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A SURVEY OF
THE NEW TESTAMENT
Robert L. Samms
2012 byTrainingInMinistry.com
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Serious Bible training to
equip the saints for the work of ministry
Ephesians 4:11
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
For Study Leaders ....................................................................... 4
Curriculum of TIM Courses ...................................................... 5
1.
2.
3.
John ............................................................................................. 44
4.
Acts .............................................................................................. 58
5.
Romans ....................................................................................... 69
6.
7.
8.
9.
2. While you are on this site, download the free Leaders Guide for
Your Ministry of Prayer. You will find it very helpful as you lead
the weekly group sessions.
Educational Philosophy of TIM Courses
Every TIM course incorporates a head, heart, and hands approach to
learning. Head represents content to be learned, heart the
application of this truth to ones own life, and hands, involvement
in ministry through using the course content.
Your Time Commitment
As the Group Study Leader, you should spend adequate time: 1)
Preparing the workbook lessonjust as thoroughly as you expect
your learners to prepare. 2) Reading the Leaders Guide and
marking those questions and other items you want to emphasize
during the group session.
The Weekly Group Meeting
This 90 minute weekly meeting should feature a discussion of the
lesson, focusing on integrative and application type questions
found in the Leaders Guide. It should consist of an hour of
interaction with the lesson, as well as time for prayer and group
fellowship.
Ministry Involvement
This ministry opportunity should be appropriate to the gifts and
ministry experiences of each learner; result in their growth; and
build up the Body of Christ.
CURRICULUM OF
TIM COURSES
TRAINING IN MINISTRY courses will enable you to equip the saints
for the work of ministry and so build up the body of Christ.
Grounding Courses
CHRISTIANITY 101 is designed to disciple new Christians, either in
small groups, or one-to-one. Application: Learners will lead
another person through this course.
A PANORAMA OF THE BIBLE features easy-to-remember visuals for
each of the 12 Bible periods. Learners will thrill to find that they
can remember the major themes of Bible content and message.
Application: With the aid of the Leaders Guide, learners will lead
another person, or a small group through this course.
TRUTH THAT TRANSFORMS will provide learners with a solid
foundation in the major doctrines of Scripture, with an emphasis
on practical applications. Application: Learners will, with the aid
of the Leaders Guide, lead another individual, or group of people
through this course.
A PANORAMA OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY provides a big picture view
of the Church from the 1st through the 20th century. It also
emphasizes practical lessons we can apply to our own ministry.
Application: Learners will teach this course to another person or
group.
Growing Courses
WELCOME TO YOUR MINISTRY teaches the important truth that God
has called and gifted all believers for ministry and challenges
them to get involved in some basic ministries in the church.
Application: Learners will commit to getting additional training
for ministry, and getting involved in it.
HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS will provide believers
with a better understanding of which spiritual gifts they may
have, and how to use their gifts in service for Christ. Application:
A short-term assignment will be given, wherein learners use one
of their gifts in an approved ministry.
LEARNING TO SERVE: JESUS AS ROLE MODEL teaches the servant lifestyle of Jesus in many ministry related contexts, and helps learners
put this into practice in their ministry. Application: Learners will
be given a ministry role wherein they demonstrate the servantleader style of Jesus.
GOING Courses
YOUR MINISTRY OF PRAYER studies prayer in Scripture, and will
help learners become involved in a significant ministry of prayer.
Application: Participants will commit to a ministry of prayer as
suggested in the course content.
OUTREACH AS A LIFE-STYLE will train lay people to develop
friendships with people, leading to sharing Christ with them.
Application: Learners will practice this personal evangelism
approach in their lives of sharing their faith.
YOUR MINISTRY AT HOME provides practical principles in how to
establish and maintain a truly Christian home. Application:
Applying the principles week by week within the learners family,
including being consistent in reading the weekly schedule of
verses and journaling based on these verses.
TOUCHING TOMORROW BY TEACHING CHILDREN is a superb tool to
train more workers to serve in the exciting ministry of teaching
children. Application: Teaming up with an experienced teacher as
an assistant for one quarter or more.
CHRISTIANITY IN THE WORKPLACE relates faith to practical and
ethical issues on the job. Its focus is how to be like Christ in the
work world. Application: Learners will apply these biblical
principles to their areas of work.
CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH is a course on Christian apologetics,
which will equip learners to defend and share their faith,
especially among intellectual unbelievers. Application: Learners
will engage in an effective ministry of defending and sharing their
faith.
A SURVEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT is a 12-lesson survey of the New
Testament. It includes outlines of each book, background
information, and questions for individual study. Application:
Learners will be able to lead Bible studies in any New Testament
book.
HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE will give students an in-depth exposure
to the inductive method of Bible study and help them develop
their own outlines for leading Bible studies. Application: Based
on their study, learners will lead 10 Bible studies in the book of
Ephesians.
YOUR MINISTRY OF LEADERSHIP will encourage, equip, and train
Christian men and women for increased effectiveness in
leadership. Application: Learners will demonstrate the skills
taught in this course in an assigned ministry position.
Lesson 1
INTRODUCTION
TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
The New Testament at a Glance
The New Testament contains four accounts of the life of Jesus
Christ.
The first of these, Matthew, targets Jewish people. The second,
Mark, was written especially for the Roman world, while Luke
addressed the Greek speaking world. The first three gospel
accounts are very similar, hence are called synoptic (or similar)
gospels. John was written to help people believe that Jesus is the
Christ, the Son of God, and Savior of the world.
Acts records the founding and growth of the early Church. Peters
ministry predominates in chapters 1-12, and Pauls in chapters 1328.
The remainder of the New Testament contains letters, to churches,
and individuals. The apostle Paul wrote most of them.
Romans contains foundational truths of the Christian faith, and
was written to prepare the church at Rome for his planned visit
and mission to Spain.
The 2 letters to the Corinthians were written in response to
problems existing in this church.
Galatians was written to churches in the province of Galatia, to
combat false teaching about the nature of salvation.
The other Pauline letters, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and
the two letters to the Thessalonians were also written to
encourage and strengthen these churches.
This brings us to the two letters to Timothy, and one to Titus, his
co-workers who needed his instructions.
Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians, exhorting them to
stand firm in faith, even in the face of much pressure and
persecution.
This brings us to the general epistles, so called because they
were written by other apostles. James wrote the first of these,
followed by Peter, who wrote two, and John, who wrote three,
and finally, Jude who wrote one.
The last book of the New Testament is the Revelation of Jesus
Christ. It was written nearer the end of the 1st century, at a time
when the Church was experiencing much persecution. John had
been banished to the island of Patmos, off the coast of Asia Minor
(modern Turkey). While there he was given a vision of Jesus
Christ, a message to the seven churches in Asia Minor, and of the
events that would take place until the end of the age. The Book of
Revelation assures us that God has a plan for the world, even
though he allows much evileven that believers die for their
faith. But ultimately, Christ will return to establish his rule, and
will punish wickedness in a final judgment.
The Source of Scripture Authority
Richard Hooker, a great English theologian from the 16th century
commented that there are three possible sources of authority for
Christian belief and practice: the Christian Bible, the Christian
Church, and Christian Reason.
After more than 400 years, Christian denominations still today
tend to emphasize one of these, either the Bible, or the Church, or
human Reason as the primary basis for their church authority.
Tradition. Those who emphasize tradition, look back to the
writings of the early Church fathers, the councils, the creeds,
episcopal pronouncements, and to the development of worship
practices through the centuries. Their view is that the Church itself
is the final basis of authority.
The Bible. Reformers of the 16th century rejected the man-made
formulas and doctrines that had crept into the Church. They saw
that many of these traditions actually went contrary to the
teachings of the Bible. But since the leadership in the traditional
Church would not budge on this key issue, the reformers either
withdrew from it, or were kicked out. Additionally, many were
persecuted, and not a few gave their lives because they refused to
give up the authority of the Bible over their lives.
Evangelical Christians today continue to stand for the absolute
authority of the Word of God. While we can differ on some of the
details, on essentials we stand as one. God calls us to stand for
these essential truths, it may be, as it was then, even with our
lives.
Human Reason. In the last 100 years certain theologians have
downgraded the authority of both the Church and the Bible.
Instead, their final authority in religious matters is their own
Mark 7:8 What did Jesus say was actually wrong with these
traditions?
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Mark 7:8-13
traditions?
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What do you believe that Jesus would teach about the place of
tradition in the Church today?
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people will rise from the dead, so they did not believe it possible.
They also rejected the traditions of the elders, and even the Bible
itself, except for the five books of Moses.
Read about Jesus encounter with these religious leaders in
Matthew 22:23-33.
Mt. 22:23-28 How did they argue against the resurrection?
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Mt. 22:30-32
resurrection?
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How do you think Jesus would respond today to those who place
human reason above the authority of Scripture?
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Not only did Jesus teach the inspiration and hence authority of
Scripture, but the apostles did so as well.
2 Pet. 3:2 & 16 How did Peter compare the writings of the
apostles with those of the Old Testament?
10
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11
12
Lesson 2
MATTHEW:
Good News for Religious People
MATHEW is called The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of
David, the son of Abraham Matthew 1:1.
Matthews intent in writing his gospel was to affirm to Jewish
people that Jesus was the promised Messiah, and the Savior of the
world.
Thus the easy-to-remember outline:
1.
2.
3.
4.
13
14
Background of Matthew
AUTHORSHIP. The unanimous view of the early Church was that
the Apostle Matthew wrote this Gospel. He had been a tax
collector for Rome, but followed Christs call (Matthew 9:9).
DATE. The exact time and place of writing is unknown. Some
believe that it was written from Palestine in the early 50s. Others
believe that it was penned in the 60s or later.
INTENDED READERS. Internal evidence suggests that this Gospel
was aimed at Jewish readers. Consider the following evidence:
Jesus lineage is traced back to Abraham, the founder of the
Jewish people.
The Old Testament is quoted more by Matthew than by any
other N.T. writer.
He does not bother to explain Jewish customs.
He uses common Jewish terminology.
He emphasizes Jesus as Son of David.
15
3:1-12 What did John the Baptist have to say about Jesus?
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3:13-17 What was the witness of God the Father concerning Jesus?
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4:1-11 How did the devil help to confirm the identity of Jesus?
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4:18-22 What was it, do you think, that attracted the early
followers to Jesus?
16
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5:17 When Jesus said: I have not come to abolish the Law and the
Prophets, but to fulfill them He meant that He both completes and
transcends the O.T. Law. See Romans 10:4.
5:20-48 How does 5:20 relate to the way Jesus interprets the
Commandments? (i.e. you have heard it said . . . but I say to you.)
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17
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7:12 The climax of the Sermon on the Mount is this verse. What
does it mean to you?
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7:24-27 How does and puts them into practice (24) relate to
what Jesus had just said (7:15-23)?
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7:29 says, that Jesus was teaching them as one who had authority,
and not as their scribes. Of what significance was that?
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18
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In Ch. 10 Jesus gave the apostles authority for their ministry, (v.
