selected material from the life of
Christ including seven miraculous signs, a theological prologue and a num-
ber of discourses in order to demonstrate that (1) Jesus Christ is not only the
Messiah, but the Son of God (deity); and (2) by believing in Him one may
obtain eternal life (20:31).
Christ demands a response to who He is and there are only two options—
reject Him and die in your sins or receive Him and live eternally with Him,
beginning in the present as we abide in Him.
For additional helps, see the NIV/NASB/KJV Study Bible (other Study Bibles
may have realted resources).
Maps Chart
Jesus in Judea and Samaria Miracles of Jesus
Jesus in Galilee
Jesus in Galilee
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6. Key Chapters
Jn. 1 Prologue—the Word; the Lamb of God

2 1st miracle/sign; water to wine
3 Nicodemus
4 Samaritan woman
5 Healing at pool of Bethesda
6 Bread of Life discourse
7 Living Water discourse
8 Woman caught in adultery
“I AM”
9 Healing of man born blind
10 Good Shepherd discourse
11 Raising of Lazarus
13-17 Upper Room discourse
20 Great Commission
21 Feed My sheep
7. Key passages

1:1-13 8:1-11 15:1-17
1:14-18 8:12-24 15:18-27
1:19-34 8:25-30 16:1-6
1:43-51 8:31-47 16:7-15
2:1-11 8:48-59 16:25-33
2:12-25 9:1-12 17:1-5
3:1-9 9:13-23 17:6-19
3:10-21 9:24-41 17:20-26
3:22-36 10:1-18 18:1-11
4:1-29 10:19-21 18:12-14
4:30-42 10:22-42 18:28-40
4:43-54 11:1-44 19:1-16
5:1-9 11:45-57 19:25-27
5:10-18 12:1-11 19:28-30
5:19-47 12:12-19 19:38-42
6:15-21 12:20-50 20:10-18
6:22-40 13:1-15 20:19-25
6:41-51 13:16-20 20:26-31
6:52-71 13:21-30 21:1-14
7:1-13 13:31-35 21:15-23
7:14-29 14:1-14 21:24-25
7:30-36 14:15-26
7:37-53 14:27-31
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Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main Teachings
• Jesus is the eternal Word of God.

• Jesus was with God and is God.
• Jesus was involved in creation.
• Jesus came into the world as the light of revelation.
• Jesus was rejected by the Jews.
• Those who believe in Jesus become sons of God.
• Jesus fully embodied the glory of God.
• Grace and truth came through Jesus.
• No man has ever seen God except as revealed in Jesus.
• Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
• Jesus is the “stairway” from earth (men) to heaven (God).
• Jesus’ miraculous signs
– verified Him as Messiah
– glorified God
– cause some to believe in Him.
• Jesus knew what was in the hearts of men.
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• A man must be born again of the Spirit to enter God’s Kingdom

(be saved).
• God’s love motivated Him to send Jesus as the Savior of the world.
• He who believes in Jesus is saved and receives eternal life.
• He who does not believe in Jesus stands in darkness condemned by
his own sins and receives his just reward—wrath.
• Men love their deeds of darkness.
• Jesus gives the Holy Spirit as living water to those who believe.
• God is Spirit.
• God is looking for true worshippers who worship Him in spirit
and truth.
• Jesus came to do the work and will of the Father.
• Scripture bears witness of who Jesus is.
• The will of God is for those who believe to be saved.
• Jesus’ teachings on discipleship are difficult—not everyone is
willing to follow Him.
• Jesus’ words are spirit and life to those who believe.
• Doing God’s will brings awareness of knowledge of the truth.
• The only sin which cannot be forgiven is unbelief.
• Jesus is the Bread of Life and Light of the World.
• Those who refuse to believe in Jesus will die in their sins.
• Truly knowing Jesus brings freedom from bondage to sin and
slavery to religious systems.
• Discipleship is proven by abiding in the Word of Christ.
• Salvation is not a religion but a right relationship to God
through Jesus Christ.
• Before Abraham was born Jesus was “I AM.”
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• Not all sickness and disease is caused by sin.
• God desires us to bear witness of Him regardless of the consequences.
• Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows all of His own sheep by name.
• God’s sheepfold includes both Jew and Gentile.
• The believer is eternally secure in Christ who is in the Father’s hand.
• Jesus and the Father are one in essence and purpose.
• Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
• Faith takes Jesus at His word.
• The Jews killed Jesus for fear of losing their religion and position
with Rome.
• When Jesus is lifted up, He draws men to Himself.
• Jesus has cast out the ruler of this world (Satan).
• Jesus appeared as the Glory of God to Isaiah.
• A disciple who follows Jesus will have a spirit of servant-hood
and forgiveness.
• Discipleship is proven by having love for one another.
• Jesus has gone back to heaven to prepare a place for all true believers.
• When you have seen Jesus you have seen God the Father.
• Those who love Jesus obey His commandments.
• No man comes to God except through Jesus—the Way, the Truth,
the Life.
• Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as the Counselor to minister in the place
of Jesus.
• The Holy Spirit

– guides believers into the truth
– bears witness of Jesus
– teaches the believer about Jesus
– indwells the believer
– convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.
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• Jesus is the true Vine.

– We must abide in Him to bear fruit.
– Apart from Jesus we can do nothing.
– Bearing fruit proves we are disciples.
• Jesus has chosen and appointed us to bear fruit for Him.
• The world hates and persecutes believers because it hated and

persecuted Jesus.
• In the world believers will have troubles, but faith in Jesus enables
us to overcome in the midst of trouble.
• Eternal life is knowing Jesus.
• God’s word is truth.
• Jesus sends believers into the world to make known God’s truth.
• Believers should be unified in spirit and purpose.
• Jesus was in authority and control during His arrest and trials.
• Jesus died of His own accord when He had finished the Father’s
mission.
• The resurrection body of Jesus was real and yet could pass through
closed doors.
• Belief in Christ brings eternal life.
• Those who follow Jesus must feed His sheep.
• John did not record all that Jesus said and did.
9. Selected related scripture
Ex. 3:13-15
Lev. 16:20-22
Isa. 55:8-11
1 Jn. 5:1-13
Heb. 1:1-3
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• Omissions
– no birth or childhood narrative
– no record of Christ’s temptation
– no Sermon on the Mount
– no parables
– no casting out of demons or healing of lepers
– no confession of Peter
– no transfiguration
– no eschatological address
– no record of the Lord’s Supper
– no record of Gethsemane agony
– no record of the ascension
• Unique features
– Prologue and Jesus as the Word “Logos”
– Nicodemus
– Samaritan woman
– Woman caught in adultery
– Raising of Lazarus
– Upper Room discourse
– Seven miraculous signs
– Seven “I AM” statements
– Extended teaching discourses of great theological significance
– Jesus as the Lamb of God sacrificed for the sins of the world
– Cleansing of temple at start of ministry.
The Seven Miracle–Signs of John’s Gospel
Demonstrates Power Over

Natural Elements Water changed to wine (2:1-11)
Distance Son of Capernaum official healed (4:46-54)
Sickness Healing of paralytic at pool (5:1-15)
Scarcity Feeding of 5,000 (6:1-14)
Laws of Nature Walking on the sea (6:16-21)
Blindness Healing of blind man (9:1-41)
Death Raising of Lazarus (11:1-45)
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The Seven “I AM” Statements of Christ in John’s Gospel
Illustrates “I AM”
Provision—physically the Bread of Life (6:35)
Provision—salvation the Light of the World (8:12)
Portal the Gate for the Sheep (10:7)
Protector the Good Shepherd (10:11)
Power the Resurrection and the Life (11:25)
Pathway the Way, the Truth and the Life (14:6)
Provision—spiritually the True Vine (15:1)
Structural Chart Of John’s Gospel
Public Private Purpose

Prologue Passion Postlude
Ministry Ministry Statement
The Word The Word The Word The Word The Word The Word
revealed in revealed to revealed to realized in recognized in reflected in
preview and rejected and received His miracle/signs relationship
by the world by His mission
disciples
1:1-18 1:19 12:50 13:1 17:26 18:1 20:29 20:30-31 21:1-25
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B. The One Book Of Church History
 Acts – The Founding and Growth of the Church

 28 chapters
Chapters Chapters Chapters

1–7 8 – 12 13 – 28
Church Founded Church forced out Church freed in the world
    Pentecost        Peter          Paul
Ascension of Jesus Philip-spread of Gospel Paul and Barnabas set apart

Great Commission Paul’s conversion 1st Missionary Journey
Coming of Holy Spirit Peter’s vision Jerusalem Council
Power of God Gospel to Gentiles 2nd Missionary Journey
Persecution Church at Antioch • Philippi
Purging of church “Christians” • Athens
Deacons Peter freed from jail 3rd Missionary Journey
Stoning of Stephen Paul and Barnabas • Corinth
Scattering of church return to Antioch • Ephesus
Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem
Paul’s defense
• Sanhedrin
• Felix
• Festus
• Agrippa
Shipwreck
Rome
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ACTS c. 62 AD Luke
The founding and growth of the Church
“The early church’s witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ by the apostles Peter and Paul through the power of the Holy Spirit”
3. Book chart
Acts of the Holy Spirit through PETER Acts of the Holy Spirit through PAUL
1 7 8 12 13 28
Ascent of Jesus (1) Philip—spread of gospel (8) 1st Missionary Journey
Descent of Holy Spirit (2) Paul’s conversion (9) Paul & Barnabas set apart (13)
Dynamic church in action (2) Peter’s vision—Cornelius (10) Paul stoned at Lystra (14)
Miraculous Power of God (3) Church at Antioch (11) Jerusalem Council—circumcision (15)
Persecution follows power (4) Peter’s jail break (12)
2nd Missionary Journey
Purging — Ananias & Sapphira (5)
Widows & deacons (6) “Then Peter began to speak: Paul & Roman jailer at Philippi (16)
Stephen—Sermon & stoning (7) ‘I now realize how true it is that Paul & the Greeks in Athens (17)
God does not show favoritism Paul with Aquila & Priscilla at Corinth (18)
“They devoted themselves to the
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apostles’ teaching and to the fellow- but accepts men from every 3rd Missionary Journey
ship, to the breaking of bread and nation who fear him and do Paul at Ephesus (19)
to prayer. Everyone was filled with what is right.’ ” (10:34-35) Paul at Miletus with the Ephesian elders (20)
awe, and many wonders and miracu- Road to Rome
lous signs were done by the apostles. “Everyone who believes in
Him receives forgiveness Paul’s return to and arrest in Jerusalem (21)
And the Lord added to their number Paul’s defense—recounting conversion (22)
daily those who were being saved.” of sins through His name.” (10:43)
Paul before the Sanhedrin—on to Caesarea (23)
(2:42-43, 47) Paul’s defense before Felix (24)
“They were all filled with the Holy Paul’s defense before Festus (25)
Paul’s defense before Agrippa (26)
Spirit and spoke the Word of God Paul’s shipwreck (27)
boldly.” (4:31) Paul in Rome (28)
Church founded Church forced out Church freed in the world
Witness in Jerusalem to Jews Witness in Judea and Samaria Witness in the uttermost part of the earth to Gentiles
PENTECOST – POWER – PETER – PREACHING – PERSECUTION – PURGING – PAUL – PROGRESS
“You shall receive power... and you shall be my witnesses” (1:8) DJM
Acts was written by Luke about 64-65 AD as a sequel to his gospel to record the
history of the early church for a period of about 30 years from 33 AD to 65 AD.
Acts is a transition book that serves to connect the Gospels to the Epistles, which
record the instruction to the church.
But Acts is not just history—it is history from a theological perspective which
shows continuity between the teaching and ministry of Jesus and the teaching
and ministry of the Apostles, as the Great Commission was begun to be fulfilled.
Acts serves as the key link demonstrating shift in focus from—
• law to grace
• legalism to liberty in Christ
• Judaism to Christianity
• Gospel for Jews alone to gospel for Jews and Gentiles
• Israel as God’s chosen instrument to the church
• Synagogue/temple to church
• Jerusalem to the world
• Sabbath observance to the Lord’s Day (Sunday)
• performance of works to the power of the Holy Spirit
In fact, the main character in the book of Acts is the Holy Spirit. Acts depicts
the beginnings of the church, the growth and spread of the church in response to
persecution, and the establishment of the church as far as Rome, Italy.
Chapters 1–7 — Church founded Pentecost
Luke begins Acts by linking the book to his earlier gospel account and the
promise of Jesus to send the Holy Spirit to empower the disciples to be witnesses
to Christ and to minister in His name (see Lk. 24:45-53). This theme runs consis-
tently throughout Acts.
The account of Jesus’ 40 days on earth following His resurrection is also

emphasized as Luke records yet another aspect of the Great Commission.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and
you will be witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth.” Ac. 1:8
Jesus then ascended into heaven and the disciples were left waiting for the
coming of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, 50 days after the resurrection,
the Holy Spirit descended and filled the 120 gathered with great power so that
they spoke in foreign language (tongues) which were unknown to them but
understood by the hearers. It was an incredible miracle/sign to authenticate their
message and inaugurate the Church Age.
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Peter then preached a Spirit-filled sermon (biblical message) centered on the

resurrection and as a result 3000 people were saved that day.
It was a time of great power, wonder, excitement and awe as the early church
engaged in fellowship, teaching, praying, worship and praise—all to the glory
of God.
Miracles and messages of great power characterized the time but persecution soon
set in from the religious leaders just as Jesus had predicted. Peter and John were
persecuted and jailed for preaching the gospel, but in the power of prayer they
did not stop and continued to preach with great boldness. Problems were not just
encountered from those outside the church but also from those within as purging
from lying, greed and deception resulted in the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira
by an act of God.
The apostles were again jailed for preaching the gospel, but God delivered them and
they continued to preach a message of repentance to the Jews.
As the work of the ministry grew, the apostles devoted themselves to prayer
and the ministry of the Word (preaching–teaching) and had the people select
spirit-filled men who were wise and of good reputation to serve as “deacons.”
One of these men was Stephen who began to speak out boldly for the gospel and
to perform miracle/signs. Stephen was arrested for blasphemy by the Sanhedrin. In
his defense Stephen preached a marvelous message of great conviction and as a
result was stoned to death as the first Christian martyr.
Chapters 8 – 12 — Church forced out Peter
It was persecution and the death of Stephen which caused the church to scat-
ter out from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria, and finally the whole world. Saul
(later to become Paul) intensified his persecution of Christians after witnessing
with approval the death of Stephen.
Through the preaching of Philip the gospel spread to Samaria and then to an
Ethiopian eunuch who represented perhaps the first Gentile convert. This was a
mini-preview of the rejection of the gospel by the Jews and the reception of the
gospel by many Gentiles.
Meanwhile, Saul encountered the Lord on the road to Damascus and was
miraculously converted, although it was to be a number of years before Saul as
Paul would become the chief apostle.
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The focus in this section remained on Peter who was given a vision from the
Lord while at the house of Simon the tanner in Joppa, which clearly taught that
the regulatory aspects of the law were gone, and that the gospel was not exclu-
sively for the Jews but also for the Gentiles. Simon was directed by God to the
house of a Gentile named Cornelius who heard the gospel and was saved. The
Holy Spirit was given to these Gentile believers and the implication was clear—
a person did not have to become a Jew and obey the legalism of Judaism to be
saved. This was important for the spread of the gospel.
With the Jewish religious establishment still rejecting Christianity, the center
of the Christian church began to shift from Jerusalem to Antioch in Syria about
300 miles NW of Jerusalem. Barnabas was sent there to check on the miraculous
reports, and after confirming them left to look for Saul whom he brought to
Antioch.
It was here at Antioch that—

• Saul and Barnabas taught for a year
• the disciples were first called Christians
• Saul and Barnabas took a famine relief collection back to
the saints in Judea.
In Jerusalem persecution increased as Peter was put in prison and James, the
brother of John, was killed by Herod the King. But God freed Peter from prison
and he went to Caesarea. Meanwhile, God brought judgment on Herod who
died and the gospel continued to spread and the church grew. Barnabas and Saul
returned to Antioch which would soon become the missionary-sending church of
early Christianity.
Persecution and the power of God had forced the disciples to be obedient and
spread the gospel.
Chapters 13 – 28 — Church freed in the world Paul
The focus of Acts then turned from Peter as the apostle of the gospel to the Jews,
to Paul as the apostle of the gospel to the Gentiles. The Church had now been
forced from the geographical limits of Jerusalem.
At Antioch Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Holy Spirit and sent out by
the Church on the first missionary journey to Asia Minor centering on a number
of Galatian cities—Perga, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. While
Paul continued to witness to the Jews, his ministry increasingly turned to the
Gentiles. This first missionary trip firmly established Paul as the primary apostle
to the Gentiles.
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This first missionary journey was highlighted by—

• great response to the gospel
• great persecution of Paul
• establishment of churches in Asia Minor and appointment of elders.
Many received the message of the gospel but many also rejected it. Upon Paul’s
returning to Antioch, a report was given about God’s powerful work and the
response of faith by the Gentiles.
And while the geographical restrictions of Jerusalem had been broken, the religious
restrictions had not. In Acts chapter 15 Luke recorded the event known as the
Jerusalem Council which took place in 49 AD and settled the hotly debated issue
of whether or not a Gentile had to be circumcised and become a Jew to be saved.
Paul and Barnabas led the discussion and this position prevailed because it was
God’s position—salvation is by faith in Christ alone; one does not have to become
“a Jew” to be saved.
After teaching and preaching the Word in Antioch for a time, Paul and Barnabas
set out on their second Missionary Journey. First they visited the cities where
churches had earlier been established and then Paul heard God’s call to go west
to Macedonia and Greece and the edge of Europe. Most of the ministry took
place at Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea and in Athens where Paul preached to the
Greeks. The last part of this second trip was spent at Corinth in Greece. The gospel
expanded farther on this trip with great results although there was also great
persecution.
The third Missionary Journey from Antioch focused on Ephesus where Paul
spent almost three years teaching and preaching the gospel. From there Paul
revisited most of the churches he had established on the second journey in
Macedonia and Galatia. Paul called the Ephesian elders to Miletus and counseled
with them before he left for Jerusalem against the advice of most. The Jews were
still very upset about Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles.
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Paul was arrested by the Jews who would have
killed him had the Romans not intervened because Paul was a Roman citizen.
In succession Paul defended himself—
• before the Romans
• before the Jewish Sanhedrin
• before the Roman official Felix at Caesarea where he had been
taken for safety reasons
• before Festus
• before King Agrippa (the great grandson of Herod the Great).
Paul was not found guilty but was held for almost two years for political reasons.
Rather than fall into the hands of the Jews, Paul as a Roman citizen, used his
legal rights and appealed to Caesar. Finally, Paul was sent by ship to Rome.
Although he encountered a shipwreck on the way, God sovereignly brought him to
Rome where he was under “house arrest” for two years and where he preached
the gospel. Acts ends with Paul having taken the gospel all the way to Rome.
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Indeed, Acts 1:8 had begun to be fulfilled in the power of God by obedient men.
The ministry of Christ on earth was continuing through His church.
For additional helps see the NIV/NASB/KJV Study Bible (other Study Bibles
may have related resources).
Maps Charts
Countries of People Mentioned Major Archaeological Finds

at Pentecost Relating to the New Testament,
Philip’s and Peter’s Missionary Timeline of Paul’s Life
Journeys
Roman Damascus
The Spread of the Gospel
Paul’s First Missionary Journey
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey
Paul’s Journey to Rome
Theme/purpose
In Acts Luke records the theological history of the church from its founding
at Pentecost to its spread throughout the then known world as the disciples, in
the power of the Holy Spirit, witnessed to the gospel of Christ to both Jew
and Gentile alike in beginning to fulfill the Great Commission.
In the power of the Holy Spirit, all believers are called to carry on the
earthly ministry of Jesus by witnessing to Christ and ministering in His
name as part of His body, the Church.
6. Key Chapters
Ac. 1 Be My witnesses
2 Coming of Holy Spirit at Pentecost
4 Preaching in spite of persecution
5 Purging of the Church
6 Deacons selected
7 Stoning of Stephen
8 Scattering of the Church
Conversion of Ethiopian Eunuch
9 Conversion of Paul
10 Peter’s vision—salvation to Gentiles, too
11 Church shifts to Antioch
12 Death of James
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13 Paul and Barnabas set apart—1st Missionary Journey

15 Jerusalem Council
16 2nd Missionary Journey—Philippi, Thessalonica
17 Paul in Athens
18 Paul at Corinth
Third Missionary Journey—Ephesus
20 Farewell speech to Ephesian elders
21 Paul arrested in Jerusalem
26 Paul’s defense and appeal to Caesar before Agrippa
27 Shipwreck on way to Rome
28 Paul in Rome
7. Key passages
1:1-5 9:1-19 16:6-10

1:6-11 9:20-31 16:11-15
1:12-14 9:32-43 16:25-34
1:15-26 10:1-28 17:1-6
2:1-13 10:34-48 17:10-12
2:14-21 11:1-18 17:16-34
2:22-24 11:19-24 18:1-5
2:25-41 11:25-30 18:23-28
2:42-47 12:1-2 19:1-9
3:1-11 12:3-11 19:13-20
3:12-21 12:21-23 19:21
4:1-22 12:24-25 20:17-28
4:23-31 13:1-3 21:11-14
4:32-37 13:4-12 21:15-19
5:1-11 13:16-39 23:1-10
5:12-42 13:42-48 23:11
6:1-7 13:49-52 24:1-5
6:8-15 14:1-4 24:16-21
7:48-53 14:19-20 25:1-11
7:54-60 14:21-28 26:1-8
8:1-3 15:1-29 26:12-20
8:4-5 15:30-35 26:22-32
8:14-25 15:36-40 27:21-25
8:26-40 16:1-5 28:16-24
28:28-31
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Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main Teachings
• Jesus appeared for 40 days after His resurrection.
• Believers are to be witnesses to Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit

to the whole world.
• Jesus will return in the same way He ascended.
• Salvation comes only through the powerful work of the Holy Spirit.
• Christ was crucified by men according to the sovereign plan of God.

• Preaching the Word in the power of the Spirit produces results.
• The Church should be involved in

– fellowship
– teaching
– praying
– praise
– worship
– evangelism.
• Evangelism of the lost and edification of believers is the work of

the Church.
• Jesus is the only thing we have to offer to men.
• Repentance is necessary for salvation.
• Persecution should be expected when we preach the gospel.
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• We must obey God rather than men.
• Prayer will make our witness bold.
• Believers should share freely of everything they have to meet the needs
of the Church.
• Lying to the Holy Spirit and deceiving men is a serious sin.
• Nothing can thwart the ministry of the gospel when it is truly the work
of God.
• Servants of God should be

– wise
– of good reputation
– full of the Holy Spirit.
• Pastors should concentrate on prayer and ministering the Word.
• Israel rejected her own Messiah.
• Persecution caused the Church to scatter and grow.
• Receiving the Holy Spirit is proof of salvation.
• The Old Testament points to Christ.
• Jesus is the suffering servant promised in the Old Testament book

of Isaiah.
• Only the power of God can cause a true conversion.
• New converts should mature before being given positions of authority.
• Jesus brought an end to the regulatory aspects of the law.
• The gospel is for Gentile as well as Jew.
• Forgiveness of sins comes through believing Jesus.
• God is looking for good men, full of faith and the Holy Spirit.
• Believers were first called “followers of the way” and then Christians.
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• The center of the early Christian church shifted from Jerusalem to
Antioch from which Paul’s three missionary journeys originated.
• Some who preach the gospel will be martyred.
• God’s Word causes spiritual and numerical growth in the Church.
• The Holy Spirit sets apart men for the ministry and missionary work.
• The local church should send out missionaries.
• The gospel will be received by some and rejected by others.
• God is looking for men who

– seek after Him
– have a spirit of obedience
– are willing to serve His purposes in their own generation.
• While Peter was primarily the apostle of Christ to the Jews, Paul was
the apostle of Christ to the Gentiles.
• Salvation comes through the third promise of the Abrahamic Covenant.
• The gospel preached in the power of the Spirit will stir people up and
cause dissension.
• Believers should strengthen and encourage each other.
• Believers should report joyfully on what the Lord is doing through them.
• Spiritually qualified elders should be appointed in each church.
• Only faith in Christ is required for salvation.
• One does not need to become a Jew to be saved.
• We should be obedient to God’s call to minister in a particular place.
• We must reason with unbelievers about the truths of the gospel.
• We should eagerly and daily examine the scriptures to see if what men
teach and preach is true.
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• The central message of the gospel is the bodily resurrection of Christ

which guarantees forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
• Real repentance involves turning to God and an actual turning away

from sin.
• In love and truth we should correct each other’s teaching.
• The functions of elder, overseer and pastor are interchangeable.
• The pastor must guard carefully against false teaching by teaching

correct doctrine.
• God’s will sometimes involves unjust suffering and hardship for

the believer.
• We should always be ready to give a good defense of the gospel which

focuses on Christ and His work on the cross.
• God works out His will in His way and His time.
• We should never be ashamed or embarrassed to testify to Christ

before men.
• God is faithful to His promises.
• Faith is taking God literally at His word.
• Our relationship to God takes priority over our service for God.
• We should use the Old Testament as well as the New Testament to

teach about Christ.
9. Selected related scriptures:

Isa. 49:6
Eze. 36:22-28
Joel 2:28-32
Lk. 24:45-49
Ro. 10:8-9
1 Co. 15:1-3
Col. 1:24-29
Rev. 5:5-14
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• “You shall be my witnesses”

• Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
• Beginning of the Church
• Early profile of the Church
• Persecution and scattering of the Church
• “Deacons” first selected
• Stoning of Stephen
• Philip and Ethiopian eunuch
• Conversion of Saul on Damascus road
• Peter’s vision—salvation to Gentiles
• Barnabas—son of encouragement
• Antioch as sending missionary church
• Holy Spirit setting apart for service
• Believers called “the way”
• Believers first called Christians at Antioch
• Jerusalem Council—don’t have to become a Jew to be saved
• Paul’s three missionary journeys
• Paul’s sermon to the Greeks in Athens
• Mixed response to the gospel
• Paul’s arrest and appeal to Caesar
• Paul’s shipwreck
• Paul in Rome—God’s way
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C. The 13 letters of Paul
• Introduction
It was to the Apostle Paul that God entrusted most of the writing of instructive
letters to the early Christian community, both churches and individuals.
Perhaps Paul’s background as a Jew, his fervent persecution of the early church,
and his dramatic personal encounter with the Lord on the Damascus Road
equipped him better than anyone else to understand the gospel.
These 13 letters (nine to churches and four to individuals) were written by Paul
over a period of roughly 20 years (c. 48 AD–68 AD) at different times and from
various places on his three missionary journeys.
The NT letters were real letters addressing real people, issues and problems in
the early church, but they were also the inspired, divine revelation (scripture) of
God instructing the church in the essentials of salvation and Christian living.
And these letters should be viewed as timeless guides to living a life that is
pleasing to God.
It is appropriate that Romans is included first in the canonical order since it is

the longest and most comprehensive presentation of the truth of the Gospel and
the principles of living by faith in the power of the spirit.
Most of the NT letters will follow a set pattern

• introduction/greetings
• doctrine section
• application section
• closing
and address specific issues or particular problems which were of special
instruction to the recipients but also of general instruction and application to
churches then and now.
The nine letters addressed to churches (Romans–2 Thessalonians) start with

the longest and are arranged in order of decreasing length. The four letters to
individuals (1 Timothy–Philemon) are similarly arranged.
The probable dates and order of writing of all the NT letters are shown in the NT
introductory material.
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90
 Romans – The gospel explained and applied c. 58 AD Paul
 16 chapters
DOCTRINE PRACTICE
Chapter Chapters Chapter Chapters Chapters Chapters

1:1-17 1:18-5:21 6-8 9-11 12-15:13 15:14-16:27
Prologue Sin Sanctification Sovereignty Service Ambition

Salvation
Gospel All men lack Believer has God’s plan Living Closing—
• is power righteousness been freed for Israel sacrifice Aspiring to
of God for from power Past election Transformed preach the
All men have
salvation of sin --not-- gospel
sinned Present Conformed
• reveals Believer selection —
All men are
God’s cannot Future Exercising
lost Desiring to
righteous- live Christian redemption spiritual
• works see you
ness life in own — gifts
• personal
strength Until Gentiles Relating
merit
• heritage Walking in the come in properly
will not power of the toward God,
save Holy Spirit is church,
the key gov’t,
Salvation
believers,
comes Believer is
unbelievers
through eternally
faith in Christ secure Freedom
in Christ in Christ
Condemnation
Debatable
Justification
power issues
righteousness wrath-grace mercy
love edification
Note: These six major divisions are contained in the two basic sections of
Romans — Doctrine, 1-11 and Practice 12-16.
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ROMANS c. 58 AD
The Righteousness of God Paul
Righteousness of God Proclaimed Righteousness of God Practiced

P P
3. Book chart
R 1 5 6 8 9 11 12 15 O
O Rejection & Toward Toward Toward S
Condemnation–Justification Sanctification
L Restoration God others weaker T
O Man’s Plight God’s God’s Power God’s Plan and the and and L
Provision for Church society stronger
G — — U
Israel brothers
U — –– –– D
All have Practice of ––
E Thru faith in –– A Overcome Accept E
sinned and righteousness
Christ not by Living evil one
The fallen short - law or The believer and Past election (9) “Thus I
of God’s Sacrifice with another
Gospel - works Present good –– aspired
glory; ––
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is the — rejection (10) Don’t to
ungodly Sin Law Holy preach
power Imputation Future Trans- judge
moralist & Spirit the
of God of sin from redemption (11) formed or be a
Jew Flesh gospel”
for Adam, living not stumbling
everyone “Until the fullness
salvation of 6 7 8 conformed block ––
— righteous- of the Gentiles ––
has come in” –– Personal
Righteous- Revelation ness You no longer Freedom
from Christ Exercising greetings
ness rejected have to sin in
Spiritual debatable
revealed gifts
Wrath Grace Power Mercy issues
1:1 1:17 1:18 3:20 3:21 5:21 6 8 9 11 12:1 - 12:8 12:9-13:14 14:1-15:13 15:14-16:27
Son Sin – Salvation Sanctification Sovereignty Sanctified Service Spirit
DOCTRINE APPLICATION
The gospel explained and applied DJM
Romans was written by Paul probably from Corinth on his third missionary
journey. Paul intended to stop in Rome on his way to Spain to preach the gospel.
Paul got to Rome by way of his arrest and appeal to Caesar (see Ac. 21–28)
which was not the way he anticipated.
Romans was written in anticipation of Paul’s visit and presents an orderly,
comprehensive, systematic, doctrinal explanation of the gospel and how to
appropriate and apply its truth by faith.
The theme of Romans has to do with the righteousness of God (“rightness;
right standing with”) and how lost man can obtain and live in the righteousness
of God–
• revealed in nature and the gospel
• rejected by men
• man’s lack of and need for righteousness
• God’s provision of righteousness in Christ
• the appropriation of righteousness by faith for salvation
• the application of righteousness by faith for growth to Christian maturity.
Each major division of Romans contributes to our understanding of the
righteousness of God.
Chapter 1:1-17 — Righteousness of God revealed in the gospel Prologue
Paul introduces himself as a “servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and

set apart for the gospel of God,” which gospel centers on the person and work of
Christ. Paul writes to the saints in Rome, sets out his purpose and then declares
that he is under obligation to preach the gospel to Jew and Gentile alike.
The theme of Romans is set forth in chapters 1:16-17:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for
salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is
written, ‘But the righteous man shall live by faith.’ ”
Notice that the focus is on the righteousness of God which is revealed in the
gospel and received by faith. Righteousness is the rightness of God and right
relationship with God. Since God is righteous and man is not, how does sinful
man come back into right standing (relationship) with God? It is that question
which Romans answers.
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Chapters 1:18 – 5:21 Sin

— Man’s universal need of righteousness salvation
In chapters 4 and 5 Paul will show clearly that it is only by faith in Christ that
man gains the righteousness of God which is necessary to “be right with God.”
But before Paul explains about how Christ’s shed blood makes righteousness
available, he proves conclusively that all men are lost and lack the righteousness
of God.
Before a man can be saved he must know that he is lost! And so Paul sets out
to demonstrate that all men are indeed lost, and stand condemned before God
because of their sin.
The ungodly (1:18-32)

The ungodly are lost because they have rejected the revelation which God
has made of Himself in creation and have chosen to live a life of sin
and be their own God.
The moralist (2:1-16)

The moralist is lost because he does not live up to the revelation he has
received and does not keep his own code of morality (standard of conduct).
The moralist can be religious or non-religious.
The Jew (2:17–3:8)

The Jew is lost because he trusts in the revelation from God (law
and religious ritual) rather than God Himself. To the Jew (and other
religious people) their own religious law and ritual become their “god.”
Everyone (3:9-20)
Just to make sure that no one thought they were exempt, Paul points out
that no one is righteous when measured against Holy God. All have sinned
and done evil; all have fallen short of God’s glory.
At the end of chapter 3 Paul introduces the concept of justification by faith

(“salvation”) provided as a free gift through the grace of Jesus Christ in dying on
the cross as the substitute payment for our sins.
To be justified is to be judicially declared—

• not guilty of sin because the penalty has been paid by Christ
• righteous before God because the righteousness of Christ has been
credited to the believer when he placed his faith in Christ.
In chapter 4 Paul uses Abraham as the ultimate biblical example of the fact that
all men are saved by faith alone.
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Abraham—
• is the father of all true believers
• is the one to whom God gave the promise of the spiritual blessing
of salvation
• Abraham was saved by faith
– before he was circumcised.
– not by works.
– not by personal merit.
– not by religious or family heritage.
The only means by which anyone has ever been or can be saved is by faith
in God. In chapter 5 Paul concludes his argument by showing how the sin of
Adam brought condemnation of sin and the judgment of God—physical and
spiritual death to all men. In contrast, the death of Christ made righteousness
available to remedy the problem of sin for all who would place their faith
in Christ.
What Paul has said in this doctrinal section of Romans is this—
• God is righteous.
• Man is not righteous.
• Sin causes man to be condemned before God and separated from Him.
• Man’s lack of righteousness was remedied by the death of Christ as
the substitute payment for man’s sins.
• Man can only be saved by placing his faith in the finished work of
Christ on the cross.
• God saves (declares righteous and forgives sins) everyone who believes
in Christ by faith.
• Man cannot be saved by
– being good or doing good.
– heritage.
– personal merit.
– good works or keeping the law.
Chapters 6-8 — The believer has been freed from the Sanctification
power of sin to live in righteousness
Paul begins now to focus not so much on the means of salvation but the results
of salvation—
• righteousness
• forgiveness of sins
• eternal life
and
• freedom from the power of sin now
Chapters 6–8 must be read together to understand clearly what Paul is saying.
Chapter 6 Doctrinal truth
Chapter 7 Practical struggle
Chapter 8 Solution to problem
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In chapter 6 Paul declares the incredible doctrinal truth that—

• the believer has become united with Christ’s life and death by
the Holy Spirit.
• Christ died to sin and broke its power.
• the believer has also died to sin and has been freed from the
power of sin.
Salvation brings both—
• forgiveness from the penalty of sin.
• freedom from the power of sin.
The believer must know this truth, count it to be true, and act on it by faith.
In chapter 7 Paul presents the practical struggle that all believers have with
continuing sin. When we attempt in our own strength not to sin, we fail. What we
really want to do we don’t and what we don’t want to do we do. Knowing we
are free from the power of sin will not make us free in practice as long as we
rely on our own strength to resist sin. Yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit
brings victory.
In chapter 8 Paul declares that the believer—
• is no longer under the condemnation of sin.
• who relies on and lives in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit can
be free from sin in practice.
• is a child of God by divine adoption.
• is aided in prayer by the Holy Spirit.
• is destined to become like Jesus.
• is eternally secure in the love of Christ and cannot lose his salvation.
Chapters 9-11 — God’s righteousness expressed in Sovereignty

His redemptive plan for Israel
Chapters 9–11 should be read together just like chapters 6–8.
Paul now turns to consider an important issue. Since salvation comes by faith
alone—not by being born a Jew or keeping the law—where does this leave
Israel in God’s redemptive plan?
In mercy, God selected Israel as His chosen instrument by whom He would
accomplish His redemptive plan and purpose through Jesus Christ. But since
Israel rejected Christ as their Messiah (Savior) and King, God temporarily
rejected Israel as His chosen instrument. Instead, God since the death of Christ
has been accomplishing His redemptive plan through the Church. And yet God
has not completely rejected Israel for when God’s plan through the Church
is completed and the full number of Gentiles has been saved, God will once
again use Israel as His chosen instrument of redemption to accomplish His
purpose. God will save a believing remnant of all Israel when Christ comes
again. (See Da. 12:1; Isa. 59:20)
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The body of Christ is composed of both believing Jews and believing Gen-
tiles—all those who have placed their faith in God. True Israel then is composed
of all the children of God who by faith have claimed the Abrahamic promise.
Paul’s earnest desire is that salvation coming to Gentiles will make the Jews
jealous and yearn for the gospel—for whoever calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.
Chapter 11 ends the basic doctrinal section of Romans and in chapter 12 Paul
turns to practical application.
Chapters 12–15:13 — The righteousness of God practiced Service
Since God has provided righteousness by grace through faith, what kind of
response should the believer make in terms of daily living?
In this section Paul suggests that the righteousness of God in the believer should
be practically experienced in every area of life—
with respect to God
• by giving ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice
• by being transformed through the renewing of our minds with the
Word of God
• by not being conformed to the standards of the age in which we live
with respect to the church
• by seeing ourselves from God’s perspective as members of the body of
Christ in proper relationship to each other
• by exercising the spiritual gifts God has given us in the Church
with respect to the world
• by loving each other
• by practicing the principles of scripture in relation to the unsaved
• by overcoming evil with good
with respect to governing authorities
• by submitting to authority
• by recognizing the purpose God accomplishes through the civil and
criminal systems
• by doing our duty as citizens
with respect to everyone
• by living out the law of love
• by reflecting godliness in character and conduct
with respect to other believers
• by not critically judging others
• by respecting the personal opinions of others on debatable issues
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• by remembering that we account to the Lord Jesus Christ—not each other

• by not being a hindrance or stumbling block to other believers
• by building up and pleasing each other
• by using or not using our freedom in Christ as is appropriate
• by accepting each other as Christ has accepted us (just as we are!).
Chapters 15:14 – 16:17 — Ambition to preach the gospel Ambition

of righteousness
In his closing section, Paul re-emphasizes the significance of the gospel and the
miraculous results it has accomplished. Paul aspired to preach the gospel in
new areas and so his desire to go to Spain by way of Rome. Paul also sends
greetings to those whom he knows from other places on his earlier missionary
journeys.
Paul ends Romans as he often does his other letters with a beautiful, worshipful
benediction.
Theme/purpose
Paul wrote Romans to declare the righteousness of God and to demonstrate
how man can, through faith in Jesus Christ, gain the righteousness necessary
to restore his relationship to God which has been broken by sin, and to live
in a manner pleasing to God.
When we are right with God through faith in Christ, we will live rightly in
the power of the Spirit in every area of life.
6. Key chapters
Ro. 1 Gospel is power of God
3 All have sinned
4 Abraham saved by faith
5 Adam’s sin/Christ’s righteousness
6 Free from power of sin
7 Struggle in own strength
9 Mercy – election of Israel
10 Salvation to all who believe
11 Israel’s temporary rejection
12 Living sacrifice
13 Submission to authority; capital punishment
14 Stumbling block principle
15 Accepting each other in Christ
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7. Key passages
1:1-4 6:1-11 11:11-14

1:11-12 6:12-18 11:25-32
1:16-17 6:22-23 11:33-36
1:18-23 7:7-12 12:1-2
1:24-32 7:15-23 12:3-8
2:1-2 8:1-4 12:9-21
2:11-16 8:5-11 13:1-7
2:17-29 8:12-17 13:8-14
3:1-4 8:18-25 14:1-12
3:9-20 8:26-30 14:13-23
3:21-31 8:31-39 15:1-7
4:1-12 9:6-16 15:14-19
4:13-16 9:30-33 15:20-21
4:22-25 10:8-13 16:1-2
5:1-11 10:14-17 16:17-19
5:12-14 11:1-6 16:25-27
5:15-21
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main Teachings
• The gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe.
• The gospel reveals the righteousness of God by faith.
• God pours out his wrath against sin and unrighteousness.
• God has revealed Himself in His creation.
• Most men reject God’s revelation in creation.
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• Most men choose to be their own god and live a life of sin.
• Most men worship themselves instead of God.
• The person who judges another condemns himself.
• The person who adopts a code of moral law is bound to fully obey that law.
• The Jews worshipped the law instead of God who gave the law.
• The Jews let religious ritual replace their relationship to God.
• All men have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and stand
condemned by their sin.
• Salvation is the free gift of God’s grace made possible by the sacrificial
death of Christ as substitute payment for our sins.
• Justification is by faith alone.
• Abraham was saved by faith before the law was given and before he
was circumcised.
• Abraham is the father of all who claim by faith the promise of God
for salvation.
• Salvation cannot be—

– earned.
– purchased.
– merited.
– inherited.
• Adam’s sin brought the curse of physical and spiritual death (separation)
to all men.
• Man’s nature (image of God in man) fell when Adam sinned.
• Christ’s act of righteousness in dying on the cross makes possible the

reversal of the effects of sin.
• A believer is baptized into the body of Christ and united with Christ at
salvation by the Holy Spirit.
• A believer has died to sin and is therefore free from the power of sin.
• The wages of sin is death.
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• The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ.
• The law is good—it’s main purpose was to reveal the righteousness of God
and the sinfulness of man.
• When we try to live life free from sin by our own strength, we fail.
• Those who are in Christ Jesus no longer stand under condemnation

for sin.
• A believer should walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and live a life
of righteousness.
• Believers are children of God by adoption—He is our Father.
• All of creation will be redeemed and restored by God.
• The Holy Spirit prays for us in our weakness according to the will
of God.
• God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him.
• God has predestined believers to be conformed to the likeness of Christ.
• Election to salvation and service is based on God’s mercy, not man’s merit.
• God is sovereignly free as Creator to do what He pleases.
• There has always been a believing remnant in every generation.
• Israel stumbled because they tried to gain righteousness by keeping the law
which was never designed to save.
• Whoever calls on and believes in the name of the Lord will be saved.
• All believers should be involved in sharing the gospel of Christ.
• Israel’s rejection by God as His chosen instrument is temporary and partial.
• God has not abandoned Israel.
• The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.
• God’s ways are past finding out by men.
• The proper response of the believer to God is to give himself to God as

a living sacrifice.
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• The believer should be transformed by the renewing of his mind

through the Word of God.
• The believer should not allow himself to be conformed to the standards of

the evil age in which he lives.
• The believer should see himself as a member of the body of Christ from
God’s perspective.
• A believer should not have too high or too low an estimate of himself in
relationship to others.
• A believer should exercise his God-given spiritual gifts to build up the

body of Christ.
• A believer should live righteously in the world and overcome evil by good.
• A believer should remain in subjection to governing authorities.
• All authority is delegated authority from God.
• Capital punishment is biblical.
• A believer should be a good citizen.
• A believer should live by the law of love.
• A believer should not judge or critically condemn other believers.
• On debatable issues a believer should not reject the personal opinions

of others.
• Each believer is judged by God alone and will give an account to God.
• Each believer must decide for himself in faith and with a clear
conscience what he personally believes.
• A believer should not use his freedom in Christ to hinder the spiritual
growth of another believer or cause him to stumble spiritually.
• Scripture was written for our instruction and encouragement.
• We should accept each other just like we are because God has accepted us
in Christ just like we are.
• We should boast only in the gospel of Christ and the power of God.
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• We should aspire to preach the gospel where it has not been heard.
• God is looking for Christian workers who have a servant spirit.
• We must always be on guard against false teaching.
Ge. 4:7
Ge. 15:6
Ps. 14:1-3
Ps. 19:1-6
Isa. 45:9
Isa. 59:16
Isa. 63:7-8
• Gospel as the power of God for salvation

• Revelation of God’s righteousness
• Why all are lost and stand condemned
• Justification by faith alone
• Sin of Adam bringing death
• Identification with death of Christ
• No longer have to sin—freed from its power
• Wages of sin is death
• Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit
• Holy Spirit bearing witness we are children of God
• Holy Spirit praying for us
• God causing all things to work together for good
• Eternally secure in Christ’s love
• Predestined to conformity to Christ
• God’s plan for Israel
• Fullness of Gentiles
• Believing remnant
• Living sacrifice
• Transformed not conformed
• Submit to authority
• Freedom on debatable issues
• Don’t be a stumbling block
• Scripture for instruction and encouragement
• Accepting one another as Christ has
• Preaching gospel where no man has preached before
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104
 1 Corinthians – God’s Answers to Problems in the Local Church
 16 chapters
Chapter Chapters Chapters Chapters

1:1-1:9 1:10-6:20 7:1-16:4 16:5-16:24
Introduction Concerning reports Counsel in regard Conclusion

of problems to specific questions
Thanks for the Condition/causes Marriage/divorce Warning

grace of Christ Spiritual immaturity  Be on guard
in you  following men Debatable issues  Stand firm in faith
 misunderstanding  Be strong
You do not lack gospel Temptation  Love one another
any spiritual gift  not discerning
spiritual things Public worship Blessing
 attitude Grace be with you
Consequences  Lord’s Supper
 lack of spiritual  spiritual gifts
growth  body of Christ
 loss of rewards  priority of love
 tongues/prophecy
Cure
 follow Christ True Gospel
and His ways
Bodily resurrection
Other problems
Immorality/incest Giving
Church discipline
Lawsuits
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1 CORINTHIANS c. 56 AD
God’s answers to problems in the local church
Introduction 1 Concerning reports of 6 7 Counsel in regard to specific questions 16 Conclusion
1:1 1:9 1:10 problems 6:20 7:1 16:4 16:5 16:24
Immaturity Debatable issues
3. Book chart
Praise Incest 5 Marriage Proper attitude True Gospel Warning

“I always Condition Church It is good not 8-9 11:2-16 15:1-10 “Be on your
thank God Disunity/strife/ Disci- to marry; it is Eating defiled meat Veiling of women Christ died for our sins, guard; stand
quarrels pline good to marry Don’t exercise your Submission to Christ was buried and raised on firm in the
for you
Gross –– freedom to become Lord’s Supper the third day according faith; be men
because of Causes to scripture and has of courage;
1-2 immorality Fulfill marital a stumbling block 11:17-34
his grace –– to others be strong.
duty Do in remembrance of Me appeared to men
given you in Following men Clean out the –– –– Don’t take in an unworthy Do everything
Christ Jesus” instead of Christ old yeast We are free not to manner in love.”
–– Don’t divorce
1:4 –– exercise freedom for
Misunderstanding Expel the –– Spiritual Gifts Bodily Resurrection Blessing
Remain in Christ’s sake
–– the Gospel message wicked man 12:1-11 15:1-58 “The grace
— among you situation God Different gifts but same is critical– of the Lord
“You do not Relying on men’s has called you spirit-use for common good it guarantees Jesus be

106
lack any wisdom and words - Lawsuits 6 –– Temptation One Body of Christ • forgiveness of sins with you”
not understanding Only death
spiritual spiritual things Don’t sue 10:1-13 12:12-31 • salvation
gift” another breaks Take heed lest you Many members - but • eternal life
1:7 Consequences believer in the marriage fall also one Lord and one purpose • validity of faith
3-4 secular courts union Advice Supremacy of Love resurrection body
Lack of spiritual –– 10:14-33 13 vs. earthly body
growth God’s work Let the saints Glorify God in all The greatest is love
not furthered judge the you do
Loss of rewards at dispute
judgment seat Immo- Follow example
of Christ rality
6 Tongues/prophecy Giving
of Christ
Cure Your body is 14 16:1-4
Follow ways of God’s temple Seek to edify Set aside as God has pros-
Christ as Paul did Seek peace and order pered you for His work
1:1 1:9 1:10 4:21 5:1 6:20 7:1 7:40 8:1 11:1 11:2 14:40 15:1 16:4 16:5 16:24
Greetings Divisions Disorders Marriage Personal decisions Public worship Doctrine Benediction
You are worldly - acting like mere men! Whatever you do-do it for God’s glory!

ONE LORD, ONE SPIRIT, ONE BODY – FOLLOW CHRIST
DJM
The Corinthian church was established by Paul on his second missionary journey.
1 Corinthians was written by Paul about 56 AD probably from Ephesus while

on his third missionary journey. The letter was written in response to reports of
problems and questions which had arisen in the church since Paul’s departure.
1 Corinthians depicts graphically the kinds of doctrinal and practice problems

and issues which usually surface in a local church. It is as much a manual on what
not to do as it is on correct belief and behavior.
Chapter 1:1-9 — Introduction – You do not lack any spiritual gift
Paul began his letter by referring to himself as “an apostle of Jesus Christ by the
will of God” and addressing the “church of God in Corinth.”
Paul also expressed thanks for the evidence of God’s grace among them. The
church at Corinth had been truly blessed and was not lacking in knowledge or
spiritual gifts. As a matter of fact, the misuse of spiritual gifts was one of the
major problems in the church. For other passages on spiritual gifts see:
1 Co. 12:1-31
Ro. 12:3-8
Eph. 4:11-16
1 Pe. 4:10-11
Chapters 1:10 – 6:20 — Concerning reports of problems
The nature of the problems in the church at Corinth is very clear from the outset.
Strife, division and disunity which hinder the ministry are all present and have
no place in the body of Christ.
Paul then set out to address the causes of the disunity and divisions. Four main
reasons are stated:
1. People were following other men, not Christ.

2. There was a misunderstanding of the gospel message which rests on the
power of God, not the wisdom of men.
3. They were relying on the persuasive words and abilities of men instead
of the power of God.
4. They misunderstood the ministry of the Holy Spirit in revealing and
illuminating the things of God.
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The consequences of these problems were also quite clear:

• There was a lack of spiritual growth to maturity.
• The work of men was being furthered but not the work of God.
• There would be a loss of rewards for faithful service when Christ came.
The cure for these problems was simple—follow the example of Paul who
exalted only Christ and the gospel message and who performed his ministry in
the power of God.
But these problems of a primarily spiritual nature were promoting or producing
other sins in the church. There was flagrant immorality and even open incest
which had not been dealt with through church discipline (1 Co. 5:3-13; see also
Mt. 18:14-20; Gal. 6:1).
Lawsuits between believers were also common and represented a poor testimony
when two Christians could not agree and allowed non-believers to judge between
them. Again in chapter 6 Paul addressed the problem of sexual immorality,
reminding the Corinthians that it was a serious sin against their own bodies
which were temples in which the Holy Spirit dwelled. Believers should glorify
God in their bodies.
Paul’s basic advise in this section was for believers to follow Christ and His ways,
not men and the ways of the world.
Chapters 7:1 – 16:4 — Counsel in response to specific questions
Apparently, according to 7:1 the Corinthian church had asked Paul’s advice on a
number of specific issues and the balance of 1 Corinthians seeks to answer these
questions.
Chapter 7, is devoted to the sanctity of marriage and sex within marriage only.
Paul covers the issue of singleness vs. marriage and the mutual obligations of
marriage partners to each other. From Paul’s and the Lord’s perspective, the
marriage of one man to one woman was to be for life—only death would break
the marriage bond (see also Mt. 19:1-12; Ro. 7:1).
Paul next addressed the issue of the exercise of freedom on debatable issues like
whether or not it was right to eat meat sacrificed to idols. The real issue was not
eating meat for it was neutral, but whether or not what we do causes a weaker
brother in the faith to stumble.
Paul went on to add that for the sake of Christ it was also proper to not use our
freedom so that while Paul could biblically be paid for preaching, he chose not to do
so. Paul’s main emphasis in life was preaching the gospel and living in such a way
that he was not disqualified for ministry.
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In the area of temptation, Paul reminded the Corinthians of OT examples which
were written to encourage, warn and instruct believers. When we stand firm in
faith and rely on God we don’t have to fall to temptation.
Idolatry like immorality was a problem in Corinth and Paul warned them to flee
from it, for it would corrupt the things of God.
The overriding principles which Paul taught to the Corinthians were:
• Be wise and discerning in what you do—even if something is

permissible it may not be profitable or edify other believers.
• Look out for the interest of fellow believers instead of your own.
• Do nothing which causes an offense or someone else to stumble.
• Do everything to glorify God.
• Imitate godly believers as they imitate Christ.
Chapters 11-14 of 1 Corinthians addresses various issues related to public

worship in the church. For each issue Paul sets forth godly advice to insure that
God’s purposes are accomplished. The major questions answered are as follows:
Veiling of women in church

This issue arose because temple prostitutes did not cover their heads with a
veil or shawl which was a sign of lack of submission to a husband. Paul’s
teaching goes to the heart of the issue—does a woman have the proper attitude
of submission. In the culture of Corinth in that day wearing a veil would signify
submission and so Paul taught. The issue of submission (“subjection”) of a
woman to a man biblically has nothing to do with the greater value or worth of a
man for both men and women are of equal value as persons to God, but goes to
the real issue of submission to functional roles. God created women to do certain
things and men other things—neither is better, only different.
The Lord’s Supper

Violation of the sacredness of the Lord’s Supper was also a problem in Corinth.
The observance of the Lord’s Supper was being abused. Some were treating it
as an opportunity to eat well and get drunk; while others were taking the cup
and bread without confessing their sins. Paul reminded the church of how sacred
and serious the Lord’s Supper was and the purpose for which the Lord instituted
it—as a reminder of Christ’s sacrificial death and to proclaim Him until He
comes again.
109
Spiritual gifts
The exercise and abuse of spiritual gifts was a major concern in Corinth which had
been generously blessed in that area (see 1:5-7). Paul reminded the Corinthians
of several important truths:
1. Spiritual gifts are God-given abilities for service within the body of
Christ not for prideful boasting or personal benefit.
2. The Holy Spirit determines the specific gifts given to individuals which
are to be used for the common good and edification of the body.
3. God works through all of the spiritual gifts.
4. While the body of Christ (the Church) has many members, there is only
one Spirit and one body.
5. At salvation a believer is baptized into (united with) the body of Christ.
6. All members of the body of Christ are equally important and have
spiritual gifts to use for the benefit of the body. Each member of the body
needs the other members.
7. Spiritual gifts should not be boasted of or used to create division and
disunity.
8. Believers should desire the greater gifts which edify more of the body.
9. “Agape” love should be desired above and is superior to all spiritual gifts.
10. The gift of prophecy (telling forth the truth) is superior to the gift of
tongues (speaking in an unknown language).
11. The gift of tongues was a sign for unbelievers like at Pentecost in Acts 2.
12. Without interpretation tongues only edify the speaker not the body
of Christ.
13. Tongues are normally out of place in the gathering of believers for
public worship.
14. Prophecy is a sign for believers and more useful in public worship because
it edifies.
Paul concludes his discussion of spiritual gifts by setting out several guidelines for
public worship.
• Everything should be done for edification.
• There should be no confusion.
110
• All should be done properly and in good order.
• Women should not generally speak in public worship at least as far
as teaching, prophecy and tongues are concerned.
Doctrine
The final major topic which Paul addresses is the essence of the true gospel
which centers on the bodily resurrection of Christ. Paul sets out in 15:1-5 the
basic essentials of the gospel message.
• That Christ died for our sins according to Scripture.

• That Christ was buried and raised from the dead on the third day
according to Scripture.
• That Christ appeared to men after His resurrection to validate the
truth of His life and teaching and make effective His atoning death
on the cross.
There is no gospel and no Christianity without the bodily resurrection of
Christ—it is the central doctrine of Christianity.
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantees—

• the truth of what Christ said.
• forgiveness for sins.
• the bodily resurrection of all believers.
• the cancellation of the power of death and sin.
• eternal life with God.
Without it, our faith is vain and we are still dead in sins. Paul goes on to describe
the future resurrection of all believers glorified, heavenly body which each will
receive. Victory over sin comes through the resurrection.
Before his closing remarks, Paul reminds believers to give as God has prospered
them for the work of the ministry and the needs of the saints (16:1-4).
Chapter 16:5-24 — Conclusion – Warning and blessing
Paul exhorts and warns the Corinthians to—

• be on your guard.
• stand firm in faith.
111
• be men of courage.
• be strong.
• do everything in love (16:13-14).
In closing Paul expresses his desire for the Lord to come, for the grace of Christ
to be with them and sends his personal love.
* For additional help, see map of Corinth, intro to 1 Corinthians, in the NIV/
NASB/KJV Study Bible (other Study Bibles may have related resources).
Theme/purpose
In addressing problems and answering questions in the church, Paul exhorts
the Corinthians—
• to follow Christ, not men.
• to serve and worship in harmony and unity in the church for edification,
not personal pride or benefit.
• to preach the true Gospel in the power of God.
• to practice love.
• to obey the ways of the Lord.
• to do everything for God’s glory.
• to recognize that there is only one Lord, one Spirit, one body.
When the church follows the ways of men instead of Christ, it will be full of
strife and disunity and will not grow to spiritual maturity.
6. Key chapters
1 Co. 1 Lacking no spiritual gift
Cross is power of God
2 Spiritual wisdom not worldly wisdom
3 Walking like mere men and building with wood, hay, straw
4 Christ judges motives
5 Church discipline
6 Lawsuits; immorality
7 Marriage/divorce
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10 Standing up under temptation
11 Lord’s Supper observance
12 One Lord, one Spirit, one body
Spiritual gifts
13 Priority of love
14 Regulation of tongues
15 True gospel; bodily resurrection
16 Christian giving
7. Key passages
1:1-3 6:1-8 12:1-11

1:4-7 6:9-20 12:12-27
1:10-17 7:1-9 12:28-31
1:18-25 7:10-24 13:1-13
1:26-31 7:39-40 14:1-19
2:1-5 8:5-8 14:20-25
2:6-16 8:9-13 14:26-40
3:1-8 9:7-14 15:1-11
3:16-17 9:16-18 15:12-19
3:18-23 9:19-27 15:20-34
4:1-5 10:1-13 15:35-50
4:10 10:14-22 15:51-58
4:16-17 10:23-11:1 16:1-2
4:20 11:2-16 16:13-14
5:6-13 11:17-30
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• Divisions in the church are often caused by following men not Christ.
• The power of God is in the work of the cross.
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• God’s wisdom is superior to the world’s wisdom.

• God uses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the wise.
• Christ became to us from God
– wisdom
– righteousness
– sanctification
– redemption.
• Preaching must be done in the power of God.
• Preaching must not be based on superior speech or persuasive words.
• The Spirit reveals to us the things of God.
• Spiritual things cannot be discerned by the unsaved.
• Believers have the mind of Christ.
• It is possible for a believer to live in a worldly fashion and not grow up
in Christ.
• God causes all real spiritual growth.
• Believers will receive rewards for the spiritual quality of the work they
do for Christ.
• What we do in ministry in our own strength for ourselves is worthless
to God.
• The Holy Spirit indwells each believer.
• Believers are simply servants and stewards of Christ.
• Christ will disclose the true motives of our actions when we stand
before Him.
• Immorality should not be tolerated in the church.
• Sin must be purged from the body of Christ through church discipline.
• Believers should not take each other to court.
• Immorality is a sin against one’s own body which is the temple of God.
• Believers should glorify God in their bodies.
• Singleness for Christ’s sake is good.
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• Marriage is good for those for whom it is appropriate.
• Marriage partners have mutual duties to each other.
• Marriage should be between one man and one woman for life.
• A believer is free to let an unbelieving spouse go if they so desire.
• A widow or widower is free to re-marry another believer.
• Only death dissolves the marriage covenant.
• Food is neutral in and of itself.
• A believer should not exercise his freedom in Christ to cause a brother
to stumble.
• Believers are free not to exercise their freedom for Christ’s sake.
• Not ministering according to the “rules” of God’s Word may disqualify
a believer from certain ministry positions.
• OT Scripture was written for our example and instruction.
• No believer is above falling to temptation.
• God is faithful and will deliver us through temptation as we rely on Him.
• Idolatry has no place in the life of a believer.
• Everything we do should be done to God’s glory.
• Even though something is permissible does not mean it is profitable or
wise or edifying.
• We should imitate godly believers as they imitate Christ.
• A woman should demonstrate a biblical attitude of submission in
public worship.
• The Lord’s Supper is sacred and should not be abused or taken where
there is unconfessed sin.
• The Lord’s Supper is
– a remembrance of Christ’s death.
– a proclaiming of His second coming.
• Various spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the
common good and edification of the church.
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• There is only one Lord, one Spirit, one body of Christ.

• All believers are important members of the body of Christ and have a
contribution to make.
• No member of the body of Christ is more important or of more value
than another.
• Christ has given different functional roles to members of the body of
Christ.
• At salvation, the Holy Spirit baptizes (identifies and unites) the believer
into the body of Christ.
• Biblical love is of more value than any spiritual gift.
• Tongues are generally not for use in public worship.
• Prophecy is of more value than tongues.
• Tongues were a sign for unbelievers.
• Prophecy was a sign for believers.
• Women should generally keep silent in public worship.
• Spiritual gifts should be exercised in the church
– to edify.
– in an orderly, proper fashion.
• Spiritual gifts are not for prideful boasting or personal benefit.
• The core of the gospel message is the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• If Christ was not bodily raised from the dead, our faith is worthless and
in vain and we are still dead in sins.
• Christ’s bodily resurrection guarantees our bodily resurrection to
eternal life.
• Believers will receive the same type of glorified, resurrected, heavenly
body that Christ had.
• The bodily resurrection of Christ defeated death and sin.
• Believers should give regularly as God has prospered them.
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9. Selected related Scripture
Mt. 18:15-20 Ro. 7:1-6

Mt. 19:1-12 Ro. 12:3-8
Lk. 24:1-53 Gal. 6:1
Ac. 2:1-21 Eph. 4:11-16
Ac. 17:22-34 1 Pe. 4:10-11
Ro. 1:1-4 2 Co. 8-9
• Spiritual gifts
• Spiritual maturity
• Spiritual understanding through the Spirit
• Saved, unsaved, and worldly Christians
• Following men, not Christ
• Wood, hay, straw
• Christ judging motives
• Rewards for believers
• Church discipline
• Restrictions on lawsuits
• Lord’s Supper emphasis
• Believer’s body as temple of Holy Spirit
• Immorality denounced
• Marriage and divorce
• Singleness
• Resisting temptation
• Glorify God in all you do
• Restriction on women in public worship
• One Lord, one Spirit, one body
• Many members, different functions, one body
• Tongues in public worship
• Love as supreme
• The Gospel
• Doctrine of bodily resurrection
• Giving as God has prospered on the first day of the week (Sunday)
117
118
 2 Corinthians – The Nature of the Ministry

 13 chapters
1–2 3–7 8–9 10–13

Chapter Chapters Chapters Chapters Chapters Chapters
1:1-1:11 1:12–2:17 3:1–7:16 8:1-9:15 10:1-13:10 13:11–13:14
Greetings Conduct of Characteristics Collection Confirmation Closing

Ministry of Ministry for Ministry of Ministry
To the church With a clear New Covenant First give Called by God Be unified
of God in conscience • spirit yourselves Minister for live in grace
Corinth– in holiness • not letter Give sacrificially sake of others of Christ
praise to the in sincerity Preach Christ in humility to
Give cheerfully love of God
God of all in truth edify
in compassion Walk in faith Give purposely fellowship of
comfort
Grace and in love Please Christ God will use Holy Spirit
peace to you in obedience Ambassador and multiply
for Christ for Christ ministry
in integrity in difficult
circumstances
in holiness
God’s power
God’s purposes
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2 CORINTHIANS c. 57 AD Paul
The nature of the Gospel ministry
Conduct of Collection Confirmation
Greetings Characteristics of Ministry Closing
1 Ministry 2 3 7 8 for Ministry 9 10 for Ministry 13
“To the church Paul ministered: with of New Covenant (3) Priority Authority Be of one
3. Book chart
of God in (8:1-6) (10:1-18) mind–live in

Corinth” clear conscience • written in our hearts peace
in • of the spirit not the letter of law • Give yourselves first • Called by God
— • of glory not condemnation • Give sacrificially • Commended by God, —
Praise to the holiness • of becoming like Christ for others not by man
Father, the God in of preaching Christ (4) Purpose • Consistent in message May the
of all comfort • we preach in honesty (8:7-15) whether absent or
who comforts sincerity
in • we preach Christ not ourselves To supply the needs of present grace of
us in our trou- • we preach in His power
bles to equip truth others Christ
• with His eternal perspective
us to comfort in of walking by faith (5:1-8) Principles Actions
others in their
sufferings God’s grace We are confident for we walk by faith – not (8:16-9:7) (11:1-33) love of God
— with by sight • accountable to God • by foregoing being
compassion of pleasing Christ (5:9-13) through churches paid to preach
Help us by your fellowship
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• without resentment • by suffering unjustly
prayers in Our goal is to please Him for we will appear • generously of the
before Christ’s judgment seat for Christ’s sake Holy Spirit
— love • willingly • by handling the pressure
Grace and with as ambassadors for Christ (5:14-21) • purposefully of concern for the
peace to you forgiving • we live for Him not ourselves • cheerfully churches be with you all
spirit • we have the ministry of reconciliation • not under compulsion• by combating deception (13:14)
in • God pleads through us to lost world and false teaching
Trinitarian
obedience in difficult circumstances (6:1:13) Promises Attitude Benediction
for Christ as servants of God in troubles/hardship/distress (9:8-9:15) (12:1-13:10)
as in holiness God will:
(6:14-7:1) • humility–when I am
His aroma • supply abundantly weak in myself I am
• we have nothing in common with evil • multiply gifts strong in Christ
by teaching the • purify ourselves; perfecting holiness • bless • selfless service
Word of God • be glorified • unity with all
out of in joy over repentance (7:2-16) • increase ministry
• building up others
pure motives Rejoicing that sorrow led to repentance
God’s grace is sufficient
1:1 1:11 1:12 2:17 3:1 7:16 8:1 9:15 10:1 13:10 13:11 13:14
Minister with Minister in God’s power; for God’s Minister by giving Minister in the sufficiency
integrity purposes; as God’s servants generously of Christ’s grace
PAUL DEFENDS HIS APOSTOLIC MINISTRY
Paul had visited Corinth after his first letter but soon learned that the problems
had not been resolved. Titus went to Corinth at Paul’s request and delivered
a “sorrowful letter” which has been lost. After Paul met Titus in Macedonia
and received a good report, he wrote 2 Corinthians. Much of the letter is a
personal defense of Paul’s apostolic credentials. However, in the process of
writing Paul reveals much about himself personally and describes the nature of
the gospel ministry.
Chapter 1:1 – 1:11 — Greetings
Paul opened his most personal letter by referring again to his apostolic
credentials and praising God for being the God of all comfort Who comforts
believers in their sufferings and afflictions. As 2 Corinthians develops it
becomes quite clear that Paul had indeed had more than his share of sufferings
and afflictions—some of which had come from the church at Corinth. Paul
made it clear, however, that God did not just comfort believers for their own
sake, but to equip them to comfort other suffering, afflicted believers. The
place of prayer in this process of comforting was also emphasized by Paul.
Chapters 1:12 – 2:17 — Conduct of the ministry
Paul then immediately set out to demonstrate how he had conducted his
ministry among them at Corinth with great integrity. In the process, we are
given a list of how to properly conduct the ministry. The emphasis is on
performing ministry—
• with a clear conscience
• in holiness
• in sincerity
• in truth
• in God’s love
• with compassion
• with a forgiving spirit
• in obedience
• for Christ
and all of Paul’s ministry focused on teaching the Word of God out of pure
motives.
Chapters 3:1 – 7:16 — Characteristics of the ministry

In this section, Paul describes in great detail the essential characteristics of the
gospel ministry which he saw change lives at Corinth.
121
Genuine gospel ministry focuses on:

The New Covenant (3)
The old covenant of the Mosaic Law had been done away with by Christ’s death
on the cross. The gospel is centered on the New Covenant of the Spirit which
wrote God’s law in the hearts of men instead of on tablets of stone. There were
still commandments to obey but now there was the power of the indwelling
Spirit to enable the believer to obey. The goal of the New Covenant for each
believer is transformation into the image of Christ.
Preaching Christ (4)
The new ministry preaches Christ in the power of God to present to men the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God. The pastor/preacher is merely a vessel
(a clay jar) through which the gospel of Christ is presented. And when persecution
and affliction comes, an eternal perspective will enable the believer to endure
successfully.
Walking by faith (5:1-8)
The guiding principle for the new ministry is to live by faith not by sight,
relying on the promises and provision of God (5:9-13). The goal of the
believer should be to please Christ above all else for one day each believer
will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to render an account for the
things done while in the body.
Ambassadors for Christ (5:14-21)
Believers should not live for themselves but for Christ as His ambassadors.
Christians are ministers of reconciliation, imploring lost people to be
reconciled to God because of Christ becoming sin on behalf of sinners.
Difficult circumstances (6:1-13)
But the ministry of the gospel is often full of hardship, affliction and persecution
for the true servant of God who should endure faithfully in truth and the power
of God.
Holiness (6:14–7:1)
The life of the believer should be marked by separation from the things of the
world and holy living through continual purification from sin.
Joy (7:2–7:16)
Finally, the believer’s life should be one of joy, rejoicing as even sorrow over
sin leads to repentance. Joy comes from knowing and doing God’s will!
Chapters 8:1 – 9:15 — Collection for ministry
Since ministry cannot occur without financial resources, Paul sets forth the
principles by which Christians should give for the work of the ministry and
the support of those who are in full-time ministry.
122
And as with other aspects of ministry, giving money should be the natural
overflow or by-product of a proper relationship with God. Paul sets out these
basic principles for giving—
• First give yourself to the Lord.
• Then give sacrificially for others to meet their legitimate needs.
• Give
– willingly, without resentment.
– generously.
– purposefully.
– cheerfully.
– not under compulsion.
When giving is in accordance with God’s ways, God promises to—
• abundantly meet people’s needs.
• multiply the gifts.
• glorify Himself through the gifts.
• cause fruitful ministry to occur.
Chapters 10:1 – 13:12 — Confirmation of ministry
Paul once again earnestly defends the character and conduct of his gospel
ministry demonstrating what God is really looking for in His servants.
In terms of authority Paul —
• was called by God.
• was commanded by God to preach.
• consistently taught whether in person or by letter.
In terms of actions, Paul —
• gave up his right to be paid.
• suffered unjustly for Christ’s sake.
• handled enormous pressure from the church.
• combated deception and false teaching.
In terms of attitude, Paul —
• was weak and humble in himself but strong in Christ.
• had a selfless spirit of service.
• sought for unity with all.
• had a mind-set to build up other believers.
Paul refused to boast except of Christ and had an incredible spirit of humility and
submission, especially in light of the amazing truth that God revealed to him.
123
Paul’s test of faith with which he challenged the Corinthians was whether or not
they manifested the life of Christ in their own lives as Paul had done.
Paul’s defense of his ministry was more than adequate—it was admirable and
worthy to be imitated.
Chapter 13:11 – 13:14 — Closing
In concluding 2 Corinthians, Paul exhorted the church to maturity and like-

minded living in the peace and love of God.
Paul closes with one of the most significant benedictions in scripture as he exalts
the God-head in its trinitarian fullness.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
2 Co. 13:14
Theme/purpose
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to defend his gospel ministry and to demonstrate
that true ministry focuses on being a servant of Jesus Christ under the New
Covenant of the Spirit.
As ministers of reconciliation and as ambassadors for Christ under the
New Covenant, we should walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit
ministering in integrity, holiness, humility, truth and love seeking to
proclaim Christ and please Him, not ourselves.
6. Key chapters
2 Co.1 God of all comfort

2 Aroma of Christ
3 New Covenant of the Spirit
4 God’s glory and power in clay jars
5 Walk by faith
Judgment seat of Christ
New creation
6 Ministry of suffering
Not bound with unbelievers
8 Give ourselves—give sacrificially
9 Principles of Christian giving
10 Taking every thought captive to Christ
124
11 Satan as an angel of light
12 Paul’s thorn in the flesh
Christ’s grace is sufficient
13 Trinitarian benediction
7. Key passages
1:3-6 5:14-17 10:1-5

1:12 5:18-21 10:11-18
1:17-22 6:1-2 11:1-7
2:4-11 6:3-10 11:13-15
2:14-17 6:14-18 11:18-33
3:1-3 7:1 12:1-6
3:4-18 7:8-10 12:7-10
4:1-7 8:1-5 12:15
4:8-10 8:7-9 13:4-6
4:16-18 8:10-15 13:11
5:1-9 8:24 13:14
5:10-13 9:5-15
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• God is the God of all comfort.
• God comforts us in suffering and equips us to comfort others
in their suffering.
• Believers should minister in truth, holiness and integrity.
• Believers should say what they mean and mean what they say.
• Believers should have a heart of true compassion and a
forgiving spirit.
• God opens doors of ministry opportunity.
125
• Believers are an aroma of Christ both to the saved and the lost.
• Believers should not peddle God’s Word for personal gain and profit.
• Believers are living letters of Christ known and read by all men.
• The gospel ministry centers on the New Covenant of the Spirit.
• By looking to Christ and obeying His word, believers should become
transformed into the glory of His image.
• Preachers should not dilute or distort the Word of God or walk in
deception.
• Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers to the truth of the gospel.
• Believers should proclaim Christ not themselves.
• Believers should let the light and power of Christ’s glory shine
through them.
• The gospel ministry involves suffering and persecution.
• Maintaining an eternal perspective will enable believers to endure
temporary earthly suffering.
• God will create a new glorified body for each believer.
• Believers should walk by faith not by sight, seeking to please
Christ alone.
• All believers will stand before Christ’s judgment seat to render an
account of deeds done in the body.
• Since Christ died for all, believers should live for Him.
• Believers are a new spiritual creation in Christ.
• God has entrusted His ministry of reconciliation to believers.
• Believers are ambassadors for Christ imploring people to be reconciled
to God.
• God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might
become the righteousness of God in Him.
• The appropriate time for salvation is now.
• Sin and righteousness, darkness and light cannot fellowship together.
126
• God has called believers to be His holy temples.
• Believers should perfect holiness in the fear of God by cleansing
themselves from sin.
• Believers should rejoice that there is a godly sorrow that leads to
repentance.
• God desires that believers first give themselves to Him and then
give to others.
• Believers should graciously share of their material and financial
resources to meet the needs of others.
• The principle of sowing and reaping applies to financial matters
and giving.
• Believers should give
– freely
– willingly
– generously
– cheerfully.
• God multiplies the gifts of believers and produces more fruit and
effective ministry.
• God is glorified through biblical giving.
• Believers are engaged in spiritual warfare.
• Believers should take every thought captive to the obedience of
Jesus Christ.
• Believers should be the same person when absent as when present.
• Believers should only boast in the Lord.
• Satan deceived Eve by craftiness.
• Believers should not depart from the simplicity and purity of Christ.
• There are false apostles, deceitful workers and false servants of Christ.
• Satan disguises himself as an angel of light to deceive believers.
• Paul’s apostolic ministry was one of great suffering, affliction, persecution
and perseverance.
• There may be three distinct levels of heaven.
127
• God gave to Paul incredible revelations and found it necessary to humble

him with a thorn in the flesh.
• God does not always remove suffering in response to our prayers.
• God sometimes uses Satan to humble His servants.
• God’s grace is sufficient for every situation.
• When believers are weak in themselves, they can be strong in God.
• God’s power is made perfect in the believer’s weakness.
• Believers should be willing to expend themselves for the sake of the saints.
• The test of true faith is whether Christ is in you.
• Believers should live in
– the grace of Christ.
– the love of God.
– the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Eze. 36:24-28
1 Ti. 4:12
2 Ti. 3:10-12
Jas. 1:2-8
• Paul’s most personal letter

• The God of all comfort
• Christians are an aroma of Christ
• New Covenant of the Spirit
• Christians are living letters
• Transformed into God’s glory
• Satan blinds minds of the lost
• Gospel in clay jars
• Eternal perspective—looking at things not seen
• Walk by faith, not by sight
• New creation in Christ
128
• Ambassadors for Christ
• Christ becoming sin on our behalf
• No partnership between sin and righteousness
• Godly sorrow leading to repentance
• Principles of Christian giving
• Taking thoughts captive to Christ
• Satan disguised as an angel of light
• Three heavens
• Paul’s thorn in the flesh
• Christ’s grace is sufficient
• God’s power made perfect in our weakness
• Test of true faith
• Trinitarian benediction
129
130
 Galatians – Saved by faith, sanctified by faith c. 49 AD Paul

 6 chapters
1-2 3-4 5-6

Chapter Chapters Chapters Chapters Chapter
1:1-1:10 1:11-2:21 3:1-4:31 5:1-6:10 6:11-6:18
Introduction Argument Argument Argument Closing

from from from
personal doctrinal practical
experience position application
To the Gospel Sanctification Stand firm in Boast only

churches in received by is by faith freedom in in Christ
Galatia revelation of alone Christ and
— God through Abraham Don’t get in His cross
faith saved by faith bondage to Remember
Why are you
so quickly Salvation is Law not sin again you are a
deserting the by faith not designed to Use freedom new creation
Gospel of works and the save in Christ to by faith in
faith? believer lives Christ.
by faith Law made • serve
men aware others
of sin and in love
pointed to • live by
Christ one Spirit
Christians • sow
have been spiritual
redeemed things
from the law
Don’t grow
Christians weary in
are children well-doing
of promise
through Isaac
131
GALATIANS
Saved by faith - Sanctified by faith c. 49 AD
Argument from Argument from Argument from

Introduction Closing
Personal Experience Doctrinal Experience Practical Application
1:1 1:10 1:11 2:21 3:1 4:31 5:1 6:10 6:11 6:18
3. Book chart
Gospel Truth #1 3:1-5 Exhortation #1 5:1-12

received by Boast
To the Since salvation is not by works, Stand firm by faith in your freedom only in
churches revelation neither is sanctification. in Christ; don‘t be in bondage to law again. the
in
Galatia from Christ Truth #2 3:6 Exhortation #2 5:13-15 cross of
from Christ
Abraham was saved by faith, not works. Use your freedom to serve others in love.
Paul, an Gospel of liberty
apostle Truth #3 3:7-9 Exhortation #3 5:16-26
by in Christ preached Salvation is based on the spiritual
Jesus Christ blessing promise of the Abrahamic Use your freedom to live and walk by the
to Gentiles Spirit, not your sinful nature. Peace
covenant.
and
Truth #4 3:10-18 Exhortation #4 6:1-6 mercy
to all

The Law was not designed to save Use your freedom to restore sinning brothers
and did not nullify the promise of who
Gospel is by faith and help carry their excess burdens follow
salvation through Abraham.
in Christ this
I am Truth #5 3:19-29 Exhortation #5 6:3-8 rule
not by works of law
astonished The purpose of the Law was to make
you are men aware of sin and lead them to Use your freedom to sow spiritual things and
so quickly Christ for justification by faith. reap a spiritual harvest.
deserting
the Truth #6 4:1-20 Exhortation #6 6:9
gospel Christ lives Those who believe in Christ have All that
of faith in me; been redeemed from the curse of Don‘t become weary in doing good. matters
in the law and are adopted sons of Christ. is you
Christ so now
Truth #7 4:21-31 Exhortation #7 6:10 are a
I live by faith new
Believers are children of promise creation
in the Son of God through Isaac, not of bondage Do good to all people, especially believers. in Christ
through Ishmael.
1 2 3 4 5 6
Problem stated Personal faith in Christ Powerful truth of salvation by faith Practice of Freedom in Christ Priority of cross
Christ set us free from the Law to live by faith in the liberty of love
132for evaluation, teaching and projection use only.