1), and sends them to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (v. 5).
How was their faith stretched in this chapter?
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11:1-19 Regarding John the Baptist, what did Christ mean in v. 11?
11:20-24 Why were theses cities judged?
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19
13:47-50? _______________________________________________________________
14:1-12 records the sad tale of the end of John the Baptist. Herod
was offended by the truth he preached. So his response was to kill
the messenger. How do you respond to criticisms?
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14:13-21 records the feeding of the 5,000. Why, do you think, Jesus
said to the disciples: You give them something to eat? Is there a
principle here? If so, what is it?
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15:1-20 Here the religious leaders travel all the way from
Jerusalem to confront Jesus about religious traditions. How did
Jesus respond to their challenge?
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16:21-28 Peters confession was: You are the Christ, the Son of the
living God. And on the basis of this confession, Jesus said, you
are Peter (petros) and on this rock (petra) I will build my Church.
20
The church of Jesus Christ is built on the faith that Peter had, and
that each person who follows him must also have.
16:19 is (in Greek) future perfect shall have been. Peter proclaims
only what God has already proclaimed on the basis of faith.
17:24-27 What does Jesus teach in this passage about duty to
government? (Compare Ch. 22:15-22)
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19:16-26 How did Jesus answer the question about good deeds?
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21
Ch. 26, 27 The betrayal, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus occupy these
chapters. What lesson is there for you in 26:6-13?
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MARK:
Good News for Working People
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
(Mark 10:45)
Mark emphasized Jesus as Servant. This fact could not have been
lost on the Roman world, where every third person at least, was a
slave.
His gospel is about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 1:1, probably
from Rome, and at a time near the end of Peters life there. He did
not write to a Jewish audience, but rather to Gentiles, as evident
from the fact that he needed to explain Jewish customs (7:2-4;
15:42), and translate Aramaic terms (3:17; 5:41; 7:11, 34 and 15:22).
Outline of Marks Gospel
1. Jesus Preparation for Ministry, Ch. 1:1-13
2. Jesus Teaching Ministry, Chs. 1:14Ch. 8
3. Jesus Sacrificial Ministry, Chs. 916
22
23
Background to Mark
AUTHORSHIP. From earliest times John Mark was identified as the
author. Although not an Apostle, Mark was closely associated
with Peter. (Peter speaks of my son Mark in 1 Peter 5:13.) Peter
probably commissioned Mark to record this Gospel, as his writing
skills in Greek were poor (seen in 2 Peter).
STYLE. Mark is written with a hurried pace. The words at once,
immediately, quickly and, just then occurs 41 times. This
rapid style characterized Peter.
DATE. Mark was probably written early in the 50s; although some
suggest the late 60s, but before Jerusalem was destroyed in 70
AD.
WHERE WRITTEN. Early church leaders (Irenaeus, Clement of
Alexandria) suggest Mark wrote from Italy, probably from Rome.
Tradition says that Peter was in Rome during the later days of his
life, and that he was martyred there.
MAJOR EMPHASES. Jesus emphasized that although He was the
Messiah, this truth should be kept as it were, under wraps. For
Jesus was now coming as the suffering Messiah (Isaiah 50:6;
53:5; Zechariah 13:6), and not yet as the reigning Lord. See Mark
1:34,44; 3:12; 5:43; 7:36-37; 8:26,30; 9:9. It was paramount that his
Roman readers perceive the Crucifixion not as a misguided act of
Roman power, but as the fulfillment of Gods purpose for Christ.
Note Mark 8:31-32; 9:31; and 10:33-34.
An emphasis on Jesus human emotions and needs. See 3:5;
6:6,31,34; 7:34; 8:12,33; 10:14; 11:12. In this connection, Jesus is
frequently referred to as the Son of Man, cf. 2:10; 2:28; 8:31,38; 9:
9,12,31; 10:33,45; 13:26,32; 14:21,41,46.
Concurrent with this emphasis is a strong and clear emphasis on
his deity. Cf. 1:1; 1:11; 2:28; 3:11; 5:7; 9:7; 12:1-11; 13:32; 15:39.
Notice how Jesus humanity and deity come together in 2:28; 8:31;
9:9; 12:35-37.
Finally, there is an emphasis on Jesus as teacher.
teacher, teach, or Rabbi occur 39 times in Mark.
The words
24
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1:9-11 Note the activity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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1:21-28.
scribes?
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1:40-45. Notice how Jesus healing ministry could get in the way of
his real purposeto preach the Kingdom of God.
2:1-12. Why did Jesus heal this man (v.10)?
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2:22. What did Jesus mean: new wine is for fresh wineskins?
25
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3:20-30. How did Jesus rebut the suggestion that He was driving
out evil spirits by Beelsebubthe prince of demons?
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4:1-20. Why did Jesus tell only His disciples the meaning of this
parable? (vs. 9-12) See also 4:33-34.
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4:35-41. What key lesson was Jesus teaching his disciples in this
passage? (v. 40) Compare also 6:45-56.
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26
5:1-20. What lesson would the disciples have learned from this
event (Note v. 17, 20)?
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5:21-43. How did Jesus teach the disciples about faith in this
passage?
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6:30-44.
When the disciples returned from their mission
assignment great crowds were around Jesus. What was He
teaching them when He said: you give them something to eat?
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7:1-23. What important lesson did Jesus teach his disciples here?
See vs. 17-23.
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27
8:27-33. This is exam time for the disciples. In what did they do
well? In what did they fail?
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9:14-29. While Jesus and the three disciples were gone, the other
disciples attempted but failed to drive out an evil spirit. Why
couldnt the disciples drive it out?
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9:34-37. How did Jesus teach this needed lesson about humility?
See also 10:13-16.
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28
10:13-16.
children?
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10:35-45.
flunk?
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29
30
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15:39. What made the Centurion exclaim, Truly this man was the
Son of God!?
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LUKE:
Good News for Prepared People
It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some
time past, to write an orderly account for you,
most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty
concerning the things you have been taught.
Luke 1:3-4
Luke wrote this gospel, probably from Rome1. His stated purpose:
to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus2, that
you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught,
1:3-4.
Theophilus was probably a Roman official, who had learned about
the Christian faith from others (1:4).
Outline of Lukes Gospel
1.
2.
3.
4.
Most excellent was a title of honor used for people of social rank. Theophilus means
lover of God.
31
He was a
Background to Luke
DATE AND LOCATION. The time between 59 and 63 is likely. Luke
probably wrote from the coastal town of Caesarea, where Paul
was for a time imprisoned (Acts 23:23, 24:27).
INTENDED READERS. Most excellent Theophilus (Luke 1:3) was the
usual title for high officials in Roman government3. While Luke
wrote specifically for Theophilus, his Gospel was appropriate for
Gentiles generally. By way of support of this, note the following:
Luke dates his writing from the then-reigning Roman ruler.
He seldom quotes the Old Testament.
He translates Hebrew words into Greek.
He never uses the Hebrew word, Rabbi, but rather the Greek,
Master.
He traces the descent of Jesus, not to Abraham, as does
Matthews gospel, but to Adam, the founder of the human race.
He leaves out events that might be offensive to Gentiles, such as
those in Mt. 7:6; 10:5, 6; 20:16; and 22:14.
32
21:24; 24:47); Jews (1:33, 54, 68-79; 2:10); tax collectors, rank
sinners, and outcasts (3:12, 13; 5:27-32; 15:1, 2; 11-32; 18:9-14; 19:210; 23:43); the respectable (7:36; 11:37; 14:1); the rich (19:2; 23:50);
and the poor (1:53; 2:7, 8, 24; 4:18; 6:20, 21; 7:22; 14:13, 21, 16:20,
23).
4. Luke emphasized the place and ministry of women, despite
negative views by both Jews and Gentiles. The ministry of
Elizabeth and Mary the mother of Jesus is featured in chapter 1.
Also featured is the ministry of: Anna (2:36-37), the widow at Nan
(7:11-15), a sinner at the house of Simon 7:36-39), Mary Magdalene
(24:10), Joanna (8:3), Susanna (8:3), the woman with an issue (8:4344), Martha and Mary (10:38-41), the widow with two mites (21:2),
the daughters of Jerusalem (23:28), and the women at the tomb
(24:1-3).
5. Prayer is a focus in this Gospel, by Jesus example and
teaching. On seven occasions Luke records prayers of Jesus which
are not mentioned in the other gospels: 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18; 9:29;
11:1; 23:34, 46. See also 22:32, 40. Similarly, Luke alone records
Jesus teaching on (importunate) prayer, found in 11:5-13 and 18:18.
6. An emphasis on praise and thanksgiving. Luke alone records
praise songs from the first century church: the song of the angels
(1:68-79); and the song of Simon (2:29-32). The expression
praising God is almost unique to Luke (2:13,20; 18:43; 19:37;
24:53).
7. An emphasis on the Holy Spirit is evident. See 1:35,41,67; 2:2527; 3:16, 22; 4:14, 18; 10:21; 11:13; 12:10, 12.
Questions for Study and Discussion
Introduction, 1:1-4. To prepare this gospel account, Luke had
many accounts of Jesus life available to him (see Schaff, Vol.; I,
pg. 90).
It was probably during Pauls long Caesarean
imprisonment (Acts 23:23Ch. 26) that Luke interviewed
eyewitnesses, and wrote this orderly account in impeccable
Greek.
1. The Appearance of the Messiah, 1:1-4:13
1:1-4. While not an eye witness, Luke, followed all things closely
carefully, wrote an orderly account of the life and teachings of
Jesus Christ.
1:5-25. John the Baptists birth was very special, vs. 7, 13, 18-20.
What was john/s specific ministry, v. 16-17?
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33
1:57-66. Luke here gives the details of the birth of John the Baptist.
What was the special ministry his father Zechariah prophesied
regarding his son? (v. 76)
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4:1. Jesus was both full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit (v.
1) when his temptation began. When it was over, He returned to
34
Galilee in the power of the Spirit (v. 14). What is the practical
significance of this for you? Compare Ephesians 5:18.
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5:1-11. What was the primary lesson Jesus taught Peter here?
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5:12-16. Why did Jesus not yet want his real identity known?
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6:1-11. What did Jesus mean: The Son of Man is Lord of the
Sabbath?
35
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6:17-49. Share one concept from this sermon that will change your
life going forward.
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7:11-23. Jesus is now hailed as a great prophet (v. 16). What did
Jesus mean by his message to John the Baptist in v. 22-23)?
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8:4-15. In this parable, to what does the soil refer? The seed? Can
we alter the soil of our heart? If so, how?
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8:19-21. Why did Jesus respond this way to this request from
family?
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36
9:18-22. Why did Jesus not want people to know He was the
Christ of Godthe promised Messiah of Israel?
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9:27-36. With Jesus were Moses and Elijah. Which of these were
they to listen to? Why?
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9:46-48. What did Jesus teach about who is the greatest in the
kingdom of heaven? Why?
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37
9:57-62. Along the way they met two men who desired to follow
Him. Let me first go and bury my father meant, until my father
passes away.