GOD’S DECLARATION OF FREEDOM IN CHRIST DJM
Although it is still a debated issue, Galatians was most likely written at the
end of Paul’s first missionary journey, perhaps in Antioch before the Jerusalem
Council in 49 AD. It may well be Paul’s earliest letter and perhaps the first NT
book to be written.
Galatians strikes at the heart of the Christian faith and has been called the
“Magna Carta of Christianity” and “Christianity’s Declaration of Freedom.”
Galatians assumes and restates salvation by faith alone but goes on to argue
strongly that Christians must also live by faith.
The early Christian church was confused about the relationship of Judaism
and the law to Christians. Many were saying in effect — saved by faith but
sanctified by works and keeping the law! Paul’s basic message is this —
Christians are saved by faith and live the Christian life by faith.
Works and law do not save or sanctify. The Jerusalem Council decision of
AD 49 (Ac. 15) helped settle the issue with some finality. Keep in mind that
sanctification is both the believer’s holy position in Christ and the process of
becoming spiritually mature in Christ by living the Christian life by faith in the
power of the Holy Spirit.
Chapter 1:1 – 1:10 — Introduction

Why are you so quickly deserting the gospel of
faith in Christ?
Paul addressed his letter to the “Churches in Galatia” and set the tone for his
message immediately. Paul said:
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the One who called
you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is
really no gospel at all.” (1:6-7)
The true gospel being deserted was the message of faith in Christ for salvation
and Christian living. Many in the churches were apparently advocating a return to
works and legalistic Judaism to gain God’s approval. That is the main problem
addressed in Galatians.
Chapters 1:11 – 2:21 — Argument from personal experience

Paul was saved by faith and lived by faith.
Paul turned first to state his case based on his own personal experience. Paul as
a Jew of the Jews had been saved as a direct result of divine revelation from God,
not by the teaching of men or traditional religion. Further, Paul preached the
gospel of faith to the Gentiles and refuted those Jews who wanted to return to
Jewish legalism. Even Peter had been rebuked by Paul for almost falling back
into Judaism and a gospel of works by insisting that Gentiles had to observe the laws
of Judaism.
Paul strongly argued that justification was by faith alone, not by works of the
law. With Christ the believer died to the curse of the law and its demands. In fact,
if a man could be saved by works or keeping the law, then Christ died need-
lessly on the cross.
Chapter 3:1 – 4:31 — Argument from doctrinal position

Saved by faith, sanctified by faith.
In this critical doctrinal section of Galatians Paul started out by challenging the
Galatians with a series of probing questions designed to cause them to consider how
foolish it would be to believe that they had been saved by faith but then were
required to live by the law. If that were true, why did Jesus have to die?
Paul sets forth in this section seven (7) significant doctrinal truths which should
anchor every believer in the gospel of faith in Christ.
Truth #1 (3:1-5)
Since salvation is by faith not works, neither can sanctification be by works.
Truth #2 (3:6)
Abraham, the father of all true believers, was saved by faith. Paul here quotes
Ge. 15:6 which was long before the law or circumcision or the Jewish nation.
Truth #3 (3:7-9)
Salvation is based on the spiritual blessing promise of the Abrahamic Covenant, not
the law.
Truth #4 (3:10-18)
The law, which came over 400 years after the Abrahamic Covenant, was not
designed to save and did not nullify the promise of salvation through the seed of
Abraham. Paul here specifically identifies the “seed” of Abraham as Jesus Christ.
Truth #5 (3:19-29)
The purpose of the law was to make men aware of God’s righteousness and their sin
and to ultimately lead men to the truth that salvation comes only by faith in Christ.
All sons of God through faith in Christ are Abraham’s offspring.
Truth #6 (4:1-20)
Those who believe in Christ have been redeemed from the curse of the law and are
adopted sons of God, no longer slaves to law and sin and religious tradition.
Truth #7 (4:21-31)
Believers are children of the promise through Isaac not of bondage through Ishmael.
Here Paul uses the Old Testament account of Abraham and Sarah first having
Ishmael according to the flesh by Hagar the bondwoman, and then having Isaac as
the child of promise according to the spirit.
134
Paul then turned to give counsel on how the Galatians should practically live by
faith based on their freedom in Christ from the law.
Chapter 5:1 – 6:10 — Argument for practical application

Use your freedom in Christ to serve Him and
love others.
In this section Paul presents seven (7) exhortations about practicing freedom in
Christ.
Exhortation #1 (5:1-12)
Stand firm by faith in your freedom in Christ and don’t fall back into bondage to
law again. Faith working through love, not keeping legalistic rules, is the guiding
principle for the believer.
Don’t use your freedom in Christ as license to sin but through love serve one
another. Paul here sums up the “spirit” of the law to love your neighbor as yourself.
The spirit and principles behind the law are good, it is the letter and legalistic
rules that are bad.
Use your freedom to live and walk by the Spirit not by your sinful nature. A
believer should be led by the Spirit and not by legalism and should manifest
the fruit of the Holy Spirit, not the deeds of the flesh. Notice the sharp contrast
which Paul draws here between what the Spirit produces and what the sinful
nature produces.
Use your freedom in Christ to restore a sinning brother and help bear the excess
burdens of other believers. This is the proper way to fulfill the “law” of Christ.
Use your freedom in Christ to sow spiritual seeds and reap a spiritual harvest.
Paul here sternly warns believers against being deceived that sin will not bear
consequences.
Exhortation #6 (6:9)
Don’t lose heart and grow weary in doing good—a harvest will eventually come.
Exhortation #7 (6:10)
Do good to all people especially believers.
Freedom to walk by faith in Christ means freedom to live in the power of the
Spirit by the principles of God’s Word.
135
Chapter 6:11-18 — Closing

Boast only in the cross and that you are
a new creation.
Paul closes this most instructive letter by reminding the Galatians to boast not in
the flesh and what they accomplish, but in the cross of Christ and what it accomplishes.
The only thing that really matters is that they are new creations in Christ.
Theme/purpose
Paul wrote Galatians to persuade the church that not only was salvation by
faith and not works of law, but the Christian life was to be lived by faith as
believers practiced their freedom in Christ.
For a believer saved by faith to live the Christian life by legalistic works
is to nullify the work of the cross and to miss out on the freedom of living
by faith.
6. Key chapters
Gal. 1 Don’t desert the Gospel of faith

2 Crucified with Christ
3 Saved by faith – sanctified by faith (Example of Abraham –
Law was not designed to save)
4 Christ came in fullness of time to redeem men from slavery to sin
5 Freedom to live by faith in the Spirit
6 Principle of sowing and reaping
7. Key passages
1:10 4:8-11
1:11-16 4:18-31
2:1-10 5:1-12
2:17-21 5:13-15
3:1-5 5:16-26
3:6-9 6:1-5
3:10-29 6:6-10
4:1-7 6:12-15
136
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• The true gospel is set forth in the teachings of Christ and the New
Testament.
• Any false gospel must be rejected.
• Realization of who Jesus Christ is comes only through divine revelation.
• It was 14 years after Paul’s conversion before he began his gospel ministry
in earnest.
• Bondage to legalism for the Christian is false teaching.
• Prominent teachers and church leaders should be confronted and corrected

when they are wrong in doctrine or practice based on scripture.
• Salvation comes by faith not works of the law.
• Through co-crucifixion with Christ, the believer died to the law.
• The believer now lives by faith in Christ by allowing Christ to live out
His life through the believer.
• For a believer to not live by faith is to nullify the cross and say that
Christ died needlessly.
• Saved by faith—sanctified by faith.
• The Gospel message of salvation was part of the Abrahamic Covenant

promise of God.
137
• The law was not designed to save but to make men aware of sin and lead
them to see their need for the righteousness of God.
• The law came 430 years after the promise to Abraham and did not
nullify or change it.
• All true believers by faith in Christ are heirs of the Abrahamic Covenant.
• Christ
– came in the fullness of time.
– was born of a woman.
– was born under the law to redeem those under the law.
• All true believers by faith are sons of God through adoption.
• Ishmael was the child of bondage – Isaac was the son of promise.
• Believers should stand firm in their freedom in Christ and not be bound
again to legalism.
• Believers are free to live by faith working through love.
• Love is the fulfillment of the law.
• Walking in the flesh will produce sinful results.
• When we walk in the Spirit we do not gratify the sinful nature.
• The acts of the sinful nature are evil.
• The fruit of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life is—

– love
– joy
– peace
– patience
– kindness
– goodness
– faithfulness
– gentleness
– self-control.
• The believer should live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Believers should confront a sinning brother for the purpose of spiritual

restoration.
• Believers should bear one another’s excess burdens.
138
• Bible teachers should be appropriately paid for teaching by those taught.
• Sowing and reaping is a universal principle.
• Sowing to the sinful nature brings a harvest of evil sinful things.
• Sowing to the Spirit brings a harvest of good spiritual things.
• Believers should not lose heart in doing good to all men, especially
Christians.
• Believers should boast only in the cross of Christ.
• Believers should rejoice that they are a new creation in Christ.

Ge. 12:1-3
Ge. 15:6
Hab. 2:4
Jn. 1:17
Ac. 15:1-29
Ro. 6:3-7
Ro. 7:7-12
Eph. 2:8-10
Heb. 9:8-14
• Deserting gospel of faith in Christ

• Salvation by divine revelation
• Paul rebuking Peter
• Crucified with Christ
• Saved by faith–sanctified by faith
• Salvation through the promise of the Abrahamic Covenant which
contained the gospel
• Christ redeemed men from the curse of the law
• The righteous shall live by faith
• Law came 430 years after the Abrahamic Covenant promise
• Jesus as the “seed” of Abraham
• Law not designed to save
• Law as a guardian to lead to Christ
• Warning against falling back into legalism after being saved by faith
• Christ came in fullness of time
• Children of free woman or bond woman
• Freedom in Christ
139
• Love as the fulfillment of law

• Fruit of the Spirit vs. deeds of the sinful nature
• Restoring a sinning brother
• Bearing each other’s excess burdens
• Principle of sowing/reaping
• Not growing weary in well doing
• Do good to all men especially believers
• Boasting only in the cross of Christ
140
 Ephesians – The Church in Christ and Christ in the Church

 6 chapters
Chapter Chapters Chapters Chapter

1:1-1:2 1:3-3:21 4:1-6:20 6:21-6:24
Greetings Position of believers Practice of believers Closing

in Christ in the church
Paul, an apostle Chosen in Christ In the Church Grace to all
of Christ Jesus who love
Blessed with every In unity using spiritual Jesus with an
by the will spiritual blessing– gifts to build up body
of God of Christ undying love
redeemed through
— His blood In personal life
To the saints in Saved by grace Putting off old sin
Ephesus nature
Formerly dead in
sins Putting on new nature
Gift of God Filled with Spirit
Grace by faith Walking in love
At home
Alive to God
Subject to each other
Members of in Christ
Christ’s church
Wives subject to
Jew and Gentile as husbands
equal members of
the church rooted Husbands love wives
and grounded in Children obey parents
love At work
Obey authority
Work as unto God
In spiritual warfare
Strong in God’s power
Put on whole armor
of God
Pray in Spirit
Stand by faith
141
EPHESIANS c. 60 AD
The Church in Christ and Christ in the Church
Greetings Position of Believers Practice of Believers Closing
1:1 1:2 1:3 3:21 4:1 6:20 6:21 6:24
3. Book chart
Chosen in Christ 1:3-23 In the Church 4:1-16

• chosen before creation of the world • be humble, gentle, patient
From: • blessed with every spiritual blessing • bear with one another in love
Paul, an • predestined to adoption as sons • keep unity of spirit Peace
• redeemed through His blood • use spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ
apostle • sealed by Holy Spirit
to the
In Personal Life 4:17-5:20
of • enlightened as to our riches in Christ brothers
• put off old self; put on new self
Christ • strengthened with His power • watch your words and
Jesus • seated with Him in heavenly places • don’t grieve Holy Spirit love
• subject to Christ as Head • be kind, compassionate and forgiving
by the • walk in love • be imitators of God • be holy with
will Saved by Grace 2:1-22 • live as children of light in dark world faith
of • formerly dead in sins • walk wisely; make most of your time from
• be filled with Holy Spirit
142
God • now alive in righteousness of Christ God
• salvation is gift of God’s grace by faith not of works At Home 5:21–6:4
–– • but we are created to do good works • submit to one another in Christ ––
• set apart as saints, fellow citizens working together • wives submit to husbands as to the Lord
To: to build up the body of Christ • husbands love wives as Christ loved church Grace
The Members of Christ’s Church 3:1-21 • children obey your parents to all
• mystery–Jew and Gentile are equal members of
• fathers-don’t provoke children but discipline, train them
saints who
Christ’s church At Work 6:5-9
in • in accordance with God’s eternal purpose love
Ephesus, • Christ dwells in believers’ hearts by faith • obey masters • work for God Jesus
• rooted and grounded in love • treat workers justly
the 6:10-20 with
• filled with the fullness of God In Spiritual Warfare
faithful • immeasurable blessings in Christ an
• be strong in power of God
in • put on armor of Christ undying
Christ • put off Satan’s attacks by faith love
• pray at all times in the Spirit
Jesus
Doctrine Behavior
1 Sound teaching 3 4 Sound living 6
Christ’s manual of belief and behavior for Christians and the Church DJM
Ephesians is one of the so-called Prison Epistles of Paul (along with Philippians,
Colossians and Philemon). These letters were apparently written while Paul was
in Roman house imprisonment mentioned in Acts 28. Paul was released for three
or four years before being again imprisoned around 67 AD, which eventually led
to his martyrdom.
The church at Ephesus was much loved by Paul as he had spent three years there
on his 3rd missionary journey. The letter does not address any particular problem
and was widely circulated and read among the churches in Asia Minor as a sort
of manual for the church.
Ephesians deals first with doctrine to insure that Christians know who they are
in Jesus Christ and then with behavior in every area of life that is consistent with
that position of great spiritual blessing.
Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God wrote to the saints in Ephesus.
Chapters 1:3 – 3:21 — Position of Believers (Doctrinal section)
Paul’s purpose in the first three chapters was to make absolutely certain that the
Christians at Ephesus understood who they were in Jesus Christ, including their
positional standing and the spiritual blessings which were theirs as sons of God.
In order for believers to live a life that is consistent with their position in Christ,
they must know the truth of that position. Each of the first three chapters focuses
on one aspect of that position.
Chosen in Christ (1:3-23)
Paul sets out a number of significant truths which must be understood to be

appreciated and applied:
• God chose believers in Christ before the creation of the world.
• God has blessed believers with every possible spiritual blessing.
• God has predestined believers to adoption as His sons through Christ.
• In Christ believers have been redeemed through His blood and have
forgiveness of sins.
• Believers have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise as a pledge.
143
• Believers have also

– been enlightened.
– obtained an inheritance.
– been strengthened by His power.
– been seated in heavenly places with Him.
– been made subject to Christ as Head.
All of these benefits and more flow to Christians by virtue of the grace of God
in Christ which should bring forth lavish praise to His glory. Once a believer
understands who he is in Christ and what Christ has freely given to him, praise
and thanksgiving will ever be on his lips.
Saved by grace (2:1-22)

In chapter 2 Paul returned to focus on the greatest spiritual blessing of all—
salvation from sin. Paul first reminded the Ephesians that before the work of
grace by Christ in their lives, they were “dead in trespasses and sins,” walked
in the world’s ways, and were subject to the domination of Satan. But God in
mercy and love saved them and made them alive in Christ. Salvation is—
• the free gift of God’s grace.
• not by works.
• made effective by faith alone.
And God has determined, in advance, that as a result of salvation the believer
should walk in good works which glorify God.
Further, salvation causes the believers to be set apart as saints—part of God’s house
instead of being strangers and aliens. With Jesus as the chief cornerstone the
saints are to work together to build up the body of Christ.
Members of Christ’s Church (3:1-21)

Paul then continued to detail the mysteries, benefits and blessings that come
with salvation by focusing on the nature of the church. First, Paul talked about
the mystery of the body of Christ with Jew and Gentile alike as equal members
which was in accordance with God’s eternal purpose.
Paul closed the doctrinal section of his letter with a prayer for Ephesian saints and
all Christians—
• that Christ would strengthen their inner being with power through
the Spirit
• that Christ would dwell in their hearts by faith
• that they would be rooted and established in love
• that they would comprehend the extent of the love of Christ
• that they would be filled with the fullness of God
and with a beautiful benediction in 3:20-21 glorifying God in the church and in
Christ Jesus.
Since the purpose of sound doctrine is to lead to sound living, Paul then turned to
instruct the Ephesians on how to put their position in Christ into practice in order to
glorify God.
144
Chapters 4:1 – 6:20 — Practice of Believers (Application Section)
In this applicational section of Ephesians, Paul gives detailed instructions on
how to practically put the believer’s position and spiritual blessings in Christ into
action. Paul set out five major areas where who a believer is should be reflected
in what a believer does.
In the Church (4:1-16)

Christians are to be humble, gentle, patient, loving and forgiving as they work
together in unity and peace. Unity of mind and purpose is stressed by Paul here.
There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one
God and Father.
And the spiritually-gifted men God has given to the church such as pastors and
teachers should focus on preparing (equipping) God’s people for work of service
(ministry) so that the church will mature and be built up in Christ. Maturity in
Christ will be achieved as each believer does his part to build up the body of
Christ in love.
In personal life (4:17–5:20)

The believer must also put off his “old self” with all of its evil attitudes and
actions and put on the “new self” which is “created to be like God in true
righteousness and holiness.” This new self should be manifested in holy
character, wholesome conversation and righteous conduct. Believers should
walk wisely as children of light in a dark world learning to do that which pleases
God. And the secret to living a life which displays Christ’s life is to be filled with
(directed, controlled and influenced by) the Holy Spirit who already indwells the
believer.
At home (5:21–6:4)
The Christian’s position in church should also be reflected in relationships at
home. Submission to one another out of reverence for Christ should be the
guiding principle.
Wives should submit to their husbands as unto the Lord and husbands should love
their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the church and gave His life for her.
Children should obey their parents and fathers should not provoke their children
but bring them up in the “training and instruction of the Lord.”
At work (6:5-9)
As Paul turned his attention to the work place, we should keep in mind that
while Paul talked in terms of masters and slaves, what he taught applies equally
to employment relationships.
Employees should obey and serve wholeheartedly those in authority over them
as they would obey and serve Christ. Those in authority should treat their workers
with respect and without favoritism.
145
In spiritual warfare (6:10-20)

Finally, Paul focused on what may be the most important area of all—spiritual
warfare. The Christian battle is not against men but against the forces and powers
of evil—Satan and all his demonic hosts. The believer effectively engages in
spiritual warfare—
• by being strong in God’s power.
• by putting on the whole armor of God.
• by faith standing firm against Satan’s attack.
• by praying at all times in the Spirit for himself and other Christians.
Life is in reality a spiritual battle which must be fought on a spiritual level with the
weapons of spiritual warfare.
Chapters 6:21-24 — Closing
Paul closed his letter with a blessing of peace, love and grace to all those who love
Christ Jesus.
Ephesians really is a manual of correct belief and behavior for individual
Christians as well as the church.
Theme/purpose
Paul wrote Ephesians to instruct believers on their position and spiritual
blessings in Christ and to encourage them to practically live in light of who
they are in Christ and what He has done for them.
As believers we have every spiritual blessing with which to live a holy life
that is consistent with who we are in Christ.
6. Key chapters
Eph. 1 Calling and blessings in Christ
2 Saved by grace through faith
4 Edifying and equipping the body through use of spiritually
gifted men
5 Be filled with the Spirit; family principles
6 Spiritual warfare – the whole armor of God
7. Key passages
1:3-7 3:1-7 4:25-32
1:9-14 3:8-12 5:1-17
1:15-19 3:14-19 5:18-21
1:20-23 3:20-21 5:22-33
2:1-7 4:1-6 6:1-4
2:8-10 4:11-16 6:5-9
2:11-22 4:17-24 6:10-20
146
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
For additional help see map of Ephesus at introduction to Ephesians, in the NIV/
NASB/KJV Study Bible (other Study Bibles may have related resources).
8. Main teachings
• God chose believers in Christ before the creation of the world to be
holy and blameless.
• God has predestined believers to adoption as sons through Christ.
• God’s grace and spiritual blessings are freely given to believers in Christ.
• Redemption and forgiveness of sins comes through the shed blood

of Christ.
• The Holy Spirit seals believers in Christ.
• God has given to believers the Holy Spirit of promise as a pledge of

final redemption.
• Believers are rich in the power, wisdom and glory of God.
• Believers are positionally seated with Christ in the heavenly realms.
• Christ is head of all things including the church.
• Unbelievers are lost—dead in trespasses and sins and living in accordance

with the evil ways of the world which is under the control of Satan.
• God in Christ expressed the richness of His love and mercy toward us.
• God has made believers alive in Christ to show the richness of His grace.
• Salvation is by grace through faith.
• Salvation is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.
147
• Believers are created in Christ Jesus to do good works to glorify God.
• Unbelievers are strangers and aliens and separated from the family of God.
• Gentile and Jew alike are fellow citizens of God’s household.
• Jesus is the cornerstone of the church which is being built up into a holy
temple of God in the Spirit.
• Christ dwells in the hearts of believers by faith.
• Believers should be
– strengthened with God’s power in the inner being.
– rooted and grounded in love.
– filled up with the fullness of God.
• God is able to do far beyond what we think or ask.
• Believers should live a life worthy of their calling in Christ.
• Believers should relate in peace and unity of spirit.
• There is
– one body
– one spirit
– one hope
– one Lord
– one faith
– one baptism
– one God and Father of all.
• God gave gifted men to the church such as pastors and teachers to prepare
and equip the saints for works of service to build up the body into
maturity in Christ.
• Believers should speak the truth in love to each other.
• Believers should put off their old self and evil way of life which are
inconsistent with who they are in Christ.
• Believers should put on the new self and live a life of righteousness
consistent with who they are in Christ.
• Righteous living includes both attitudes and actions.
148
• Believers should
– speak no unwholesome words
– deal quickly with anger
– not grieve the Holy Spirit with sin
– do away with
— bitterness
— rage
— brawling
— slander
— malice
– be kind, compassionate and forgiving
– imitate God and live in love
– avoid sexual immorality
– shun obscure and foolish or coarse talk
– live as children of light in all goodness, righteousness and truth
– try to learn what pleases God
– live carefully as wise men, making the most of their time—not be
lazy or foolish but understand God’s will.
• Believers are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit who already
dwells in them.
• Believers should praise, sing and give thanks together and be subject to
one another in reverence for Christ.
• Wives should submit to their own husbands as to the Lord.
• Husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave
Himself for her.
• Children should obey their parents.
• Fathers should not provoke their children but raise them in the training
and instruction of the Lord.
• Employees should be submissive and obedient and do their work as

unto the Lord.
• Employers should treat employees with respect and fairness.
• Believers should know that the Christian life involves spiritual warfare
against Satan and his demonic hosts and therefore
– be strong in the Lord
– put on the full armor of Christ by faith
– stand firm against Satan’s attacks and temptations
– pray at all times in the Spirit for themselves and each other.
149
Isa. 59:16-17
Da. 10:1-21
Ro. 8:12-17, 29-30
Col. 3:5-10
Rev. 12:7-9
Rev. 13:8
• Called in Christ before creation of world

• Redeemed through His blood
• Sealed with Holy Spirit of promise
• Seated with Christ in heavenly realms
• Christ the head of all things including the church
• Formerly dead in trespasses and sins
• Satan, the ruler of the kingdom of air
• Saved as a gift by grace through faith not works
• Believers created for good works
• Jesus Christ the cornerstone of the church
• God carrying out His eternal purpose in Christ
• Christ dwelling by faith in believers’ hearts
• God able to do abundantly more than we ask or think
• One Lord, hope, faith, body, baptism, Spirit, God and Father of all
• Spiritually-gifted men used to build up body of Christ and prepare
saints for works of service
• Speaking the truth in love
• Put off old self—put on new self
• No unwholesome words
• Don’t grieve Holy Spirit
• Walk in love; live as children of light
• Make most of your time—live wisely
• Be filled with the Spirit
• Marriage principles for wives and husbands
• Principles for children and parents
• Spiritual warfare—not against flesh and blood
• Full armor of God
• Flaming arrows of Satan
• Praying in the Spirit
150
 Philippians – Having the same attitude as Jesus Christ

 4 chapters
1 2 3 4
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
1:1-11 1:12-30 2:1-30 3:1-21 4:1-19 4:20-23
Having a Having a Having a Having a

Greetings Single Servant Spiritual Secure Closing
Mind Mind Mind Mind
Paul and Preaching Pursue Press on Peace The grace

Timothy to Christ is servant- to become comes in of Christ be
the saints paramount hood and mature Christ with your
at Philippi unity spirit
including
overseers
and
deacons
Partnership Rejoice Rejoice Rejoice Rejoice

in the
Gospel
God will
complete
His good
work in
you
151
PHILIPPIANS c. 62 AD
Having the same attitude as Jesus Christ
A A A A
Greetings Single Servant Spiritual Secure Closing
3. Book chart
Mind Mind Mind Mind

1:1 1:11 1:12 1: 30 2:1 2:30 3:1 3:21 4:1 4:19 4:20–23
Paul and “For to me, to live “Your attitude should “What is more, I “I have learned to
Timothy– is Christ and to die be the same as that consider everything a be content whatever
bond- is gain” of Jesus Christ” loss compared to the the circumstances”
servants 1:21 2:5 surpassing greatness of 4:11
of Christ
to all the knowing Christ” 3:8
saints at Preaching Christ is Pursue servanthood Press on in order to Peace comes from
Philippi paramount regardless become mature in Christ securely resting in The
including of— Christ humbled Himself • See God’s viewpoint the Lord Grace

overseers and became a servant
and • circumstances • Set your mind on • Don’t be anxious of the
to accomplish God’s spiritual not earthly
deacons • persecution purpose • Think on excellent Lord
— • unjust suffering things things Jesus
• Be like-minded
I thank –– • Be one in purpose • Practice God’s principles Christ
God • Rely on the strength
Strive together for the • Look out for interests be
for and provision of Christ
your faith of the Gospel of others above with
partnership yourself your
in the Rejoice that Christ is Rejoice in obedience Rejoice in the Lord spirit
gospel Rejoice in the Lord
proclaimed and service for Christ always
—
God will PRIORITY PURPOSE PERSPECTIVE PEACE
complete
His good
work begun Proclaim Christ Serve God Pursue maturity Rest in Christ
in you
DJM

The church at Philippi was established on Paul’s 2nd missionary journey. The
letter to the Philippians was one of Paul’s Prison Epistles written during his first
Roman imprisonment.
While some see the central thrust of Philippians as “joy,” the letter seems to talk
about joy as a by-product of having the same attitude or mind-set as Jesus. Each
of the four chapters focus on a different aspect of the mind of Christ. Joy is an
internal attitude of gladness and gratitude which comes from knowing and doing
God’s will.
Chapter 1:1-11 — Greetings
Paul and Timothy send greetings to the saints, overseers and deacons at Philippi.
Paul was very grateful to the church there for their partnership with him in
the Gospel and reminded them that God would bring to completion the good
spiritual work He had begun in them. Paul’s prayer for the Philippians was that
they would abound in knowledge and insight and be able to choose the very best
in order to produce the fruit of righteousness through Christ.
Chapter 1:12-30 — A Single Mind
Paul urged the church to have only one goal or priority in life and that was to
preach Christ regardless of adverse circumstances, persecution and unjust
suffering. And since Paul was writing the letter from a Roman jail, he could
speak with credibility and from personal experience.
The key verse in this chapter is 1:21—

“For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Paul’s whole focus in life was to fulfill God’s purpose by proclaiming Christ in
every way possible. Paul was thus single-minded with one central priority in life.
Jesus was also single-minded, having but one purpose and that was to complete the
redemptive mission on which he had been sent by God the Father.
Paul could rejoice in bad circumstances because of the opportunity to proclaim

Christ.
Chapter 2:1-30 — A Servant Mind
Next, Paul urged the Philippians to be servant-minded and to have the same
attitude toward others as did Christ. Php. 2:5 is the key verse of this section—

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
Jesus looked out not for His own interest but the interest of others. In fact, Jesus
although fully God was willing to become a bond-servant for God; take the form of
a man; and humble Himself to the point of death on a cross in order to serve God
and man. God exalted Christ because of His selfless servant-hood. So that all of
mankind would one day confess Christ as Lord.
Christians should have this same attitude or mind-set of a humble servant by

being obedient to God and allowing God to use them to accomplish His purpose
through them.
Believers evidence a humble servant spirit before God by—
• doing all things without arguing or complaining
• proving themselves righteous in the midst of an evil world
• holding forth the Word of Life.
Believers serve God by—
• having a sacrificial spirit toward others
• serving the interests of others above their own
• doing whatever service needs to be done.
This, too, was great cause for Paul to rejoice.
Php. 2:5-11 is known as the “kenosis” passage. Doctrinally it is important for

Christ as God became man without losing his “godness”. Christ voluntarily “set
aside” or limited the use of some of His divine attributes in order to become a
man to accomplish the Father’s plan of redemption.
Chapter 3:1-21 — A Spiritual Mind
Paul also urged believers to put no confidence in the flesh or rely on their own
strength in order to minister for Christ. No believer has any cause to boast or be
proud of his own spiritual strength or accomplishments.
All the things about which men normally boast are of no value when compared
to the value of knowing Christ personally and intimately. The goal then of the
Christian personally should be to press on toward maturity in Christ. Php. 3:8 is
the key verse in this section.
154
“ What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the
surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake
I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”
The spiritual things of life are of eternal value and the believer’s mind should be
set on those things and not on earthly things.
Conformity to the image and glory of Christ is more important than pursuing the
things of the world.
Paul could then rejoice in the Lord.
Chapter 4:1-20 — A Secure Mind
An anxious, struggling, doubting mind-set or attitude should not be present in

the believer. Anxiety arises from focusing on circumstances and not trusting
in Christ.
Dwelling on pure things and concentrating on Christ and praying will enable the
believer to be at peace even in the midst of difficult or trying circumstances.
Contentment in adverse circumstances is learned as one continually trusts in Christ.
The key verse in this section is 4:11:
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to

be content whatever the circumstances.”
Contentment is being satisfied with Christ in all circumstances and not longing
for something or someone else or a change of circumstance. (See Heb. 13:5-6.)
The Christian can do all things through Christ who strengthens him and who
supplies his every need.
This truth is cause for great rejoicing. For just as Christ’s mind was secure
because He trusted completely in the Father, so it is with the believer.
Paul closed by praying the grace of Christ will be with their spirits.
Theme/purpose
Paul wrote Philippians to encourage believers to have the same mind-set
as did Christ in order to accomplish God’s purposes and focus on the really
important spiritual things of life regardless of their individual circumstances.
155
A maturing believer will have—
• a single mind focused on the gospel.
• a servant mind focused on ministering to others.
• a spiritual mind focused on growth to maturity.
• a secure mind focused on trusting Christ in spite of the circumstances.
6. Key chapters
Php. 1 Priority of proclaiming Christ

2 Priority of serving Christ and others
3 Priority of spiritual maturity
4 Priority of peace in all circumstances
7. Key passages
1:1-2 2:12-16
1:3-5 2:17-22
1:6 3:1-3
1:7-11 3:4-7
1:12-14 3:8-14
1:15-18 3:15-21
1:19-26 4:6-9
1:27-30 4:10-12
2:1-4 4:13-19
2:5-11
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
156
8. Main teachings
• Believers should be active participants in the lives of other Christians

with respect to the gospel.
• God will complete the good work which He started of growth to

maturity in each believer.
• Believers should be filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes

through Christ.
• Even adverse circumstances can be used to further the gospel.
• It is a priority that Christ be proclaimed which should cause believers

to rejoice.
• The prayers of the saints and the provision of the Spirit of Christ
delivers saints in distress.
• Believers should boldly exalt Jesus in their body whether by life or death.
• Christ should be our priority in life and death.
• Believers should conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.
• Believers should stand firm in one spirit contending as one man for
the gospel.
• Believers are granted the privilege of suffering for the sake of Christ.
• Believers should be like-minded, have the same love and be one in spirit
and purpose.
• Believers should do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
• Believers should be humble and exalt the interests of others above

their own.
• Believers should have the same attitude or mind-set of Jesus.
• Jesus
– did not desperately grasp onto His equality with God
– made Himself nothing
– took the nature of a servant
157
– was made into human likeness as a man

– humbled Himself
– became obedient to death even on the cross
– was exalted by God
– will be confessed as Lord by all men.
• Believers should continue to work out in practice their salvation with fear
and trembling.
• God is at work in each believer to will and work His good purpose.
• Believers should do everything without complaining or arguing.
• Believers should be blameless and pure, appearing as lights in a dark

and depraved generation.
• Believers should hold forth the Word of Life to the world.
• Believers should give themselves in sacrificial service for others.
• Believers should take genuine interest in the welfare of others and the
interests of Christ.
• Be on guard against men who have confidence in the flesh and boast of
their own strength and abilities.
• Believers should put no confidence in the flesh.
• Neither education, nor religious tradition, nor training, nor family

heritage, nor position, nor experience are any cause to boast before Christ.
• The things which men value most are of no real value in relationship to
the value of knowing Christ.
• The believer has no righteousness of his own but only that which comes
through faith in Christ.
• There is fellowship in sharing in the sufferings of Christ.
• Perfect spiritual maturity in Christ is not attainable in this life, but

believers should press on toward that goal, leaving all else behind.
158
• Believers should live up to the level of spiritual maturity they have
achieved.
• Believers should follow the good examples of other believers in

godly living.
• Believers should not have their minds set on earthly things.
• The believer’s citizenship is already in heaven.
• Christ will ultimately transfer believers’ bodies into the likeness of

His glorified body.
• There should be no division or strife among believers in the body

of Christ.
• Believers should rejoice in the Lord always.
• Believers should be anxious and worried for nothing, but by prayer and
thanksgiving let their requests be made known to God who will grant
them peace and a secure, settled mind in Christ.
• Believers should think on those things which are holy, pure, right,
noble, admirable and lovely.
• Believers should practice the principles of scripture as taught by Paul.
• Believers should learn to be content in every circumstance regardless of

whether good or bad, or whether they have a lot or a little by focusing
on Christ and relying on His sufficiency rather than the circumstances.
• Believers can do all things through Christ who strengthens them.
• It is good for believers to share in each other’s troubles and help meet
needs whether physical, emotional, financial or spiritual.
• Meeting the needs of others is credited to the account of the one who
gives—it is pleasing to God.
• God will supply all the believer’s needs through the riches of Christ.
159
Ps. 28:6-7 Mt. 6:25-34

Ps. 42:1-2 Jn. 16:33
Ps. 62:1-2 1 Co. 2:14-16
Ps. 63:1 1 Ti. 6:6-10
Isa. 26:3-4 2 Pe. 1:3-4
Jer. 9:23-24
• Partnership in the gospel

• God completing His good work begun in each believer
• Adverse circumstances furthering the gospel
• Priority of proclaiming Christ
• For to me to live is Christ, to die is gain
• Granted to believers not just to believe in Christ but suffer for Him
• Exalt the interests of others above your own
• Having the same attitude or mind-set of Christ
• The kenosis of Christ—emptying Himself, becoming a man, dying
• All men will one day confess Christ as Lord to God’s glory
• Working out your salvation with fear and trembling
• God working in believers to will and work for His purposes
• Doing all things without grumbling and complaining
• Putting no confidence in the flesh
• All things of human value as rubbish compared to the value of
knowing Christ
• Fellowship of Christ’s sufferings
• Having no righteousness of our own
• Not having attained spiritual maturity yet
• Forgetting what lies behind
• Passing on toward the goal of maturity in Christ
• Christ transforming believers’ bodies into the likeness of His
glorified body
• Rejoicing in the Lord always
• Having no anxiety about anything
• God granting believers peace and security in Christ
• Thinking on pure, lovely things
• Learning to be content in all circumstances
• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
• God supplies all our needs through Christ
160
 Colossians – Living a life worthy of the pre-eminent Christ

 4 chapters
1-2 3-4
Chapter Chapters Chapters Chapter
1:1–8 1:9-2:23 3:1-4:6 4:7-18
Greetings Priority of Christ Practice of Christ Closing

Paul and
Timothy Grace be with
to the In Prayer Set Mind on Spiritual you
holy and Things
faithful —
In Pleasing Him Put Off Old Nature
brothers at ▪ bearing fruit
Colosse Finish work of
▪ growing in maturity Put On New Nature ministry you
▪ strengthened with received from
We thank Live in Godliness Christ
God for His power
▪ in the home
your ▪ at work
faith Over creation ▪ in the world
(First-born)
hope
Image of invisible
love God.
Over and In the

Church
Christ is the head of
the church
Christ is the subject
of the church
Over Philosophy and

False Teachers
Live in the faith you
were taught
161
COLOSSIANS c. 61 AD Paul
Living a life worthy of the pre-eminent Christ
Greetings Priority of Christ Practice of Christ Closing
1:1 1:8 1:9 2:23 3:1 4:6 4:7-18
3. Book Chart
In Prayer 1:9 Set Mind On Spiritual Things 3:1-4

Pray to be filled with Set heart and mind on things of Christ
• knowledge of His will Praise for
• in all spiritual wisdom and understanding Put Off Old Nature 3:5-9
those who
From Put to death what belongs to old nature – immorality, have been
In Pleasing Him 1:10-14
lust, evil, greed, idolatry faithful in
Paul and
Timothy By • bearing fruit in every good work Put On New Nature 3:10-14 Christ’s
to • growing in knowledge of God Put on new self which is being renewed in image of Christ service
• being strengthened with all power and
the holy • enduring with patience Live In Godliness 3:15-17 been an
and faithful • giving thanks for salvation • be holy encourage-
brothers • be kind, forgiving
Over Creation: “First-born” 1:15-23 ment
in Christ • put on love, unity, peace
at Christ • is image of invisible God • let word of Christ dwell in you —

Colosse • created all things/over all things • do everything in the name of the Lord
• is fully God See to it
– • reconciled us by His blood In The Home 3:18-21 that you
We thank Over and In the Church: Head 1:24-29 • Wives – submit to husbands complete
God for • Husbands – love wives and don’t be harsh the work
Mystery Christ in you the hope of glory • Children – obey parents to please God
your Purpose • proclaim Christ of ministry
• present everyone mature in Him by • Fathers – don’t discourage or embitter children received
faith – admonishing At Work 3:22-4:1 from
– teaching with all wisdom the
• – working in His power Workers – obey authority to please God not men Lord
love Over Philosophy and False Teaching 2:1-23 Employers – do what is right and fair; Christ is your master
Live in the faith as you were taught –
• Don’t • fall captive to philosophy In The World 4:2-6
• depend on human tradition Grace
hope Pray for – personal needs of others be
• follow principles of the world proclaiming of gospel
Because of who Christ is and what He has done with
Don’t • be legalistic Be wise – toward unbelievers you
• practice mysticism Make the most – of every opportunity
• practice asceticism Watch your speech – be full of grace and ready to answer
1 2 3 4
Christ is Lord: over creation over church over conversion over Christians: “The First-Born”

DJM
The church at Colosse was probably founded by Epaphras who went there from
Ephesus during Paul’s third missionary journey. It is one of the Prison Epistles
written during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment.
Unlike Ephesians and to some extent Philippians, Colossians was written to
address certain problems and answer specific questions related to false teaching.
But before dealing with the particulars of the false teaching, Paul presented his
case for the priority and pre-eminence of Christ. Colossians is thus the most
Christological of all of the Pauline letters.
False doctrine is best combated by first teaching correct doctrine especially about
Christ. And like most of Paul’s letters, there is a doctrinal section (chapters 1-2)
followed by a practical, application section (chapters 3-4).
After greeting the brothers in Christ at Colosse Paul praised them and thanked
God for their faith, hope and love which was a common trilogy with Paul.
Chapters 1:9 – 2:23 — Priority of Christ
In chapters 1 and 2 Paul exalts and lifts up the pre-eminence and priority of Jesus
Christ above everyone and everything else in creation.
In prayer (1:9)
Paul’s prayer for the Colossians was that they be filled with the knowledge of
God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And knowledge of God’s
will focuses on Christ.
In pleasing Christ (1:10-14)
The purpose of knowing God’s will in Christ is to live a life that is worthy of
Him by pleasing Him in all respects.
Paul reminded his readers that Christ is pleased when believers—
• bear fruit in every good work.
• grow in the knowledge of God.
• are strengthened with God’s power for endurance and patience.
• joyfully give thanks to the Father
– for salvation and all its benefits
– for being transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom
of His dear son
– for redemption and forgiveness of sins in Christ.
Prayer that pleases God not only asks for things but praises the person and work
of Christ and seeks most of all to know God’s will in order to obey God’s will.
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Over creation (1:15-23)

In one of the most significant of all NT passages on Christ, Paul exalts Jesus as—
• the image of the invisible God
• the first born of all creation
• the creator of all things
• having pre-eminence over all things
• the sustainer of all things
• the head of the church
• the first born from the dead
• the one in whom all the fullness of God dwells
• the reconciler of all things through the blood of His cross
• the reconciler of individual believers through His bodily death
Indeed, Christ does have priority over everything and everybody in the universe.
Over and in the church (1:24-29)