10:1-20. The 72 were appointed to travel ahead, where they had a
wonderful ministry. While it is wonderful to be used in Gods
service, what is our greatest blessing (10:20)?
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10:25-37. What does this parable teach about who our neighbor is?
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12:2-12. Which part of this message speaks most to you, and why?
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38
12:35-48. Why did Jesus say, Be dressed ready for service and
keep your lamps burning (v. 35)?
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14:7-14. What practical lesson did Jesus teach his fellow dinner
guests?
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15:1-32. Jesus here spoke of lost: sheep, coins, and a son. What
was his purpose in telling these parables? (v. 2)
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16:1-15. What is the main point in the parable about the shrewd
manager?
39
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40
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18:31-34. Jesus had frequently spoken about the real purpose for
his coming. See Luke 9:31, 44, 51; 12:49; 13:32-33; 17:25. Why do
you think they still did not get it?
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19:1-10. What did Jesus mean in v. 10? Arent all people lost?
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20:20-26. Foiling the spies trap was easy for Jesus. What is the
continuing application of this truth?
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41
21:5-36. Jesus here speaks of his return with power and great
glory. Which of the signs of the end of our age do you see in the
world today?
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22:63-70. What was the statement that brought about Jesus death?
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23:1-25. Jesus trial was a total sham. Mob rule, led by the
religious rulers, prevailed. Yet Gods purpose, as painful it is to
think about, was in place. Christs suffering was for you, and for
me.
23:26-56. Christs crucifixion, death and burial then followed, and
the marvelous story of the resurrection are told in Ch. 24.
42
24:46-49. What was the final message that Jesus left with his
disciples?
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43
Lesson 3
JOHN:
Good News for All who Believe
these are written so that you may believe that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that by believing you may have life in his name
John 20:31
Johns Gospel contains three main parts:
1. His Ministry Signs, Ch. 211
This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested
his glory. And his disciples believed in him, Jn. 2:11
2. His Sacrificial Sign, Ch. 1219
The Jews said to him, What sign do you show us for doing these
things? Jesus answered them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I
will raise it up . . . he was speaking about the temple of his body. Jn.
2:18-21
3. His Resurrection Sign, Ch. 2021
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which
are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may
have life in his name. Jn. 20:30-31
The record of these miraculous signs means that Johns Gospel
should be a primary source for sharing the Good News. Note that:
John 1:1-3, 14reveals Jesus as the Son of God and Creator of
the world.
John 1:12states how to become a Christian.
John 3:1-8shows why the new birth is essential.
Background to John
AUTHORSHIP. Although not directly claiming authorship, John
refers to himself affectionately as the disciple whom Jesus loved in
13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20, and 24. Since the other apostles are
mentioned, it seems obvious that indeed he was the writer.
44
45
worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth 4:24; when
the Counselor comes . . . the Spirit of truth 15:26.
Remain (meno) The word in Greek occurs at least 25 times in
Johns gospel. It is translated into English by remain, continue,
hold to and abide. Sample passages are: Gods wrath abides on
him who (rejects the Son), 3:36; and, no one who believes in me should
stay in darkness 12:46. Verses relating to the Christian include: if
you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples 8:31; remain in
me, and I will remain in you and neither can you bear fruit unless you
remain in me. 15:4
Witness (marturia) The word witness is used 14 times in this
Gospel, and the related verb testify 33 times, reflecting Johns
desire to proclaim Christ as the Savior of the world. Examples are
found in: 1:7; 3:11; 5:31,39;
Overview of Johns Gospel
Introduction, Ch. 1
In 1:1-5; 14 he is identified as the Word4 that became flesh, the
Creator5. Vs. 14 identifies the Word with Jesus.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God6. The term Word was used by Jews of God7.
He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him,
and without him was not any thing made that was made (1:2-3).
In the remainder of chapter 1 John the Baptist is identifies Jesus as
the Lamb of God (1:29, 36) and as the Son of God and Messiah
(1:41, 1:49)
1. His Ministry Signs Chs. 211.
His ministry signs validated who he was, and showed his power
over his creation. Seven are recorded in this section.
1. Water to wine (2:1-12)
2. Healing of the officials son (4:43-54)
3. Healing a paralyzed man (5:1-15)
4. Feeding 5000 (6:1-15)
5. Walking on water (6:16-24)
4
5
6
Cf. Gen. 1 where the world is created through the spoken word of God.
See 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:15-16; Heb. 1:2.
God (without the article), means that the nature of God was the nature of the Word.
Thus the word was a god (New World Translation) is not valid.
7
The Targums (Aramaic translations of the Hebrew O.T. substituted God for the Word.
46
In Greek the definite article ho before God (theos) functions as an adjective. The
meaning is that who God is, the Word is.
47
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1:30-34. How did John know that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of
God?
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The term Christ means anointed one and was the term used
by Jews for the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament.
1:35-36. Since Jesus was the Son of God (1:34), why would John
identify Him as the Lamb of God?
1:37-42. Here Jesus called the first disciples. Jesus changed
Simons name to Cephas, Both Cephas (Aramaic) and Peter
(Greek) mean rock. Compare Mathew 16:18.
1:43. Jesus had been in Judea in connection with the ministry of
John the Baptist, and was baptized by him (Matthew 3:13-17).
Now however, Jesus returned to Galilee, several days journey to
the north.
1:45-51. What caused Nathaniel to change his mind about Jesus?
48
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3:5. Jesus insists that we must be born of water and the Spirit.11
What do you think this means?
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In Jesus day it was expected that a prophet of God would validate his ministry by
performing miracles. See Mt. 12:38; 16:1; 1 Co. 1:22.
10
The cleansing of the Temple in 2:13-22) took place near the end of his ministry, as
indicated in Mt. 21:12-16; Mk. 11:15-19; and Lk. 19:45-47.
11
Thoughts about what Jesus meant by water include: the water in the wombthus of
physical birth, see 3:4, 6; or the water used for Jewish ceremonial purification, see 3:25; or
to Johns baptizing. John 3:22-23; 4:1.
49
3:22-36. John the Baptist says that Jesus comes from above
whereas John is of the earth. What is meant by this distinction?
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Worship?
_________________________________________________________________________
The Messiah?
_________________________________________________________________________
4:27-38. When the disciples came back with food, Jesus taught
them another lesson. What was it?
_________________________________________________________________________
The initial hesitancy to meet this need (v. 48) probably focused on
others in his entourage, or to Jews listening.
50
5:17, 18. Why did the Jews object to Jesus speaking of God as My
Father?
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51
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7:10-13. Later however, Jesus did go, but in secret. Among the
common people, what were the two views about Him?
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7:32, 46. Why did the temple guards not arrest Jesus?
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52
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9:39.
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How did the Jews respond to Jesus clear claim to deity? (10:30-39)
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53
12:1-11. While Jesus was at a dinner in his honor, the priests made
plans to kill Lazarus too. Why?
_________________________________________________________________________
How did He
_________________________________________________________________________
12:37-50. With what words does Jesus identify Himself with God?
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54
14:12-14. What are the greater works we can do, and for what
purpose?
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55
16:17-33. The disciples were still not clear about what Jesus was
saying. What did his explanation to them in vs. 19-22 mean?
_________________________________________________________________________
16:29-33. When the disciples did voice their belief, what did Jesus
promise them?
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17:17-19. For what else did He pray? What does this mean?
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56
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Final Observation
Jesus frequently appeared pressured into performing a miracle.
For example, the turning of water into wine, John 2:4; the healing
of the officials son, John 4:47-48; and in the healing of the
Canaanite woman, Matthew 15:21-28.
Is there a lesson to be learned from this, and if so, what is it?
Compare Matthew 18:1-8.
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57
Lesson 4
ACTS:
How the Early Church Grew
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the ends of the earth,
Acts 1:8.
The two Christian leaders who were used by God were: Peter to
establish the Church, and Paul to expand the Church.
1. Peters Leadership Establishing the Church, Chs. 1-12
In Judea, Galilee and Samaria, 1:19:31
In Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, 9:3212:25
2. Pauls Leadership Growing the Church, Ch. 13-28
His First Missionary Journey, 13:114:28
His Second Missionary Journey, 15:3618:22
His Third Missionary Journey, 18:2321:16
His Missionary Journey to Rome, 21:1728:31
Background of Acts
AUTHORSHIP. The arguments in favor of Lukes authorship of the
Gospel according to Luke also apply to his authorship of the Acts
of the Apostles. They are, 1) the same person who wrote Luke
also wrote Acts (Acts 1:1); 2) the author of Acts was a traveling
companion of Paul (note the we sections in Acts 16:10-17; 20:5 to
21:18; 27:1 to 28:16); and 3) that this traveling companion, Luke,
therefore wrote both Luke and Acts.
The earliest testimony from church history likewise affirms Luke
to be the author of Acts. The Muratorian Canon of 170 states that
Luke was the author of Acts. And Eusebius (325) provides
numerous sources that state that Luke was the author of Acts.
DATE. It is possible that Luke wrote soon after the events
described at the end of Acts, that is, soon after 63. This date is
supported by the fact that Luke does not tell us the conclusion of
Pauls imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:30-31). Nor does he speak
58
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Immediately after this, before their very eyes, the Lord Jesus:
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59
Lord shall be saved. From that sermon, about 3,000 came to Christ.
This was followed by a time of blessing, peace, and growth for the
early Church, 2:42-47.
3:1-16 Peter continues Jesus ministry of miraculous healing,
including that of a lame beggar. Peter was careful to tell people
that the miracles taking place were accomplished through (v. 16)
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60
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Witnessing his death was Saul, one day to become the apostle
Paul.
8:1 And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church
in Jerusalem. What was the impact of this persecution?
_________________________________________________________________________
Both Stephen and Philip preached, even though they were not
apostles. What is implied by this fact?
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8:14-25 What took place that made it clear that Samaritans too
could be a part of the Church?
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61
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Ch. 9 recounts how Saul came to Christ, of his name change, and
of his missionary call. See 9:15.
IN PHOENICIA, CYPRUS AND ANTIOCH, 9:3212:25
9:32-43 Peter continued a ministry of healing. Not only did many
from Judea, Samaria, and Galilee come to faith, but now God was
about to do a new thing by reaching Gentiles. For this, Peter was
called to Caesarea, a coastal town about 30 miles north of Joppa.
10:1-8 What evidence was there that God had touched the heart of
this Roman army commander?
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10:9-23 How did God prepare Peters heart to make him willing to
go with these men? (Jewish law forbade eating certain unclean
animals, and this law was deeply ingrained in Peter.)
_________________________________________________________________________
10:44-48 How did God make it absolutely clear, that on the basis
of their faith in Christ, Gentiles were also acceptable to God?
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From this point there was no containing the spread of the Word.
11:19-21 How did the gospel first come to Antioch? (a city about
300 miles to the north)
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62
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So after prayer and fasting the church sent forth Paul and
Barnabas to proclaim Christ to the Gentile world. They first sailed
for Cyprus, with John Mark as their helper. They proclaimed the
Gospel everywhere they went, finally arriving at Paphos on the
western end of the island.