With respect to the church, the pre-eminence of Christ is seen in that He is—
• the head of the church which is His body.
• the content of the gospel.
• the mystery which is the church – Christ in you the hope of glory.
And the ministry of the church is to—

• proclaim Christ.
• prepare saints for maturity in Christ through admonishing and teaching.
• perform the ministry in the power of Christ.
Over philosophy and false teaching (2:1-23)

Paul began his refutation of false teaching by reminding believers that in Christ are
all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge so they do not have to look elsewhere
for truth. This very fact should encourage them and keep them from being
deceived by “fine-sounding arguments.” One aspect of false teaching at Colosse was
an early form of gnosticism which exalted “knowledge” and taught that one could
be saved by enlightenment through knowledge.
Paul’s advice with respect to the philosophies (2:1-10) of men is to—

• continue to live by faith in Christ.
• remain rooted and built up in Him.
• avoid being taken captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.
• understand that such philosophy is not based on Christ but on
– human tradition
– the basic principles (ways) of the world.
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Since all the fullness of deity dwells in Christ bodily form, believers have that
same fullness and need not look to human philosophy.
Religious legalism (2:11-17) was another problem at Colosse which was
drawing believers away from faith in Christ. Paul reminded the Colossians that
the “spiritual circumcision” performed at salvation by Christ was of far greater
significance since it—
• made them alive in Christ
• forgave them of their sins
• canceled out the debt of sin they owed
• disarmed the power of Satan.
Religious legalism which focused on observing religious holidays and eating and
drinking certain things was of no real value at all.
Another false teaching prevalent at Colosse had to do with mysticism (2:18-19)
involving visions and the worship of angels and other spirit beings which were
unrelated to Christ and growing to maturity.
Finally, Paul refuted the practice of asceticism (2:20-23) which equated
spirituality with self-denial, false humility, abstaining from doing certain things
or eating certain foods, etc. based on the belief that the body itself was evil.
It was based on the teachings and wisdom of men and denied the things which
are normal desires for the body thinking that treating the body harshly would
restrain the lusts of the flesh. The Colossians were to stay away from the basic
principles and ways of the world.
Chapters 3:1 – 4:6 — Practice of Christ
Having exalted Christ and pointed out how absurd and foolish these false
teachings and philosophies were, Paul then turned to set out the kind of lifestyle
and practice that should characterize a believer who was living a life worthy of
the Lord. Chapters 3-4 of Colossians bear a lot of similarities to chapters 4-6
of Ephesians.
Paul dealt here with applying Christianity in a number of very practical ways.
This was especially important since all of the false teachings at Colosse
focused on earthly things. The believers’ spiritual position in Christ ought to
result in spiritual practice by allowing Christ to manifest His life through the
believer’s life.
Putting off the old nature (3:5-9)
Those sinful attitudes and actions which are part of the life of the believer before
he was saved should have no part in the believer’s life now. Paul here lists such
things as sexual immorality, idolatry, lust, anger, slander, filthy language, and
lying as fruit of the sinful nature or flesh.
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Putting on the new nature (3:10-14)

In sharp contrast Paul teaches that godly attitudes and actions should be the normal
thing for the believer as he puts on in practice his new nature which is being
renewed in the knowledge of Christ. Such things as compassion, kindness, humility,
patience, forgiveness, etc., along with love should be seen in the believer.
Living in godliness (3:15-17)

Paul goes on to give some biblical commands to insure godly living—
• Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.
• Be thankful.
• Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.
• Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.
• Sing and praise God together and in your hearts.
• Whatever you do in word or deed do it in the name of Christ.
Obeying Christ in the home (3:18-21)

The same principles which Paul set forth in Ephesians are essentially set forth
here but in briefer form and with a slightly different emphasis. At home a life
worthy of the Lord would require that—
• wives submit to their husbands as is fitting in the Lord.
• husbands, love their wives and don’t treat them harshly.
• children obey their parents to please the Lord.
• fathers not embitter or discourage their children.
At work (3:22–4:1)
Paul’s emphasis here is on the attitude of the heart and the motive for employees
obeying those in authority over them. The proper motive is out of reverence for the
Lord not just to secure their favor. Paul reminds them that they are really serving
Christ in their work and will be rewarded by Him.
Masters (employers) are reminded that they also have a master in heaven and need
to treat employees rightly and fairly.
In the world (4:2-6)

Finally, Paul sets forth principles for the believer relating to the unsaved in the
world around him. Believers should—
• be watchful and thankful.
• pray for an open door to proclaim Christ clearly.
• be wise in the way they act toward unbelievers.
• make the most of every witnessing opportunity.
• watch their speech – full of grace, seasoned with salt to make people
thirsty for the gospel, always ready to answer everyone.
Chapter 4:7 -18 — Closing
In his rather long closing Paul praised those believers who had been an
encouragement to him and had been faithful in the service of Christ, such as
Tychicus and Onesimus. Some, like Epaphras, had prayed diligently for the
Colossians that they would stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully
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assured. Mark, Barnabas, and Luke, the doctor (the author of Luke and Acts)
also sent greetings.
Note, too, that Paul instructed them to have this letter read to the church at Laodicea
and for the Colossians to read that letter. Many of these NT letters were freely
circulated among the church for instruction and encouragement.
Theme/purpose
Based on the pre-eminence and priority of Jesus Christ, Paul wrote in
Colossians that believers should reject philosophy and false teaching and
put into practice daily living that is worthy of the Lord.
The priority of the person of Christ should be practically reflected in every
area of the believer’s life as he seeks to know God’s will in order to obey
God’s will.
6. Key chapters
Col. 1 Pre-eminence of Christ
Priority of spiritual maturity
2 Teachings of Christ exalted over men’s philosophies
and false teaching
3 Manifesting Christ by putting on the new self
4 Always prepared to proclaim Christ
7. Key passages
1:1-2 3:1-4
1:3-8 3:5-9
1:9-14 3:10-17
1:15-23 3:18-21
1:24-27 3:22–4:1
1:28-29 4:2-6
2:2-3 4:7-9
2:4-10 4:10-14
2:11-17 4:16
2:18-19 4:17
2:20-23
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Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• The gospel is constantly bearing fruit in the world.
• Believers should pray to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in

all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
• Believers should live in a manner worthy of the Lord striving to please

Him in all respects.
• Believers have been transferred from the domain of darkness to the

kingdom of Christ.
• Christ is the exact image and representation of the invisible God.
• As first-born (prototokos) Christ has priority and pre-eminence over

everything and everybody.
• Christ is the creator and sustainer of all things both physical and spiritual.
• Christ is the head of the church which is His body.
• All the fullness of God dwells in Christ.
• Christ reconciled all things to Himself through the blood of the cross.
• Christ brought reconciliation to believers through His death.
• Believers are to share in the sufferings of Christ.
• The ministry is a stewardship from God.
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• The minister must preach the Word of God.
• The mystery of the church is Christ in you the hope of glory.
• The work of the church is evangelism and edification.
• In Christ are hidden all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
• Believers should not be deceived and led astray by philosophy and the
ways of the world.
• Since believers received Christ by faith they should live by faith.
• Believers should be firmly rooted and established in Christ.
• All the fullness of deity dwells in Christ bodily.
• In Christ the believer has died to the philosophies, principles and ways
of the world, which are of no real value.
• Because believers have been positionally seated with Christ in the

heavenly realms, they should set their minds on spiritual not earthly things.
• The life of the believer is hidden with Christ in God.
• Sinful attitudes and actions have no place in the life of the believer and
are the fruit of the old sinful nature which has been laid aside.
• Believers should put on the new nature which is being renewed into the
image of Christ and practice godly attitudes and actions consistent with
that new nature.
• Believers should let Christ rule in their hearts and lives.
• At home believers should practice the principles of scripture.
• At work believers should practice the principles of scripture.
• Believers in the world should live exemplary lives and share Christ.
• Many of the NT letters were circulated among and read by other

churches.
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Ps. 2
Jn. 1:1-18
Php. 2:5-11
Heb. 1:1-9
2 Pe. 3:14-16
• “Faith, hope and love”

• Pre-eminence and priority of Jesus Christ
• Praying to be filled with knowledge of His will
• Living a life worthy of the Lord
• Transferred from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of Christ
• Christ as the image of the invisible God and first-born of all creation
• Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
• Receiving Christ by faith, living the Christian life by faith
• Firmly rooted and established in Christ
• All the fullness of deity dwelling in bodily form in Christ
• Deception of philosophy, tradition of men, religious legalism, and the
elementary principles of the world
• Spiritual circumcision removing body of sin
• Certificate of debt for sins canceled by Christ at the cross
• Disarming of Satan at the cross by Christ
• Asceticism of no real value
• Believer’s life is hidden with Christ in God
• Christ the believer’s life
• Laying aside the old self and its sinful practices
• Putting on the new self which is being renewed in the image of Christ
• Letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts
• Letting the Word of Christ richly dwell in us
• Singing and praising together in spiritual songs, hymns and psalms
• Doing everything in the name of Christ
• Husbands not treating wives harshly
• Always being prepared to speak for Christ and answer believers
• Speech seasoned with grace and salt
• Luke, the doctor
• Circulating and reading Paul’s letters among the churches
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 1 Thessalonians – Jesus Christ is coming again for His church

 5 chapters
1 2 3 4 5
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
1:1 1:2-10 2:1-20 3:1-13 4:1-18 5:1-24 5:25-28
Greetings CHRIST IS COMING Closing

From Paul, To rescue For the To present To rapture To finish Pray for
Silas and the church church to the church the church His work us
Timothy from the realize joy blameless in the air of Read this
to the coming in His and holy (4:17) sanctifica- letter to
Church wrath presence to God tion all the
of the (1:10) (2:19) (5:23) brothers
Thessalo-
nians
Be Be Be Be Be
waiting hopeful strengthened encouraged thankful
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1 THESSALONIANS
Jesus Christ is coming again c. 51 AD Paul
Greetings 1 2 3 4 5 Closing
To rescue the For the church to To present the To rapture the church To complete His
church for the realize joy in His church blameless in the air work of sanctifica-
3. Book chart
coming wrath presence and holy to God tion in the church Pray
Paul, (1:10) (2:19) (3:13) (4:17) (5:23) for
Silas us
and We thank God We loved you We sent Timothy
We instructed you Be ready – you
Timothy for your: and shared to you to how to live to don’t know when
please God —
to - work of faith with you our strengthen and Christ will return
- labor of love very lives encourage you — to complete our Read
the in your faith
It is God’s will that
church - enduring hope — salvation this
— you be sanctified and — letter
of — We walked right- avoid sexual
Timothy brought Church not to all
the Your faithful eously before you good news immorality destined for wrath the
Thessalonians proclamation - encouraging about your faith — brothers
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of the gospel in - comforting (5:9)
and love God calls us to
power and the - urging —
— — holiness, not —
Holy Spirit impurity Be self-controlled-
— Night and day encourage and build
— we pray for you — the
You accepted up each other grace
Grace — Be faithful and
Your turning our words as the It is God’s will for of
and diligent; work hard
May your love
from idols to Word of God you to– Christ
peace increase and —
serve the living — • be joyful be
to overflow Don’t be ignorant
and true God You became a • pray continually with
you Christ will come to
to wait for model church • give thanks in you
resurrect dead
Christ’s believers and all things
2nd Coming “catch-up” Christians Christ will do it
1:1 1:2 1:10 2:1 2:20 3:1 3:13 4:1 4:18 5:1 5:24 5:25-28
Grace Be waiting Be hopeful Be strengthened Be encouraged Be thankful Grace
Paul looks back on his ministry in Thessalonica Paul looks ahead to Christ’s coming
“We will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes” (2:19)
DJM
The church at Thessalonica was founded on the second missionary journey to

Macedonia (Eastern Europe). After leaving the area because of intense persecution,
Paul wrote back to the Thessalonians from Corinth to praise, encourage and
instruct them.
The central focus of 1 Thessalonians has to do with the 2nd coming of Christ for
His church.
Chapter 1:1 — Greetings To the church of the Thessalonians
Paul opened his letter with greetings from himself, Silas and Timothy all of
whom had had a part in the ministry there.
Chapter 1:2-10 — Christ is coming again – to rescue the church from the
coming wrath
The main theme of Paul’s letter becomes very clear at the end of chapter 1.
But first Paul thanked the church at Thessalonica for their—
• work of faith
• labor of love
• enduring hope.
He also reminded them that the gospel came to them not in word only but in
power and the full conviction of the Holy Spirit. And the believers there had
become good examples and role models for other Christians by living a life of
faith in the midst of persecution and proclaiming Christ far and wide.
Further, the Thessalonians had turned from idols to serve the true, living God to
wait for the return of Jesus.
“Who rescues us from the coming wrath.” (1:10)
Wrath refers to the settled disposition of God against sin and the pouring out
of God’s judgment against sin especially in the 7-year Great Tribulation period
which precedes Christ’s second coming.
Christ will return to deliver His church from that wrath which will purify Israel
and punish the wickedness of unbelievers. (See 1:10; 2:16; 5:9.)
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The coming (“parousia”) of Christ will be in 2 phases or stages separated by 7 years
1st. 7 Yr. 2nd

phase Tribulation phase
Wrath
Rapture Judgment
in the air on the earth
1 Th. 4 Rev. 19
The rapture of the Church and the physical second coming of Christ are two
different and separate stages of the same event.
Chapter 2:1-20 — Christ is coming again—for the church to realize joy

together in His presence
Paul looked forward to sharing together with the Thessalonians in joy and glory
in the presence of Christ at His return (2:19-20). In the meantime, Paul reminded
the church at Thessalonica about his ministry there with them—
• Paul had shared the gospel with them in truth and not for false or
prideful motives.
• Paul and others had worked hard for the gospel there laboring day and
night in the face of great opposition.
• Paul had shared his very life with them because they were dear to him.
• Paul had conducted himself in exemplary fashion before them — his
ministry was holy, righteous and blameless.
• Paul had treated them as a father treats a son, with encouragement, comfort
and exhortation.
• They had received Paul’s words for what they really were — the Word
of God.
• They had become imitators of godly churches and suffered great
persecution.
• Paul had been prevented from coming back to them in person by Satan.
Chapter 3:1-13 — Christ is coming again—to present the church

blameless and holy to God
Paul had warned the church that persecution and affliction would come and had
tried to determine how faithful they had been. Timothy had brought Paul good news
that the Thessalonians had stood up well under opposition. He then prayed that
they would remain faithful and increase in love for one another and all men until
Jesus came again. Jesus would then present the church to God as blameless and
holy in Him (3:13).
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Chapter 4:1-18 — Christ is coming again—to rapture the church in the air
Paul next moved to instruct the Thessalonians on several key issues.
How to live to please God (4:1-8)

• by knowing that God’s will for believers is sanctification (being holy
and separated from sinful practices).
• by abstaining from sexual immorality and lustful passion, not taking

advantage of or defrauding other believers.
• by knowing how to deal with their own sexuality in holiness and honor.
• by remembering that God did not call them to impurity but holiness.
• by realizing that God will not let sexual immorality go unpunished.
• by not rejecting this teaching and thus rejecting God.
• by continuing to love each other all the more.
• by making it their goal to lead a quiet life, mind their own business
and work with their hands.
• by their daily living which should win the respect of unbelievers.
• by working diligently so they would not be dependent on others.
How to deal with death (4:13-18)

Apparently, one of the main questions in the minds of the believers there had to
do with what happened to believers who died before Christ came back.
Paul first exhorted them to—

• not be ignorant about the truth.
• not grieve as did other men.
• not lose hope.
He then gave them specific teachings—
• Since Jesus died and rose again, those who have died (fallen asleep) in
Jesus will return with Him.
• The dead in Christ shall be resurrected first and those believers who are
alive at the time of the Lord’s coming will not precede them.
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• Christ will come down from heaven

– with a loud command.
– with the voice of the archangel.
– with the trumpet of God.
– the dead in Christ will rise first.
– then those believers who are alive will be “caught up” (raptured)
together with them to meet Jesus in the air.
– all believers will be with Jesus forever.
Paul is here teaching about the process of the bodily resurrection of dead believers
when Christ comes in the air to rapture His bride the church. At death the spirit/soul
of all believers is in the conscious presence of the Lord (see 2 Co. 5:5-9).
This event talks about the uniting of the spirits of dead believers with their
glorified resurrected bodies. Those believers alive at the time will be transformed
and receive their glorified bodies at that time (see 1 Co. 15:35-54). The physical
second coming of Christ on the earth is pictured in Zec. 14, and Rev. 19.
This teaching should be a great source of encouragement to all believers.
Chapters 5:1-24 — Christ is coming again—to complete His work of

sanctification in the church
After Christ comes for His church at the rapture, there will be a 7-year period of
great tribulation which is part of the judgment of Christ in the Day of the Lord.
Paul next gave advice on what the Thessalonians should do until Jesus came again.
• They need not worry about the timing because Christ will come as a thief
in the night — no one knows when and unbelievers will be surprised.
• They should not be surprised but alert and self-controlled.
• As children of light, believers should put on faith, love and hope.
For God has not appointed believers for wrath, but to receive salvation in
Christ. Whether dead or alive at His coming, believers will live together with
Him. They should greatly encourage one another and build each other up.
Finally, Paul gave some additional instruction for the Thessalonians, they should—
• respect those leaders who work hard among them, are over them and
admonish them.
• hold them in high regard.
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• live in peace with each other.
• warn the idle.
• encourage the timid.
• help the weak.
• be patient with everyone.
• don’t pay back wrong for wrong.
• be kind to one another.
• be joyful always.
• pray continually.
• give thanks in all circumstances.
• don’t put out the Spirit’s fire with sin or an ungrateful spirit.
• test everything.
• don’t treat prophets with contempt.
• hold on to the good.
• avoid every kind of evil.
The Thessalonians were exhorted to live godly lives according to the Word of
God while they waited on Christ’s return.
They should also remember that—
• God would sanctify them completely in body, soul and spirit at the
coming of Christ.
• God who called them is faithful and will do what He says.
They should have been encouraged that God would complete their salvation and
sanctification at Christ’s return.
Chapter 5:25-28 — Closing--Read this letter to the brothers
Paul closed 1 Thessalonians by asking them to pray for him and commanding
them to have this letter read to all the brothers.
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Theme/purpose
Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to encourage believers to remain faithful and
live godly lives until the return of Christ to rapture His church when the
dead in Christ will be resurrected, those alive translated, and God will finish
His work of salvation and sanctification in them.
Believers should remain faithful, diligent and alert by living godly lives and
by always being ready for the coming of Christ.
6. Key chapters
1 Th. 1 Jesus delivers the church from wrath
2 Words of scripture are the words of God
3 Christ presenting the church blameless before God
4 Rapture described
5 Church not destined for wrath
7. Key passages
1:2-5 4:1-8
1:10 4:9-10
2:1-4 4:11-12
2:5-9 4:13-18
2:10-12 5:1-6
2:13 5:8-11
2:14-18 5:12-22
3:1-3 5:23
3:7-8 5:24
3:11-13 5:27
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
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8. Main teachings
• God is pleased with the believer’s
– labor of love
– work of faith
– enduring hope.
• Believers should be godly examples of faith in difficult circumstances.
• When Christ comes again He will deliver the church from the
impending wrath.
• Believers should proclaim the gospel boldly in spite of opposition.
• In preaching the gospel we must please not men but God who tests
our hearts.
• Believers should not
– use flattering speech
– minister out of greed
– look for the praise of men.
• Believers should not only share the gospel but their very lives as well.
• Those who minister must do so with integrity and set a good example.
• Believers should exhort other Christians to live lives worthy of God.
• Scripture is not the word of man but the word of God, which works
in the believer.
• The church which proclaims the gospel can expect persecution and
affliction.
• Believers will share unspeakable joy together in the presence of Christ
when He comes.
• Satan tempts believers to not stand firm by faith in the midst of affliction.
• Satan hinders the work of those ministering for Christ.
• Believers should increase and overflow in love for each other.
• The church will be presented blameless and holy when Jesus comes.
• Scripture carries the authority of Jesus Himself.
• It is God’s will for believers to be sanctified (holy and separated from sin).
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• Believers should abstain from sexual immorality and learn to control

their own fleshly desires in holiness and honor.
• Believers should not take advantage of others sexually.
• God will punish sexual sins.
• God calls believers to live a pure, holy life.
• Rejecting the instruction of scripture is equal to rejecting God.
• Believers should lead a quiet life, mind their own business, and work
daily and diligently to gain the respect of unbelievers.
• Believers should not generally be dependent on others.
• That Jesus died and was bodily resurrected is a fact.
• When Jesus comes in the air to rapture the church, the dead in Christ
will rise first.
• Believers alive at the time of the rapture will be caught up to meet Jesus
and other believers in the air to be with Him forever.
• Both dead believers and those alive will receive their glorified,
resurrected bodies at that time.
• No one knows when Christ will come again.
• Christ will come by surprise as a thief in the night.
• Believers should remain alert, self-controlled and ready for Christ’s
coming.
• God did not appoint the church for wrath but to receive salvation.
• Christ died for us so we can live with Him.
• Believers should love, encourage and build up each other.
• Believers should respect and honor spiritual leaders who work hard among
them.
• It is God’s will that believers should always
– be joyful.
– pray continually.
– give thanks in all circumstances.
• Believers should not quench the Spirit.
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• At the coming of Jesus, God will sanctify each believer completely —
body, soul and spirit.
• God is faithful; He called you and will do what He promised.
• Paul commanded the Thessalonians to have this letter read by all
the brothers.
• Scripture should be read by all Christians.

Zep. 2:1-3
Mt. 5:10-12
Jn. 14:1-3
1 Co. 15:51-58
2 Ti. 3:16-17
Rev. 2:8-11
Rev. 3:7-10

• Jesus will deliver the church from the wrath to come
• Shared their lives as well as the gospel
• Scripture is not the word of men but the Word of God
• The Word of God works powerfully in the lives of believers
• The church is destined for persecution and affliction for preaching
the gospel
• The church will be presented holy and blameless at Christ’s return
• God’s will for the believer is sanctification
• Sexual immorality, lustful passions and impurity have no place in the
believer’s life
• Rejection of scriptural instruction is rejecting God
• Ambition to lead a quiet, peaceful, productive life
• Diligent work is honored by God
• Death is pictured as being asleep in Jesus
• Rapture of the church
• Church is not destined for wrath but salvation
• Respect and honor the spiritual leaders of the church who diligently
labor for Christ
• God’s will for the believer is to
– rejoice always
– pray continually
– in everything give thanks
• God will finish the work of sanctifying believers completely (body, soul
and spirit) at Christ’s coming
• God is faithful and will perform all His promises
• Read this letter to all the brothers
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182
• 2 Thessalonians – Until Jesus comes again...
• 3 chapters
• 3 major divisions
1 2 3
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
1:1-2 1:3-12 2:1-17 3:1-15 3:16-18
Greetings UNTIL JESUS COMES AGAIN Closing
Paul Be faithful Stand firm Keep working May the Lord

Silas in in truth for God of Peace give
and persecutions and hope you peace at
Timothy all times
to the church
of the
Thessalonians
Encouragement Reassurance Commandment
183
2 THESSALONIANS c. 51 AD Paul
Until Jesus comes again –
Greetings 1 2 3 Closing
3. Book chart
Be faithful in persecutions Stand firm in truth and hope Keep working for God
Paul For the Day of the Now

Until “the Lord Jesus is In the name of the Lord Jesus
Silas Lord has not yet come may the
revealed from heaven in Christ continue to–
and blazing fire”... Lord
Timothy Don’t • pray for believers of
to the • to give relief to you • become unsettled or alarmed • proclaim the message of peace
church • to punish those who do by false reports the Lord give
of the not know God and do • be deceived – Christ will not • obey Christ’s teachings you
Thessalonians not obey the Gospel of • keep away from idle brothers peace
come until the man of
Christ : • never tire of doing what at all
lawlessness is revealed
Entrusted to Drew Stockton (drew.ebc@gmail.com)184

— is right times
– with everlasting destruction —
– with separation from the • warn those who are idle
Stand firm – God will strengthen —
Grace presence of God and give you hope in every good —
and deed and word
“On the day He comes “If a man will not work, he
peace The
to to be glorified in His shall not eat” Lord
you holy people” be with
—
from — all of
God Until Christ comes, stay busy you
Christ will judge the wicked doing God’s work
1:1-2 1:3 1:12 2:1 2:17 3:1 3:15 3:16-18

Peace Encouragement Reassurance Commandment Peace
Concerning the Coming of Christ –– hold to the correct teachings
DJM

2 Thessalonians was a follow-up letter written by Paul primarily to correct certain

false teaching and misunderstanding concerning the 2nd coming of Christ. Some
were teaching that the wrath of God had already come and had stopped working,
thinking that the end was near. Paul corrected the false ideas and exhorted the
Thessalonian church to continue in the work of the Lord.
Paul greeted the church much the same as he had done in 1 Thessalonians.
Chapter 1:3-12 — Until Jesus comes, be faithful in persecutions
Paul moved quickly to encourage the Thessalonians to remain faithful in the midst
of their current sufferings. Christ will repay those who persecuted Christians when
He is “revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels” (1:7).
What Paul is telling them is that Christ has not come back yet and the persecutions
they are suffering are not part of the wrath of God.
When Christ comes, He will—

• punish those who don’t know God.
• punish those who do not obey the gospel.
This punishment for unbelievers will be “everlasting destruction and shut out
from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power.”
The reward for believers, however, stands in sharp contrast. God will be glorified
in and through them. In the meantime, the Thessalonians should continue to
glorify God by word and actions.
Chapter 2:1-17 — Until Jesus comes, stand firm in truth and hope
Apparently, the Thessalonians were upset, deceived and disturbed by some

false reports that the Day of the Lord when wrath against sin is poured out had
already come.
Paul strongly reminded them of the truth he had already taught them about what
had to happen before Christ would come in judgment. Christ’s return to rapture
the church comes at the beginning of the Great Tribulation when God’s wrath is
poured out, to be followed seven years later by the actual 2nd coming of Christ
in judgment (see Rev. 19).
185
Those things which precede the Day of the Lord’s judgment are—
• apostasy (a great rebellion against and falling away from God).
• revealing of the man of lawlessness who will oppose and exalt himself
over God and set himself up in God’s temple claiming to be God (see
Rev. 13).
• removal of the restraining force (likely the Holy Spirit) which now holds
back the man of lawlessness.
• rapture of the church.
This “man of lawlessness” is doomed to destruction and will be overthrown at
Christ’s second coming. Satan is behind the work of this “antichrist” who will
perform all kinds of counterfeit miracles and signs and engage in all kinds of
deceiving evil. Those deceived are doomed because they refused to love the
truth and be saved, but instead delighted in wickedness.
The Thessalonians stand in sharp contrast having been loved and saved by God
through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and by believing the truth.
Paul exhorted the church to stand firm and hold to the true teachings which they had
received. Further he prayed that God would strengthen and encourage them and
grant them good hope as they continue to do His work.
Chapter 3:1-15 — Until Jesus comes, keep working for God
Having corrected the false teaching and reports, Paul turned to instruct the
Thessalonians on what to do. Paul asked them in the name of Jesus Christ to:
• pray for us.
• continue to obey the commands of the Lord.
• keep away from idle brothers who do not live according to the truth.
• follow our example of diligent work for the Lord while among you.
• keep this rule – if a man does not work he shall not eat.
Apparently, some “believers” on hearing the false reports of the “wrath” had
stopped working for the Lord and were not busy but busybodies. Such people were
to be exhorted and warned to settle down and earn their living. Those who did not
respond were to be confronted and not associated with until they were obedient.
This was a mild form of church discipline.
Laziness in the Lord’s work never has a place in the church.
186
Paul closed 2 Thessalonians by asking that the God of peace would grant them
peace at all times and in every way. Paul wrote the closing with his own hand to
authenticate it.
Theme/purpose
Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to correct false teachings and reports that Christ
had already come back and to encourage believers to continue in the faith
and stay busy in the Lord’s work.
What we believe must be based on the sound teaching of scripture which
commands us to remain faithful and busy for God until Christ comes.
6. Key chapters
2 Th. 1 Revealing of Christ from heaven in blazing fire

2 Christ has not come yet
Revealing of the “man of lawlessness”
3 If a man does not work, he shall not eat
7. Key passages
1:5-7
1:8-9
1:10-12
2:1-12
2:13-17
3:1-5
3:6-15
3:16
187
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• True believers persevere by faith in persecutions.
• God will pay back all evil doers when Christ comes in judgment.
• Christ in His second coming will be revealed from heaven in blazing

fire with His powerful angels.
• Those who are punished will be punished because

– they don’t know God.
– they do not obey the gospel.
• The punishment will be everlasting destruction and separation from

the presence of God.
• God will be glorified in His people when Christ comes.
• Christ has not yet come back again.
• Before Christ comes again certain things must occur

– the apostasy (rebellion) or rapture?
– the revealing of the man of lawlessness.
• This man will oppose all things of God and set himself up for
worship in the temple as god.
• The restrainer (Holy Spirit) keeps this man back now.
• The great power of this man is already at work in the world.
• He will perform counterfeit miracles and signs.
• He will deceive through all kinds of evil.
• He will be energized by Satan.
188
• Christ will overthrow antichrist with the breath of His mouth by the
splendor of His coming.
• Those who perish do so because they

– refused to love the truth.
– are deceived.
– have delighted in wickedness.
• Believers are chosen by God and saved through

– the sanctifying work of the Spirit.
– belief in the truth.
• Believers should stand firm and hold to the true teachings of the Word.
• God will grant strength, encouragement and hope to faithful believers.
• God will protect faithful believers from the wicked one.
• Idleness and laziness have no business in the church.
• If a man will not work, he shall not eat.
• Idle believers should be warned and confronted with the truth and urged to
get back to the Lord’s work.
• Peace comes from having the God of peace.
Da. 9:24-27
Eph. 2:10
2 Ti. 2:15
2 Ti. 3:1-5
Rev. 9:20-21
Rev. 13:1-18
Rev. 19:11-21
189
• Revealing of Christ from heaven with fire

• Everlasting punishment and separation from God for those who don’t
know God and don’t obey the gospel
• Christ has not yet come back again
• Revealing of the man of lawlessness
• The apostasy and rebellion against God
• One who now holds back the man of lawlessness
• The lawless one energized by Satan
• Counterfeit miracles and signs
• Christ overthrowing antichrist by the splendor of His coming
• Salvation by the sanctifying work of the Spirit and belief in the truth
• Idleness has no part in God’s work
• If a man will not work, he shall not eat
• Idle believers are not busy but busybodies
190
 1 Timothy – Christian guidebook on correct character, creed
and conduct in the church

▪ 6 chapters
▪ 6 major divisions
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
1:1-2 6:20-21
1:3-20 2:1-15 3:1-16 4:1-16 5:1-6:2 6:3-19
Greetings Closing
Pure Public Potential Proper People Proper

doctrine worship leaders teachers relations motivation
Paul Timothy
to my Correct Prayer Spiritual Refute Apply Be –guard
true son false and qualifi- false biblical motivated the truth
in the teaching place cations teachers principles by entrusted
faith — of for — to these desire for to you
Teach women overseers Teach situations godliness
sound deacons and
doctrine pastors model
elders truth
191
1 TIMOTHY c. 63 AD Paul
Christian guidebook on correct character, creed and conduct in the church
Instructions for the church on:
3. Book chart
Pure Public Potential Proper People Proper

Doctrine Worship Leaders Teachers Relations Motivation
1:3 1:20 2:1 2:15 3:1 3:16 4:1 4:16 5:1 6:2 6:3 6:19
Closing
Goal of our Priority of Spiritual Refute false Older men Godliness with 6:20-21
instruction is prayer qualification teachers Younger men contentment
love from pure — Older women —
Greetings — Teach sound Timothy,
heart, good Younger women Flee love of
1:1 – 1:2 Pastors/Elders doctrine and guard
conscience, Place of Widows money
Overseers model truth what
sincere faith women Elders
Paul Deacons “Keep this has
“Watch your Masters/slaves
to Command “I want men command been
192
Timothy, “Be above life and doctrine
certain men everywhere to “Keep these without spot entrusted
my reproach” closely”
not to teach pray so the instructions or blame” to
true 3:2
son false doctrine– Gospel can be 4:16 without your
6:14
in teach sound preached” partiality” care
the doctrine 2:8 5:21 —
faith that conforms Grace
to Gospel be
with
“Fight the
you
good fight,
holding
on to faith”
1:18-19
“So that you may know how people ought to conduct themselves in the church of the Living God” (3:15)
DJM
1 Timothy is the first and longest of Paul’s personal letters addressed to

particular individuals. It is also the first of the three NT books known as “the
Pastoral Epistles” (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus).
Timothy had been with Paul on some of his missionary journeys and was one of
the main young pastors whom Paul discipled, trained and equipped.
1 Timothy was written about 63 AD probably from Macedonia shortly after

Paul’s release from his Roman house imprisonment (Ac. 28).
While 1 Timothy was a personal letter to Timothy the pastor/elder, it was also a
manual for the church — a Christian guidebook on correct character, creed
and conduct.
Paul’s stated purpose in writing (3:15) was so that people would know how to
conduct themselves in the church with respect to proper belief and behavior.
The principles of 1 Timothy are equally applicable today.
Paul wrote to Timothy, “my true son in the faith,” for Paul considered himself to
be Timothy’s spiritual father.
Chapter 1:3-20 — Instructions for the church on pure doctrine
Paul wasted no time at all in getting to the heart of his message dealing with the
teaching and living of correct doctrine. If their teaching was not correct, then
their behavior would not be correct. For what we believe determines what we
do. That’s why it is so critically important to teach and preach the truth.
Paul wanted Timothy to stay in Ephesus where Paul had spent three years on his
3rd missionary journey, to command certain men not to teach false doctrines
which promoted controversies.
Meaningless talk, myths and endless genealogies were of no real value.
These false teachers had wandered away from a pure heart, a good conscience
and sincere faith and were teaching out of ignorance.
Timothy needed to be careful to teach sound doctrine that conformed to the true
gospel. All teaching must be measured against the standard of the word of God.
193
After recounting his own glorious salvation experience and praising God for
choosing him for Christian ministry, Paul urged Timothy to—
fight the good fight
holding on to the faith
and a good conscience.
When sound doctrine is abandoned, faith is shipwrecked which Paul did not want to
happen to Timothy.
Chapter 2:1-15 — Instructions for the church on public worship
Paul then turned to instruct young pastor Timothy in two areas of public worship.
Prayer (2:1-8)
Paul urged Timothy to have the people pray for those in authority, including
kings so that peace would prevail and the gospel could be effectively preached —
for God desires all men to be saved.
With regard to the gospel, Paul saw himself as—

• a herald (preacher)
• an apostle (spokesman)
• a teacher of the true faith (teacher)
All men were to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
Place of women (2:9-15)

Next, Paul gave specific instructions with respect to women in public worship.
Keep in mind that Paul is dealing with God-given functional roles, not the value
or worth of a person. Here are Paul’s instructions—
• Women should dress appropriately and moderately and adorn themselves

with good deeds, not fancy, flashy dress and jewelry.
• Women should learn in quietness and submission.
• Women should not teach men or have authority over them.
• Women should generally be silent in public worship.
Paul based his teachings on the order of creation — Adam first and then Eve.
Also, women are more easily deceived than men as Ge. 3 shows, and a woman’s
fulfillment is found primarily through childbearing. There are proper ministry
opportunities in the church for women, (see Tit. 2:3-5) but teaching men and
exercising authority are prohibited.
194
Chapter 3:1-16 — Instructions for the church on potential leaders
Paul’s next subject was and is of critical importance in the church. On what basis
should church leaders be selected? What are the required qualifications?
While many churches choose their spiritual leaders based on worldly standards like
appearance, position, business experience, abilities, etc., God does not want men
selected by secular criteria. Instead, God is looking for men with certain spiritual
qualifications which apply equally to pastors, elders and overseers (bishops)
who exercise spiritual leadership, authority and supervision. These spiritual
qualifications fall into four categories.
• Personal character and conduct
Spiritual leaders must be “above reproach”
– the husband of one wife (no polygamy; not divorced).
– temperate.
– self-controlled.
– respectable.
– hospitable.
– able to teach.
– not given to drunkenness.
– not violent but gentle.
– not quarrelsome.
– not a lover of money.
• Management skills at home
– Manage own family well.
– See that his children obey with proper respect.
If a man is not able to manage his own household well, then he is not
qualified to manage God’s people in the church.
• Spiritually mature
Must not be a recent convert.
The spiritual leader should be mature and growing in the Lord or he
may be tempted to conceit and pride.
• Respected in the community
Must have a good reputation with outsiders.
Otherwise, the church will be disgraced.
Paul then moved to set forth similar spiritual qualifications for deacons, those
who serve to meet physical and administrative needs under the pastor/elders/
overseers (see Ac. 6). And since deacons are involved in serving and meeting
the needs of people, their wives must also be spiritually qualified since they will
minister alongside their deacon husbands.
195
Deacon’s wives are to be—

• worthy of respect.
• not malicious talkers.
• temperate and trustworthy.
Deacons should—
• be above reproach.
• hold to the faith.
• be tested before serving.
• be the husband of but one wife.
• manage their children and household well.
Those who serve well as deacons are worthy of great standing and respect.
Paul reminded Timothy of his purpose in writing these instructions — so that

people would know what to believe and how to behave in the church which
is the pillar and foundation of the truth built on the reality of the incarnation of
Christ.
Chapter 4:1-16 — Instructions for the church on proper teachers
Paul again warned Timothy to guard against false teachers and teachings. The
instructions given applied to Timothy and all who would teach in the church.
Improper teachers (4:1-5)

False teachers—
• abandon the faith.
• follow after deceiving spirits.
• are hypocritical liars.
• consciences have been seared.
• promote celibacy and abstention as means to godliness.
• believe physical things are evil in themselves.
• teach godless myths and old wives’ tales.
• physical “godliness”.
These false teachers promote physical ways to obtain spiritual goals.
Paul reminded Timothy that these things were not for those who believe and know
the truth.
Proper teachers (4:6-16)

• refute false teaching.
• are good ministers of Christ.
• follow the truths and good teachings of the faith.
• train themselves in spiritual godliness.
• put their hope only in the living God.
196
Paul also gave to Timothy certain specific commands to—
• set an example for other believers

– in speech.
– in life (lifestyle).
– in love.
– in faith.
– in purity.
• teach these things.
• devote yourself to public reading of scripture; to preaching and teaching.
• not neglect your spiritual gift.
• be diligent in these matters.
• give yourself wholly to them.
• watch your life and doctrine closely.
• persevere in these principles.
Spiritual growth to maturity will occur when these commands are followed.
Chapter 5:1 – 6:2 — Instructions for the church on people relations
In chapter 5 Paul set out some specific guidance on how to properly relate to and
treat certain people in the church— treat
• older men as fathers — exhort but don’t rebuke harshly.
• younger men as brothers.
• older women as mothers.
• younger women as sisters.
In other words, treat all people with honor and respect as you would family
members.
A great deal of attention and instruction was also given with respect to widows and
the church’s responsibility to them (5:3-16). While the family has the primary
responsibility to care for widows, the church’s secondary responsibility is
significant and subject to specific guidelines related to age, resources available,
spirituality, etc.
In dealing with elders (all spiritual leaders) Paul had two basic suggestions—
• Give them the honor, respect and pay they deserve.
• Don’t lightly accuse them of wrong but publicly rebuke those who sin.
197
Paul’s charge to Timothy was very clear—
• Keep these instructions without partiality or favoritism.
• Don’t choose spiritual leaders too quickly.
• Don’t participate in sins of others.
• Keep yourself pure.
• Prove yourself by good deeds.
But before dealing with proper motivation, Paul reminded those who were
employees (slaves) to honor and respect their employers (masters) and not take
advantage of them as a Christian brother but serve them all the more.
Chapter 6:3 – 6:19 — Instructions for the church on proper motivation
Paul’s final emphasis deals with the issue of motivation for teaching God’s word.
Those who teach false doctrines are—

• conceited
• confused
• caught up in controversies about words
• guilty of creating division, strife, friction
• robbed of the truth
and they teach God’s word for financial gain when the right motive is godliness
with contentment, not with a view to financial profit.
Love of money is a root of all kinds of evil as men fall into temptation and a trap
which leads to ruin and destruction. Such people wander away from the way of
faith. The problem is not money, but the wrong attitude toward it.
Paul’s advice to Timothy is to flee from the wrong selfish motives and to pursue
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Timothy
should fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternal life provided by the
immortal, invisible God who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Those who are rich should be taught not to be prideful or to trust in their wealth, but
to trust in God and to be rich in good deeds, using their wealth to meet the needs of
people and build up treasure in heaven. Riches are only temporal while real life
is eternal.
198
Paul closed his instructions to Timothy with an exhortation to guard the truth
that had been entrusted to him and to turn away from false doctrine based on
knowledge for the sake of knowledge which could cause one to wander away
from the faith.
* For additional help, see the NIV/NASB/KJV Study Bible (other Study Bibles
may have similar resources) —
• An article or study note on “The pastoral letters”
• Map of Paul’s Fourth Missionary Journey
• Chart of Qualifications for Elders/Overseers/Deacons
Theme/purpose
Paul wrote Timothy to instruct him on how people should conduct themselves
in the church with regard to belief and behavior and to exhort him to refute
false doctrine and faithfully teach correct doctrine.
Since false doctrine leads to improper conduct, we should be careful to
teach correct doctrine which leads to proper behavior by God’s people in the
church.
6. Key chapters
1 Ti. 1 Fight the good fight — teach sound doctrine
One mediator — Jesus
2 Pray for kings and all men
3 Spiritual qualifications of church leaders
4 Set an example; preach/teach the Word
5 Widows/elders
6 Avoid love of money
7. Key passages
1:3-4 4:6-11
1:5-7 4:12-16
1:8-11 5:1-2
1:12-17 5:3-8
1:18-19 5:17-25
2:1-8 6:1-2
2:9-15 6:3-5
3:1-7 6:6-10
3:8-13 6:11-16
3:14-15 6:17-19
4:1-5 6:20-21
199
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• False teachers must be refuted.
• Some who teach God’s word really don’t know what they are doing.
• The goal of our instruction should be love from a pure heart, a good
conscience and a sincere faith.
• Anything contrary to God’s word is false teaching.
• Jehovah is the only true God — eternal, immortal, invisible.
• Believers should fight the good fight of faith.
• Failure to follow the faith can lead to a shipwrecked life.
• Correct belief leads to correct behavior.
• False teaching leads to improper conduct.
• Believers should pray for kings and all men.
• God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
• The man Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man.
• Women should dress moderately and appropriately in public worship.
• Godly adornment for women is good deeds.
200
• In public worship women should remain quiet and submissive and
receive instruction.
• In the church women should not teach men or exercise authority

over them.
• The order of creation was Adam first and then Eve.
• Women are more easily deceived by false teaching than are men.
• Women find their greatest fulfillment in carrying out God-given

functional roles such as childbearing.
• It is admirable for a man to aspire to be an elder (overseer/deacon/pastor).
• Church leaders must be spiritually qualified according to the standards

of God’s Word.
• Elders should
– be above reproach in personal character and conduct.
– be the husband of one wife.
– manage own households well.
– be spiritually mature and not a new convert.
– have a good reputation.
• Deacons should
– be above reproach (men of dignity).
– hold to the faith.
– be tested before being allowed to serve.
• Deacons should be treated with respect and honor.
• 1 Timothy is a manual on how people ought to believe and behave in
the church.
• In latter times many will fall away from the faith and teach false
doctrines.
• The words of faith and sound doctrine nourish believers.
• Spiritual discipline is of more value than physical discipline.
• Believers should be good examples of Christians in
– speech.
– life.
– love.
– faith.
– purity.
• Believers must preach and teach the truth of God’s Word.
201
• The public reading of scripture is important.