13:6-12 Why did Sergius Paulus believe?
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63
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After his recovery, Paul and his companions went to Derbe, where
they won a large number of disciples.
14:21-25 They then went back to these places where they had just
been. What does this say about their courage?
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64
16:6-10 How were they guided to leave Turkey, and travel across
the Aegean Sea to Macedonia?
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17:10-15 His next stop was Berea, where the Jews were more
noble that those in Thessalonica. How so?
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A Greek philosophy emphasizing freedom from passion and calm acceptance of all
happenings as the result of divine will.
65
This special work of Gods Spirit assured them that they too could
become a part of Christs Church which began at Pentecost.
19:8-10 How were all Jews and Greeks in Asia reached with the
Gospel in the space of two years?
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66
From Troas, Paul traveled past Ephesus, but did meet briefly with
the elders of the Ephesian church.
20:17-38 What were the important admonitions Paul left with
these church elders?
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67
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24:1-27 Next Paul has opportunity to share Christ with the Roman
governor Felix. What was the outcome of this witness?
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25:1-12 After two years Paul was brought before Felixs successor,
Festus. On this occasion many Jews pressed charges against him.
Sensing another trap, and with the assurance given him by the
Lord in 23:11, Paul made his appeal to the highest authority in the
empire, that of
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26:1-32 Next Paul had opportunity to share his faith before King
Agrippa. What conclusion did the king come to regarding Paul?
_________________________________________________________________________
Ch. 27-28 These last chapters of Acts detail Pauls trip to Rome,
involved a disastrous shipwreck but no deaths. Paul spent the
next two years in his own rented house, preaching the kingdom of
God to all who visited him. (28:30-31)
Why is your understanding of the kingdom of God that Paul
preached to the end of his life?
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68
Lesson 5
ROMANS:
Gods Way of Righteousness
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested
apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness
to itthe righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ
for all who believe.
Romans 3:21-22
Pauls letter to the Romans gives answer to the eternal question:
How can people who are sinful be made righteous in Gods
sight? In this most important of all of Pauls writings, he answers
this question by showing:
1. The Need of Righteousness, Ch. 1:13:20
The wrath of God will come of sinful people who suppress the
truth (1:18). In this section Paul speaks of three kinds of people:
the gross sinner, the moralist, and the Jews. Pauls conclusion: all
have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (3:23).
2. The Way of Righteousness, Ch. 3:21Ch. 4
This path is by: the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus
Christ and is available for all who believe. (3:22)
3. The Power of Righteousness, Chs. 58
This section begins: since we have been justified by faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; we have access by
faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the
glory of God, even in our sufferings. (5:1-3)
Being justified by faith means that we become transformed
people, no longer living by thee flesh, but by the power of God
4. The Problem of Righteousness, Chs. 911
This parenthetical section answers the question: Why have Gods
chosen people not accepted this Good News? Paul responds:
true, but not all have rejected it. Further, all who do not continue
in unbelief, but accept Gods way to righteousness will be
accepted.
69
70
1:19-32 Notice how their decision affected how they lived. How
did God respond to their evil ways of living?
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Greek: ek pisteos eis pistin indicates that faith in Christ is for a life of faith and
faithfulness.
71
Abrahams
faith
credited
to
him
as
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72
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Count: ________________________________________________________________
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73
Offer: _________________________________________________________________
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Obey: _________________________________________________________________
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7:7-23 Paul shares his own former struggles and failures while he
was still under the Law. When he says, I was once alive apart
from the law (7:9) he refers to that part of his childhood before he
became accountable to the Law.17
But once he became
accountable, (at about age 12), he says, sin sprang to life and I
died. It was the demands of the Law that put him to death.
Paul then elaborates his earlier inability to keep the Law in 7:1423.
7:24-25 How was Paul delivered from his life of bondage and
failure under the Law?
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8:6 _____________________________________________________________________
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17
Paul speaks here of his life as a Jew, before his conversion, and of his barmitzvah, when
at in this ceremony at the age of 13 he became accountable to the Law.
74
8:8-9 __________________________________________________________________
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8:12-14 ________________________________________________________________
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9:16 ___________________________________________________________________
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9:30-32 _______________________________________________________________
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18
In this section (chapters 9-11) it is important to understand the historical context. These
unbelieving Jews were trusting in their spiritual heritage to being children of Abraham and
keepers of the Laws of Moses. Paul is saying: not so. Rather, true children of Abraham are
those who have the same faith as did Abraham, and who live out that faith in their lives.
75
10:3-4 _________________________________________________________________
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10:8-13 ________________________________________________________________
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10:14-21 Paul here speaks of the missionary call and his part in it.
His passion is to carry the message of Christ to others who have
not been able to hear it.
Ch. 11 This chapter opens with the question, Did God reject his
people? The answer: certainly not. Paul was not rejected. And
all Israelites who accept Gods righteousness through faith, rather
than through works, are also not rejected. See 11:5-6.
In the balance of this chapter Paul shows that Gods elective
purpose, that is, His purpose to save His chosen people through
grace, continues to be operative. Further, He is not finished with
the Jewish people, even though at the present time they are largely
blinded and hardened.
Paul closes this chapter with a doxology that begins: Oh, the depth
of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
5. The Practice of Righteousness, Ch. 1215
The opening statement, I appeal to you therefore brothers, by the
mercies of God refers back, perhaps to the doxology at the end of
chapter 11, or even to the whole of chapter 11.
12:1-2 What is it that Paul urges Christians to do?
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12:9-21 As you read over this important section, write down how
you want to more fully implement the gifts God has given you.
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76
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15:13 Paul ends the body of this epistle with the benediction.
Conclusions, Chs. 15:1416:27
Paul expresses his confidence in their spiritual maturity in 15:1415, and gives his purpose for writing. In 15:17-33 he reviews his
missionary ministry, and plans to visit them in connection with
his planned trip to Spain. In 16:1-16 he gives personal greetings
and commendations. A warning about those who cause divisions
and create obstacles is in 16:17-20. Those who sent their greetings
are listed in 16:21-24; and 16:25-27 is the final benediction.
77
Lesson 6
1 CORINTHIANS:
Problems in a Carnal Church
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you,
but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
1 Corinthians 1:10
This letter addresses many problems that existed in the church at
Corinth. This was not surprising, since the city of Corinth was
notorious for its life-style. So bad was it that the coined term to
Corinthisize meant living in moral debauchery.
The problems addressed by Paul in this letter came from two
sources. First, it has been reported to me . . . (1:11). And second,
Now concerning the matters about which you wrote . . . (7:1)
Based on these two sources of information, the one from Chloes
people, and the other from a church letter addressed to him, Paul
responded:
1. Problems Paul had Heard About, Chs. 16
DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCH, 1:10-4:21
Here we have church politics. Some in the church were for Paul;
others for Apollos, and still others for Cephas (Peter). Some even
said there were for Christ! Oh my! Each faction thought their view
was right. Sound familiar?
SEXUAL IMMORALITY IN THE CHURCH, 5:1-13
There was a person in the church, who has his fathers wife
(probably a step mother. Paul urges, them to purge the evil person
from among you. (4:13)
LAWSUITS BETWEEN CHURCH MEMBERS, 6:1-8
Grievances among church members should be dealt with in the
church, not in the secular courts. (6:1)
78
79
80
Since they were sanctified, why was Paul concerned for them?
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81
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Paul was here speaking to that portion of the church that focused
on their presumed philosophical and intellectual superiority. Not
only did Greek culture generally foster this attitude, but to some
extent probably Apollos did too, whom this faction heralded as
their champion.
2:1-5 As a reality check, Paul reminded them of his personal
ministry approach, which was:
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3:5-9 What attitude should we have toward those who are the
Lords servants?
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82
he says, Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich!
Without us, you have become kings! (v. 8), he is stating what he had
heard was their attitude! This attitude of arrogance (v. 18) was a
central part of being infants in Christ (3:1).
4:1-2 How should we view ministers of Christ? Why?
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4:9-13 How was Paul and the other apostles actually viewed by
non- believers?
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5:6-8 Here Paul illustrates sin by leaven, which was used in the
O.T. worship. Bread used in worship was to be without leaven.
5:9-13 Paul clarifies what he had written in a prior letter. How
should the command to discipline this person be implemented?
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83
6:7 What else might the person do who was being wronged?
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Corinth was well known for its corrupt morals. In the list found in v. 9, the first four are
sexual sins. Idolatry involved temple prostitutes.
84
9:2 What does Paul mean, you are the seal of my apostleship?
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20
The present distress may have been, according to some, a famine. During extremely
difficult times, marriage may be better delayed.
85
Jewish women during the New Testament period wore a veil during worship. This
tradition was also practiced in the early church. Corinth however, was far more liberal,
and women there generally did not wear a veil.
22
The Greek agnoeiv, means without knowledge, or ignorant.
86
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12:4-6 Notice that the apostle speaks here of gifts, service and
activities How does Paul compare them here?
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12:7 For what purpose are the gifts of the Spirit given?
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12:31 What does it mean then, to earnestly desire the higher gifts?
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This chapter ends, I will show you a still more excellent waythe
way of love, chapter 13.
13:1-13 Why is love a still more excellent waymore than the use
of any spiritual gift?
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Prophecy here is spirit-inspired speaking, such as you might say his message was a
prophetic word from the Lord.
87
14:6-12 What does Paul say about the use of tongues in these
verses?
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In V. 18 Paul says, I speak in tongues more than all of you all. Yet
(apparently) not a word in church. Why?
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14:26-33 What guidelines are here given for using the gift of
tongues and the gift of prophecy?
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24
Since women were uneducated at that time, their speaking would disrupt the church
service. As with tongues, orderly conduct in church is the issue (14:40).
25
For other uses of in vain see Romans 13:4; Galatians 3:4)
88
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Paul does not approve this practice, but merely states that it existed. Possibly this was done
on behalf of those who had died without being baptized
89
2 CORINTHIANS:
A Defense of Pauls Ministry
For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience,
that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by
earthly wisdom but by the grace of God,
and supremely so toward you.
2 Corinthians 1:12
90
91
1:3-7 In this letter Paul begins by talking about the God of all
comfort. How are you using this ministry of comfort?
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92
Is this a concept you relate to? How can you make it happen?
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3:7-12 Paul here speaks of the Law of Moses because the Judaizers
were promoting it as the way to life. Paul here contrasts the
glory that came upon Moses, representing the Law, with the
glory that accompanies the work of Gods Spirit in the Gospel.
3:7 What is the effect of the Old Testament Law which was
engraved in letters on stone?
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3:13 to 4:6 How can the veil which covers the minds of
unbelievers be taken away?
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3:18 What is the outcome for you, once this veil is removed?
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93
6:3-13 In these verses Paul shares the cost of his dedication to the
Lord. What response does he desire from them?
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In 7:5 Paul continues his earlier topic. He had come from Troas
via Macedonia, on his way to Corinth (2:12-13), looking for his
brother Titus.
94
7:7 When Titus met Paul in Macedonia, he was able to bring the
very good news that:
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In 8:16 to 9:5 Paul wrote about the offering they were collecting for
the needy church in Jerusalem, and of those sent ahead of him to
arrange it.
9:6-11 What principles of giving do you find in this passage?
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95
12:7-10 How can the way Paul dealt with his thorn in the flesh
help you?
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13:1-10
Paul has spoken very boldly. But what must be
remembered that he was called to defend and confirm the Gospel
(Phil. 1:6). It was his responsibility to make sure that the Gospel
continued in its truth and purity.
The church at Corinth was being attacked on two fronts.
First, there was the moral front. Incest of the worst kind was
being practiced and even encouraged (1 Corinthians 5:2), within
the church! This situation called for the most severe condemnation
possible. It must be dealt with! Is a rod needed? (1 Corinthians
4:21) Then a whip it must be. Is excommunication needed? (1
Corinthians 5:5) Then to excommunication this person must go.
Second, there was the incredible pressure from those who were
identified as super-apostles (12:11) and who were seeking to lead
them back to some forms of Judaism. Jesus they may preach. But
it was not the Jesus of the Scriptures. They came with a different
spirit and a different gospel (11:3-4). Such teaching, if received,
would destroy the work of Christ in that place.
13:5 What does Paul say here that indicates the seriousness of this
situation in Corinth?
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96
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97
Lesson 7
GALATIANS:
A Defense of the True Gospel
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him
who called you in the grace of Christ
and are turning to a different gospel
Galatians 1:6.
Such opposition could be expected; such good news could
scarcely be believedespecially to those who, all their lives had
sought righteousness by means of good works.
Freedom from the bondage to the Law is the Christians Magna
Charta. Galatians 3:13 says that Christ redeemed us from the curse
of the law . . . so that we might receive the promised Spirit by faith..
But it is also important to make clear what Paul is not saying. He
is not saying that this gives Christians the freedom to indulge the
flesh. For 5:21 says clearly: those who do such things (works of the
flesh, 5:16-21) will not inherit the kingdom of God.
In defending the Good News, three aspects can be seen:
1. Defining the Gospel, Ch. 12
Paul expresses his shock that the Galatians are so quickly deserting
him who called you to the grace of Christ and are turning to a different
gospel 1:6. He then defines what the Gospel is, and asserts his call
to proclaim it.
2. Experiencing the Gospel, Ch. 34
Paul challenges The Galatians to think again: is salvation by faith,
or is it by works of the Law? He says that they were being
bewitched (3:1) by those who would bring them back into the
bondage of the Law (4:9-10), and thus separate them from Christ
(5:4).
3. Living the Gospel, Ch. 56
Living out the Gospel comes first with this solemn warning: if you
accept circumcision (the rite into Judaism and Law-keeping)
Christ will be of no advantage to you. And, you are severed from
98
Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from
grace.
As believers, we are to walk by the Spirit, and so not gratify the
desires of the flesh (5:16).
Conclusion, 6:11-18
Paul concludes, saying that these Judaisers did not keep the Law
themselves, but only wanted to boast in their converting efforts.
Questions for Study and Discussion
Introduction, 1:1-5
Paul first claims that he is an apostle . . . through Jesus Christ and
God the Father.
1:1-2 What is implied here about church leadership structure?
_________________________________________________________________________
Then he defines what the good news is all about: namely, Christ,
who gave Himself for our sins, to deliver us from the present evil age.
1:4 For what purpose did Christ give himself for our sins?
_________________________________________________________________________
Christ paid the price for our sinsso that we would be delivered
from our sinful ways; not merely to some day take us to heaven.
1. Defining the Gospel, Ch. 12
Paul expressed very great concern in 1:6-10. Judaizers who had
violently opposed his every ministry move were continuing to
turn believers from the grace of Christ in the whole region of
Galatia.
_________________________________________________________________________
99
gospel?
_________________________________________________________________________
This distorted27 teaching was not the good news of the Gospel.
With it these false teachers were seeking to drag the Galatian
believers into the bondage of the law.
1:10 Paul recognizes that his very strong language was not
pleasing to them, but was pleasing to God. What is essential, in
order to be a servant of Christ?
_________________________________________________________________________
What does this say about sharing your faith with those who hold
to other points of view?
_________________________________________________________________________
1:11-12 What was the source of the Good News that Paul preached
to the world?
_________________________________________________________________________
2:3-10 What does these verses teach was the outcome of Pauls
inquiry about the Gospel he was preaching?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
27
100
101
3:7-9 How can we who are not Jews receive this same blessing
that Abraham29 received?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
The righteous will live by faith (v. 11) is from Habakkuk 2:4. The
word means faith and faithfulness.
True faith results in
faithfulness.
How does this truth relate to your experience?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
See Genesis 15:6. Biblical faith means that we live by our faith. See Hebrews Ch. 11
for examples of faith in action.
102
_________________________________________________________________________
103
5:2-5 What will happen to those who again come under the Law?
_________________________________________________________________________
104
_________________________________________________________________________
6:1-5 What should our attitude and action be in regard to one who
sins?
_________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion
6:11-18, written with large letters indicated that likely had a
disease of his eyes (4:14-15), and possibly related to his temporary
blindness, Acts 9.
Paul concludes this letter with my own hand, thus assuring its
genuineness30.
EPHESIANS:
Living Life in Christ
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing
in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 1:3
30
Apart from this ending, Paul evidently dictated the letter to an Amanuensis,
that is a scribe.
105
106
107
1. _____________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________________
5. _____________________________________________________________________
6. _____________________________________________________________________
Imagine the power of these words, as they fell on the ears of
people who had never heard of Gods love for them!
How does what Paul says here make you feel? Why?
_________________________________________________________________________
Galatians 5:6
_________________________________________________________________________
Galatians 5:13-14
_________________________________________________________________________
1 John 4:7-13
_________________________________________________________________________
31
Verse 15 says, because I have heard of your faith. Yet from Acts 19:9-10 we know
that he spent more than two years in Ephesus. How is it that he had only heard of their
faith? Also, the term in Ephesus (1:1) is absent in the oldest Greek manuscripts. Many
scholars hold that copies of this letter were distributed to other churches in the area, some
of which had not met Paul personally.
108
109
2:13-22
near?
_________________________________________________________________________
3:1-6 Paul uses the term mystery (v. 3) because of the various
pagan mystery religions, which contained secrets known only to
the initiated.
What is the mystery of Christ (v. 4-6)?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3:7-13 On what basis can Gentile believers have boldness and access
(into Gods presence) with confidence?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
110
_________________________________________________________________________
4:7-10 Not only are Jews and Gentiles have a unity because of
Christ, but also through Christ each has been given gifts.
Where do you fit in regarding this equipping ministry?
_________________________________________________________________________
111
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4:25-32 What are those things that we will do, and will not do as
we put on the new self?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5:15-20 What are some evidences of being filled with the Spirit?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
112
5:22-24 Paul first speaks to the wife. What does he tell her to do?
_________________________________________________________________________
5:25-33 Next he speaks to the husband. Describe his responsibility, and the model for it.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
113
_________________________________________________________________________
Then in the
PHILIPPIANS:
Joyful in All Circumstances
Rejoice in the Lord always;
again I will say, Rejoice,
Phil. 4:4.
Paul expresses his cup as half full, rather than half empty, a
mark of a good leader, and a model for all of us!
Paul was filled with joy as he:
1. Gave thanks for past blessings, 1:3-11
2. Experienced God in his worst circumstances, 1:12-18
32
While in prison, Paul reflected on the uniform and equipment of Roman soldiers, and of
how each part illustrated the spiritual armor that believers can put on for their spiritual
battles.
114
115
1:15-18 Why could even his detractors not take this joy away from
him? Compare also Romans 8:28.
_________________________________________________________________________
1:27-30 At that time Pauls concern was for how the Philippian
church would respond in difficult circumstances.
1:29 What effect can this message have on your joy?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
116
In this example Paul starts with the fact that Christ in very
nature is God. How He handled who He is, is then described in
verses 7-8.
2:9-11 What is the result of this self-emptying?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
What are some events in your life that can be transformed into
occasions for joyful celebration? How can you make them just
that?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
117
3:18 What will happen to those who live as enemies of the cross
of Christ?
_________________________________________________________________________
118
4:1 Paul concludes this section saying, this is how you should
stand firm in the Lord. And doing so, gives him much joy!
8. Sharing Real Joy With Others, 4:2-9
Paul begins this section by appealing to Euodia and Syntyche to
agree in the Lord. Sadly, even among Christian workers there is
sometimes strife.
4:4 Here were are told to Rejoice in the Lord ___________________.
What are some specific ways you can implement this command?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4:8 This is really powerful. Think about every part of it. How can
you better live out the various aspects of this exhortation?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4:14-19 What did Paul believe would be the result of their giving?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion, 4:20-23
4:22 How is the strategic impact of the gospel seen in this verse?
119
_________________________________________________________________________
120
Lesson 8
COLOSSIANS:
How to Live in Christ
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted
and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught,
abounding in thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7
Pauls primary concerns are the doctrinal and moral purity of the
church. He thus emphasizes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
121
The word image here is eikon, the closest word the Greeks had
to photograph. Jesus is the exact replica of God, in human form.
1:15-17 How is this seen in His relationship to creation?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
122
Paul used this term for two reasons. First, because it appropriately
explains the mystery of the Good News to which we all are
naturally blind. Second, it was a term used by the so-called
mystery religions of that day, mysteries made known only to
the initiates.
1:28-29 How do you identify with Pauls struggles here?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
123
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2:8 How does Paul here describe the false teaching that the
Colossians were facing?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
124
_________________________________________________________________________
How does the Cross of Christ make spiritually dead people alive?
_________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
___________________________________
____________________________________
125
___________________________________
____________________________________
___________________________________
____________________________________
_________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
1 THESSALONIANS:
Living With Expectant Faith
Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith
and labor of love and steadfastness of hope
in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:3.
This verse readily forms the outline for this early church letter.
126
127
2:14 In what way should our experience be like that of the church
in Thessalonica and Judeaas well as like that of Paul, our Lord,
and of the prophets of old? What effect will this have on you?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2:15-16 What will the end be of those who oppose the Gospel of
Christ?
_________________________________________________________________________
128
_________________________________________________________________________
3:6-9 Paul later sent Timothy, who returned with good news of
your faith and love. How did this make Paul feel?
_________________________________________________________________________
3:10-12 How will Gods answering this prayer impact your life?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4:11 How ought you to apply this verse in your own life?
_________________________________________________________________________
129
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5:1 Second, notice what Paul says about the times and dates of
Christs return.
5:2 Paul says that Christ will come like _______________. Some have
interpreted this to mean that the return of Christ for His Church
will be secret. But remember Paul earlier said that Christs coming
would be accompanied by a cry of command, and the voice of an
archangel and with the sound of the trumpet God (4:16).