• Believers should not neglect use of their spiritual gift.
• Believers should watch closely their teaching and their personal lives.
• Church members should be treated with honor and respect as family
members.
• Widows should be taken care of by their own families where possible,
and then by the church according to the teachings of scripture.
• A man who does not provide for his own family is worse than an
unbeliever.
• Spiritual leaders should not be chosen too quickly nor accused of
wrongdoing or sin too lightly.
• Spiritual leaders should be paid well, especially those who work hard
at preaching and teaching.
• Conduct confirms or contradicts claimed character.
• Believers who work for other Christians should not take advantage of
the relationship.
• False teachers create strife and disunity and lead people away from
the truth.
• Financial gain is not a proper motive for teaching and preaching
the Word.
• Godliness with contentment is of great value.
• The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
• Money is not the problem — it is our attitude toward it.
• Believers should flee from the love of money and pursue godliness.
• Believers should take hold of eternal life and keep God’s commandments.
• Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
• Those who are rich should not trust in their wealth, but in God and use
their money for God’s purposes.
• False teaching must be avoided at all costs.
202
Ex. 18:13-26
Lk. 16:1-17
Ac. 6:1-4
Ac. 11:22-24
1 Co. 14:34-40
Tit. 1:5-9
• Refute false doctrine — teach sound doctrine

• Fight the good fight of faith
• Shipwrecked faith
• Praying for all men, especially kings
• Christ the man as the one mediator between God and man
• Women dressing appropriately in church
• Women not teaching men or exercising authority over them
• Eve quite deceived by Satan
• Fulfillment of women in childbearing
• Spiritual qualifications of church leaders
• Preach and teach these things
• Let no one look down on your youth
• Set an example of those who believe
• Manual on how people should conduct themselves in the church
• Spiritual discipline of greater value than physical discipline
• Don’t neglect using your spiritual gift
• Watch yourself and your teaching closely
• Relating to church members as family members
• Caring for widows in the church
• A man who does not provide for his own family is worse than an
unbeliever
• False teaching leads people away from the faith
• Financial gain is not a proper motive for ministry
• Godliness with contentment is of great value
• The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil
• Those who pursue wealth fall into temptation and a trap
• Fleeing love of money and pursuing godliness
• Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords
• God — eternal, immortal and invisible
• Wealthy should use riches for God’s spiritual purposes
• Guarding the truth entrusted to believers
203
204
• 2 Timothy – Be a good soldier of Jesus Christ

• 4 chapters
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter

1:1-2 4:19-22
1:3-18 2:1-26 3:1-17 4:1-18
Greetings Closing
A Good Soldier Of Jesus Christ
From The Lord
Paul to His His His His be
Timothy Commission Character Challenge Command with
my your spirit
dear son
God’s God’s God’s God’s
Work Warrior Word Wages
to to to to
proclaim please teach, him
the Gospel God equip who
in power and and train keeps
of prepare in the
God men righteous- faith
ness
205
2 Timothy c. 66 AD Paul
Be a good soldier of Christ Jesus

HIS
3. Book chart
HIS HIS HIS

GREETINGS CHARACTER CLOSING
COMMISSION CHALLENGE COMMAND
and CONDUCT
1:1 1:2 1:3 1:18 2:1 2:26 3:1 3:17 4:1 4:18 4:19 4:22
Danger “Preach the Word”
From Don’t be ashamed to Strong in grace — The
Paul witness for Christ Apostasy – Those Goal: Lord
Single-minded who oppose the truth
to • suffer for the Gospel Finish course be
Timothy in God’s power Secure in God’s – hold to form of Keep faith with
my • teach sound doctrine faithfulness godliness but no power your
dear son – lead people astray Reward: spirit
• guard the truth Student of the Word

Crown of
206
Set apart to God Defense Righteousness
Servant of the Lord
Godly walk and God’s
Do your best to
inspired word
come to me quickly
GOD’S WORK GOD’S WARRIOR GOD’S WORD GOD’S WAGES
to to to to
proclaim the please God teach, equip and him who
Gospel in power and train in keeps
of God prepare men righteousness the faith
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT — FINISH THE COURSE — KEEP THE FAITH
DJM

2 Timothy may well be Paul’s last letter written before his death. It clearly
contains his last instructions to his young pastor/disciple Timothy. 2 Timothy
was written during Paul’s last Roman imprisonment and shortly before his
martyrdom. It is almost like a Last Will and Testament.
The theme of the book focuses on suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Paul wanted to encourage and instruct Timothy one last time about the serious
business of being a faithful Christian.
At the end of his earthly life, Paul wrote a very personal letter to Timothy, his
dear son in the faith.
Chapter 1:3-18 — The commission of a good soldier of Christ Jesus
After expressing thanks and personal longing for Timothy and reminding him
of his family spiritual heritage, Paul urged Timothy to “fan into flame the gift
of God which is in you.” Apparently, Timothy was neglecting his spiritual gift
and was shying away from teaching in the face of great opposition from false
teachers. Timothy should not be timid or fearful but rely on the spirit of power,
love and self-discipline the Lord had given him.
In view of that, Paul commanded Timothy to—
• not be ashamed to testify for Christ.
• suffer for the gospel by the power of God.
• keep the pattern of sound teaching.
• guard the truth entrusted to him with the help of the Holy Spirit
who lived in him.
Paul reminded Timothy that he himself had been deserted by most and had
suffered greatly, but was confident of God’s provision and protection.
207
Chapter 2:1-26 — The character and conduct of a good soldier of

Christ Jesus
Paul then specifically addressed Timothy as “my son” and set forth the godly
character and conduct which should be present in the life of a good soldier of
Christ Jesus. He should be—
• strong in God’s grace (strength) (2:1)

– enablement
– power
• single-minded (2:2-10)
– discipling men so they can teach others.
– devoted to Christ as his commanding officer
— willing to suffer and please Him.
— not too involved in secular affairs.
– disciplined as an athlete — competing by the rules.
– diligent as a farmer — hardworking and productive.
– dedicated to the Gospel of Christ.
• secure in God’s faithfulness (2:11-13)

For God cannot deny Himself even when we are unfaithful.
• student of the Word (2:14-19)

– teaching and reminding others of the truth.
– trying his best as a workman to correctly handle the word of truth.
– avoiding godless chatter and false teaching which leads men astray.
• set apart in godliness for God’s purposes (2:20-23)

– free from sin’s defilement.
– fleeing evil desires.
– following after righteousness.
– forsaking foolish arguments.
• servant of the Lord (2:24-26)

– not quarrelsome but kind.
– able to teach.
– not resentful.
– gently instructing those who oppose him.
208
Chapter 3:1-17 — The challenge of the good soldier of Christ Jesus
Timothy’s main challenge was with respect to the ungodly society in which he
lived, and things would only get worse. Many people including false teachers
live ungodly lives and are lovers of—
• self
• money
• pleasure
rather than lovers of God. They “hold to a form of godliness but deny the power
of God.” Timothy must stay away from such people. False teachers lead people
astray from the truth and toward sin — they are “always learning but never able
to acknowledge the truth.” In fact, such men oppose the truth and have rejected
the faith.
That was the danger Timothy would face.
His defense was a godly walk with the Lord and God’s Word. Timothy should
follow Paul’s example of righteous living and expect persecution and opposition
which comes to all who live a godly life in Christ Jesus.
Paul’s advice to Timothy was to continue to trust in and teach the Word of God
(holy scriptures) which is—
• able to make one wise unto salvation through faith in Christ.
• God-breathed (inspired)
– very words of God.
• useful
– for teaching
– for rebuking
– for correction
– for training in righteousness
“so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
As a soldier of Christ, Timothy’s main equipment consisted of

the Word of God
the power of God.
It is sufficient for the challenge!
209
Chapter 4:1-18 — The command to the good soldier of Christ Jesus
In a most solemn way Paul gave his final charge to Timothy.
“Preach the Word”

• always be prepared.
• correct, rebuke and instruct with
– great patience
– careful instruction. (2 Ti. 4:2)
This charge would become increasingly important as people will not want to listen
to sound doctrine, but will surround themselves with teachers who tell them what
they want to hear.
Timothy should not let such situations bother him but remain calm, do the work
of an evangelist, and carry out all his ministry duties.
Paul reminded Timothy of his own situation in which he saw himself as a

sacrifice being poured out in the Lord’s service. Paul could probably sense
his death as very near. But Paul could also look forward to the crown of
righteousness he would receive from Christ and could confidently say—
I have fought the good fight
I have finished the course
I have kept the faith. (2 Ti. 4:7)
Before giving his final word of greetings and benediction, Paul gave to Timothy
some specific personal requests. Paul wanted Timothy to come visit him quickly
and to bring Mark and “my scrolls, especially the parchments,” and Paul
reminded Timothy to look to the Lord for protection and strength because men will
desert you in time of trouble. For that reason God deserves all the praise and
glory.
Again, Paul urged Timothy to come before winter and prayed for the “Lord to be
with your spirit.”
Theme/purpose
Paul wrote young pastor Timothy to exhort him to exercise in God’s power
his spiritual gift of teaching even in the face of intense opposition so that he
could finish the course and keep the faith God had entrusted to him.
210
God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity, and commands us to fulfill
the ministry he has entrusted to us in His power.
6. Key chapters
2 Ti. 1 Fan into flame your spiritual gift

2 Suffer as a good soldier of Christ
3 Inspiration of scripture
4 Preach the word
Finish the course/keep the faith
7. Key passages
1:5-7 2:24-26
1:8-12 3:1-9
1:13-14 3:10-13
2:1-2 3:14-17
2:3-6 4:1-5
2:7-10 4:6-9
2:11-13 4:10-11
2:14-18 4:13
2:19-23 4:16-18
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• Godly spiritual family heritage is significant.
• Believers must rekindle by use the spiritual gifts God has bestowed.
211
• God has not given believers a spirit of fear and timidity, but power,
love and self-discipline.
• Believers should not be ashamed to witness for Christ in God’s power
even in the face of opposition and rejection.
• God saved us for a holy life out of His grace and for His purposes.
• Christ destroyed death and brought life.
• Believers should have absolute confidence in the keeping power
of God.
• Believers should follow the pattern of sound teaching learned from
godly men.
• Believers should guard the truth entrusted to them with the Spirit’s help.
• Believers should be strong in God’s strength and grace.
• Believers should teach other faithful Christians who will in turn
teach others.
• Believers should be devoted to Christ as a good soldier.
• A good soldier of Christ
– doesn’t entangle himself in secular life.
– is as disciplined as an athlete.
– competes in life by God’s rules.
– is as hard working and diligent as a farmer.
– will suffer hardship for Christ.
• God is always faithful even when we are not.
• Believers should diligently study God’s word in order to handle it
accurately.
• Godless chatter and false teaching lead people away from the faith.
• God knows who are His—all who truly confess the name of Christ will
turn from wickedness.
• God desires to use holy servants for His purposes.
• Believers should flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness.
• Foolish and stupid arguments over the Word only produce strife and
quarrels.
• God’s servants must be
– kind.
– able to teach.
212
– not resentful.
– gentle and instruct those who disagree.
• Things will get worse before they get better — people will become
– lovers of self
– lovers of money
– lovers of pleasure
rather than lovers of God.
• As end times approach

– wickedness and sin will abound more and more.
– false teachers will lead people astray with a form of godliness but
no power.
– learning will increase but without acknowledgment of the truth.
• All who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
• Believers should continue in the truth of the sacred scriptures which are
able to lead to salvation through faith in Christ.
• All scripture is God-breathed (inspired) and useful for

– teaching
– rebuking
– correcting
– training in righteousness
in order to equip the man of God for every good work.
• Believers should always be prepared to proclaim the Word

– to correct
– to rebuke
– to encourage
with great patience and careful instruction.
• Increasingly, men will look for teachers who tell them what they want
to hear which is not in accord with sound doctrine.
• Believers should fight the good fight, finish their course and keep the faith.
• Believers will receive a crown of righteousness from the Lord.
Heb. 12:1-3
Jude 1-24
Eph. 4:11-16
213
• Faith of grandmother
• Fan flame of spiritual gift
• Not a spirit of timidity but power
• Persuaded that God is able to keep us
• Strong in God’s grace
• Teach faithful men who will teach others
• A good soldier of Jesus Christ; athlete; farmer
• God remains faithful and cannot deny Himself
• Study Word diligently to handle correctly
• The Lord knows those who are His
• Clean vessels for the Lord’s service
• Men will be lovers of self, money, pleasure, not lovers of God
• False teachers in end times who hold to godliness but deny power and
are ever learning but never come to acknowledge the truth
• Those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution
• Sacred scriptures lead to salvation
• All scripture is inspired by God
• Preach the Word
• People will seek teachers who tickle their ears and will not endure
sound doctrine
• Fight the good fight; finish the course; keep the faith
• Demas loved this present world and deserted the faith
• Bring me the scrolls, especially the parchments
214
• Titus – Proclaim and Practice Sound Doctrine

• 3 chapters
Chapter Chapter
1:1-4 3:15
1:5-16 2:1-3:14
Practice Proclaim Closing

Greetings sound sound
Paul doctrine doctrine Greet those
to who
Titus Requirements Responsibilities love us
my of godly within the church in the
true leaders true faith
son Relationships
in our Refute ungodly with all men
common leaders Reminders-
faith Appoint elders operating the
set in order church
Organize the
church
215
TITUS c. 65 AD Paul
Greetings Proclaim Sound Doctrine Practice Sound Doctrine Closing

3. Book chart
1:1-14 1:5 1:16 2:1 3:14 3:15

Requirement Refutation Responsibilities Relationships Reminder
of of within with to do
Godly Leaders Ungodly the church all men good deeds
Paul Greet
Teachers — — —
to — those
Titus — Teach sound doctrine Be subject Be careful to who
Above reproach
my Empty talkers to rulers, engage in love us
true son Holding fast the In all things show in the
to authorities good deeds
in our faithful word Deceivers yourself to be faith
common Rebellious an example Showing every Learn to meet
Able to exhort in
216
faith consideration for pressing needs,
sound doctrine Who must be Live sensibly,
all men to not
silenced righteously, godly
be unfruitful
Anticipate
Christ’s return
1:5 1:9 1:10 1:16 2:1 2:15 3:1 3:7 3:8 3:14
Appoint elders – Straighten out Be obedient – Be ready for good deeds
Organizing the Church Operating the Church
DJM
Titus was a faithful Gentile convert and co-worker of Paul’s, having likely
worked with him at Ephesus. Titus was Paul’s official representative to the
Corinthian church concerning their problems. Titus’ ministry focused on the
church on the Island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea.
Titus is almost like a miniature version of 1 Timothy and is similar to Jude.

The theme centers on teaching sound doctrine and doing good deeds.
Paul greeted Titus as his “true son in our common faith,” reminding him of the
knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness. The gospel of which both Paul
and Titus were ministers rested in the eternal life which God promised before
the beginning of time.
Chapter 1:5-16 — Proclaim sound doctrine
Requirement of godly leaders (1:5-9)

At the very start of Paul’s letter to Titus, it becomes clear that Titus’ job is to
straighten out the organization of the church and “appoint elders in every town.”
The appointment of godly leaders is of first importance. The list of spiritual

qualifications in Tit. 1:6-9 is very similar to that in 1 Ti. 3:1-13. A couple of
differences stand out.
• He must love what is good.
• He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message of the faith.
• He must be able to teach sound doctrine.
• He must be able to refute false teachers.
The emphasis of Titus will be on sound teaching and teachers in contrast to false
teaching and false teachers who were leading people astray.
217
Refutation of ungodly teachers (1:10-16)

Crete was full of false teachers especially Jewish ones who were “teaching
things they ought not teach” for dishonest gain. They were leading people away
from the faith with Jewish myths and other false teachings.
Titus was to rebuke these men sharply because they rejected the truth. These
false teachers—
• claim to know God but deny Him by their actions.
• are disobedient, detestable, unfit for doing anything good.
What a person claims to teach about God really is important.
Chapter 2:1 – 3:14 — Practice sound doctrine
Responsibilities within the church (2:1-15)

The best way to refute false teaching is to teach the truth and live the truth by
example.
Paul here gives Titus specific advice on how different groups within the church
are to be taught.
Older men are to be taught to be worthy of respect and self-controlled.
Older women are to be taught reverence in the way they live and what is good
so they can be involved in the ministry of teaching younger women to fulfill
their God-given roles and to—
• love their husbands and children
• be self-controlled
• be pure
• be busy at home
• be kind
• be subject to their husbands

so that the Word of God may not be maligned.
218
Young men should be taught self-control, especially by Titus’ example of doing
what was good. In Titus’ teaching he should show—
• integrity
• seriousness
• soundness of speech
so that he would be above reproach.
Slaves and employees should be taught to be submissive and trustworthy so that

their lives give an attractive view of the gospel.
And in light of the grace of God and the second coming of Christ, all believers
should say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and live self-controlled,
upright, godly lives in this present age, waiting eagerly for the hope of Christ’s
return.
These are the things about which Titus should teach. He should also encourage
and rebuke with all authority.
Relationships with all men (3:1-7)

Since Christ has provided so great a salvation by His mercy and because of the
sinful nature of believers before they are saved, Paul gave Titus specific commands
about relating to other men—
• be subject to rulers and authorities.
• be obedient.
• be ready to do what is good.
• slander no one.
• be peaceable and considerate.
• show true humility to all men.
Remember to do good deeds (3:8-14)

Paul stressed to Titus that Christians should devote themselves to doing what is
good, that which is excellent and profitable. In contrast, foolish arguments and
controversies are not profitable, and divisive people within the church must be
dealt with. Again Paul told Titus to remind the people to engage in good deeds,
to meet the needs of people and not be unproductive.
219
Chapter 3:15 — Closing
Paul closed his letter to Titus by telling him to “greet those who love us in
the faith.”
Theme/purpose
Paul wrote Titus to encourage him and instruct him on how to organize
and operate the church properly by teaching the truth and living out the
truth by example and good deeds.
In light of the grace of God in Christ, believers ought to deny worldly
passions and live godly and sensibly in this present age, eagerly awaiting
for Christ’s return.
6. Key chapters
Tit. 1 Appoint elders

2 Teach sound doctrine
3 Do good deeds
7. Key passages
1:1-4
1:5-9
1:10-16
2:1-2
2:3
2:4-5
2:6-8
2:9-10
2:11-14
3:1-7
3:8-14
220
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• God promised eternal life before the beginning of time.
• Elders should be appointed in the churches in every city.
• Elders must be spiritually qualified.
• Elders should be able to teach sound doctrine and refute false teachers.
• False teachers destroy households.
• False teachers must be rebuked sharply.
• False teachers claim to know God but their actions deny Him.
• Teaching must be in accordance with sound doctrine.
• Older women should teach younger women to fulfill their
God-given roles.
• Believers should set a good example by doing what is right.
• Because of the grace of God demonstrated in salvation, believers
should deny sin and live godly and sensibly in this present age,
eagerly awaiting Christ’s return.
• Believers should relate to other people so as to gain respect and not
be a reproach to Christ.
• Rebirth and renewal come through the washing (cleansing) of the
Holy Spirit.
• Believers should avoid foolish controversies and quarrels about the
Word which are useless and unprofitable.
221
• Believers must learn to do what is good in order to meet needs and not
be unproductive.
Ro. 12:1-2
1 Ti. 3:1-13
1 Pe. 2:11-15
Jude
• Gospel promised before beginning of time

• Appointing elders in the churches
• Qualifications of spiritual leaders
• Rebuking false teachers sharply
• Teaching sound doctrine
• Doing good deeds
• Older women teaching younger women
• Living sensibly and godly in the present age
• Rebirth and renewal by washing of Holy Spirit
• Be devoted to doing what is good
222
 Philemon – An appeal to a brother in Christ
• 1 chapter (25 verses)
Chapter Chapter Chapter

1:1-3 1:23-25
1:4-7 1:8-16 1:17-22
Greetings Praise Plea Promise Closing

of to to
Paul Philemon Philemon Philemon Grace
to of
Philemon Fellowship Forgiving Brotherhood Christ
and the spirit be
Church with you
which
meets in
your home
223
PHILEMON c. 61 AD
An appeal to a brother in Christ
Greetings Praise of Philemon Plea to Philemon Promise to Philemon Closing

3. Book chart
1:1 1:3 1:4 1:7 1:8 1:16 1:17 1:22 1:23 1:25
Thank God for your Appeal on the basis of love for To repay any wrong done
• faith in Jesus the benefit of Onesimus who to Philemon by Onesimus
Paul, as a slave
• love for all the saints
a prisoner —
• sharing of Christ • ran away
of The
• encouragement • wronged Philemon
Christ Jesus Welcome him as you grace
• refreshing the hearts
to would welcome me of
of the saints —
Philemon the Lord
224
and to — Jesus Christ
— Forgive him, take him back as
the church “I know you will do be
a brother in the Lord; he can
that more than I ask” with
“I pray that you will be helpful to you now.
meets you
understand”
in
—
your home
“I could order you,” but ...
Fellowship Forgiving spirit Brotherhood
Forgive him — he is dear to you as a man and as a brother in the Lord
DJM
Philemon is Paul’s shortest and perhaps most personal letter. It is an appeal from
Paul to Philemon as a brother in Christ to take back a believing runaway slave
named Onesimus. The compassionate, forgiving heart of the Apostle Paul is seen
vividly in Philemon which is one of the Prison Epistles written about the same
time as Colossians.
Paul greeted Philemon as a “dear friend and fellow worker.” He also greeted the
church which met in his house.
Chapter 1:4-7 — Praise of Philemon
Paul first thanked and praised Philemon for his—
• faith in Christ.
• love for all the saints.
• sharing of Christ.
• encouragement.
• refreshing the hearts of the saints.
Paul was not flattering Philemon but genuinely thanking him.
Chapter 1:8-16 — Plea to Philemon
The heart of Paul’s letter is in this section.
Although Paul had apostolic authority to order Philemon to take back his
runaway slave, Onesimus, he made his appeal based on love.
Paul wrote as an old man and a prisoner of Christ on behalf of Onesimus who
had become a believer while Paul was in prison. Onesimus as a believer was
now useful to Paul and Philemon. Before, he had been just a slave.
Even though Onesimus was useful to Paul, it was right to send him back to
Philemon. Paul wanted Philemon to respond properly not out of undue pressure
from Paul. Onesimus was now a dear brother in the Lord and Paul asked
Philemon to take him back, forgive and restore him.
225
Chapter 1:17-22 — Promise to Philemon
Paul asked Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as he would Paul and if he had
wronged Philemon in anyway, Paul would make it up personally.
Paul fully expected Philemon to bless him by granting his request.
Paul sent along greetings from Epaphras, Mark, Luke and Demas and wished
Philemon grace from Christ.
Theme/purpose
Paul wrote Philemon to appeal to him to take back and forgive his runaway
slave, Onesimus, who had become a believer.
Believers can afford to accept and forgive others because Christ has accepted
and forgiven them.
6. Key chapter
Phm. 1 Appeal to forgive a brother in Christ
7. Key passages
1:1-2
1:4-7
1:8-16
1:17-22
226
Assignment:
Read Philemon carefully and state in one sentence the reason Philemon
should have obeyed Paul’s request.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• Some NT churches met in houses.
• Believers should be active in sharing their faith.
• Through love believers should encourage and refresh each other.
• Believers should appeal to each other not on the basis of duty but love.
• Sinners who become believers become useful in the Lord’s service.
• Believers should not presume on other believers for favors out
of obligation.
• Believers are dear brothers in the Lord and should be welcomed as
brothers.
• Believers should be willing to sacrifice for others.
• Believers should expect the best from other believers.

Ro. 15:7
Eph. 4:31-32
2 Ti. 4:11
Tit. 3:13-14

• Appeal to a brother in Christ based on love not duty
• Accepting and forgiving a believer who has wronged you
• An unbeliever becoming useful in God’s service when he is saved
227
228
D. The 8 General Letters
• Introduction
The General letters consist of New Testament epistles which were not clearly
written by Paul and which were intended for a general audience. Hebrews is not
always included as one of the “General letters” and sometimes stands alone.
Because of the uncertainty as to its human author and its universal message,
Hebrews is here included with the General letters. These eight letters are no less
important, instructive nor authoritative than Paul’s letters and provide equally
significant teaching and valuable insight into the New Testament church.
229
230
 Hebrews – The superiority of the Person of Christ and the principle of
faith 64-68 AD Author: Unknown

 13 chapters
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter

13:20-25
1:1-4:13 4:14-10:18 11:19-11:40 12:1-13:19
The superiority of The superiority of
Person Priesthood Principle Practice Closing

of of of of
Christ Christ Faith Faith
Over Over By faith Run the race Bear with

Prophets Aaronic men of life with this word
Angels Priesthood gain the endurance of
Man Order of approval looking to exhortation
Melchizedek of God Jesus —
Death
Moses Old Covenants
Benediction
Other sacrifices
Faith Fix Your

The Only The Only Pleases Eyes
Son Sacrifice God On Jesus
“Go on to maturity in Jesus Christ”
231
HEBREWS Author : Unknown
Date : 64-68 AD
The superiority of :
3. Book chart
Person of Christ Priesthood of Christ Principle of Faith Practice of Faith

1:1 4:13 4:14 10:18 10:19 11:40 12:1 13:19
Over prophets and angels (1) Over Aaronic Priesthood (5) Over old order (10) Object of faith (12)
Over man and death (2) On to maturity (6) Observed in lives of men (11) Outcome of discipline (12)
Obligations of faith (13)

Over Moses (3) Order of Melchizedek (7)
232
Over unbelief (4) Over obsolete covenant (8)
Offering of Himself (9)
The Only Son The Only Sacrifice Live by faith Fix your eyes
in God on Jesus
Christ is God’s Christ as God’s holy

Without faith
final revelation high priest offered Himself Run the race of life
it is impossible
and full representation as the one sacrifice for the with endurance
to please God
sins of all men for all time
“Let us go on to maturity” . . . in Jesus Christ (6:1)
Prior to the destruction of the temple in 70 AD, the unknown author of Hebrews
wrote to Jewish Christians everywhere to urge them to go on to maturity in Jesus
and not fall back into religious legalism. By emphasizing the superiority of the
Person and priesthood of Christ and the principle of living by faith, he made a
very convincing case. In Hebrews, which has a very close affinity to the Old
Testament, especially Leviticus and parts of Exodus, the author compares Jesus
to other men and things and finds Him to be totally superior.
Scattered throughout the book are five stern warnings about the consequences of
falling away from living by faith in God.
2:1-4
3:7–4:13
5:11–6:20
10:19-39
12:25-29
Hebrews is more like a collection of messages or sermons than a typical letter.
Chapter 1:1 – 4:13 — Superiority of the Person of Christ
Christ in His person is superior to former prophets and past revelation because—
• God last spoke through Jesus as God’s final revelation to men.
• Jesus is heir of all things.
• Jesus is creator of all things.
• Jesus sustains all things.
• Jesus is the exact image and representation of God.
• Jesus effected purification for sins.
Jesus is superior to angels because they are only created beings whose purpose is
to serve God and serve saints, while Jesus is God’s only son who is worthy of
worship, honor and praise.
In the first warning section (2:1-4), the author strongly cautions against drifting
away from the message of salvation by faith. Believers must pay very careful
attention to the truth.
233
Further, Christ is superior to imperfect man because He is perfect in both His deity
and His manhood which He demonstrated through His incarnation, death and
sufferings. Christ as “perfect” man was totally obedient to the Father, unlike
other imperfect men.
Moses probably represented for the Jews their most honored prophet, so it was
significant for Christ to be declared superior to Moses. In a series of comparisons
it is clear that Moses was only a faithful servant in God’s house, while Jesus is
Son over God’s house. Therefore, believers should consider Jesus, not Moses, as
their example to follow.
Beginning in 3:7 and going through 4:13, the second warning is given. This time
it focuses on believers not hardening their hearts in unbelief and thus failing to
enter into God’s promised rest by faith.
“Rest” refers both to relying on God and to realizing all of the blessings which
flow from obedience to God both in this life and for eternity.
Unbelief (lack of faith) is what kept the Hebrews from entering the promised
land and resulted in their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. It is also
what keeps believers now from enjoying God to the fullest. Rest is obtained by
uniting the living, active Word of God with faith, so that by faith we obey the
Word of God and claim the promises of God.
God’s way of resting in Christ is superior to man’s way of striving in his own
strength to produce meaning, purpose and fulfillment in life.
Chapter 4:14 – 10:18 — Superiority of the Priesthood of Christ
The author then turned to the second major emphasis of the book — the priesthood
of Jesus Christ.
In this longest section of Hebrews a number of significant points are made with
regard to the priesthood of Christ.
First, the author introduced Christ—
• as our great high priest

• who can sympathize with our weaknesses
• who was tempted as we are yet without sin
• who was appointed by God
234
• as the source of salvation for all who believe
• as a high priest after the order of Melchizedek which was prior to and
greater than the Aaronic priesthood and which combined the offices of
king and priest.
But before developing his line of argument about the superiority of the priesthood
of Christ, the author provides his third warning in 5:11–6:20. This exhortation
focuses on lack of spiritual growth in believers because they are still feeding on
the elementary teachings about Christ and are not actively practicing the truths
of the Word so they can grow up in Christ.
The warning is against falling away from growing to maturity and being useless
to God and to the church. The readers are strongly urged to “go on to maturity in
Christ.” Maturity comes over time as believers by faith consistently practice the
principles of God’s Word in their daily lives.
Beginning in 6:13 and running through 10:18 Christ’s superior priesthood and
personal, perfect sacrifice are emphasized. This is really the heart of the message
of Hebrews and the central biblical text on the nature, extent and effect of
Christ’s death on the cross.
The text in this section deals with—
• the superior priesthood of Christ. (7:1-28)
• the superior new covenant of Christ. (8:1–9:10)
• the superior sacrifice of Christ. (9:11–10:18)
Christ’s priesthood is superior to others not just because it is permanent and earlier,
but also because of the following contrasts:
Priesthood
Levitical Christ (Melchizedekian)

(1) Many in number but die (7:23) (1) One only but lives forever (7:24)
(2) Could only make a temporary (2) Saves forever and intercedes
(life-time) intercession (7:23) forever (7:25)
(3) Sinful (7:26-27) (3) Without sin (7:26)
(4) Had to offer sacrifices for (4) Holy, undefiled, innocent —
self (7:27) had to make no sacrifice for
self (7:27)
(5) Continually offered sacrifice (5) Made one, sufficient-for-all
for sins of people (7:27) sacrifice of Himself for all
people (7:27)
(6) Administered by weak men (6) Administered by the Son of God
as priest (7:28) as king-priest (7:28)
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Christ is mediator of the new covenant which is superior to the old covenant in
many ways:
Old Covenant New Covenant
law external 8:10 law internal

relationship to God only through priest close personal relationship to God
8:10
knowledge of God was through those all will know God because His glory
who taught 8:11 will fill the earth
temporary provision for sins 8:12 permanent provision for sins
Finally, the personal, one-time, all-sufficient, substitutionary, atoning sacrifice

of Christ on the cross is superior to other sacrifices because it permanently dealt
with all of the sins of all men for all time. In contrast, sacrifices under the old
covenant —
• could not make one perfect. (10:1)
• did not cleanse conscience (internally). (10:2)
• only reminded one of sin. (10:3)
• impossible for animal sacrifices to forgive sins. (10:4, 11)
For Jewish believers to continue to look to the Old Testament sacrificial system
and other Christians to look any place other than the cross for forgiveness of sins
made no sense. If that were true, then Christ died needlessly. The old covenant
with its regulations, sacrifices and ritual has been replaced by Christ.
In light of the truth he has just explained, the author turned to exhort all believers
to live by faith, which is the only means by which the benefits of the cross can be
realized for salvation or sanctification.
Chapter 10:19 – 11:40 — The superiority of the principle of faith
The author starts this section with the fourth warning (10:19-39) which
includes both an exhortation and a caution. Because of the person and work of
Christ on the cross, believers should “draw near to God...in full assurance of
faith” and encourage, strengthen and stimulate one another to love and good
deeds. It is inconsistent for a believer to continue in a life of sin and unbelief in
view of who he is in Christ.
The caution is not to shrink back from faith but to believe and experience the
fullness of salvation.
Chapter 11 of Hebrews has been called the “Hall of Faith” because of the list of
biblical characters who are listed as having lived by faith. The point of the chapter is
that “without faith it is impossible to please God.”
236
“By faith” we believe in creation, are saved, and live a life that is approved by
God. People in the Old Testament were saved by faith just as are people from
New Testament times to today. It has always been faith in God and faith alone
which brought a person back into right relationship to God and provided the
means of living a life worthy of God.
The way of faith as God’s operative principle is superior to any other way— e.g.,
works, personal merit, keeping the law, etc., etc.—because it is the only way.
Chapter 12:1 – 13:1 — Superiority of the practice of faith
In these last two chapters of Hebrews the author provides specific advice and
commands with respect to putting the principle of faith into daily practice.
First in chapter 12 with regard to the exercise of faith, believers should:

• run the race of the Christian life with endurance by focusing on Jesus.
• recognize the good purposes behind God’s discipline.
• resolve to live godly lives.
• rely on the new covenant not the old.
• renew spiritual service to God.
The last warning in Hebrews occurs in 12:25-29 and cautions believers to leave
the old covenant behind and look solely to the new covenant of which Jesus is
the mediator.
Chapter 13 closes Hebrews with specific counsel on—

• relating properly to other believers.
• the sanctity of marriage.
• being free from the love of money.
• being content with Jesus Christ.
• obeying church leaders.
• not neglecting doing good and sharing with others.
• offering a sacrifice of praise to God.
• praying for other believers.
237
The final benediction of Hebrews is one of the most beautiful and significant
in all of Scripture for it exalts the person and work of Christ on the cross and
in believers.
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant
brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the
sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He
work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be
glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (13:20-21)
In closing the author urged his readers to —
“bear with my word of exhortation for I have written to you only a
short letter.” (13:22)
All believers everywhere would do well to follow the instructions in Hebrews to

go on to maturity in Christ by faith.

Theme/purpose
The author of Hebrews wrote to remind believers of the superiority of the
person, priesthood and personal sacrifice of Christ and to encourage them to
go on to maturity in Christ by living by faith.
Without faith it is impossible to please God, and the believer who desires to
grow up in Christ will practice the principles of scripture by faith.
6. Key chapters
Heb. 1 Superiority of Christ
2 Purpose of man
4 Failing to enter God’s rest
6 Go on to maturity
7 Priesthood of Melchizedek
9 Christ’s priesthood
10 Christ’s superior sacrifice
11 By faith
12 Run the race
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7. Key passages
1:1-3 8:8-13 12:1-3

1:4-14 9:1-10 12:4-11
2:1-4 9:11-14 12:12-17
2:5-18 9:15-28 12:18-24
3:1-6 10:1-18 12:25-29
3:7–4:13 10:19-25 13:1-3
4:14-16 10:26-31 13:4
5:1-10 10:32-39 13:5-6
5:11–6:3 11:1-2 13:7-17
6:4–6:20 11:3-7 13:18-19
7:1-3 11:8-22 13:20-21
7:4-12 11:23-29 13:22
7:13-28 11:30-31
8:1-7 11:32-40
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings:
• Christ is the exact representation of God.
• Christ is God’s final revelation to man.
• Christ is superior in His person to

– prophets
– angels
– man
– Moses.
• Believers should pay careful attention and not neglect their salvation.
• Believers should be careful to not drift away from living by faith.
239
• Man was created to have dominion over the earth.
• In eternity man will be higher than the angels.
• Angels are God’s ministering servants to the saints.
• Christ shared in man’s humanity so that he might destroy the devil

who holds the power of death.
• Death holds men in slavery to fear, from which Christ has freed us.
• Salvation is for men not angels.
• Christ was tempted in what He suffered and is able to aid believers when
they are tempted.
• An unbelieving heart may become hard to the things of God and cause one
to fall away from living by faith.
• Failing to act by faith on the truth of God’s Word keeps believers from
experiencing God’s rest.
• God’s Word is living, active and sharper than a two-edged sword—able

to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
• Christ was tempted in every way as believers are, yet without sin.
• Through Christ, believers can approach God’s throne of grace for help
in time of need.
• As a son, Christ learned obedience through the things He suffered.
• Many believers are still “babies” in Christ and have never grown to
maturity.
• The solid food of the Word of God is for the mature who have trained
themselves in righteousness by practicing the truth.
• Believers should go on to maturity in Christ by faith and obedience to

the Word.
• Believers who do not mature in the Lord are worthless in God’s service and
will lose eternal rewards.
• God remembers the work of love and ministry believers do for others.
• Jesus is high priest after the order of Melchizedek, not Aaron.
240
• The priesthood of Christ is earlier than and superior to that of Aaron.
• Christ as high priest is holy, innocent and spotless and did not need to offer
a sacrifice for His own sins, for He had none.
• Christ ever lives to intercede for the saints.
• The tabernacle on earth is a copy of the perfect tabernacle in heaven.
• Christ is mediator of the new covenant which is superior to the old
covenant.
• Christ as high priest offered Himself as the one-time, all-sufficient,
atoning sacrifice for all of the sins of all men of all time.
• The ark of the covenant contained the 10 commandments, a jar of manna
and Aaron’s rod that budded.
• The blood of goats and bulls was only a temporary provision for dealing
with external sins.
• Christ’s shed blood permanently dealt with all sin – internal and external.
• Christ’s death inaugurated the new covenant and rendered the old
covenant obsolete.
• Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness for sins.
• God is more interested in a spirit of obedience than a ritual sacrifice.
• No further sacrifices are needed after Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
• Old Testament sacrifices previewed the sacrifice of Christ.
• Believers should draw near to God in full assurance of faith and consider
how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.
• Believers should not forsake assembling together for worship, praise,
prayer and instruction in the Word.
• Believers should not shrink back from living by faith but remain
anchored in Jesus.
• Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
• By faith men of old gained the approval of God.
241
• By faith we believe in the biblical account of creation out of that which

was not visible.
• By faith people in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament

were saved.
• Without faith it is impossible to please God.
• Living by faith sometimes brings suffering, persecution and death for
God’s sake.
• Believers should run with endurance the race of life by
– removing every sin and hindrance.
– fixing their eyes on Jesus.
– following His example of obedience.
• For the joy of doing the Father’s will Christ endured the suffering of
the cross.
• God disciplines His children as an earthly father would a son because
– He loves them.
– He must correct them.
– He must train them in righteousness.
• When God disciplines His children it proves their relationship to Him.
• Believers should live godly lives for God’s glory.
• Believers are subject to the new covenant not the old.
• Marriage must be held in honor and not defiled by sexual immorality.
• Believers should be free from the love of money and content with Jesus.
• Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
• Believers should submit, respect and obey church leaders who must give an
account to God.
• God equips believers in Christ to do His will and works in us that which
pleases Him.