5:4 What people will find His coming NOT like a thief?
_________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion, 5:13-28
Briefly describe Pauls instruction in regard to:
5:12-13 Those who are over you in the Lord.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5:16-21 Yourself.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
130
2 THESSALONIANS:
Living in the Light of Christs Return
Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
and our being gathered together to him not to be quickly shaken
in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word,
or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that
the day of the Lord has come.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2
In this second letter to the Thessalonians Paul responds to further
questions about the return of Christ.
It was probably written a few months after the first.
1. Thanksgiving for a Growing faith, 1:3-12
1:3-5 What was the environment in which this church was
growing? How should this be an encouragement to you?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
1:6-10 In connection with what coming event will God deal with
those who persecute us?
_________________________________________________________________________
1:11-12 How will Pauls prayer here help guide your praying?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
131
2:9 This man of lawlessness will come at the end times with all
power and false signs and wonders. (Compare. Mt. 24:24)
2:10 For whom will his counterfeits be effective?
_________________________________________________________________________
2:10-12 Why?
_________________________________________________________________________
All these events must occur, Paul says, before Christ returns and
we are gathered together to Him.
2:13 As believers, we stand in contrast to those who are not
because have been chosen by God through:
1 ______________________________________________________________________
2 ______________________________________________________________________
So then, Paul urges, stand firm and hold to the traditions (teachings)
that you were taught by us.
3. Admonitions for Christian Living, 3:1-15
3:1-5 The first of these has to do with prayer. For what does he
request prayer?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3:5 How will, the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the
steadfastness of Christ?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
132
Conclusion, 3:16-18
What is Pauls sign of genuineness that he uses in all his letters?
_________________________________________________________________________
133
Lesson 9
1 TIMOTHY:
How to Lead in Gods Work
I am writing these things to you so that . . . you may know how one
ought to behave in the household of God
1 Timothy 3:14-15.
This Christian behavior focuses not only on the whole church, but
also on church leadership, on Timothy, and even on Paul himself.
This letter emphasize:
1.
2.
3.
4.
134
1:8-11
Law.
_________________________________________________________________________
135
2:4,6 Who does God desire should be saved, and how should this
affect our praying?
_________________________________________________________________________
2:5 Relate Pauls teaching here to the belief that all religions can
lead us to God.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
136
The community?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
The church?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
It is the position of this writer that Christ died for the entire world, and that all those
who respond in faith are effectually elect in Christ.
137
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4:6-7 How does Paul say we should deal with these distractions to
the management of Gods work?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
138
4:15-16 What does Paul say that shows the seriousness of purpose
that is demanded of Gods servants?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
139
6:5 Paul sets the focus for this is by talking about some who are
6:10 What should be our attitude toward money?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Assess your own attitude about money and the things money can
buy. In light of this passage, what changes do you need to make?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2 TIMOTHY:
Guidelines for Leading Gods Work
I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God,
which is in you through the laying on of my hands,
2 Timothy 1:6
Pauls second letter to Timothy was written from a prison cell in
Rome (1:16-17) where he was bound with chains (2:9) and where
he expected soon to be killed (4:6).
It is written to Timothy, Pauls valued and trusted co-worker in
the work of the Gospel.
140
1:6 What does fan into flame the gift of God mean, and how are
we to do this?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
141
1:7 What will the impact be of your gift being fanned into flame?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
How can we develop a holy life? Cf. also 2 Corinthians 7:1; Eph.
4:22-24.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2:2 How can you help implement this principle in your church?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
142
2:7 As you too reflect on this, what do you think Paul is saying?
_________________________________________________________________________
In the O. T. period, the Israelites were Gods elect (Ex. 6:7; Num.
23:9). Because of Christs sacrificial death, all people are
potentially Gods elect (Jn. 3:16) if they repent and trust in Christs
sacrifice for their salvation.
2:11-13 What is the promise and the warning in these verses?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2:14 With the eternal Gospel at stake, what does Paul urge?
_________________________________________________________________________
143
_________________________________________________________________________
Not only should the Bible inform us; it must also transform us. Not
only does it teach us truth to believe; it also teaches us truth to live
by. See also Rom. 6:1-4. Eph. 4:17-32.
What is essential in order for Scripture to equip us for good
works?
_________________________________________________________________________
4:2 What will following this teaching look like in your life?
_________________________________________________________________________
4:3-5 How will the truth of these verses impact your ministry
now?
_________________________________________________________________________
Conclusions, 4:6-22
4:6-8 Paul then concludes with his belief that now at last, his
Christian race is completed, and his end is near.
4:9-18 As you read these verses, do you believe that Pauls
ministry ended in failure? Why, or why not.
_________________________________________________________________________
How can you best prepare Gods people for times of persecution?
_________________________________________________________________________
144
TITUS:
Living Godly in an Ungodly Age
This is why I left you in Crete,
so that you might put what remained into order,
and appoint elders in every town as I directed you
Titus 1:5
This short letter admonishes Titus to focus on the ministry that left
to him when Paul left Crete. It contains two primary ideas:
1. Standards for Godly Leadership, Ch. 1
Titus was to appoint qualified elders in every church, 1:5-9.
This task may have been a challenging task, as 1:12-13 suggests:
One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are always
liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons. This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke
them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.
2. Standards for Godly Behavior, Ch. 23
Titus was to teach what accords with sound34 doctrine35 (2:1). Paul
relates this healthful teaching to: older women (2:3); younger
women (2:4-5); younger men (2:6); himself (2:7-8); and slaves (2:910), in short, to the entire church body.
Key Verse: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for
all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions,
and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
2:11-12.
Titus was a valued fellow worker of Paul, mentioned 13 times in
the New Testament (although not in Acts). Titus was with Paul
when he went to Jerusalem to discuss his Gospel with the
Christian leaders there (Gal. 2:3-5). He was probably with Paul in
Ephesus, and later went to Corinth to assist in the ministry there
(2 Corinthians 2:12-13; 7:5-7; 8:6). He was with Paul during the
evangelization of Crete (1:5), which must have occurred after
Pauls release from prison in Rome.
34
Greek: healthy. Titus was to teach that which would bring spiritual health to the
growing churches throughout Crete. See also 1 Tim. 1:10; 2 Tim. 4:3 and Tit. 1:9, where
this word is used. A note to church shepherds: feeding healthy food to the flock will
produce healthy Christians.
35
The Gr. didaskalia means teaching.
145
The word for elect comes from a word meaning to call out. We
know that God so loved the world that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have eternal life. (Jn. 3:16) Yet Jesus also said,
no man can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.(Jn.
6:44) How these two truths relate has long been debated. Some
hold that God elects individuals to come to Him. Others believe
that there is now a corporate election of all gentiles. This means
that just as God elected the entire nation of Israel, (yet not all who
are descended from Israel belong to Israel, Rom. 9:6), so through
Christs death, he now makes possible the salvation of all. But
only those who respond in faith are saved.
Where does this Christian experience lead us?
_________________________________________________________________________
146
_________________________________________________________________________
147
Wrap Up
At you review the key points made from these three chapters,
write down several ideas that you find most challenging.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Ask for the Lords help as you seek to implement these principles
of godliness into your own life.
148
PHILEMON:
Learning to Forgive
Philemon was a committed believer, who hosted a church in his
own house (v. 2) A slave of his slave, Onesimus, had apparently
stolen from him, and then fled. This was an act punishable by
death. Onesimus ended up in Rome, where he came in contact
with Paul, who was in prison.
Paul led Onesimus to Christ (vs. 10). Subsequently he sent him
back to his master Philemon with this letter, urging clemency for
Onesimus.
What practical lessons do this brief letter for us?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
149
Lesson 10
HEBREWS:
The Superiority of Christ
He is the radiance of the glory of God and
the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe
by the word of his power. After making purification for sins,
he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Hebrews 1:3-4
This important book begins: Long ago, at many times and in many
ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophetsthus expressing the
Jewish nature of this epistle.
Verse 2 then speaks of the New Covenant, but in these last days he
has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things,
through whom also he created the world.
This is then followed in vs. 3 by a descriptive of who Gods Son
truly is.
Outline of the Book
In the introduction (1:1-3) the author sets forth 1) that the Son of
God is God of very God; 2) that his death was for the purification
for sins; and 3) that he is now glorified in heaven.
1. The Superiority of the Work of Christ, Chs. 110
CHRIST IS SUPERIOR TO ANGELS, CHS. 12.
Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited
is more excellent than theirs. Heb. 1:4
Warning: Do not NEGLECT salvation, 2:1-4
CHRIST IS SUPERIOR TO MOSES, CHS. 3:14:13.
For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses--as much
more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house
itself. Heb. 3:3
150
151
152
2:17-18 For what further reason must Jesus become a true human?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
153
3:14 Is our perseverance in faith until the end of life essential for
salvation? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3:15-19 How does the writers citing the children of Israel, who
were not allowed to enter the promised land because of their
disobedience and unbelief, relate to 3:14?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Ch. 4 deals with the application of what he has just said in Ch. 3.
Gods rest from our own works, by faith in what Christ has done
for us. The author has just spoken of why the children of Israel did
NOT enter the Promised Land; only their children did. The
Promised Land was a place of fruitfulness, rest, and blessing. Yet
those who had traveled those years in the desert did not enter.
Why? Because of their unbelief. This part of Israels history is used
to illustrate the then current situation.
4:1-3 What is the rest that God offers?
_________________________________________________________________________
4:4 Gods rest on the 7th day of creation illustrates the rest that
believers have by trusting in Christ.
4:5-6 What was it that kept the Israelites of old from entering the
rest of the Promised Land? Cf. Num. 14:26-30.
_________________________________________________________________________
4:7-8 How does the writer then show that there is an ongoing
application of this truth? Cf. Ps. 95:8-11
154
_________________________________________________________________________
4:9-10 How can we enter into Gods Sabbath Rest even today?
_________________________________________________________________________
We enter Gods Sabbath rest by resting from our own work, just
as God did from His. It is clear that some, as Paul says elsewhere,
did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought
to establish their own, they did not submit to Gods
righteousness. (Romans 10:3)
4:11 What will be the outcome if we enter into Gods rest?
_________________________________________________________________________
4:14-15
What are the stated differences between the high
priesthood of Jesus and that of Aaron?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
155
6:4-6 Does the writer here speak of those who had become true
Christians? What is the evidence found in these verses?
_________________________________________________________________________
156
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
He points out that the one who collects tithes is greater than the
one who pays them. (i.e. the children of Abraham gave tithes to
Melchizedik through their ancestor Abraham.)
7:11-17 He next argues (based on Psalm 110:4) that since God
gave a new covenant, the old covenant requirements were also
changed.
How does he argue that Christs priesthood is forever?
_________________________________________________________________________
157
9:11-12 How did Jesus enter the greater and more perfect
tabernacle?
_________________________________________________________________________
158
159
Discipline can take the form of many hardships in life. How are
you to respond to them? Consider 12:7-13 in your answer.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
160
Lesson 11
JAMES:
Tests of Real Faith
Show me your faith apart from your works,
and I will show you my faith by my works.
James 2:18
Real faith show up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Author. Of the four James in the New Testament, only James the
brother of Jesus could reasonably have written this letter. At first
he was a skeptic (John 7:2-5), but later became a leader in the
Jerusalem church (Galatians 1:19; 2:9; Acts 15:13).
Recipients. James writes to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion, that
is, Jewish Christians who had been scattered by persecution (Acts
8:1), and who later traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and
Antioch (Acts 11:19).
Occasion for Writing. The author was encouraging these Jewish
believers to demonstrate the reality of their faith, even in the midst
of severe trials.
Questions for Study and Discussion
Introduction, 1:1
How does James connect God and Jesus?
_________________________________________________________________________
161
1:12 How will this promise impact the way you handle trials?
_________________________________________________________________________
1:21 What other values are we to deal with as Christians, and how
can we do this properly?
_________________________________________________________________________
1:22-25 What impact does the Word have on you as you read it?
_________________________________________________________________________
1:26 What is the correlation between our tongues and our faith?
_________________________________________________________________________
1:27
How does
circumstances.
this
statement
162
relate
to
your
present
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2:13 What does God promise to those who do not show mercy?
_________________________________________________________________________
2:18-19 How can you show your faith, apart from your deeds?
_________________________________________________________________________
2:20-24 How did Abraham demonstrate his faith? (See Genesis 22)
_________________________________________________________________________
163
_________________________________________________________________________
3:2 How can the tongue keep the whole body in check?
_________________________________________________________________________
3:17 Why do you think James elevates purity above other listed
virtues?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
164
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4:17 How might this verse apply in the context of your own life?
_________________________________________________________________________
165
Conclusion, 5:19-20
What is our responsibility in regard to a brother who wanders
from the truth?
_________________________________________________________________________
1 PETER:
Faith Stands Firm
I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring
that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
1 Peter 5:12
In this first letter, Peter writes of seven ways by which we are to
stand firm in faith.
1. Stand Firm with Confident Faith, 1:3-12
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept
in heaven for you, who by Gods power are being guarded through
faith (1:4-5)2.
2. Stand Firm with Purified Faith, 1:13-25
as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct
(1:15)
3. Stand Firm with Growing Faith, 2:1-12
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it
you may grow up to salvation (2:2)
4. Stand Firm with Submissive Faith, 2:133:7
Be subject for the Lords sake, to every human institution (2:13)
5. Stand Firm with Zealous Faith, 3:84:11
In your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being
prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for
the hope that is in you (3:15)
166
167
1:10-12 For who did the O.T. authors write when they predicted
the sufferings and following glory of Christ?
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2:8 By way of contrast (quoting Isaac 8:14) Christ is: "a stone that
causes men to stumble". Why?
_________________________________________________________________________
Relate this to your own life. Where do you need God's help to live
a more like Christ?
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_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
What in this verse tells us that you do not need to "preach" to him?
_________________________________________________________________________
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3:7 Now for husbands. (Men, you are not off the hook!) How will
you implement the two admonitions in this verse? Be specific, and
talk with your wife about how she would like you to put this into
practice.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
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3:17-18 Why is it "better" to suffer for doing good than for doing
evil?
_________________________________________________________________________
4:1 What is Peter saying here? The "therefore" in 4:1 relates to 3:18.
Compare Romans 6:1-4.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4:5-6 Peter speaks of the day of judgment, and (as in 3:19) speaks
of Christ preaching in hades immediately after His crucifixion.
Although not the only possible interpretation of this passage, it is
reasonable that Christ would offer the good news of salvation to
all who had died before He came.
Peter, along with the other apostles, believed that the return of
Christ would be soon. (Compare Romans 13:12; Philippines 4:5;
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James 5:8; 1 John 2:18 and Revelation 1:3.) While these passages
are capable of several interpretations, the New Testament writers
viewed the first coming of Christ as the climax of all of history. It
was "the fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4). God's redemptive plan
was now complete. Thus the next major event in history is the
return of Christ. That can occur at any time.
4:7-11 In the light of this fact, how are we now to live?
In regard to prayer:
_________________________________________________________________________
In regard to hospitality:
_________________________________________________________________________
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2 PETER:
Living Out Faith in a Hostile World
His divine power has granted to us all things
that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who
called us to his own glory and excellence.
2 Peter 1:3
Peter writes this second letter36 to those who have obtained a faith of
equal standing with ours(1:1) and probably equivalent those
addressed in 1 Peter 1:1. He writes as his life is near its end (1:14),
probably from a prison cell in Rome.
This letter contains two main thoughts:
1. Keys to Living in the Faith, Ch. 1
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life
and godliness . . . for this reason, make every effort to supplement
your faith with . . . 1:3, 5.
2. Challenges to Living in the Faith, Ch. 2-3
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The rather rough Greek of this letter is probably Peters own, as distinct from
the polished Greek of 1 Peter, where Silas helped him (1 Pe. 5:12).
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1:3 What is it that Gods divine power has given to us? Is this the
way you feel about your life? Why, or why not?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
What God has given us, by His divine power pertains to life
spiritual life through the new birth. He has also given us all things
that pertain to godlinesshow we are to live out the spiritual life
He has to given us.
1:4 What will be the result of our embracing His very great and
precious promises?
_________________________________________________________________________
1:5-7 Since this full spiritual provision has been made for us by
the Lord, Peter next tells us that we are to make every effort to
add to our faith certain qualities. What are these?
vs. 5 _____________________________________________________________________
vs. 6 _____________________________________________________________________
vs. 7 _____________________________________________________________________
1:8-9 What will be the result of doing this?
_________________________________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________________________________
What are some personal values you want to leave to your next
generation? How will you do this?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Determining which Scriptures were inspired in the early Church was based
three criteria: 1) was it written by an Apostle, or authorized by an Apostle. 2) was
the content in agreement with other N.T. writings, and 3) was it accepted by the
churches as inspired.
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2:10 Compare this verse with what Peter taught earlier in 1:5-9.
How do you relate to this?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Peter then further elaborates what these false teachers are like, in
2:10-22.
2:10-12 What is their attitude toward God and His Kingdom?
_________________________________________________________________________
2:17-19
others?
_________________________________________________________________________
SCOFFERS, CH. 3
The New Testament writers view the end times, including the
return of Christ, as being imminent. If this was so then, His
coming and the end of the age is even more imminent in our day.
3:1-2 How does Peter relate the teachings of the prophets in the
Old Testament, and the teachings of the apostles in the New?
_________________________________________________________________________
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What does this mean, on a practical level, for your life today?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3:3-9 How does Peter respond to the scoffers who deny there
ever will be a return of Christ?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3:10 Describe the end times, when the day of the Lord will
come.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
1 JOHN:
How to be Sure of Eternal Life
And this is the testimony that God gave us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life;
whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
1 John 5:11-12
John gives three reasons for writing this letter: We are writing
these things so that our joy may be complete., 1:4; I am writing
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these things to you so that you may not sin, 2:1; and I write
these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that
you may know that you have eternal life, 5:13.
The third of these purposes is the focus of this epistle. In this
letter, John gives five bases for our hope of eternal life. These are:
1. If we keep his commandments.
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his
commandments, 2:3.
2. If we practice righteousness.
If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone
who practices righteousness has been born of him, 2:20.
3. If we love our fellow believers.
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love
the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death, 3:14.
4. If the Spirit of God resides in us.
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has
given us of his Spirit, 4:13.
5. If we have received the Son of God as our Savior.
And this is the testimony that God gave us eternal life, and this life
is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have
the Son of God does not have life, 5:11-12.
We become Christians when we receive Jesus as Savior. But there
is more to it than thiswhich is Johns message.
Background to 1 John
AUTHORSHIP. Although the writer of 1 John is not stated, the
writing style bears striking similarities to that of the Gospel of
John. Both are written in a very simple Greek. Similar expressions
are found in both writings (compare 1 John 1:1 with John 1:1; 1
John 1:4 with John 16:24). Also, he claims to have known Jesus
Christ personally, (1:1-4). The early church fathers believed John
to be the author, including Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria,
Tertullian, and Origen.
DATE. Internal evidence suggests that it was written late in the 1st
century, after the writing of the Gospel of John. This would place
it between 85 and 95.
RECIPIENTS. John ministered in Ephesus during the latter part of
the 1st century and before being exiled to the island of Patmos. 1
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John may have been written to this church, as well as to the other
churches in Asia Minor. (Rev. Chs. 2-3)
Questions for Study and Discussion
Introduction, 1:1-4
1:1 Compare that which was from the beginning with John 1:1
and Genesis 1:1.
_________________________________________________________________________
What indication is there in 1:1 that the author was well acquainted
with Jesus?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
One purpose for writing this epistle is stated in 1:4. See 2:1, 2:26,
and 5:13 for additional purposes.
Walking in the Light, 1:5-10
1:5 John first defines God. He says that God is _________ and that in
Him is no _________________ at all. What kind of light is he talking
about?
_________________________________________________________________________
1:6 What does John then say about the person who walks in the
darkness?
_________________________________________________________________________
1:7 What will walking in Gods light look like in our lives?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________________________________
This passage also tells us of Gods love, and provision for the sins
of the whole world. How does this truth relate to you?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
John says in 5:13 that he wrote so that we might know that we have
eternal life. He has given reasons for this assurance in the body of
this letter.
Reason #1: You Are Obeying His Commands, 2:1-28
2:3-5 It is not what we profess, but what we possess. It is not what
we say, but what we do that shows who we really are. See also
Colossians 3:1-10; James 2;14-19.
2:6 If we claim to live in Him, how will we walk?
_________________________________________________________________________
2:12-14 A few things can be noted about this passage. Having just
concluded rather severe statements about our salvation and how
we can know that we are really saved, he now wants to give his
readers some assurance in this regard. Second, the three groups of
people he addresses are at various spiritual stages, rather than at
physical ages. Finally, the double repetition is probably done for
emphasis.
In what ways do you identify with each of these three: a child, a
young person, and a parent?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________________________________
2:15-17 The love that John has been speaking about is not a
worldly love. What, specifically, is in the world that so many love?
_________________________________________________________________________
How does John indicate that this love is not merely a feeling?
_________________________________________________________________________
What these antichrists denied was that Jesus is the Christ and the
eternal Son38 of God.
Why is believing this truth vital to your salvation?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2:24-25 John says that believers have been anointed (2:20, 27),
which is the presence of the Holy Spirit. What is our responsibility
in this regard?
_________________________________________________________________________
2:26-27 In light of those who may seek to pull us away from faith
in Christ, what is the promised help of the Holy Spirit?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
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Some even in Johns day could not imagine an incarnate deity, therefore rejected it.
These people were called Anti-Christ. The world today contains both religions and
secularists, who deny the true deity of Jesus Christ. John says that belief in Jesus as the Son
of God defines a Christian.