Ge. 14:18-20
Lev. 16:1-34
Ps. 2:6-12
Ps. 40:6-8
Ps. 110:1-7
242
Jer. 31:31-34
Hab. 2:4
Mt. 11:28-30
Jn. 1:14, 18
Jn. 1:29
Ac. 13:32-33
Php. 2:5-11
Col. 1:15
Rev. 5:6-10
Rev. 13:8

• God has spoken in His Son Jesus
• Christ as the exact representation of God
• Christ as superior to prophets, angels, men, Moses
• Entering into God’s rest
• Priesthood of Melchizedek
• Superiority of Christ’s priesthood over Aaronic priesthood
• Word of God as living and sharper than a two-edged sword
• Christ as our great high priest
• Christ being tempted yet without sin
• Drifting away from living by faith
• Failing to grow to maturity in Christ
• Christ’s unique one-time, all-sufficient, atoning sacrifice for all sins for
all time
• Earthly and heavenly tabernacle
• Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness for sins
• Appointed to every man once to die and then the judgment
• Entering into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Christ
• Stimulating one another to love and good deeds
• Not forsaking assembling together
• Description of faith
• “By faith” — Chapter 11
• Without faith it is impossible to please God
• Surrounded by cloud of witnesses
• Running the race with endurance
• Fixing our eyes on Jesus
• God disciplining His children
• Root of bitterness
• Pursuing holiness without which one cannot see God
• An unshakable kingdom
• Keeping marriage bed undefiled
• Jesus — the same yesterday, today and forever
• Obeying church leaders
• “Great Shepherd of the sheep” benediction
243
244
● James – Genuine Faith c. 45-48 AD

● 5 chapters
● 3 major divisions
Chapter Chapter Chapter

1:1 5:19-20
1:2-18 1: 19-5:6 5:7-18
Greetings Closing
Response Results Realization

James of genuine of genuine of genuine Bring
to faith faith faith wayward
the saints
12 back to
tribes Trials Obedience Hope in the Lord
scattered Temptation to Word Christ’s
among No favoritism return
the True works Power of
nations
Control trusting
of tongue prayer
True wisdom Spiritual/
True priorities physical
True humility healing
No
judgmental
spirit
Trusting
God fully
Tips for
the rich
Faith is not a blind leap in the dark

but a bold step of trust in the light of who God is!
245
JAMES c. 45-48 AD
Genuine faith manifests itself in every area of life
3. Book chart
Response of Results of Realization of

Greetings Closing
Genuine Faith Genuine Faith Genuine Faith
1:1 1:2 1:18 1:19 5:6 5:7 5:18 5:19-20
Trials (1:1-12) Total obedience to God’s Word (1:19-27) Turning toward the
Lord’s return — hope in
“Consider it pure joy whenever Treating others without favoritism (2:1-13) His coming (5:7-11)
you face trials.” (1:2)
Tangible works (2:14-26) True oaths (5:12)
Endure by:
• knowing the beneficial Tongue control (3:1-12) Trusting prayer — prayer
results offered in faith (5:13-18) Turning
James • asking for wisdom True wisdom vs. worldly wisdom (3:13-18) sinners
to • applying faith “The prayer of a
back—
246
the True priorities — friend of world is an righteous man is power-
Temptations (1:13-18) enemy of God (4:1-5) ful and effective.” (5:16) confront
12
and
tribes “When tempted...don’t be True humility — seeing ourselves as God “Confess your sins to
deceived.” (1:13,16) does and submitting to Him (4:6-10) each other and pray for speak
scattered each other that you may the
among Resist by: Taming judgmental spirit (4:11-12) be healed.” (5:16)
• recognizing source truth
the
• realizing consequences Trusting God fully — resting in the in
nations • resting in God’s strength sovereign will of God (4:13-17) love
Tips for the rich — stern warnings for those
who misuse wealth (5:1-6)
“Do not merely listen to the Word...do what it says!” (1:22)
Our character, conduct and conversation will either
confirm or contradict our confession of faith in Jesus Christ
DJM
James was written c. 45-48 AD by the half-brother of Jesus, who became one
of the leading figures in the early church. The book is like wisdom literature
(e.g. Proverbs) and contains godly advice on how to live life wisely. James
has a close affinity to the Old Testament and to the sermon on the mount.
This little epistle is the classic work on the nature of genuine faith, for faith is
more than intellectual belief — it is active trust in God which produces the fruit
of righteousness in the life of the believer.
Faith which does not produce appropriate works is not genuine faith.
Chapter 1:1 — Greetings
James referred to himself as a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ and
addressed his letter to the 12 tribes scattered among the nations. Thus, it is one of
the general letters to believers everywhere, especially Jewish Christians.
Chapter 1:2-18 — Response of genuine faith
In trials (1:2-12)
True faith will respond to the trials, suffering and afflictions of life by:
• considering such trials to be joyful by an act of the will.
• realizing the beneficial results produced by trials.
• enduring in order to grow to spiritual maturity.
• asking God for wisdom in handling life’s trials.
• understanding that all men face the trials of life.
True faith will not be overwhelmed by the trials of life but will respond in such
a way that God is pleased and the believer grows in spiritual maturity. Trials can
be treated as opportunities to trust God.
247
In temptations (1:13-18)
When temptation to do evil comes through Satan, sin or the world, true faith is not
deceived but resists the solicitation to sin. Knowing the awful consequences of
sin and knowing that God only sends good things into the believer’s life enables
the believer by faith to withstand temptation. Notice the deadly downward spiral
of sin.
Genuine faith responds to trials and temptation in light of the believer’s

relationship to God.
Chapter 1:19 – 5:6 — Results of genuine faith
In the main section of his letter James set out the results or fruit of true faith in
the life of the believer. It contains very instructive and useful advice on godly
living in many areas of life.
The Word of God (1:19-27)

The believer who has genuine faith not only hears the truths of God’s Word but
obeys them in order to become more like Christ. A man without true faith is often
deceived into believing that hearing the Word is enough. But practicing the truth of
God’s Word proves the genuineness of our faith. Do what the Word says.
Treating others without favoritism (2:1-13)

True faith will prove itself in the life of the believer by treating all people
without partiality or favoritism regardless of their position, appearance or
possessions. Favoritism is a sin. Genuine faith accepts and loves others equally.
Tangible works (2:14-26)

In what may be the heart of the message of James, a very simple yet profound
truth is stated and explained.
Faith which produces no good works is not genuine faith.
While works do not save, saving faith brings forth works naturally. Again, faith
is not merely intellectual assent or belief, but active trust in God which produces
the fruit of righteousness in the believer’s life. James uses the primary example
of Abraham who was saved by faith in Ge. 15:6 but who demonstrated the
genuineness of his faith in Ge. 22 when he was willing to offer up Isaac as a
sacrifice to the Lord. While Paul used “justified” in terms of salvation —
James uses justified in the sense of proving salvation by tangible fruit.
248
Works prove the reality of a believer’s faith.
Control of the tongue (3:1-12)
James next turned to deal with the tongue by which men can curse or bless God.
What we say proves whether or not our faith is genuine. Our words will more
quickly confirm or contradict our faith than anything else. One whose tongue is
out of control would not appear to be saved. A pure heart before the Lord
produces pure speech before men.
True wisdom (3:13-18)
Genuine faith will rely on godly wisdom in life not the natural, earthly “wisdom”
of the world. Wise behavior according to the ways of God instead of the ways of
the world tends to demonstrate the reality of the believer’s faith.
True priorities (4:1-5)
Genuine faith pursues the things of God, not the things of the world. Friendship
with God and friendship with the world are inconsistent priorities for the
believer.
True humility (4:6-10)
Pride has no place in the life of the Christian, for God is opposed to the proud.
Genuine faith shows itself in humility before God by submitting to God and
resisting Satan in order to grow in righteousness.
Taming judgmental spirit (4:11-12)
True faith realizes that the only judge is God and refrains from critically judging
other people for their faults and shortcomings.
Trusting God fully (4:13-17)
Genuine faith understands that all of life is under the sovereign control of God
and seeks to live life in accordance with God’s will. One without faith presumes
on the Lord and follows his own will.
Tips for the rich (5:1-6)
James includes a stern warning to the rich to understand that wealth not used for
God’s purposes is wasted and has only temporary value. Genuine faith will not
hoard and misuse wealth but use it for God’s purposes.
Chapter 5:7-18 — Realization of genuine faith
Faith will be ultimately realized in the coming of Christ and until then true faith
will look forward to Christ’s coming and patiently endure suffering knowing of
God’s mercy and compassion. God will ultimately vindicate the true faith of all
believers as He did Job’s. In this earthly life true faith is realized through the
power of believing prayer. Prayers of faith can bring spiritual, emotional and
physical healing to the person and accomplish great things for God as illustrated
by Elijah’s life. Believers should pray for each other.
249
In closing James urged believers to bring wayward saints back to the Lord. Again
and again James equated lack of true faith with sin.
Theme/purpose
James wrote to instruct believers on the nature of genuine faith and the fruit
which it produces in the life of a true believer.
True faith always produces tangible fruit in the believer’s life.
6. Key chapters
Jas. 1 Joy in trials

Doers of the Word
2 Faith without works is dead
3 Taming the tongue
4 Submit to God/resist Satan
5 Power of trusting prayer
7. Key passages
1:2-8 3:13-18
1:13-16 4:1-5
1:17-18 4:6-10
1:22-25 4:11-12
1:26-27 4:13-16
2:1-9 4:17
2:10-13 5:10-12
2:14-17 5:13-16
2:18-26 5:17-18
3:1 5:19-20
3:2-12
250
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• Believers should be joyful in trials.
• Trials test the faith of believers and are opportunities for spiritual growth
to maturity.
• Faith produces endurance which leads to maturity.

• If a believer lacks wisdom he should ask God.
• Faith and doubt are incompatible.
• Trials, suffering and tribulation fall upon all men.
• God is pleased with endurance under trials.
• God cannot be tempted by sin and does not tempt to sin.
• Temptation leads to lust which leads to sin which leads to death.
• Believers should not be deceived by temptation.
• Every good thing in life comes from God.
• God does not change.
• Believers who only hear but do not obey the Word are deceived.
251
• Believers should be doers of the Word.
• Looking into God’s word and obeying its principles will change a believer.
• True religion forsakes sin and seeks to meet the needs of others.
• Personal favoritism is sin.
• One sin is a violation of the whole law.
• Faith which produces no works is dead.
• Real faith always produces the fruit of righteousness.
• True faith is active, not passive.
• Talking about good works is not the same as doing good works.
• Abraham was saved by faith and later proved the reality of his faith by
offering up Isaac.
• Teachers are held by God to a higher standard of accountability for what

they say.
• The tongue can be a dangerous instrument.
• An uncontrolled tongue is evidence of lack of real faith.
• A pure heart produces pure speech.
• True faith practices godly wisdom in life.
• Believers have not because they ask not.
• Believers have not because they ask God with the wrong motives.
• It is impossible to be a friend of God and the world at the same time.
• God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble and exalts them.
• When believers submit to God they can resist Satan by faith.
• God draws near to those who draw near to Him.
252
• Christ is the only judge.
• Life is but a vapor and believers should not presume on God’s will and
His sovereignty.
• Knowing the right thing to do and not doing it is sin.
• The rich will be condemned if they hoard and misuse their wealth.
• Believers should patiently endure suffering by resting in God’s mercy

and compassion.
• Prayers of faith bring emotional, physical and spiritual healing.
• Some sickness is the result of unconfessed sin.
• Believers who are seriously ill should ask the elders to come and anoint
them with oil and pray for their restoration.
• The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
• Believers should confess sins to and pray for one another.
• Elijah was a man just like us.
• Believers should try to bring back others who have wandered from
the truth.
Job 1–2 Mt. 7:16-27

Ps. 19:14 Mt. 15:18
Pr. 1:2-7 Jn. 16:33
Pr. 3:13-20 Ac. 26:20
Pr. 10:19 Ro. 4:1-6
Pr. 15:23 1 Co. 10:13
Pr. 15:28 Eph. 4:29
Pr. 16:23 1 Pe. 1:6-9
Pr. 17:28 1 Pe. 4:5-10
Pr. 18:13 1 Jn. 2:15-17
Mt. 7:7-11 1 Jn. 5:4-5
253
• Proverbial wisdom
• Joy in trials
• Temptation not from God
• Cycle of sin
• God not changing
• Doers of the Word not hearers only
• Mirror of God’s Word
• Pure and undefiled religion
• Favoritism is sin
• Failing in one point of law equals breaking all
• Faith without validating works is dead
• Taming the tongue
• Godly vs. earthly wisdom
• Not receiving because of not asking or asking for wrong reasons
• Friend of world — enemy of God
• Submit to God, resist Satan
• Draw near to God
• Life is but a vapor
• “If the Lord wills”
• Knowing the right thing and not doing it is sin
• Considering the endurance of Job
• Elders praying and anointing with oil
• Prayer of faith
• Confess sins to and pray for one another
• Effective prayer of a righteous man
• Elijah — a man just like us
• Bringing back a wayward saint
254
● 1 Peter – The true grace of Jesus Christ c. 63-67 AD

● 5 chapters

1:1-2 1:3-2:10 2:11-3:7 3:8-5:11 5:12-5:14
Grace brings Closing

Greetings
Peter I have
an written
Salvation Submission Service
apostle to
of encourage
Jesus you
to Eternal Godly living Suffer and
God’s security in the world for Christ’s to
scattered New birth to To authority sake testify
elect living hope To masters Follow about
strangers Christ’s the true
in the Earthly trials Wives to grace
husbands example
world Be good of
Rejoice Husbands
chosen shepherds God
and prove to wives
for your faith
salvation Be self-
Live controlled
and Sanctification exemplary
obedience lives Serve with
Holy living humility
Fearing God
Loving others
Spiritual growth
Position in Perspective Performance

Christ in Christ for Christ
255
1 Peter c. 63-67 AD
The true grace of Jesus Christ
Greetings in the believer’s life brings — Closing
Salvation Sanctification Submission Suffering Service Steadfastness
Don’t repay evil Be Be With
Eternal security Holy living to exemplary living
3. Book chart
with evil shepherds self- the

Peter, 1:3-5 1:13-16 2:11-12 3:8-12 of controlled help
an • New birth to a Be holy in all you do for Abstain from sin Return a blessing God’s and of
apostle living hope God is holy Live exemplary lives flock alert Silas
of • Non-perishable for the — I
Jesus inheritance right Resist have
Christ • Shielded by to authority reasons Satan written
to power of God and by to
God’s through faith 2:13-17 motives standing encour-
scattered Submit yourselves for Lord’s — firm age
elect, sake to all authority Be good in your you
Earthly trials Fearing God —it is God’s will Do suffer for Christ
strangers examples faith and
in the – serving — testify
1:6-12 1:17-21 to masters 3:13–4:19 with Realize
world Rejoice in trials As aliens live in about
chosen • for sake of righteousness humility other the
256
which test and reverent fear of God 2:18-25 • for doing what is honesty believers
for prove the genuine- realizing cost of your Submit to good and bad true
salvation right and are grace
ness of your faith redemption masters — glorify God as did • to point to and integrity also
and which affirms your Christ by suffering unjustly of
obedience Loving others glorify Christ suffering God
salvation • to follow Christ’s —
— —
Grace 1:22-25 Wives to husbands example God Peace
and Love one another • to serve each other will to
peace as God’s Word says 3:1-6 • to obey God’s will use all
to Submit to own husbands in • to submit to God you of
you Spiritual maturity word, behavior and dress and you
in Don’t be surprised— make who
2:1-10 Husbands to wives rejoice in trials and you
abundance Grow up in your are
suffering so that Christ strong in
salvation as living stones 3:7 Treat wives with consid- will be glorified as you
in a spiritual house eration and respect so your Christ
continue to do good
prayers won’t be hindered
1:1 1:2 1:3 1:12 1:13 2:10 2:11 3:7 3:8 4:19 5:1 5:7 5:8 5:11 5:12-14
Salvation Submission Service
Position in Christ Perspective in Christ Performance for Christ
Rejoice in your Salvation and Suffering for Christ’s sake
DJM
Peter wrote 1 Peter in Rome between 63-67 AD when Nero was Emperor and
Christians were under intense persecution. Peter wrote to encourage suffering
believers and to exhort them to realize the full benefit of the grace of Christ in
their lives. God’s grace in Christ had brought them salvation; called them to
godly living in an evil society; required them to submit to authority; and caused
them to suffer for Christ’s sake in His service. Grace is both God’s undeserved
favor for salvation and divine enablement for living.
Suffering Christians can respond to life’s trials and affliction by having the right
perspective and rejoicing or by rebelling against circumstances and resisting
God’s grace. The genuineness of faith is tested and proved in the trials of life.
Peter as an apostle of Christ wrote to the saints who were scattered throughout
the world as strangers in a foreign society. Peter immediately called his readers
to remember that God had chosen them for salvation and obedience and prayed
that grace and peace would be theirs in abundance.
Chapters 1:3 – 2:10 — Grace brings salvation in the believer’s life
Eternal life and security (1:3-5)

Peter began by calling the attention of suffering believers to the blessings of
salvation brought about by God’s grace in Christ. Salvation was here described
as —
• new birth into a living hope.
• an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven.
• being shielded (protected) by God’s power.

Knowing his position in Christ helps a Christian face life’s trials properly from
an eternal viewpoint.
Earthly trials (1:6-12)

Like James, Peter called believers to rejoice in the fiery trials and suffering they
were experiencing knowing that God had allowed it in order to test, prove and
purify their faith to the glory of Christ. All of this suffering was affirming their
salvation and leading them to the ultimate realization of it in heaven.
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Sanctification (1:13–2:10)
How should believers respond in light of their eternal position in Christ? Peter
suggested that living out the principles of scripture was the answer. Peter dealt with
the proper response of the believer to God’s grace in four areas:
• Holy living (1:13-16)

Since God is holy, those who claim His name should also be holy in all
they do so that their behavior in the world is not like that of the unsaved.
• Fearing God (1:17-21)
Believers should also live out their lives by fearing God, living reverently
and obediently before Him realizing the cost of their redemption — the
precious blood of Christ shed as God’s perfect lamb.
• Loving others (1:22-25)
Obedience to God’s word requires that believers fervently love one another
from the heart and so demonstrate God’s love as set forth in His eternal
word.
• Growing to maturity (2:1-10)
Finally, the grace of God in salvation should be seen through the process of
spiritual growth to maturity in Christ. Believers should rid themselves of
sinful attitudes and feed on the Word of God, obeying its truths and realizing
how special they are to God as living stones in His spiritual house.
Chapters 2:11 – 3:7 — Grace brings forth submission in the believer’s life
Believers who respond properly to God’s grace will evidence a life of submission
in four main areas:
• To exemplary living (2:11-12)
Christians should realize that they are strangers in the world, deny sinful
desires and lead such good, exemplary lives that God will be glorified,
and there will be no cause for accusation against them.
• To governmental authority (2:13-17)
It is God’s will for believers to do what is right and submit themselves to all
authority for the Lord’s sake. Being a good citizen silences foolish men.
• To masters (employers) (2:18-25)
Employees should submit to their masters or employers whether they are
gentle or harsh. Suffering for doing what is wrong brings God no glory but
suffering for doing what is right is commended by God. Peter here used
the supreme example of Christ who suffered unjustly and whose example
believers are to follow. The ultimate expression of unjust suffering is
when Christ who committed no sin bore the sins of all men in His body
on the cross so that believers might die to sin.
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Believers who suffer unjustly for Christ’s sake must do as He did and entrust
their lives to God.
• Wives to husbands (3:1-6)
The submission of wives to husbands is for several purposes —
– to win unbelieving husbands to the Lord, not by words but by their
godly behavior.
– to demonstrate an internal spirit of quietness and beauty which
pleases God.
• Husbands to wives (3:7)
Husbands should show submission to Christ by treating their wives with
consideration and respect as co-heirs of eternal life so that their prayers
will not be hindered.
Peter then turned to deal in detail with the subject of suffering for Jesus.
Chapters 3:8 – 5:11 — Grace brings suffering to Christ’s servants
Believers will experience various kinds of suffering in life which can either be
an opportunity for glorifying God or an obstacle to spiritual growth.
Peter gave specific advice on responding properly to unjust suffering.

• Don’t repay evil with evil (3:8-12)
The proper response to insults and evil from others is to rest retaliation
and vengeance with the Lord and to return good for evil. That is the
general principle set forth by Peter.
• Do suffer for Christ’s sake (3:13–4:19)
Believers are called to suffer for Christ’s sake according to the will of
God by doing what is right. That brings glory to God and produces no
basis for Christ to be slandered. Further, unbelievers will be surprised
that believers do not pursue a sinful lifestyle and endure suffering and
persecution.
Believers should rejoice at their sufferings knowing the beneficial
outcome and that God is pleased with their faithful service and consistent
testimony. Even in the face of suffering, believers should continue to
exercise their spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ. It should be a
privilege and honor to suffer for Christ. It is not cause to be ashamed.
And when believers suffer for doing what is right, they should rely on
God as faithful Creator to guard and protect them.
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•Be shepherds of God’s flock (5:1-7)

The grace of God requires that spiritual leaders be good shepherds of the
flock God has entrusted to them by serving
– willingly
– not for money
– eagerly
– not lording it over them
– as good examples
— with humility, honesty and integrity.
• Be self-controlled and alert (5:8-11)

Lastly, believers should be alert and self-controlled, resisting Satan
by faith, realizing that they are not alone in their sufferings and
remembering the blessings and rewards that will actually be theirs.
Keeping an eternal perspective in the midst of temporary earthly suffering
is one of the secrets of victory.
Through Silas, Peter wrote briefly to encourage believers and to testify “that this is
the true grace of God,” in which they should stand fast.
Grace is more than divine, undeserved favor – it is also divine energy and
enablement to do God’s will which includes suffering unjustly at the hands of
men for Christ’s sake.
Theme/purpose
Peter wrote to believers everywhere who were suffering unjustly for
Christ’s sake to encourage them to continue to be faithful and trust God,
and to remind them that this was God’s calling for them just as it had been
for Jesus.
God is glorified and we mature spiritually when we do what is right and
suffer unjustly for Christ’s sake, trusting God to preserve and protect.
260
6. Key chapters
1 Pe. 1 Proof of faith by fiery trials

Be holy as God is holy
2 Spiritual growth to maturity
Submission pleases God
3 Suffering for doing what is right for Christ’s sake
4 Commit yourself to our faithful Creator
5 Humble yourselves before God
Resist Satan – the roaring lion
7. Key passages
1:1-2 2:9-10 4:3-5

1:3-5 2:11-12 4:7-9
1:6-9 2:13-17 4:10-11
1:10-12 2:18-25 4:12-19
1:13-16 3:1-6 5:1-4
1:17-21 3:7 5:5-7
1:22 3:8-9 5:8-9
1:23-25 3:13-17 5:10-11
2:1-5 3:18-22 5:12
2:6-8 4:1-2
Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
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8. Main teachings
• Believers are strangers in the world.
• Salvation is
– for God’s chosen.
– according to the foreknowledge of God.
– through the sanctifying work of the Spirit.
– through the sprinkling of Jesus blood.
– for obedience.
– based on God’s mercy.
• Salvation brings
– new birth into a living hope.
– an imperishable eternal inheritance.
– protection by the power of God.
• Believers should rejoice over the fiery trials of life which prove and
perfect true faith.
• The Old Testament prophets preached the gospel and predicted Messiah.
• Angels long to look into salvation.
• Believers should be holy in all they do since God is holy.
• Believers should live in the fear of God, showing reverence and

obedience because of their redemption bought by the precious blood of
Christ.
• Believers should fervently love one another from the heart.
• The Word of God is eternal.
• Believers should crave the pure spiritual milk of the Word which causes
growth to maturity.
• Believers are living stones in the spiritual house which God is building with
Christ as the cornerstone.
• Believers are a royal priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices unto the Lord.
• Christ was rejected by many as the cornerstone but is precious to those

who believe.
• The church is God’s chosen people, a holy nation, called out of darkness
into light to declare the praises of God.
262
• In terms of righteousness, believers should live godly lives and not fulfill
their sinful desires.
• Believers should live exemplary lives among the unbelieving world.
• Believers should submit for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.
• It is God’s will for believers to do good deeds and what is right before men.
• Slaves and employees should submit even to harsh masters and employers.
• There is nothing commendable about suffering justly for doing what
is wrong.
• God commends believers who suffer unjustly for doing what is right.
• Believers are called to follow Christ’s example of suffering to
accomplish God’s will.
• Christ bore the sins of all men in His body on the cross to heal spiritual
wounds that believers might die to sin and live to righteousness.
• Wives should submit to husbands and win unbelieving spouses to the Lord
without words by their behavior.
• Wives should adorn themselves with the beauty of a quiet, gentle spirit.
• Husbands should treat their wives with consideration and respect as
co- heirs and not have their prayers hindered.
• Believers should rest vengeance with the Lord and repay evil with good.
• Christ should be set apart in believers’ hearts as Lord.
• Christ died for sins, once for all.
• The bodily resurrection of Christ assures salvation.
• Believers should fight against sin and not live for themselves but for
God to do His will.
• Believers should live such godly lives that unbelievers are amazed.
• Believers should be self-controlled, alert and faithfully continuing to
serve Christ by serving His church.
• Every believer has a spiritual gift that should be used to serve others and
build up the body of Christ to God’s glory.
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• Believers should not be surprised at the fiery trials of faith they

experience, and rejoice that they are worthy to suffer for Christ’s name.
• Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to

their faithful Creator.
•
Elders and other spiritual leaders should be good shepherds of God’s
flock and minister
– willingly.
– not for money.
– eagerly.
– not lording it over people.
– as good examples.
• All believers should exhibit true humility.
• Those who humble themselves under God’s hand will be exalted by

God.
• Because God cares for us we can cast all our anxieties on Him.
• Satan is the believer’s mortal enemy who

– prowls around like a roaring lion.
– seeks to devour and destroy.
• Satan can be resisted by standing firm in faith.
• God will ultimately restore and reward suffering believers.
• The true grace of God requires believers to suffer for Christ’s sake.
Lev. 11:45
Isa. 53:4-6
Zec. 3:1-4
Jn. 17:14-19
Ro. 13:1-7
Eph. 1:4
Jas. 1:2-8
Jas. 4:7
1 Jn. 5:19
Rev. 12:9-11
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• Saved according to foreknowledge of God

• Believers as strangers in the world
• Salvation protected through faith by power of God
• Rejoicing over fiery trials which prove and perfect faith
• Angels longing to look into salvation
• Be holy because God is holy
• Redeemed with precious blood of Christ
• Word of God is eternal
• Believers as living stones and Christ as the cornerstone in God’s
spiritual house
• Church as
– royal priesthood
– holy nation
– God’s special people
• Keeping behavior excellent among unbelievers
• Submission to all human authorities
• Submission to gentle and harsh masters
• No credit for suffering justly for doing wrong
• Commendable to suffer unjustly for doing right in Christ’s name
• Christ committed no sin
• Christ bore the sins of all men in His body on the cross
• By Christ’s wounds we are healed
• God is the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls
• Wives should win unbelieving husbands to the Lord without words but
by godly behavior
• Husbands’ prayers hindered if they do not show respect and
consideration for their wives
• Repay evil with good
• Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts
• Christ died for sins once for all
• Suffering unjustly as God’s will
• All believers have a spiritual gift
• Judgment begins in God’s household
• Suffering believers to entrust soul to faithful Creator
• Elders shepherd God’s flock
• Christ as chief Cornerstone and Shepherd
• Satan prowling about like a roaring lion seeking to destroy believers
• Resisting Satan by standing firm in faith
• The true grace of God
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266
● 2 Peter – The true knowledge of Jesus Christ c. 67-68 AD

• 3 chapters

1:1 1:2-21 2:1-22 3:1-17 3:18
TO GROW IN GRACE
Remain Renounce Recall the

Greetings established false Lord’s Closing
in the truth teachers promise
Peter Remember Reject false Recall Grow

to the truth teachers in
those • God judged the
who • about His • who deny sin in the grace
have divine power the Lord who flood and
received • we have bought them • God is not knowledge
a everything • who despise slow about of
faith needed for authority His promises Christ
as life and • who lead • God will
precious godliness people astray bring final
as • what we have • who corrupt judgment
ours seen and heard fellowship • Look for His
through • prophecy of • who fall into return
knowledge scripture is apostasy
from God Remain
of on guard
Christ
True False True
knowledge teachers knowledge
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2 Peter
c. 67-68 AD
To grow in the true grace of Christ
Greetings 1 2 3 Closing
Remain established in the truth Renounce false teachers Recall the Lord’s promise
3. Book chart
Peter, Recall His divine power Reject false teachers who: Recall
a has granted: • secretly introduce destructive • truth taught by holy prophets
servant heresies
and
• everything we need for life
• God judged sin by the flood
apostle and godliness • deny the Lord who bought
of them • God will bring judgment again
• escape from world’s Grow
Christ corruption • exploit believers with • Day of the Lord is coming in
to false stories after salvation is complete
• ever increasing maturity the
those
• will be judged by God • God will create a new heavens grace
who • entrance into the eternal
• follow their sinful nature and earth in which righteousness and
have kingdom
dwells knowledge
received • despise authority of
a
Entrusted to Drew Stockton (drew.ebc@gmail.com)268

Remember the truth – • slander angels • That you should live holy and our
faith godly lives now looking forward
• Christ was seen and heard Lord
as • blaspheme without knowledge to His return and
precious
• No prophecy originates with the • engage in immorality Savior
as Remain on guard
prophet himself Jesus
ours • corrupt fellowship Christ
through • Men spoke from God by the • Don’t be carried away by error
knowledge • seduce the unstable
Holy Spirit • Don’t fall away from the way
of • have left the straight way
of truth
God • entice to lustful desires
and
• promise freedom but declare
Christ
slavery to sin
• fall back to apostasy
1:1 1:2 1:21 2:1 2:22 3:1 3:17 3:18
True knowledge False teaching True knowledge
“Remain firmly established in the truth and grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ” (1:12; 3:18)

DJM
The message of 1 Peter had to do with the believer knowing his position in
Christ and practicing by grace the principles of the faith in the face of trials,
suffering and persecution from the world.
2 Peter focuses on problems within the church especially from false teachers.
It has a lot of similarities with 2 Timothy, Titus and Jude. The remedy for false
teaching is to renounce false teachers and remain firmly established in the truth
of scripture. The only true knowledge comes from God through His word.
Grace enables believers to grow up in Christ despite false teaching and opposition.
Chapter 1:1 — Greetings
Peter wrote as a servant and apostle of Christ to those who had received “a faith as
precious as ours.” “Faith” here refers to the body of truth about God and Christ,
for it is through true knowledge of God and Christ that salvation comes.
Chapter 1:2-21 — Remain established in the truth
Peter started his letter by emphasizing that every blessing enjoyed by the believer
comes as a result of our knowledge of Christ. Some of these benefits are —
• God’s divine power has granted the believer everything he needs for life
and godliness.
• God’s great and precious promises.
• Believers have become partakers of the divine nature.
• Believers have escaped the corruption of the world caused by sin.
The response of the believer to God’s great and precious promises should be to
“add to his faith” godly qualities such as self-control, perseverance, brotherly
love, etc. Growing in spiritual maturity by exercising godliness will keep the
believer from being ineffective or unproductive. The foolish believer does not
live out godliness in practice and thus fails to affirm his calling in Christ.
Peter reminded Christians of these things and how they were “firmly established
in the truth” but only needed to be refreshed, particularly in light of Peter’s
impending death.
Peter also reminded his readers that he had been an eye witness to the truth of the
power and coming of Christ and thus his words were trustworthy. Peter was
269
likely referring here specifically to the transfiguration account which was a

mini-preview of the second coming of Christ in great power and glory (see
Mt. 17:1-13).
And along with Peter’s personal experience was the word of the prophets which was
very sure.
Prophecy of scripture could be relied on because —
• no prophecy came as a result of the prophet’s personal interpretation.
• biblical prophets spoke from God not by the will of man.
• biblical prophets were “carried along” (directed, controlled and

influenced) by the Holy Spirit who superintended their writing.
Thus scripture including the prophets was the inspired Word of God and could be
trusted. Peter was here building a strong case to believe the Word of God about
all things, including the second coming of Christ in power, glory and judgment
as opposed to the false teaching of false prophets who laughed at the promise
of judgment.
Chapter 2:1-22 — Renounce false teachers
In sharp contrast to true prophets and teachers who speak God’s word to men are
false prophets and false teachers who deceive men with their words.
With some of the strongest words in all of scripture, Peter denounces false
teachers accusing them of gross sin. These false teachers must be rejected
because they —
• secretly introduce destructive heresies.

• deny the Lord who bought them.
• live ungodly lives after their sinful nature.
• exploit believers with false stories.
• despise authority.
• blaspheme without knowledge.
• corrupt fellowship.
• seduce the unstable.
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• promise freedom but deliver slavery to sin.
• speak empty, boastful words.
• fall back into apostasy.
• teach out of greed for personal gain and profit.
As surely as God judged angels who sinned, the evil world of Noah’s day,
along with Sodom and Gomorrah, He will judge and punish these wicked false
teachers. Perhaps the greatest danger to the church is not from outside persecution
but from internal strife, sin and corruption resulting in part from false teaching.
Chapter 3:1-17 — Recall the Lord’s promise
Peter set out his purpose in writing both of his letters — “as reminders to
stimulate you to wholesome thinking” (3:1). Peter asked his readers to recall —
• the teachings of the holy prophets.
• the command given by Christ through the apostles.
One major false teaching being promoted was that Christ was not really coming
back in judgment.
But Peter warns believers to reject what these scoffing false teachers say, for they
have forgotten that —
• by God’s word the world was created.

• the world was judged for sin and destroyed by water in the flood.
• by the Word of God the present world is being kept and reserved for
judgment by fire.
• God is not slow about His promises but desires all men to be saved.
• The day of the Lord (judgment) will come as a thief in the night.
• The heavens and the earth will be destroyed by fire.
The only reason God has not judged wickedness and sin yet is that God is patient
and is waiting for all men who are to be saved, to be saved. In light of that, Peter
challenged believers to live holy and godly lives looking forward to Christ’s
return when a new heavens and new earth would be created as an eternal home
for righteousness.
271
And believers should be encouraged that God’s patience means salvation just
as Paul also wrote. Significantly, Peter referred to Paul’s letters as “scriptures.”
Finally, Peter warned believers to be on guard against the error of lawless men.
Chapter 3:18 — Closing
Peter closed his letter by admonishing Christians to
“grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
5. Theme/purpose and applicational message
Theme/purpose
Peter wrote Christians to stimulate them to wholesome thinking about the
truth and to urge them to deal with false teachers who were destroying
the church.
Knowing, practicing and holding firmly to the true knowledge of Jesus Christ
according to scripture will prevent believers from being led astray from the
truth by false teachers.
6. Key chapters
2 Pe. 1 Remain firmly established in truth

2 Destructive heresies of false teachers
3 Live godly lives; look for Christ’s return
7. Key passages
1:1-2 2:10-22
1:3-4 3:1-2
1:5-9 3:3-7
1:10-11 3:8-9
1:12-15 3:10-13
1:16-18 3:14-16
1:19-21 3:17
2:1-3 3:18
2:4-9
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Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• God’s divine power has granted believers everything pertaining to life

and godliness.
• Believers have become partakers of the divine nature.
• Believers should grow in godly character qualities.
• Believers should remain firmly established in the truth.
• Peter was an eyewitness to what he wrote about and is credible.
• Scripture emanates from God by the Holy Spirit working through the
lives of the writers.
• No prophecy of scripture is man-made.
• False teachers introduce destructive heresies into the church and lead
people into sin and away from the truth.
• False teachers must be renounced.
• God’s past judgment for sin is proof He will continue to do so.
• God did not spare angels when they sinned.
• Lot was a righteous man.
• Some false teachers are godless men full of wickedness.
• It is better to not know the truth than to know it and fall away from it.
• It is better to not know the truth than to know it and fall away from it.
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• Peter wrote both letters to stimulate believers to wholesome thinking by

reminding them of the truth.
• Many false teachers deny that Christ is coming again in judgment.
• By God’s word the world was created.
• God sent the flood to judge the sin of the world.
• By God’s word the present heavens and earth are being kept for
judgment by fire.
• God is not bound by time.
• God is not slack about keeping His promises.
• It is God’s desire for all men to repent and be saved.
• God has not yet judged the present world for sin because not all who
will be saved have been saved.
• God will destroy the present heavens and earth with fire and create a
new heavens and earth as a home for righteousness.
• Believers should live godly lives, looking for Christ’s return.
• God’s patience in bringing judgment means salvation.
• Paul’s letters are to be regarded as scripture.
• Believers should be on guard against errors taught by lawless men.
• Believers should be growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ.
Ps. 90:1-6
Isa. 24:1-6
Isa. 65:17
Isa. 66:22
Mic. 3:5-11
2 Ti. 3:15-16
Tit. 1:10-16
Jas. 3:1
Jude 1:1-21
Rev. 21:1-8
274
• Believers granted everything pertaining to life and godliness

• Believers partake of the divine nature
• Lack of growth to maturity causes believers to be ineffective and non-
productive
• No prophecy of scripture is from man
• The Holy Spirit moved men to write scripture
• Christ died even for men who deny him
• God judged angels when they sinned
• “Righteous” Lot
• Wicked lives of false teachers
• Better not to know the truth than to know and turn away
• False teachers deny the second coming of Christ in judgment
• To God one day is as 1000 years and 1000 years as one day
• God’s desire is for all men to repent and be saved
• Destruction of heavens and earth by fire
• Creation of new heavens and new earth
• Paul’s letters are scripture
• Growing in grace and knowledge of Christ
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276
● 1 John – Maintaining fellowship with God
c. 90 AD, Apostle John

● 5 chapters
1 1-2 3-4 5
Chapter Chapters Chapters Chapters
1:1-4 1:5-2:29 3:1-4:21 5:1-21
Introduction Conclusion
What we
have seen Walking Walking What we
and heard in light in love know
We proclaim to Confesses sins God’s great love If you have

you the reality of Claim forgiveness saved us Christ you
Jesus Christ — Walk in fellowship have life
we saw Him, with Christ “Test the spirits” eternal
heard Him and Christians “Test of love”
—
If we know Him God is love
we will —
• obey His word
• love each other
• not sin as a way
of life
What you must know and what you will do if you know
277
1 John
c. 90 AD
Maintaining fellowship with God
What we have
Walking in light Walking in love What we know
seen and heard
3. Book chart
1:1 1:4 1 2 3 4 5
We Walk in Live in Light Love One Discern Truth Believe the Truth
proclaim to Fellowship Another From Error
If we know Him we will – He who believes that Jesus is the
you the Can’t walk in Test the spirits
God’s great love Christ is born of God and loves God
reality of darkness and • obey His commandments caused us to 4:1-6 —
Jesus light at same
• live as Jesus did become His • Are they from God We love each other by loving God
Christ, time
• love each other children – • Do they acknowledge and obeying His commandments
the —
therefore, walk Jesus as God/man —
eternal Confess sins • grow up in the faith in His love • Do they listen to things
word and claim of God We live by faith in Christ – if we
• not love the world —
of Life forgiveness have the Son we have eternal life
provided by • recognize antichrists • Don’t go on Holy Spirit in you is

— Christ sinning greater than he who is in We have eternal life in Christ
• rely on the anointing the world
— and teaching of the • Practice
We saw Walk in Test of Love We have our prayers answered
Him, indwelling Holy Spirit righteousness
fellowship
heard with Jesus • not sin as a way of life • Love each other Love: 4:7-21 Sin is not of God
Him, and one another • do what is right • Meet each • Sent Jesus as God’s Son
touched to be Savior of the World We are children of God
— other’s needs
Him A believer is • Casts out fear
• Love not in • Cannot harbor hate for Satan is ruling the world
not free words but a brother
from sinning but God protects us from him
action and truth God is love!
nor free to sin
1:5 1:10 2:1 2:29 3:1 4:21 5:1 5:21
Introduction Message Manifestation Conclusion
Since we know we are children of God and have eternal life –
we should not sin but walk in light and walk in love
DJM

The Apostle John, one of the sons of Zebedee and the author of the Gospel of John,
wrote 1 John late in his life around 90 AD. The letter was probably written from
Ephesus and is addressed to Christians everywhere exhorting them to live a life of
love in light of who Christ is, and to reject any teaching or form of knowledge
which denied the humanity or deity of Jesus Christ. And like the Gospel of John,
1 John points strongly to the deity of Christ and has great theological
significance.
Chapter 1:1-4 — Introduction “What we have seen and heard”
John opened his letter with a prologue similar to Jn. 1:1-5 reminding his readers
of both the eternality of Christ and the incarnation of Christ when He became
a real man to bring eternal life to men. John’s heart’s desire was for Christians
to know the reality of Christ and to have fellowship with Him and each other.
John, like Peter, claimed to have been an eyewitness of Christ, thus making his
testimony credible.
Chapters 1:5 – 2:29 — Walking in light
First, in 1:5-10 John restated the essence of the gospel message and exhorted
believers to live in light of the truth. Since God is light (pure, righteous) believers
should live in righteousness (the light) and not in darkness (sin, unrighteousness).
It is not possible for a Christian to have fellowship with God while he is living
in sin (darkness). That is equal to living a lie. It is also a lie to teach that a believer
cannot or does not sin. A believer is not totally free from sinning nor free to sin.
Believers will sin, of course, but should confess their sins and claim the forgiveness
already provided through the shed blood of Christ which continually cleanses
from sin. However, living free from sin is not all that is required of the Christian.
Next in chapter 2 (2:1-29), John set out a number of tests by which believers can
be assured that they really know Christ, the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the
whole world.
We know that we know Christ if we—

• obey His commandments.
• live as Jesus did.
• love each other.
• are maturing in the truth – regardless of whether we are children, young
men or fathers in the faith.
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• do not love the world and its evil desires.

• recognize the spirit of anti-Christs in the world who deny the reality
of Jesus.
• rely on the anointing and teaching of the indwelling Holy Spirit for
spiritual discernment.
• are not led astray by false teaching.
• do what is right.
How we live and what we do proves whether or not we really know Christ as
we claim.
Chapters 3:1 – 4:21 — Walking in love
In chapter 3 John returned to develop the concept of love which not only proves
we know God but was the motivation for God sending His son to die for our
sins. Christians know that God’s great love was lavished on them because they
are called children of God. And true children of God do not sin as a way of life
but live in righteousness. One who does not do what is right or love his brother is
not a true child of God.
Love sets apart the believer for other people. The kind of love John referred to
here was not emotional, sentimental feelings, but deep commitment and care
which manifests itself in giving for the sake of others just as Christ in love laid
down His life for sinners. Biblical love is self-less, sacrificial and seeks the best
interest of other people. Love is best seen not in what we say but in what we do.
When we love one another as Christ did, we prove ourselves to be children of
God.
In 4:1-6 before concluding his discussion on love, John went back to talk about
having a discerning spirit with regard to truth and error.
Those who truly have the spirit of God in them will —

• testify that Christ really came in flesh from God.
• be listened to by other true believers.
It is error to deny either that Christ is truly God or truly man. The indwelling
spirit confirms the truth in the believer.
The balance of chapter 4 (vs. 7-21) is devoted to development of the theme of
love. John here stated a number of significant truths about love.
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• Love comes from God.
• Whoever does not love does not know God.
• God is love.
• God showed His love by sending His only Son to die as the atoning
sacrifice for our sins.
• We love God because He first loved us.
• Since God loved us we ought to love one another.
• Love is the real evidence of the invisible God.
• Perfect love casts out fear.
• Anyone who does not love his brother cannot love God.
Love is the key to affirming our relationship to God.
Chapter 5:1-21 — Conclusion “What we know”
Finally, John moved from the evidence of love to knowing with assurance the
reality of being a saved child of God.
Assurance of salvation comes from —

• believing that Jesus is the Messiah from God.
• keeping God’s commandments.
• living by faith to overcome the world.
• witness in our heart from the Holy Spirit.
• The realization that eternal life is the life of Christ — “he who has the Son
has eternal life.”
John wrote 1 John so that believers would have confident assurance that they
were truly children of God and had eternal life. That confident assurance would
also be seen in answered prayer, knowing that God always answers prayer that
is in accord with His will.
John closed his first letter by going back to the issue of sin and exhorting believers
to live a life as free from sin as possible, relying on Christ to protect them from
the evil one who controls the world.
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Christ has given believers understanding of the truth that

• Christ is the true God and eternal life.
• Christ is in believers.
• Believers are in Christ.
Assurance of salvation is a matter of knowing and accepting by faith the truth as

revealed in the Word of God.
Theme/purpose
The Apostle John wrote to Christians everywhere to remind them of the truth
about Christ, to reassure them of their salvation, and to exhort them to live
in light and love, enjoying their fellowship with God and each other.
Believers who have truly experienced the love of God in Christ will express
the love of God to others.
6. Key chapters
1 Jn. 1 Walk in light not darkness

2 Live in love, not sin
3 Greatness of God’s love in Christ
4 Love one another
5 Eternal life is in the Son
7. Key passages
1:1-4 2:24-25 4:4-6

1:5-7 2:26-27 4:7-12
1:8-10 2:28-29 4:13-15
2:1-2 3:1-3 4:16-21
2:3-6 3:4-6 5:1-5
2:9-11 3:7-10 5:6-12
2:12-14 3:11-15 5:13-15
2:15-17 3:16-18 5:16-17
2:18-19 3:19-24 5:18-20
2:20-23 4:1-3
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Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• Jesus Christ came as a real man.
• The believer’s fellowship is with the Father, Jesus and other believers.
• God is light and there is no darkness in Him.
• A believer who lives in darkness (sin) lives a lie.
• It is a lie to teach that a believer cannot or does not sin.
• The blood of Christ continually cleans us from sin as we confess our sins.
• A believer is not free from sinning nor free to sin.
• Christ is the believer’s advocate before God’s throne with respect to sin.
• Christ came as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world.
• We know that we know Christ if we obey His commandments.
• A man who claims to know Christ but does not obey Him is a liar.
• A believer who claims to love God but does not love his brother is a liar.
• A believer cannot love God and the world at the same time.
• The things of the world (cravings of sinful man, lust of the eyes, and
boasting) are not from God.
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• The man who does God’s will by believing in Christ lives forever.
• Believers have the anointing and discernment of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
• False teachers deny that Jesus is the Messiah and that He was a real man.
• One who denies the Son denies the Father.
• The indwelling Holy Spirit teaches believers to discern between truth
and error.
• A true believer does what is right.
• God’s great love for us made us His children.
• When we see Jesus we will be like Him because we will see Him as He
really is.
• Sin is lawlessness.
• Christ came to take away sins—for in Him is no sin.
• No one who knows God keeps on sinning as a way of life.
• The devil has been sinning from the beginning.
• Christ came to destroy the devil’s work.
• Believers should love their brothers.
• Love is best seen in Christ laying down His life.
• A believer who has material resources and does not meet the needs of
a brother does not show God’s love.
• A believer’s heart will not condemn him when he is doing what is right.
• Answered prayer is assured when we obey His commandments and do
what pleases Him.
• God’s spirit bears witness in us that we are in Christ.
• God’s commandment is that we
– believe in Christ.
– love one another.
– obey Him.
• False spirits and teachers deny that Christ came in the flesh.
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• The spirit of anti-Christ is in the world.
• The indwelling Spirit is greater than the spirit of anti-Christ in the world.
• Love comes from God.
• God is love.
• God showed His love by sending His Son as the atoning sacrifice for sins.
• We love God because He first loved us.
• Believers must acknowledge that Christ is the Son of God.
• Perfect love casts out fear.
• Believers should live in love.
• One cannot love God and hate his brother.
• Everyone born of God overcomes the world by faith in Christ.
• The Holy Spirit, the baptism and the cross all witness for Christ.
• Anyone who does not believe God has made Christ out to be a liar.
• Eternal life is in Christ.
• He who has Christ has eternal life.
• God answers prayers offered according to His will.
• All wrongdoing is sin.
• Some sins lead to physical death; others do not.
• God keeps His children safe from the evil one who is in control of
the world.
• Jesus Christ is the true God and eternal life.
• Assurance of salvation comes from knowing and accepting the truth
by faith.
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Jn. 1:1-4
Jn. 3:16-21
Jn. 6:38-40
Jn. 8:31-32
Ro. 8:31-39
1 Co. 2:14
1 Co. 15:3-8
Jas. 1:27
Jas. 2:8
Jas. 4:4-5

• Seen, heard and touched Jesus
• Fellowship
• Walking in light vs. darkness
• Confessing sins and receiving forgiveness
• Christ as the believer’s advocate
• Can’t love God and hate your brother
• Not loving the things of the world
• Anointing from the Holy Spirit
• Tests of true belief
• Whoever denies Christ, denies God
• Must believe that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) to be saved
• Must believe that Jesus is God to be saved
• Must believe that Jesus came as a real man to be saved
• God’s great love lavished on us in Christ
• Becoming like Christ when we see Him
• Sin as lawlessness
• Christ destroying the works of Satan
• Christ coming to take away sins as the atoning sacrifice
• No one born of God continues to sin as a way of life
• Our hearts not condemning us
• Confidence in answered prayer
• Love came from God; God is love
• God proved His love by sending Christ as the sacrifice for sin
• Faith in Christ overcomes the world
• Witness of the Spirit, water and blood
• Eternal life is the life of Christ
• Praying according to God’s will
• All wrong doing as sin
• Sin leading to death
• Sin not leading to death
• Whole world under Satan’s control
• Assurance of salvation
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• 2 John – Walk in the truth
c. 90 AD Apostle John

• 1 chapter, 13 verses
Verses Verses Verses Verses

1– 3 4-6 7-11 12-13
Greeting Command Caution Closing
John Walk in truth Watch out for I hope to visit

the false teachers with you and
elder Walk in love talk to you
to Do not
the Love one another welcome them
chosen
lady Walk in obedience
whom
I
love
in True False
the teaching teaching
truth
287
2 John
c. 90 AD
Walk in the truth
Greetings Command Caution Closing
3. Book chart
1 3 4 6 7 11 12 13
The elder True teaching False teaching I hope
to the to visit
chosen with you
lady To see other believers walking in the truth Watch out for deceivers who
and her and talk
children brings great joy to you
• deny the real humanity of Jesus
whom —
I love • run ahead and do not continue in —
in the • Love one another the teaching of Christ The
truth
288
• Walk in obedience to His commandments • attempt to involve you in their children
— of your
deception
God the • Walk in love chosen
Father — sister
and Do not welcome false teachers! send
Jesus their
will be
with us greetings
in love
and
truth
Because of the truth which lives in us
Walk in truth — walk in love — be discerning
DJM
4. Survey of content
2 John was written by the Apostle John around 90 AD to a particular lady and
her children as a preliminary letter in anticipation of a personal visit. Another
view equates the “chosen lady” with a local church and its congregation. Either
way, John commends them for walking in truth and cautions them against being
deceived by false teachers who traveled around staying in the homes of host
believers.
Verses 1–3 — Greetings
John started by referring to the “truth which lives in us,” meaning the
embodiment of truth in the person of Christ. It is not only love which comes
from God as John emphasized in 1 John but also truth.
Verses 4–6 — Command True teaching
First, John praised this lady and her children, whether physical or spiritual, for
continuing to walk in the truth just as God commanded. The basic commandment
is to love one another and the proof of love is being obedient to the commands of
Christ. And one of those commands is to walk in love. It brought John great joy
to know of their faithfulness.
Verses 7–11 — Caution False teaching
The central message of 2 John is found in this section. John strongly warns them
to be on guard against false teachers who—
• are deceivers.
• deny the real humanity of Christ.
• run ahead of the teaching of Christ.
The caution and warning is to—
• be discerning with regard to all teaching.
• not welcome such a teacher or take him into your house.
Apparently, these were traveling teachers who stayed with host believers in various
towns. To extend hospitality to such as these was to encourage the problem.
False teachers must be rebuked and corrected or rejected.
Verses 12–13 — Closing
John intended to visit the recipient of the letter and say a lot more in person when
he was able to do so. That, too, would bring John great joy.
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Theme/purpose
John wrote 2 John to commend a certain lady of her faithfulness to walk in
truth and love and to caution her against welcoming false teachers who denied
the real humanity of Christ.
To welcome and extend hospitality to false teachers only encourages and
supports the spread of their destructive, deceptive heresies.
6. Key chapter
2 Jn. 1 Rejoice in truth

Reject false teachers
7. Key passages
1:1-3
1:4-6
1:7-11
Assignment:
Read 2 John twice. Why is the warning so strong?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
290
8. Main teachings
• Christ is the truth who lives in believers.
• God commanded believers to walk in truth.
• Believers should love one another.
• The proof of genuine love is to obey God’s commandments.
• It is heresy to deny the real humanity of Christ.
• False teachers are deceivers.
• Anyone who runs ahead of the teachings of Christ does not have God.
• False teachers should not be welcomed and encouraged.
• Anyone taking in a false teacher helps support his cause.
Mt. 28:19-20
Jn. 13:34-35
Jn. 14:15
1 Ti. 6:20
• The chosen lady

• Walk in truth — walk in love
• Watch out for false teachers
291
292
• 3 John – Continue to imitate what is good
c. 90 AD Apostle John

Verse Verses Verses Verses Verses

1 2-4 5-8 9-12 13-14
Greetings Commendation Command Caution I hope

to see
John I pray for Contribute Don’t imitate you soon
the elder your spiritual generously to Diotrephes
to my and physical the work of who does evil —
dear health fellow but do imitate
friend Christians Demetrius The
Gaius Continue to who does friends
whom faithfully what is good send their
I love walk greetings
in the in the truth
truth
“Dear Friend” “Dear Friend” “Dear Friend”
293
3 John c. 90 AD
Continue to imitate what is good
Greetings Commendation Command Caution Closing

3. Book chart
1 2 4 5 8 9 12 13 14
The “Dear Friend” “Dear Friend” “Dear Friend” I hope
elder to see
to my I pray for your good Contribute generously Don’t imitate Diotrephes you
dear health as your soul is to your fellow workers • who does evil soon
friend getting along well who also strive for • who is prideful
Gaius, the truth • a malicious gossip The
whom Continue to faithfully friends
• who is not hospitable
I love walk in the truth as Show hospitality here send
• interferes with others
294
in the you have been doing their
doing what is right
truth greetings
—
Greet the
Do imitate Demetrius friends
• who does good there by
• is well spoken of name
“Dear friend,” continue to be faithful in what you are doing for the brothers
DJM
1 John dealt with walking in light and love while 2 John focused on walking in
truth. 3 John centers on continuing to do what is right and good.
Verse 1 — Greetings
John wrote to Gaius his “dear friend” whom he loved in the truth.
Verses 2–4 — Commendation
John praised Gaius for the report of his faithfulness to do the things that were
consistent with the truth. John also prayed that Gaius might enjoy physical health
to match his spiritual health. Gaius was a “spiritual child” of John’s.
Verses 5–8 — Command
John’s command to Gaius was to contribute generously to the support of

fellow Christian workers who were laboring for the truth. This would be a real
demonstration of love for these brothers who were really strangers to them.
Verses 9–12 — Caution
John warned Gaius to watch out for and not imitate the evil lifestyle of
Diotrephes who was full of pride, gossip and slander and refused hospitality to
Christian brothers.
Gaius was to imitate those like Demetrius who did what was good, not those
like Diotrephes who did not. Gaius could tell the difference by their lifestyle
and actions.
Again, John longed to visit Gaius and relate more to him later. Greetings were
also sent by other friends as well.
295
Theme/purpose
John wrote 3 John to Gaius to commend him and urge him to continue to do
good work for fellow brothers in Christ, and to caution him to follow those who
did what was good not what was evil.
We must be careful to imitate those in the church who do what is right and
good.
6. Key chapter
3 Jn. 1 Imitate those who do good
7. Key passages
1:1
1:2-4
1:5-8
1:9-12
1:13-14
Assignment:
Read 3 John twice. How can we tell whom we should imitate in the
church?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• Believers should be treated as “dear friends.”
• Physical and spiritual health are compatible.
• Living the truth is a source of great joy.
• Believers should show love, hospitality and a generous spirit toward
other believers.
296
• Believers should help financially support the work of fellow believers.
• Leaders who seek to be first have no real place in the church.
• Gossip and malicious slander is out of place in the church.
• Those who refuse to extend hospitality should be condemned.
• Believers should imitate what is good not what is evil.
• Actions usually prove a person’s genuineness and credibility.
• Believers should give good reports of those who are faithful.
Lk. 6:43-45
Jn. 15:12-15
1 Co. 1:10-13
1 Co. 11:1
2 Co. 8:1-7
1 Th. 1:4-8
1 Ti. 4:12
Gal. 6:9-10
Heb. 10:24-25
Heb. 13:7
• “Dear Friend”
• Physical and spiritual health
• Hospitality to Christian brother
• Giving generously to support Christian co-workers
• Imitating what is good
• Recommending other Christians
297
298
• Jude – Contend earnestly for the faith
c. 70–80 AD
Verses Verse Verses Verses Verses

1-2 3 4-16 17-23 24-25
Greeting Explanation Exposure of Exhortation Closing

of purpose false teachers to maturity
Jude, Contend Watch out Grow up Benediction—

a servant earnestly for godless to maturity To Him who
of Jesus for the false teachers in Christ is able to keep
and faith that among by being you from
brother was once you who obedient falling and
of James for all • deny Christ to the most to present you
to those delivered • teach heresies holy faithful blameless
who are to the • live wickedly
• called saints
• loved
• kept by
Jesus
Be ready to Beware of Build yourselves
defend the faith false teachers up in the faith
299
Jude
c. 70-80 AD
Contend earnestly for the faith
Greetings Explanation of purpose Exposure of false teachers Exhortation to maturity Closing
1 2 3 4 16 17 23 24 25
3. Book chart
Jude “Dear Friends” These are godless men who: “But dear friends” “To Him
a servant • have secretly slipped in among you Remember – the apostles who is
I write to urge you predicted that these false
of • change grace into license for able to
to contend for the immorality teachers would come as
Jesus • scoffers keep you
faith that was once • deny Jesus as Sovereign and Lord
and brother • men who deride from
for all entrusted to • pollute their own bodies
of James • men who follow natural falling
the saints • reject authority
to those instincts and
who have been • slander angels • men who do not have to
• called • speak abusively about the spirit present

what they do not understand — you before
• loved • falsely prophesy for profit “But you, dear friends” His
• kept by Jesus • hate and murder • build yourselves up in the glorious
• rebel against authority most holy faith presence
• abuse sacred rites • pray in the Holy Spirit without
• are unproductive and worthless • keep in God’s love fault
• are grumblers, fault finders • wait hopefully for Christ’s and
• follow own evil desires return
with
• boast of themselves • show God’s mercy to these
lost, corrupted souls
great joy”
Be ready to defend Beware of false teachers Build yourselves
the faith up in the faith
Build yourselves up in the most holy faith
DJM

Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus (see Ac. 15; Mt. 13:55),
wrote to believers to defend the true faith and to denounce false teachers. Jude
contains one of the most scathing denunciations of false teachers in all of
scripture. In this sense it is similar to Titus.
Verses 1–2 — Greetings
Jude identified himself as a servant of Christ and brother of James who wrote to
those who were called, loved and kept by Christ.
Verse 3 — Explanation of purpose
Although Jude had intended to write about salvation, he felt compelled to write a
letter of exhortation for believers to
“contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.”
Jude is a stirring call to defend the truth of the gospel according to scripture.
False teaching includes anything contrary to scripture or added to scripture.
Verses 4–16 — Exposure of false teachers
The major section of Jude was devoted to a strong denunciation of false teachers
who are described in severe words of condemnation. These false teachers —
• slipped into the church.
• were godless men.
• changed grace and freedom into license for immorality.
• deny Jesus as Sovereign and Lord.
• are likened to unholy angels who rebelled against God and were
punished by God.
• pollute their own bodies.
• reject authority.
• slander angelic beings.
• speak abusively out of ignorance.
• are ungodly men who deserve severe punishment.
• are grumblers and fault finders.
• are boastful flatterers.
• follow their own evil desires.
• cause division and strife.
It is not just the teaching of these men that is dangerous but also their ungodly,
wicked lifestyles which lead people astray.
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Verses 17–23 — Exhortation to maturity
Jude addressed his readers as “dear friends” and reminded them that Christ had
predicted that such scoffers and false teachers would come into the church. The
best defense is to —
• “build yourselves up in the most holy faith.”
• “pray in the Holy Spirit.”
• “keep yourselves in God’s love.”
• “wait” eagerly for the mercy of Christ to bring the reality of eternal life.
• show God’s love and mercy to these godless men and save those you can.
• be careful not to become corrupted by them.
Jude’s closing is one of the most moving benedictions in scripture, praising

Christ for His keeping power and protection and promise to present the church
blameless before God.
Theme/purpose
Jude wrote to believers to exhort them to defend the true faith according to
scripture and to denounce false teachers who were corrupt and wicked.
Believers must always be ready to defend the faith against godless men who
teach anything contrary to or in addition to the truth.
6. Key chapter
Jude 1 Contend for the faith
302
7. Key passages
1:1-2
1:3
1:4-16
1:17-23
1:24-25
Assignment:
Read Jude twice. What is the real danger from false teachers?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• Believers are called, loved and kept by God.
• Believers should contend for the faith.
• The “faith” has been revealed completely and finally in scripture–

nothing can be added to or taken away from it.
• God’s revelation of truth is complete in the Bible.
• False teachers have slipped into the church.
• False teachers
– are godless men.
– live wicked, boastful lives.
– turn grace into license for immorality.
– deny Christ as Sovereign and Lord.
– follow own evil desires.
– cause division and strife.
• God will punish ungodly, false teachers.
• Even godly angels refuse to rebuke Satan on their own.
303
• Christ predicted false teachers in the church.
• Believers should
– build themselves up in the most Holy faith.
– pray in the Holy Spirit.
– keep themselves in God’s love.
– wait eagerly for Christ’s return.
– show mercy to godless men and try to save some.
• Christ is able to keep believers from falling and to present them blameless
before God.
• To the only God, our Savior belongs glory, majesty, power and authority
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Co. 4:6-7
2 Ti. 4:2-5
2 Ti. 4:16-18
Tit. 1:10-16
1 Pe. 1:3-5
2 Pe. 2:1-21
2 Pe. 3:3-4
• Contend for the faith

• The faith once for all entrusted to the saints
• False teachers changing grace into license for immorality
• Dispute over Moses body
• Michael the archangel refusing to rebuke Satan on his own
• Build yourself up in the most holy faith
• Show mercy and try to snatch some from the fire
• Benediction — to Him who is able...
304
E. The one book of prophecy
• Revelation – The Revelation of Jesus Christ

c. 90-95 AD Apostle John

(For additional help, see the 3-part outline included after the book chart)

• 22 chapters
Chapter 1 Chapters 2–3 Chapters 4-22
What you What is now What will take

have seen place later
The revelation Letters to the Prelude in heaven (4–5)

of and from 7 churches: 7 seal judgments (6–8)
Jesus Christ • Ephesus 7 trumpet judgments (8–11)
to John • Smyrna
in a vision Interlude (10–11)
• Pergamum little scroll
on the Isle • Thyatira
of Patmos 2 witnesses
• Sardis Explanatory prophecies (12–14)
of the • Philadelphia
second coming war in heaven
• Laodicea Anti-christ/beast
of Jesus Christ
to conclude announcements
human history 7 bowls of God’s wrath (15–18)
religious Babylon
commercial Babylon
2nd coming of Christ (19)
Armageddon
Millennial Kingdom (20)
Judgment on Satan (20)
Judgment on unbelievers (20)
Eternal state (21–22)
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REVELATION c. 90 AD
The Revelation of Jesus Christ Apostle John
What you What is “What will take place later”

have seen now
1 2 3 4 22
3. Book chart
The The The Antichrist and Israel’s covenant of peace; Battle Satan Satan The Authen-
revelation messages throne; 7 Seal judgments (war, famine, death, earth- of bound doomed Eternal tication,
to John to the the quakes, etc.) (6) Arma- State warnings,
Gog and Magog War of Eze. 38-39 Christ Sinners
on the Isle 7 churches sealed geddon reigns judged conclusion
Mid-point worship
of Patmos scroll and the on earth
Christ: Great service
and the Covenant broken with Israel Second
commends Satan white praise
worthy Abomination of desolation in temple coming
condemns 7 Trumpet judgments (land, water, man) (8-9) loosed throne
Lamb of
corrects Israel intensely persecuted (12) final
Christ
Satan thrown from Heaven and empowers rebellion
Antichrist (beast) and his false prophet (13)

7 Bowl judgments (sores, sun, darkness) (16)
Religious Babylon (17)
Commercial Babylon (18)
1:1–20 2 3 4 5 6 18 19:1-21 20:1-9 20:10-15 21:1-22:5 22:6-21
Vision Christ Prelude THE GREAT TRIBULATION 2nd The Great New heaven
from and the to wrath God’s wrath poured out for 7 years Advent Millen- White and
and of seven by the –– of Jesus nium Throne New earth
Jesus churches Righteous
Salvation offered through 144,000 Jewish Christ Judg-
evangelists and the two witnesses (God’s 1000-yr Eternal State
Christ Judge mercy and grace) ment
reign of
and
7 trumpets under 7th seal; Christ
7th trumpet announces 7 bowls Lake
of Fire
Explanatory parentheses at :
1) 7:1-17 (144,000 sealed Jews)
2) 10:1-11:14 (Little book and two witnesses)
3) 12:1-14:20 (the woman, man child, dragon,
beast, false prophet)

“MARANATHA” DJM
Outline
I. “What you have seen” (1:1-20)
A. Prologue (1:1-3)
B. Salutation (1:4-8)
1. Trinitarian greetings (1:4)
2. The Person and work of Christ (1:5-8)
C. Vision (1:9-20)
1. Setting (1:9-11)
2. Content (1:12-16)
3. Results (1:17-18)
4. Instructions (1:19)
5. Interpretation (1:20)
II. “What is now” (2:1–3:22)
A. Message to Ephesus (2:1-7)
B. Message to Smyrna (2:8-11)
C. Message to Pergamum (2:12-17)
D. Message to Thyatira (2:18-29)
E. Message to Sardis (3:1-6)
F. Message to Philadelphia (3:7-13)
G. Message to Laodicea (3:14-22)
III. “What will take place later” (4:1–22:5)
A. The Tribulation (4:1–18:24)
1. Prelude in Heaven (4:1–5:14)
a. God sitting on His throne (4:2-3)
b. The scene around the throne (4:4-11)
(1) Twenty-four thrones and twenty-four elders (4:4-5)
(2) The four living creatures – cherubim (4:6-7)
(3) Worship around the throne (4:8-11)
(a) by the cherubim (4:8-9)
(b) by the 24 elders-saints (4:10-11)
c. The sealed scroll in heaven (5:1-14)
(1) The scroll (5:1)
(2) The question – Who is worthy to open the scroll? (5:2-7)
(3) The response of the cherubim and angels and elders (5:8-14)
2. Judgment begins—the Seven Seals – first half of tribulation
(6:1–8:1)
a. First Seal – Antichrist “White Horse” (6:1-2)
b. Second Seal - War “Red Horse” (6:3-4)
c. Third Seal – Famine-inflation “Black Horse” (6:5-6)
d. Fourth Seal – Death “Ashen Horse” 1/4th killed (6:7-8)
e. Fifth Seal – Persecution-martyrdom “Souls of those who had
been slain” (6:9-11)
f. Sixth Seal – Physical and cosmic disturbances “Earthquake”
(6:12-17)
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g. Interlude – Salvation offer through 144,000 Jewish evangelists

(7:1-17)
h. Seventh Seal – Reveals seven (7) trumpet judgments (8:1)
3. Judgment continues – the Seven Trumpets - Second half of
tribulation begins (8:2–11:19)
a. Introduction to the trumpet judgments (8:3-6)
b. First trumpet – earth devastated—one-third of vegetation
destroyed (8:7)
c. Second trumpet – sea devastated—one-third turned to blood (8:8-9)
d. Third trumpet – rivers and fresh waters stricken (8:10-11)
e. Fourth trumpet – heavenly bodies stricken (8:12)
f. Three woes (last three trumpets) announced (8:13)
g. Fifth trumpet (first woe) – Satan and his demonic hosts
unleashed—men stricken with “scorpion-like stings” (9:1-12)
h. Sixth trumpet (second woe) – one-third of mankind killed (9:13-21)
i. Interlude: The little scroll and the two witnesses (10:1–11:14)
Key: Prophesy again (10:11)
(1) The little scroll and the strong angel (10:1-11)
(2) The two witnesses (11:1-13)
(3) The third woe (seventh trumpet) announced (11:14)
(4) The Seventh trumpet – Second Advent of Christ envisioned
(11:15-19)
4. Explanatory prophecies (see 10:11; 12:1–14:20)
a. The woman, the man-child and the dragon (12:1-6)
b. War in heaven (12:7-12)
c. Persecution of Israel (12:13-17)
d. The Antichrist (beast out of the sea) (13:1-10)
e. The false prophet (beast out of the earth) (13:11-18)
f. The fate of the 144,000 (14:1-5)
g. Announcements of three angels (14:6-13)
(1) The everlasting gospel (14:6-7)
(2) The fall of Babylon (14:8)
(3) The judgment of beast worshippers (14:9-13)
h. The judgment at Second Advent (14:14-20)
5. The concluding judgments – Seven (7) bowls of God’s wrath
(15:11–18:24)
a. Prelude to the 7-bowl judgments (15:1–16:1)
b. The first bowl – grievous sores (16:2)
c. The second bowl – sea stricken (16:3)
d. The third bowl – rivers stricken (16:4-7)
e. The fourth bowl – scorching by sun (16:8-9)
f. The fifth bowl – kingdom of Antichrist in darkness (16:10-11)
g. The sixth bowl – Euphrates dried up (16:12-16)
h. The seventh bowl – widespread destruction (16:17-21)
Introduction to Chapters 17–18:
i. Judgment on the worldwide religious harlot, Babylon (17:1-18)
j. Judgment on the worldwide commercial Babylon (18:1-24)
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B. The Second Coming of Christ (19:1-21)
1. Announcement of the victory (19:1-6)
2. Marriage Supper of the Lamb (19:7-10)
3. Description of Christ’s Second Coming in judgment (19:11-16)
4. The final battle of Armageddon (19:17-21)
C. The Millennial Kingdom of the Son (20:1-6)
1. Satan bound (20:1-3)
2. The 1000-year millennial reign on earth (20:4-6)
D. The loosing and final revolt of Satan (20:7-10)
E. The Great White Throne judgment of the unsaved (20:11-15)
F. The eternal state (21:1–22:5)
1. New heaven, new earth, new Jerusalem (21:1-8)
2. New Jerusalem described (21:9-27)
3. Life for eternity in New Jerusalem described (22:1-5)
CONCLUSION: (22:6-21)
Revelation is the only book of prophecy in the New Testament. It records the
revelation of Jesus Christ in His second coming to conclude human history and
complete God’s plan of the ages. The Revelation was given to the Apostle John
(author of the gospel and 1, 2, 3 John) while he was in religious exile on the Isle
of Patmos in the mid-90’s AD.
The key to the structure and understanding of Revelation is found in Rev. 1:19
where John was told to write—
• what you have seen. (Chapter 1)
• what is now. (Chapters 2–3)
• what will take place later. (Chapters 4–22)
After the wrath of God’s judgment against sin is poured out in chapters 6–18,
Jesus Christ will come again in great power, majesty and glory to bring victory
at Armageddon as the Righteous Judge (chapter 19). Following that Christ
will reign on earth for 1000 years in righteousness as the King of Kings in
fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (chapter 20); final judgment of Satan, the
judgment of unbelievers at the Great White Throne (chapter 20), and the eternal
state (chapters 21–22) with a new heavens, new earth and new Jerusalem in
which only righteousness dwells as man and creation have been purged of sin.
Unbelievers will be separated from God forever in torment in the lake of fire
and believers will forever be in the presence of God, worshipping, serving and
praising Him forever.
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Chapter 1 — What you have seen (1:1-20)

John opened Revelation with a declaration that it is the unveiling of Jesus Christ
and what must soon take place. Also, presented is a special blessing for those who
read and obey the words of the prophecy.
John wrote to the seven churches in Asia and to all churches of all ages about Jesus
Christ. Several significant affirmations are made about Jesus, who is called —
• the faithful witness.
• the first born from the dead.
• the ruler of the kings of the earth.
• the one who loved us and freed us from sins by his blood.
And John called attention to the fact that Jesus is coming again with the clouds in
judgment just as He promised.
In a vision John was told to write down on a scroll what he saw and the message
he was to deliver to the churches which are referred to as seven golden lamp-
stands in the middle of which is the “Son of Man” as head and judge of the
churches. Christ described Himself to John in the vision as —
• I AM the First and Last.
• I AM the Living One.
• I AM alive forever and ever.
• I hold the keys of death and Hades.
John was then instructed to write what Christ had revealed to him. What John saw
was a vision of the second coming of Christ and what was to take place before,
during and after that event. It was and still is the most profound revelation in all
of scripture. Revelation is the only source of truth we have about the conclusion
of human history and the eternal state to come. All men should read and heed its
message well.
Chapters 2–3 — What is now

Chapters 2 and 3 record individual messages of Christ through John to seven
actual churches then in Asia. But the churches were also representative of
churches in all ages and the letters are also addressed to “the Churches.”
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A distinct portrait of Christ is presented in each of the seven letters. Each letter
describes the ministry of that church in terms of —
• commendation.
• condemnation.
• correction.
• consequences.
The point is clear throughout each letter — Christ is the head and judge of all the
churches and each individual church and measures each not against other churches
but against the standard of Himself. Chapter 2 contains letters to four churches
and Chapter 3 has letters to three churches.
Here is a brief sketch of each church disclosing who Christ is and what He is
really looking for:
Church Commendation Condemnation Correction
(2:1-7) Ephesus right belief left first love repent —

right practice rekindle love
(2:8-11) Smyrna faithful in none none

persecutions
(2:12-17) Pergamum kept faith compromised repent — maintain

doctrine sound teaching
(2:18-29) Thyatira good deeds allow repent — turn from

activity immorality sin
(3:1-6) Sardis none dead works repent — walk in

no spiritual power of Spirit
power
(3:7-13) Philadelphia faithful to the none none

Word
(3:14-22) Laodicea none apathetic repent — restore zeal

useless from God
Each church is also challenged and warned of the consequences of ignoring

Christ’s message. There was also a promise of blessing to those churches who
followed Christ and obeyed the Word.
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Chapters 4–22 — What will take place later

This major section of Revelation can be broken down into several smaller
segments which are helpful in understanding the basic message of the book.
These divisions are:
Chapter 4–5 Prelude in heaven
6–18 Great tribulation period
19 Second coming of Christ
20 1000-year reign of Christ
Satan judged
Sinners judged
21–22 Eternal state
Prelude in heaven (4:1–5:14)
Chapter 4 pictures a scene in heaven before God begins to pour out His
righteous wrath in judgment for sin. John saw —
• God sitting on His throne.
• 24 smaller thrones and 24 elders.
• 4 cherubim (living creatures).
• worship around God’s throne by the cherubim and the 24 elders who
ascribe praise, glory and honor to Holy God.
It is a beautiful, moving, spectacular scene worthy of heaven.
The scene in heaven continues in chapter 5 as God has a scroll in His right
hand which no one could open except Christ because He alone was worthy to
break the seals and execute God’s righteous judgments against sin. Christ is
here described as —
• the Lion of Judah.
• the Root of David.
• a lamb as if slain.
And it is the fact that Jesus shed His blood to make redemption possible in
accordance with God’s plan which made Him worthy to open the scroll.
Some men from every
• tribe
• language
• people
• nation
have been redeemed by the Lamb who was slain and who alone is worthy to receive
power, wealth, wisdom, strength, glory, honor and praise from men and angels.
On this scroll are written the judgments of God which are to be carried out by
angels under the supervision of Christ.
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Seven-year Great Tribulation period (6:1–18:24)
The bulk of material in Revelation is found in this section which details events
on earth as God’s promised wrath against sin is poured out as predicted in the OT
prophets and by Christ in the Gospels.
There are three sets of seven-fold judgments pictured in Revelation:
7 seals (6–8)
7 trumpets (8–9)
7 bowls (16)
The seal judgments occur in the first half (3-1/2 years) of the Great Tribulation
while the trumpet judgments come in the second half with the bowl judgments
toward the very end of the seven-year period.
The seven seal judgments are described in 6:1–8:1. The first four seal judgments
seem to occur in rapid succession. These seal judgments probably represent the
following:
1st Seal (6:1-2) Antichrist “White Horse”

2nd Seal (6:3–4) War “Red Horse”
3rd Seal (6:5–6) Famine/inflation/economic chaos “Black Horse”
4th Seal (6:7–8) Death 1/4th killed “Ashen Horse”
All of these seals picture God’s judgment for sin as Satan is given free reign to
control the earth. Remember, the church has been raptured and the restraining
influence of the Holy Spirit removed.
5th Seal (6:9–11) Persecution/martyrdom
Many unsaved people who enter the tribulation period and who are then saved will
be persecuted and slain because of their belief.
6th Seal (6:12-17) Physical/cosmic signs
The earth and sky now begin to feel the effects of God’s judgment as the sun
turns dark, the moon red, and great storms devastate the earth as physical
changes take place. And people finally begin to realize that what is happening is
God’s wrath is being poured out against sin. People look for hiding places and even
death to protect them.
Between the 6th and 7th seals, there is a brief interlude in 7:1-17 where John
records that 144,000 Jews are sealed and saved by God apparently to be used to
witness for Christ during the tribulation period. John’s attention is turned back
to heaven where he sees multitudes of saints from every nation, tribe, people and
language praising God before the throne. There are saints saved during the great
tribulation period by the blood of Christ.
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7th Seal (8:1)

When the 7th seal was opened there was silence in heaven for a half hour in
anticipation of what was to come. Under the 7th seal were the seven trumpet
judgments which probably introduce the second half of the Great Tribulation as
the severity of the judgments increase. These trumpet judgments are described as
follows:
1st Trumpet (8:7) Earth devastated – 1/3rd of vegetation destroyed
2nd Trumpet (8:8-9) Sea devastated – 1/3rd turned to blood
3rd Trumpet (8:10-11) Rivers and fresh waters stricken
4th Trumpet (8:12) Heavenly bodies stricken
5th Trumpet (9:1-12) Satan and his demonic hosts are loosed—men stricken
6th Trumpet (9:13-21) 1/3rd of mankind killed
(2nd woe)
But even in the face of God’s clear judgment against sin, most people will not
repent and turn from their sins.
Before the 7th trumpet is announced there is another interlude in 10:1–11:4 where
John records some of the things which had been going on during the pouring out
of these judgments. In fact, John was told to prophesy again. Chapter 11:1-13
records the events surrounding two mighty witnesses whom God called during
the tribulation period to witness on His behalf, perform signs and execute
judgment. God allowed these men to be martyred but then resurrected them as a
testimony to the whole world which glorified God.
7th Trumpet Announcement of Second Coming of Christ
(3rd woe)
The 7th trumpet reveals in preview the second coming of Christ in great power and
glory to bring final judgment to the enemies of God as depicted in Rev. 19. All
the kingdoms of the world will become Christ’s as predicted in Ps. 2. The 7th
trumpet also reveals the seven bowl judgments to come.
As John prophesied again as Rev. 10:11 commanded, he related a number of
explanatory prophecies which explained some of the things which had been
transpiring on earth while God’s judgments had been poured out. These explanatory
prophecies and judgments occupy chapters 12–14. The major subjects dealt with
include the woman, the male child and the dragon (12:1-6). This pictured the
persecution of Christ and the Jews by Satan.
War in heaven (12:7-12)
Persecution of Jews on earth (12:13-17)
Satan is finally cast down out of heaven to earth and at the mid-point of the
tribulation period breaks his peace covenant with Israel (see Da. 9:24-27) and
begins to intensely persecute Jews.
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Antichrist and the false prophet (13:1-18)
Chapter 13 pictures the man known as Antichrist (“beast”) who is empowered
by Satan and who with the help of a false prophet tries to control the world by
setting up a one-world government, one-world economy and one-world religion.
It is like a “counterfeit” version of the kingdom of God on earth. He sets himself
up in the temple in Jerusalem and demands worship from everyone on earth.
Chapter 14 announces the fate of the 144,000 sealed Jews who have been
preserved and protected by God, as angels flying above the earth —
• proclaim the gospel.
• announce the fate of the empire of Antichrist (Babylon).
• announce judgment for all who worship the beast.
Chapter 14 ends with a preview of the judgment against God’s enemies at
Christ’s second coming.
The concluding judgments (15:1–18:24)
As chapter 15 opens announcement is made of the last seven plagues — the
bowl judgments which complete the outpouring of God’s wrath against sin.
And pictured in heaven are the souls of those who received Christ during the
tribulation period and are giving Him praise and glory.
Seven Bowl Judgments (16:2-21)
1st bowl (16:2) painful sores
2nd bowl (16:3) sea turned to blood—all marine life dies
3rd bowl (16:4-7) rivers and springs turned to blood
4th bowl (16:8-9) scorching sun (people still refuse to repent)
5th bowl (16:10-11) kingdom of Antichrist devastated
6th bowl (16:12-16) Euphrates River dried up
evil spirits summon kings of earth for battle of
Armageddon
7th bowl (16:17-21) widespread devastation on earth
Finally, in chapters 17 and 18 John details the judgment of God on the
worldwide religious system of Antichrist (Babylon the harlot) and his worldwide
commercial system (Babylon the Great).
The second coming of Jesus Christ (19:1-21)
Chapter 18 concludes the report of the end of the seven-year tribulation period
except for the last great battle. Chapter 19 starts with the announcement of
the victory of God and the completion of His righteous judgments against sin
(19:1-6) followed by a description of the wedding supper of the lamb when He
takes His bride, the church, unto Himself in fellowship forever (19:7-10).
Rev. 19:11-21 describes in detail the actual second coming of Christ from
heaven with great power and glory to make war against the enemy armies
assembled against God (see Zec. 14). Christ’s victory is quick and decisive. The
beast and his false prophet are captured and thrown into the lake of fire. The
rest of the enemies of God are slain by the sword which came out of His mouth.
Thus, Armageddon is over and God and Christ stand victorious over evil and sin.
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The balance of Revelation (20-22) is taken with recording events which take
place following Christ’s return to earth in judgment. These things are briefly
described as follows:
The Millennial Kingdom of Christ on earth (20:1-6)

First, Satan is bound and thrown into the abyss for 1000 years to keep him from
deceiving the nations. Then the dead in Christ during the tribulation period
are bodily resurrected to reign with Christ and the saints on earth during the
Millennium. It is a time of peace, righteousness and prosperity on earth as God
intended it to be.
The loosing and final revolt of Satan (20:7-10)

At the end of the millennial reign of Christ on earth, Satan is freed one last
time and leads a final rebellion against God by those people born during the
Millennium who reject Christ. God sends fire from heaven and destroys the
rebellion. Satan is cast into the lake of fire forever along with the beast and the
false prophet. This Gog and Magog battle is not the same as that in Eze. 38-39.
Great White Throne Judgment of unbelievers (20:11-15)

All dead unbelievers are bodily resurrected to stand before God and be judged
for their unbelief which is confirmed by their sinful lives. Death, Hades and all
unbelievers are then cast into the lake of fire forever to suffer away from the
presence of God for eternity.
The eternal state for believers (21:1–22:5)

John then saw a final vision which revealed some significant truths about eternity
with God.
• There will be a new heaven and new earth.