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3:9 Why will one who is born of God not continue to sin?
_________________________________________________________________________
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3:21-24
Describe both the promise, and the condition for
answered prayer.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
How will the Spirit within us help us identify that which is against
Christ? Compare 1 John 2:22-23.
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_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4:7-12 John again interjects the theme of love. See 2:7-11 and 3:1118. Tyndale, an ancient translator of the Bible comments, John
singeth his old song again. This time he speaks more intently,
saying that God is love. Then he reminds us that God
demonstrated His love by (4:9):
_________________________________________________________________________
4:11-12 As a consequence:
_________________________________________________________________________
4:16-21 In this passage John singeth his old song yet again. How
can you model 4:16b in your life?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
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2 JOHN
I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth,
just as we were commanded by the Father.
2 John 4
In this brief letter John expresses great concern that believers may
fall away from the central truth of the Christian faith, the coming
of Jesus Christ in the flesh. An early heresy, known later as
Gnosticism, claimed that Jesus only appeared to be human, or
only appeared to be divine, but not both.
In this brief letter John writes to the elect lady. Written during a
time of increasing persecution of Christians, this was likely a code
name for a local church, though it might have been an actual
person. In either case, her children would be members of the
congregation.
John identifies himself as The elder. This too was a disguise.
Roman authorities, hostile to the faith, were thus prevented from
knowing either the author, or the recipients.
Questions for Study and Discussion
Introduction, 1:1-3
In this hostile environment, both politically and doctrinally, John
is concerned (v. 1) with __________________________.
1:3 Relate the order of the words grace, mercy and peace to
your own Christian life.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
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Conclusion, 12-13
It may be that John was already on the island of Patmos (see
Revelation 1:9), or at some other secure location. In any event, he
planned to visit them soon, when he would be able to talk face to
face.
3 JOHN
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you
and that you may be in good health,
as it goes well with your soul.
3 John 2
Background to 3 John
THE WRITER. This letter too, was written in an entirely
camouflaged manner. He identifies himself simply as the elder.
The churches both where John was, and where Gaius was, are
identified simply as the friends.
Keep this biblical model in mind if the day should come when you and
your church experience serious persecution,.
TO WHOM WRITTEN. Gaius was a common Roman name. He may
have been the pastor of this church.
DATE OF WRITING. Third John was probably written around the
same time as 2nd John, that is, between 85 and 95.
Questions for Study and Discussion
1-4 In this letter too, John is concerned about your truth. As we
have seen before in Johns writings, the truth concerns:
_________________________________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________________________________
5-8 Whereas in 2 John, John urged the elect lady to reject the
false teachers who come by, in 3 John he urges the church to:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion, 1:13-15
John could have written much more, but he wanted rather, to
communicate with them face to face.
JUDE:
Contending for the Faith
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you
about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to
you to contend for the faith
that was once for all delivered to the saints.
Jude vs. 3
This letter confronts the twin evils of corrupt morals, and false
teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.
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See Acts 19:32, 39, 41 where this Greek word is used of a secular gathering.
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How does he describe the men who had slipped in among them?
_________________________________________________________________________
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1:5-7 What examples does Jude give, showing how God will deal
with such evil in the lives of others?
_________________________________________________________________________
1:8 In the same way these dreamers were doing three things:
How had they polluted their bodies?
_________________________________________________________________________
They also slandered glorious ones, i.e., angels. The Jews thought
highly of angels, and saw them, among other things, as guardians
of the Law. It is not surprising then, that these godless men would
slander the messenger of Law that condemned their actions.
1:9 How did the archangel Michael respond to the devil?
_________________________________________________________________________
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12 Lesson
THE REVELATION:
The Revelation of and by Jesus Christ
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him
to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.
Revelation 1:1
Outline of the Book of Revelation
Introduction, 1:1-8
The revelation of Jesus Christ means it is a revelation of who
he is (Ch. 1), as well as of what he reveals (Chs. 222).
1. The Things That You Have Seen, Ch. 1
What John saw, was Jesus Christ in his glorified state in
heaven, 1:9-20
2. The Things That Are, Chs. 23
The things that are at that time, were seven Churches in
Asia Minor, to whom this book is addressed. He knows
everything that is going on in these churches, both good, and
bad.
3. The Things That Will Take Place, Chs. 422
Notice 4:1, where the Lord Jesus says to John, Come up here,
and I will show you what must take place after this. What are
these things?
GOD ON HIS THRONE IN HEAVEN, CH. 45.
In heaven, John first sees God on His Throne, where he is
preparing to judge the world by Jesus Christ, who died for the sins
of the world, 5:9-10.
THE SEVEN SEALS, 6:1-17
The first four of these seals pictures judgment on the earth, while
the 5th seal represents Christian martyrs. The 6th seal tells the
response of unbelievers who have rejected God and his son Jesus,
6:16.
The 144,000 are representative of believers from the Old
Testament period, 7:4.
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41
195
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1:10-16 Who was it that told John to write to the seven churches?
_________________________________________________________________________
Pick at least one aspect of this description and share your thoughts
about what it symbolizes.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2:8-11 To the church in Smyrna. Why were they not to fear what
you are about to suffer?
_________________________________________________________________________
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The twenty four elders may represent the 12 tribes of Judah and
the 12 Apostles. It may thus indicate the essential oneness of Gods
people of faith from both the Old and the New Testaments.
Who sits on the throne in Ch. 5? __________________________________
Why is He worthy of your worship?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5:5-14 Why was the Lamb the only one worthy to open the
scroll that was sealed with seven seals?
_________________________________________________________________________
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6:3-4 The Second Seal. The fiery red horse was given power to:
_________________________________________________________________________
6:5-6 The Third Seal. The black horse seems to indicate famine,
which would be the natural outcome of what occurs in 6:1-4.
6:7-8 The Forth Seal. The pale horse represents:
_________________________________________________________________________
Even though death and Hades are a part of this scene, who
ultimately controls Death and Hades? See also Revelation 1:18.
_________________________________________________________________________
6:9-11 The Fifth Seal. The opening of this seal reveals the souls of
those who had been martyred for the sake of Christ. What answer
did God give in response to their question?
_________________________________________________________________________
6:12-17 The Sixth Seal. Verses 12-14 indicates the end of the
physical earth as we know it.
6:15-17 Why will the people on earth want the mountains and the
rocks to fall on them?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
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8:6-7 What was the impact of the first angels sounded trumpet?
_________________________________________________________________________
8:8 What part of the earth was destroyed by the second angel?
_________________________________________________________________________
9:1-11 The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, bringing with it the
first of these awful woes.
9:1 A star fell from heaven. Probably this was an angel, but
there are widely ranging views about who this personage might
be.
9:2-5 Briefly describe the suffering inflicted on mankind.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
9:6 What will their response be, and what does this indicate?
_________________________________________________________________________
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10:11 What was John then told about the scope of the rest of the
prophecies in this book?
_________________________________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________________________________
11:14-19 The seventh angels trumpet and third woe. With this
final trumpet the kingdom of God is ushered in.
11:14 Why is this seventh trumpet a woe?
_________________________________________________________________________
12:17 Who are the rest of her offspring to whom the devil next
directs his anger?
_________________________________________________________________________
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In the ancient world the sea was often identified with evil.
Describe this beast.
_________________________________________________________________________
13:6-7 How does this beast relate to God and to His children?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
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13:18 John then ends this vision with a call for us to understand.
The clue he gives us is ______________________ .
Since the number 6 is widely seen as mans number, it may be that
John is indicating that this personage, although exercising
miraculous attributes, is really but a man.
THE LAMB AND THE 144,000, 14:1-5
In strong contrast to these two antichrist forces, is the Lamb
(Jesus).
14:1 Where is He standing, and with whom?
_________________________________________________________________________
These people are the same as the 144,000 Jewish believers in Ch. 7.
They are gathered around Mt. Zion42, thus Jewish, but it is not the
songs of Zion that they sing, rather it is:
_________________________________________________________________________
14:8 The second angel announces the end of Babylon the Great.
Babylon clearly alludes to corrupt secular power, of the kind
represented by the two beasts.
14:9-13 The third angel then warns that:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
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Mount Zion is a hill near Jerusalem that is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament.
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15:3-4 The fact that they were singing the song of Moses indicates
the Jewish roots of some, and the song of the Lamb, the spiritual
heritage of all.
15:5-6 The seven angels with the seven last plagues come from:
_________________________________________________________________________
16:3 The second bowl. What was the effect of the second plague?
_________________________________________________________________________
16:8-9 The forth bowl,. How did mankind respond to this plague?
_________________________________________________________________________
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16:12-16 The sixth bowl. What is the emphasis of the sixth plague?
_________________________________________________________________________
16:15 What message does Jesus give to the readers of this book?
Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:2.
_________________________________________________________________________
16:17-21 The seventh bowl. How did people respond to this last
plague? What does this tell us about their hearts condition?
_________________________________________________________________________
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17:15 The waters on which the prostitute sits are identified as:
_________________________________________________________________________
17:16-18 In the end, the evil beast will hate the evil prostitute, and
bring her reign to an end. Her judgment will be at the hand of this
beast, but at whose command?
_________________________________________________________________________
God will in that day bring down the last government, and He will
do it through the power of the evil beast!
THE GREAT REJOICING, 19:1-16.
The word hallelujah occurs four times in this chapter but
nowhere else in the New Testament. This word in Hebrew means
praise the Lord.
19:1-3 What reasons are given for praising the Lord?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
19:4-8 What further reasons are given for praising the Lord?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
The concept of the wedding of the Lamb has its roots in the Old
Testament (Isaiah 54:5 and Hosea 2:19), as well as in the New
(Matthew 22:2-13; Ephesians 5:31-32). It will occur when the bride
of Christ, the Church, will finally be united with Christ.
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Christian martyrs:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
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It is in this place that God now dwells with His people, 21:3.
21:4 How will this verse comfort those readers suffering
persecution?
_________________________________________________________________________
21:6-8 How can you use the book of Revelation with nonChristians?
_________________________________________________________________________
21:9-27 The bride of Christ is now seen as the Holy City. It had 12
gates, on which were written:
_________________________________________________________________________
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CONCLUSION: 22:6-21
22:6 Soon take place means that Gods history as described in the
book is about to unfold.
22:7 How do we keep the words of the prophecy of this book?
_________________________________________________________________________
Compare 1:3, Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this
prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written
in it, for the time is near
22:8-9 So awe-inspiring is this vision that John is again tempted to
fall down and worship the angel messenger, (cf. 19:10).
What do you learn about angels from these two verses?
_________________________________________________________________________
22:10 Why was John not to seal up the words of the prophecy of this
book?
_________________________________________________________________________
22:18-19 John warns that all copies of this book must carefully
contain everything that John wrote, nothing added, and nothing
left out.
What does he promise will happen to those who make any
changes in it?
_________________________________________________________________________
22:14 What is the condition for having the right to the tree of life
and entering the city by the gates?
_________________________________________________________________________
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