• There will be a new Holy City – New Jerusalem.
• God will dwell there with His people forever.
• There will be
– no tears.
– no death.
– no pain.
– no crying.
– no curse.
– no sin.
• The old order will pass away.

• The church will be the bride of Christ forever.
• New Jerusalem is a wonderful, beautiful, perfect city.
• There is no temple because God is the temple.
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• There is no sun, moon or stars for God is its light.
• Nothing impure will dwell there.
• Only people whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life will be there.
• Saints will fellowship with each other and God forever.
• Saints will worship, praise and serve God forever.
Conclusion (22:6-21)
John concludes his writing with testimony as to its genuineness and trustworthiness
and again promises a blessing on those who keep the words of the prophecy.
John was told not to seal up the words of the prophecy but to leave it open for all
to read.
Christ Himself offers an invitation for all to come and receive eternal life in Him.
Christ describes Himself as—

• Alpha and Omega.
• First and Last.
• Beginning and End.
• The Root.
• The Offspring of David.
• The Bright Morning Star.
John also includes a stern warning against adding to or taking away from the words
of the prophecy.
“Amen, come quickly Lord Jesus.” (“Maranatha”)
Theme/purpose
John wrote Revelation on the command of God to set forth the revealing of
Jesus Christ in His second coming to judge sin, rule on earth for 1000 years
and usher in the eternal state. It is the unveiling of God’s eternal plan of the
ages including redemption of man and the created order.
Based on God’s prophetic plan in Revelation, believers should be sharing
the Gospel, living godly lives and witnessing to the glory of God in
anticipation of Christ’s second coming.
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6. Key chapters
Rev. 1 John’s vision of Christ
2-3 Letters to seven churches
5 Worthy Lamb breaking the seals of the scroll
6 7 seal judgments of Tribulation begin
8 7 trumpet judgments begin
11 Two witnesses
12 War in heaven
13 Antichrist (beast and false prophet)
16 7 bowl judgments begin
19 2nd coming of Christ
Armageddon
20 Millennial Kingdom
Judgment on Satan/unbelievers
21-22 New heaven/new earth
7. Key passages
1:1-3 8:7 16:2

1:4-8 8:8-9 16:3
1:9-20 8:10-11 16:4-7
2:1-7 8:12 16:8-9
2:8-11 8:13 16:10-11
2:12-17 9:1-12 16:12-16
3:1-6 9:13-21 16:17-21
3:7-13 10:11 17:1-18
3:14-22 11:1-13 18:1-24
4:1-3 11:14 19:1-6
4:4-11 11:15-19 19:7-10
5:1-14 12:1-6 19:11-16
6:1-2 12:7-12 19:17-21
6:3-4 12:13-17 20:1-3
6:5-6 13:1-10 20:4-6
6:7-8 13:11-18 20:7-10
6:9-11 14:1-5 20:11-15
6:12-17 14:6-7 21:1-8
7:1-17 14:9-13 21:9-27
8:1-2 14:14-20 22:1-5
8:3-6 15:1–16:1 22:6-21
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Assignment:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
8. Main teachings
• Christ is coming again in great power and glory first as Righteous Judge
and then as Ruling King.
• God gave John the Revelation in a vision which he was commanded to
write down.
• Blessed are those who hear and obey the words of the prophecy.
• John was told to write
– what you have seen.
– what is now.
– what will take place later.
• Revelation is addressed to seven churches in Asia and to the churches.
• Christ is the head and judge of the church.
• Christ measures all churches against the standard of Himself not
each other.
• Christ condemns churches for
– leaving their first love.
– compromising doctrine.
– allowing immorality.
– dead works and no spiritual power.
– apathy and uselessness.
• Christ commends churches for
– right belief and practice.
– faithfulness in persecution.
– keeping the faith.
– good deeds and ministry.
– faithfulness to the Word.
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• Christ will remove the position and influence of churches which do

not conform to His standards.
• God is being worshipped in heaven on His magnificent throne by angels
and saints.
• God is thrice holy.
• God created all things and they exist for Him and by His will.
• God is worthy of glory, honor and power.
• Christ is – the Lion of Judah.
the Root of David.
• Christ is the Lamb who was slain and the only one worthy to open the
scroll and execute God’s judgments.
• Christ is worthy because of who He is and because He shed His blood to
redeem men.
• Some will be saved from every tribe, language, people and nation
(ethnic group).
• Christ is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor,
glory and blessing.
• God will first pour out six seal judgments at the start of the 7-year Great
Tribulation period.
• The six seal judgments include
– war – persecution/martyrdom
– death – earthquakes and devastation
– famine
• God will save and seal 144,000 Jews in the Tribulation and preserve and
protect them.
• Many will be saved and martyred during the Tribulation.
• The seven trumpet judgments increase in severity and one-third of
mankind is killed.
• God resurrects two special witnesses during the Tribulation.
• Satan will finally be cast down to earth during the Tribulation.
• Satan will make war against and persecute the Jews intensely.
• Antichrist, the beast, will be a man with the #666 who will deceive the
whole earth and require worship of himself and a mark to participate in the
economic system.
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• During the Tribulation there will be a one-world
government
religion
economy
headed by Antichrist who is empowered by Satan.
• God is just in judging for sin.
• Even in the face of God’s judgment people still refuse to repent and turn
from sin.
• Antichrist’s “counterfeit” kingdom will be destroyed completely.
• The “unholy trinity” is Satan, Antichrist and the false prophet.
• The seven bowl judgments will completely devastate the earth and
mankind.
• The wedding supper of the Lamb to the church will take place in heaven
during the tribulation on earth.
• The second coming of Christ will be in great glory and power to destroy
the enemies of God and bring judgment for sin.
• Christ will be completely victorious at the battle of Armageddon.
• Christ will rule and reign for 1000 years on earth in righteousness with
the saints.
• The saved dead will be bodily resurrected to reign with Christ.
• Satan will be bound for 1000 years.
• Satan will be loosed at the end of the 1000 years for one last revolt
against God.
• Satan and his followers will be defeated and cast into the lake of fire.
• Unbelievers will be bodily resurrected at the end of the Millennium and
judged at the Great White Throne of God for their unbelief.
• The unbelief of the lost is confirmed by their sinful lives.
• The lake of fire is the eternal place of torment and punishment for
– Satan – false prophet
– Antichrist – all unbelievers
• Death and Hades will also be cast into the lake of fire.
• The old heavens and earth will be destroyed.
321
• New heavens and earth will be created in which only righteous people
will dwell in righteousness.
• The eternal state for believers has
– no curse – no pain
– no sin – no crying
– no death
• Saints will worship, serve and praise God together forever.
• God will dwell with His people forever.
• There will be a river of life and a tree of life in heaven.
• The eternal dwelling place for saints will be
– new heavens.
– new earth.
– new Jerusalem.
• The eternal state has no need of temple or sun because Christ is its temple
and light.
• Christ is
– the Alpha and Omega.
– First and Last.
– Beginning and End.
– Bright Morning Star.
• Eternal life is the free gift of God to all who believe.
• Cursed is anyone who adds to or takes away from the words of Revelation.
• Christ is coming soon.
Isa. 11:2-5
Isa. 65:17
Isa. 66:22
Eze. 38–39
Da. 9:24-27
Joel 2–3
Zec. 14:1-21
Mt. 24:4-28
Mt. 25:31-46
Lk. 16:19-31
Jn. 3:36
Ac. 1:6-11
1 Th. 4:13-18
2 Th. 1:5-10
2 Pet. 3:10-13
322
• John’s vision of the Revelation of Christ

• Letters to the seven churches
• Throne scenes in heaven
• Sealed up scroll
• Worthy Lamb who was slain
• Worship from every tribe, nation, language and people
• Seven seal judgments
• 144,000 saved, sealed Jews
• Seven trumpet judgments
• Seven bowl judgments
• Devastation and destruction of earth and mankind
• Justice of God’s judgment for sin
• Two witnesses resurrected
• Satan and demons as God’s instruments of judgment
• Satan’s persecution of Israel and Christ
• War in heaven
• Satan cast down to earth
• Antichrist (beast) man = #666
• False prophet
• Worship and mark of beast
• Gospel preached by angels
• Judgment on religious and commercial Babylon
• Wedding Supper of the Lamb
• Second Advent of Christ
• Millennial Kingdom reign
• Satan bound 1000 years
• Satan’s final revolt
• Lake of fire
• Death and Hades cast into lake of fire
• Judgment of unsaved dead at Great White Throne
• Bodily resurrection of unsaved dead to eternal torment in the lake of fire
• New heavens, new earth, new Jerusalem
• Tree of life, river of life
• No temple/no sun
• No curse, no sin, no death, no pain, no crying
• Saints worshipping, serving and praising God forever
• Special blessing to those who read and obey
• Curse to those who add to or take away from prophecy of book
• Christ is coming quickly – “maranatha”
323
324
III. Summary – Most Significant Chapters of the New Testament
Matthew – Jesus, the Promised Messiah-King
1 Genealogy of Jesus through Joseph

2 Visit of Wise Men
3 Baptism
4 Temptation
5-7 Sermon on Mount
6 Lord’s Prayer
12 Sabbath controversies/unpardonable sin/rejection by
Jews
13 Kingdom parables
16 Peter’s confession of faith
17 Transfiguration
18 Church discipline
19 Marriage/divorce
24-25 Olivet Discourse
28 Great Commission
Mark – Jesus, the Precious Suffering Servant
1 Beginning of gospel ministry

15 Crucifixion
Luke – Jesus, the Sinless Son of Man
1 Prologue/birth of John the Baptist

2 Birth of Jesus
3 Genealogy of Jesus via Mary
4 Start of Messianic ministry at synagogue in Nazareth
10 Parable of Good Samaritan
14 Teachings on discipleship
15 Parables—lost sheep, coin, son
16 Rich man in Hell
22 Lord’s Supper—New Covenant
23 Two thieves on cross
24 Resurrection and Promise of Holy Spirit
325
John – Jesus, the Perfect Son of God

1 Prologue – The Word/Lamb of God
2 First miracle/sign – water to wine
3 Nicodemus
4 Samaritan woman at well
8 “I AM”
10 Good Shepherd
11 Raising of Lazarus
13-17 Upper Room discourse
• servant-hood (13)
• Christ is The Way (14)
• Vine life (15)
• Holy Spirit (16)
• Prayer for disciples (17)
21 Feed My sheep
Acts – The Founding and Growth of the Church
1 You shall be witnesses
2 Pentecost
5 Purging of church
6 Deacons selected
7 Stoning of Stephen
8 Scattering of church by persecution
9 Conversion of Saul
10 Peter’s vision
11 Church at Antioch
13 First missionary journey
15 Jerusalem Council
17 Paul in Athens
20 Farewell address to Ephesian elders
Romans – The Gospel Explained and Applied
1 Gospel is power of God
2 Lostness of man
3 All have sinned
4 Abraham saved by faith
5 Adam’s sin
6 Free from sin/baptized with Christ
8 Power of Holy Spirit/eternal security
9-11 Israel in God’s plan
12 Living sacrifice
13 Submission to authority/capital punishment
14 Freedom in Christ
326
1 Corinthians – God’s Answers to Problems in the
Local Church
2 Spiritual wisdom
3 Carnal Christians
4 Judgment of Christians
6 Lawsuits
7 Marriage/divorce
10 Temptation
11 Lord’s Supper observance
12 Spiritual gifts
13 Love
15 True gospel/bodily resurrection
2 Corinthians – The Nature of the Ministry
1 God of all comfort

3 New Covenant of Spirit
4 Nature of gospel ministry
5 Walk by faith/ambassadors for Christ
8-9 Principles of Christian giving
12 Sufficiency of grace
Galatians – Saved by Faith, Sanctified by Faith
2 Co-crucified with Christ

4 Christ came in fullness of time
5 Freedom in Christ/fruit of Spirit
6 Sowing/reaping
Ephesians – The Church in Christ and Christ in the

Church
1 Chosen in Christ for eternity

2 Saved by grace through faith
4 Spiritual gifts to equip church
5 Filled with Spirit/Christian family
6 Spiritual warfare
Philippians – Having the Same Attitude as Jesus Christ
2 Christ emptied Himself as God’s bond-servant

3 Knowing Christ
4 I can do all things through Christ
327
Colossians – Living a Life Worthy of the Pre-Eminent

Christ
1 Pre-eminence of Christ/purpose of church

3 Christ our life
1 Thessalonians – Jesus Christ is coming again for His

church
2 Scripture as God’s Word

4 Rapture of Church
2 Thessalonians – Until Jesus comes again ...

1 Punishment for unbelievers
2 Man of lawlessness
1 Timothy – Christian Guidebook on Correct Character,

Creed and Conduct in the Church

6 Avoid love of money
2 Timothy – Be a Good Soldier of Jesus Christ
2 Ministry of multiplication
3 Inspiration and purpose of scripture
4 Preach the Word
Titus – Proclaim and Practice Sound Doctrine

2 Teach sound doctrine
Philemon – An appeal to a brother in Christ
1 Forgiving a brother in Christ
328
Hebrews – The Superiority of the Person of
Christ and the Principle of Faith
1 Christ as God’s final revelation

2 Angels and man
4 God’s rest
6 Press on to maturity
10 Christ’s atoning sacrifice
11 By faith
12 Run the race
James – Genuine Faith
1 Joy in trials/temptation/doers of Word

2 Dead faith
3 Tongue control
5 Prayer of faith
1 Peter – The True Grace of Jesus Christ
1 Proof of faith by trials

Be holy
2 Suffering for Christ’s sake
5 Satan as a roaring lion
2 Peter – The True Knowledge of Jesus Christ
3 Destruction of old heavens and earth/creation of new

Live godly lives/look for Christ’s return
1 John – Maintaining Fellowship with God
1 Walk in light/confess sins

3 Greatness of God’s love
5 Assurance of eternal life
2 John – Walk in the Truth
1 Walk in truth
3 John – Continue to Imitate What is Good
1 Imitate godly Christians
329
Jude – Contend Earnestly for the Faith
1 Contend for the completed faith
Revelation – The Revelation of Jesus Christ
1 Vision of Christ
2-3 Letters to 7 churches
5 Worthy is the Lamb
6 Tribulation begins (seal judgments)
8 Trumpet judgments
11 Two witnesses
12 War in heaven
13 Antichrist
14 Gospel preached to whole world
16 Bowl judgments
19 2nd Coming of Christ
Armageddon
20 Millennial Kingdom on earth
White Throne Judgment
21-22 New heavens and earth
Eternal state
330
331
332
APPENDIX
Practical Hints for Using
The NIV Study Bible
(English version, up to and including © 2008 which use
the ©1984 NIV text) Zondervan Publishing House
(These hints are also generally applicable for
the NASB and KJV Study Bibles)
The NIV Study Bible contains a wealth of information and numerous features to
assist you in the study of God’s Word. It is written for English-speaking people
around the world.
*Caution: Only the text of Scripture is inspired. All other features such as
outlines, introductions, study notes, maps, charts, etc., are helpful, but are only the
product of men.*
Due to the changes within the 2011 NIV Study Bible, we do not recommend its use
for BTCP classes. We do recommend the 1985, 1995, 2002, and 2008 versions of
The NIV Study Bible.
General features of The NIV Study Bible

1. Table of Contents - in front of Bible
A list in order of the books of the Bible and the page on which each book
begins. Following the Table of Contents is a list of the maps and charts and
the book to which they apply.
2. Color maps - at very back of Bible
An index to places on the color maps comes just before the color maps.
3.Concordance - in back of Bible before the color maps
*Use to find where a particular word appears in Scripture.
For example: evil
*indicates every occurrence included
( ) related words to check
4. Index to Subjects - topical
Provides a topical index to selected subjects with a list of the Bible texts
which relate to those subjects.
5. Index to Notes - study notes
Provides the page number and text reference on which major study notes
appear on a particular subject, person, place. word or concept.
6. Index to Maps
Provides the pages in the Study Bible where specific place-names are located
on maps within the Study Bible.
7. Essays on:
The Conquest and Ethical Question of War
Wisdom Literature
Minor Prophets
Time between the Testaments
Synoptic Gospels
Pastoral Letters
General Letters
8. NIV Harmony of the Gospels - following John.
9. Major Archaelogical Finds in the N.T.
Special features of The NIV Study Bible
1. Black and white maps in main body of the Bible, listed in front of Bible -
“contents:maps”
For example: the Seven Churches of Revelation
2.Charts listed in front of Bible - “contents:charts”

For example: Tribes of Israel
Parables of Jesus
Miracles of Jesus
Qualifications for Elders
Introductions to individual books of the Bible, precede the text of the

3.
book itself
For example: Micah
• human author
• date of writing
• historical context
• theme or purpose
• structure of book
• outline of book
*Before studying a book, read the introduction and outline.
The following will describe the chapter numbers, verse numbers, paragraphs,
study notes, text notes, parallel passages, icons, chapter headings and the cross
reference system.
4. Chapter numbers – large bold numbers
5. Verse numbers – small raised numerals (Note: Verse 1 has no number)

6. Paragraphs – noted by indentation
7. Study notes – appear at bottom of each page below the solid line
• Explain important words and concepts
• Interpret difficult verses
• Draw parallels between specific events and people
• Describe historical and cultural contexts of passages
• Demonstrate how one passage helps in understanding other passages
8. Text notes – Follow the last part of the text in the right-hand column and
explain a word or give another translation.
9. Chapter or section headings – titles which summarize the material in a

chapter or section.
10. Parallel passages – appear below the chapter headings to note similar or
identical passages.
11. Cross reference system – located in the center column of the page. It is
designed primarily to refer the reader to related passages on the same subject.
Symbols: S = “see” (S is first link in the base chain of reference)
ver. = verse in same chapter
1:34 = chapter 1, verse 34
Letter of alphabet = appears after the word that is the subject of the
(e.g. “x”) cross reference.
Bold letter of alphabet = text note at bottom of right hand column
*Caution: The cross reference system is complicated and difficult to use but will
prove invaluable with hard work and a little practice.*
12. Symbols or icons - The new version added symbols in the study notes as follows:
The seedling calls attention to Scripture references containing study

notes that have practical principles for personal application.

The shovel points out references containing such notes that provide
light from the study of archaeology.
The silhouette of a human head identifies a character sketch.
For more help, see the Preface and Introduction in front of The NIV Study Bible
*Only with regular practice will you be able to use this study Bible
effectively in order to gain the most benefit.*
CONCORDANCE
basic
word
(related
word)
Parentheses indicate a
word related to the
basic word.
* every
occurrence
An asterisk indicates
that this list is comp-
lete, showing every
occurrence of this word
in the Bible. Other lists,
without the asterisk, are
incomplete and only a
representative sample.
Taken from THE NIV STUDY BIBLE, Fully Revised Edition. Copyright © 2002 by Zondervan Publishing House.
Used by permission.
Cross Reference System
chapter
cross
reference
section
heading
parallel
passages
paragraph verse
verse text
notes
cultural
setting
Study
Notes
Taken from THE NIV STUDY BIBLE, Fully Revised Edition. Copyright © 2002 by Zondervan Publishing House.
Used by permission.
Old Testament: 39 Books
5 12 5 17
books books books books
LAW HISTORY POETRY PROPHECY

Genesis Joshua Job Isaiah
Pentateuch
Exodus Judges Psalms Jeremiah
Major
Leviticus Ruth Proverbs Lamentations
Numbers 1 Samuel Ecclesiastes Ezekiel
Deuteronomy 2 Samuel Song of Solomon Daniel
1 Kings
2 Kings Hosea
1 Chronicles Joel
2 Chronicles Amos
Ezra Obadiah
Nehemiah Jonah
Minor
Esther Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Structure of the Bible: 39 + 27 = 66 Books Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
New Testament: 27 Books
4 1 21 1
books book books book
GOSPELS CHURCH HISTORY LETTERS PROPHECY

Matthew Acts Romans Revelation
Mark 1 & 2 Corinthians
Luke Galatians
Ephesians
Paul’s Epistles
John
Philippians
Colossians
1 & 2 Thessalonians
1 & 2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
General
1 & 2 Peter
7 1, 2 3 John
Jude
Plan of Salvation
I.Purpose of God (fellowship)

A. Man created in image of God with meaning and purpose to fellowship with
and glorify God. (Gen. 1:26-31)
B. God simply required man’s obedience. (Gen. 2:16, 17)
II.
Problem of Man (sin)
A. Man chose to be his own god, to disobey God and sin. (Gen. 3)
B. Sin brought physical and spiritual death, i.e. separation from Holy God. (Is. 59:2)
C. All men have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. (Rom. 3:23; 5:12)
D. Wages of sin is death. (Rom. 6:23; Heb. 9:27; Rev. 20:15)
E. The shedding of blood is required for forgiveness of sins. (Heb. 9:22)
F. Eternal destiny of unsaved is separation from God. (John 3:18, 36; Jude 7;
2 Thess. 1:8-9)
Issue: Since Scripture says all men are dead in sin and alienated from God
(Eph. 2:1, 12), how can man be brought back into right relationship
with God?
III. Provision of God (salvation)

A. Man cannot save himself—
1. Being good is not enough. (Is. 64:6)
2. Doing good is not enough. (Eph. 2:9)
3. Wisdom and intellect is not enough. (Matt. 16:17; 1 Cor. 1:21)
B. Without God salvation is impossible. (Lk. 18:26, 27; Is. 59:15-16)
C. God through Jesus Christ makes salvation available to all men.
1. God so loved the world that He gave His Son. (Jn. 3:16)
2. Jesus is God. (Jn. 10:30; Mt. 1:21-23; Mk. 14:61-62)
3. While we were yet sinners and helpless, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)
4. Christ bore our sins in His body and paid the penalty for us by
shedding His blood on the cross. (1 Pet. 2:22-24)
5. Christ died for our sins, was buried and bodily raised the third day
according to Scripture. (1 Cor. 15:3-6)
6. Jesus is the only way to God. (Jn. 14:6; Jn. 8:24; 1 Tim. 2:5; Ac. 4:12)
7. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation to all those who believe.
(Rom. 1:16-17)
IV. Procuring by man of God’s provision (faith)

A. Salvation is the free gift of God’s grace. (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8; Gen. 12:3; Gal. 3:6-9)
B. Salvation is made effective by faith alone. (Ac. 16:31; Rom. 10:9; Gen. 15:6;
Hab. 2:4)
Note: Faith is not simply intellectual agreement, but actively trusting in
Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life as one turns from sin
to God. (Ac. 10:43; Mk. 1:15)
C. Salvation brings eternal life with God. (Jn. 1:12, 3:16, 17:3; 1 Jn. 5:11-12)
Offer: Receive by faith the free gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins provided by
God’s grace.
Entrusted to Drew Stockton (drew.ebc@gmail.com) 9 for evaluation, teaching and projection use only.
Bible Training Centre for Pastors
STATEMENT OF FAITH
This doctrinal statement reflects the broad, mainstream, conservative evangelical tradition which is
consistent with the teachings of the Bible and which has stood the test of history and experience.
We specifically affirm the following doctrinal truths:
1. The Scriptures
We believe that the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God and that men of God “were
moved by the Holy Spirit” to write the very words of Scripture. The Bible is therefore without error
(inerrant) in its original manuscripts. God has supernaturally preserved the Bible and it is the sole
and final authority for faith and life providing encouragement, guidance, comfort and instruction for
training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21).
2. The Godhead (Trinity)
We believe in one true God eternally existing in three distinct persons (Father, Son and Holy
Spirit) each of Whom is fully and equally God; possesses all of the divine nature and attributes, and
is totally worthy of our worship and service (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; John 1:14, 10:30; 2 Cor. 13:14).
3. God the Father
We believe that God the Father is the first person of the Trinity and is the eternal, unchanging,
all-powerful, all-knowing, all-wise, all-loving, completely just and perfectly holy, sovereign Ruler
and Sustainer of the universe. He is the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Father of
all true believers (Gen. 1:1; Eph. 4:6; John 1:12-13, 5:19-21, 17:1-5; Is. 40:21-28, 43:10-13, 46:8-11;
Rom. 8:14-16).
4. God the Son
We believe that Jesus Christ is the second person of the Trinity and is the only begotten eternal
Son of God Who became flesh to reveal God to man, to fulfill prophecy, and to become the Savior of
the lost world. In becoming man Jesus did not cease in any way to be God so that He is fully God and
fully man inseparably united in one person forever.
Jesus was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit; born of the Virgin Mary; lived a sinless
life; died on the cross as the substitutionary, all-sufficient atoning sacrifice for all of the sins of all
men of all time; was buried; bodily rose from the dead; physically ascended into heaven in His
glorified, resurrected body; is seated at the right hand of the Father performing His ministry of
intercession; will return in the air to claim His bride the church; and will come again to earth in
bodily form, personally and visibly, to conclude human history and consummate God’s eternal plan
by executing judgment and ushering in His Millennial Kingdom reign to be followed by the eternal
state (John 1:1,14,18, 3:16; Luke 1:30-35; Phil 2:5-8; Col. 2:3,9; Mark 10:45; Acts 2:22-24; John 1:29;
Rom. 3:25-26; Heb. 10:5-14; 1 Pet. 2:24, 3:18; John 20:20; Phil. 3:20-21; Heb. 1:3; Rom. 8:34;
1 John 2:1; Acts 1:11; Heb. 9:28; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess 2:7; Matt. 24:44; Rev. 19:11-21; Rev. 21-22).
5. God the Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity Who specially came into the
world on the day of Pentecost to glorify Christ and to enable men to appropriate
the salvation wrought by Christ. He is the primary agent for the conviction of sin and for regener
ation. Simultaneously with salvation, the Holy Spirit imparts new life, baptizes
the believer into the body of Christ (His church), permanently indwells the believer, and securely
seals the believer unto the day of redemption. The Holy Spirit fills (directs and controls) those
believers who are yielded to Him, enables believers to bear fruit, and empowers believers to live a
life free from sin’s dominion. We also believe that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to believers for
the purpose of edifying the church in accordance with the teachings of scripture. (1 Cor. 13:8, 14:22;
John 16:7-15; 1 Cor. 6:19, 12:13; Eph. 1:13-14, 4:30; Gal. 5:16-17, 22-23; Rom. 8:5-13; 1 Pet. 4:10-11;
Rom. 12:3-8).

6. Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God by direct act of God and did not come
into being as the result of evolution. Man was created to glorify God, worship and serve Him, and
have fellowship with Him. Man fell through sin by disobeying God, thus incurring both physical and
spiritual death, which alienated him from God. Man’s nature was thus corrupted and he is utterly
lost, “dead in trespasses and sins,” and totally incapable of saving himself and coming back into right
relationship with God by his own merit or effort (Gen. 1:26, 2:6,17, 3:17-24; Is. 59:1-2; Rom. 3:9-
19,23, 5:6-8; Luke 18:26-27; Eph. 2:1-3).
7. Satan
We believe that Satan is the instigator of evil and a real spirit being, not simply the personification
of evil. He is a fallen angel who, under the sovereign permission of God, has been given temporary
rulership of the earth. He was utterly defeated at the cross, but the execution of his judgment has
been postponed by God until after the Millennial Kingdom when he will be cast into the eternal
lake of fire. In the meantime, he deceives the world and seeks to establish his counterfeit kingdom
on earth to discredit and blaspheme God and to tempt, accuse, attack and destroy believers. He can be
resisted by the believer through faith and reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit (Gen. 3:1-5; Is. 14:12-
17; Ezek. 28:11-19; Job 1-2; 1 John 5:19; 2 Cor. 11:14; 1 Tim. 3:6; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; James 4:7; Rev. 12:9,
20:1-3, 7-10).
8. Salvation
We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross provides the sole basis for forgive-
ness of sins and salvation, which is the free gift of God’s grace. Salvation is effected by the regener-
ating work of the Holy Spirit and cannot be secured by man’s works or personal merit. Salvation is
only appropriated by a person placing his faith in the finished work of Christ. Repentance is a turning
toward God and away from sin and is a part of but not separate from believing faith. “The Gospel
is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” and those who receive Jesus Christ by
faith are born again, have their sins forgiven, become children of God, are a new creation in Christ,
and “are sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption”, being kept by the power of God
(Eph. 1:7; 13-14; John 1:12-13, 3:1-7, 14-16; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:16, 10:9-10; Eph. 2:8-10;
Rom. 8:14-17, 31-39; John 10:27-29, 14:6; Acts 26:20; 1 Pet. 1:3-5).
9. The Christian Life
We believe that every Christian should live for Christ and not for himself and should, by the
power of the indwelling Spirit, allow Christ to manifest His life through him to God’s glory. By ever
increasing obedience to the Word of God, each believer should mature and progressively become
more like Jesus. In the power of the Spirit, each believer should live a holy life; not fulfill the lusts of
the flesh; exercise his spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ; witness for Christ; be personally
involved in making disciples to fulfill the great commission; perform good works and bear fruit to
the glory of God (Gal. 2:20; 1 Pet. 1:15-16, 2:11; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; Rom. 6:11-13; Eph. 2:10, 4:11-12,
4:22-24; 1 Pet. 4:10-11; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:18-20; Col. 1:10; John 15:8, 16).
10. The Church
We believe that the church is the body of Christ of which Jesus is the Head and whose
members are those who have truly received Christ by faith. The local church is a tangible expression
of the body of Christ in a particular location. Since all members of the body of Christ are united
in Christ by the same Spirit, they should live in love, harmony and unity, being intent on the same
purpose and accepting those sectarian or denominational practices which are based on a sincere
interpretation of the Bible, which do not relate to substantive doctrinal matters, and which do not in
practice cause disunity or hinder the ministry. The purpose of the church is to make Christ known to
lost men, to make disciples, and glorify God on earth (Acts 1:8;1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 1:20-23, 4:1-6,
4:12-16; Matt. 28:18-20; John 17; Col. 1:24-29).
11
11. The Ordinances
We believe that the only two ordinances of the church recognized by Scripture are water
baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Water baptism by immersion is an act of obedience following
salvation which symbolically pictures the believer’s death to sin, burial of the old life, and resurrection
to new life. The Lord’s Supper celebrates fellowship and communion with Christ, symbolically com-
memorates His death, and anticipates His second coming (Matt. 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Luke 22:19-20;
1 Cor. 11:23-28; Rom. 6:3-4).
12. Eternal Destiny of Men

We believe that at death every believer consciously and immediately enters into the pres-
ence and fellowship of the Lord to wait for the physical resurrection and glorification of his body
at Christ’s return. The believer will thus enjoy life eternal with God—fellowshipping, serving and
worshipping Him forever (2 Cor. 5:6; 1 Cor. 15:12-58; Luke 23:39-43; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; John 3:16;
Rev. 21–22).
We believe that at death every unbeliever consciously and immediately enters into separation
from the Lord to wait for the physical resurrection of his body to everlasting condemnation, judg-
ment and punishment (Luke 16:19-31; John 3:18, 36; Rev. 20:5, 11-15; 2 Thess. 1:5-10).
13. Future Things

We believe the next prophetic event will be the rapture of the Church when the Lord Jesus
Christ will return in the air to receive unto Himself all Church Age believers (John 14:1-3; Titus
2:11-14; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Phil. 3:20-21). The rapture of the Church will be
followed by the seven-year Great Tribulation period in fulfillment of Dan. 9:24-27 and as described
in Rev. 6:1–19:21 during which Israel will be purified, the whole world tested, and the wrath of God
poured out against sin (Jer. 30:7; Matt. 24; Rev. 3:10; 1 Thess. 5:9-11).
We believe that at the end of the Great Tribulation the Lord Jesus Christ in His second coming
will personally and physically return to the earth just as He ascended with great power and glory to
execute judgment and usher in the Millennial Kingdom, during which He will reign on earth for 1000
years with righteousness, justice and peace to fulfill God’s covenant promise to Israel (Acts 1:8-11;
Rev. 19:11-21; Ezek. 37:21-28; Is. 11:9; Rev. 20:1-6).
We believe that the 1000-year reign of Christ on earth will be followed by the final judgment
of Satan when he is cast into the lake of fire forever; the Great White Throne Judgment and bodily
resurrection for unbelievers; the creation of a new heaven and new earth; and the eternal state
(Rev. 20–22; 2 Pet. 3:1-14).
ACCEPTANCE POLICY
We accept students from independent churches and from a wide range of denominations.
However, student applicants are required to affirm in writing their substantial agreement
with this statement of faith. Where differences are indicated, the student may be conditionally
accepted for training upon his agreement not to teach, promote or exercise such doctrinal
differences or practices while he is an active student.


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BTCP PDF Manual

*You must read the following before using this document*

This PDF format document is provided to you only for the

This document is provided to you as a BTCP partner or potential

1. To review and evaluate a particular BTCP manual in view of

No other use of this document is authorized and it should not be

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

• the enablement of the Holy Spirit

“Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION.

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY

© 1989 by Dennis J. Mock, Atlanta, GA

All rights reserved.

This material may not be copied, duplicated, photocopied,

Courses hours Courses hours

BTCL General Curriculum BTCL Electives

Courses hours Courses hours

Would take about 2 years to complete

In the class period:

• introduce the lesson content.

• ask “leading or loaded” questions.

• emphasize and explain important concepts.

• focus on and use selected key scriptures.

• highlight significant portions of the material.

• stimulate the student’s interest.

• refer to and review previously covered truths and principles and

• summarize and restate key ideas, etc.

• integrate and refer to material in other course manuals.

• use a combination of lecture, discussion-dialog and question-answer.

• evaluate the progress by pages or sections covered on a daily basis and

ABOUT THE AUTHOR .............................................................2

BTCP TEACHING APPROACH................................................ 6

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY

5) To prepare pastors and church leaders for effective ministry by equipping

6) To enhance understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

7) To reinforce dependence on the Word of God as the fundamental ministry

*Knowing the content and structure of the New Testament

Session # Date Page #s Topic

Suggested Schedule Modular Track

I. Introduction (pp. 14–21)

II. The 27 Books of the New Testament (pp.23–323)

A. The 4 Gospels of Jesus (pp. 23–74)

• Introduction to the Gospels

B. The 1 Book of Church History (pp. 75–87)

• Introduction to Paul’s letters

D. The 8 General Letters (pp. 229–304)

• Introduction to the general letters

E. The 1 Book of Prophecy (pp. 305–324)

III. Summary—Most Significant Chapters of the New Testament (pp.325–330)

A. How We Got The New Testament

• Written over a period of about 50 years (45 AD – 95 AD).

• Written by at least eight different human authors.

• 27 books with a unifying theme.

• Written in common Greek.

• Over 5,000 manuscript copies of all or part of the NT have been

• By 397 AD the church Council of Carthage recognized all 27 books as

• Copies of the NT were meticulously made by scribes until the invention

Entrusted to Drew Stockton (drew.ebc@gmail.com)

C. Overview of Developments Between the OT and the NT

Entrusted to Drew Stockton (drew.ebc@gmail.com)

D. Time Periods of New Testament History

1. Gospels 4 BC – 33 AD (Matthew-Luke) c. 37 years

• Birth and ministry of John the Baptist

2. Early Church AD 33- AD 70 (Acts-Jude) c. 37 years

• Pentecost – birth of church • Jerusalem Council, AD 49

You must read the following before using this document