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Dec 24 06 10:41 PM
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Quote:I. Introduction. A. Greeting (1:1-3). 1. Letter written by Paul (1:1). a. Paul describes himself as a prisoner of Jesus (1:1) b. Timothy was with Paul (1:1). 2. Letter written to Philemon (1:1). a. Also written to Apphia, our sister (1:2). b. Also Archippus, our fellow-soldier (1:2). c. Also to the church in thy house (1:2). 3. Paul wishes for them grace and peace (1:3). B. Personal remarks (1:4-7). 1. Paul was thankful for Philemon and prayed for him (1:4). 2. Paul knew of Philemon's love and faith (1:5). 3. Paul wanted the Philemon to share his faith with others (1:6). a. We share faith through preaching the word to the lost (1:6). b. Faith is shared when we feed the hungry and take care of the needy (1:6). 4. Philemon extended hospitality to the saved (1:7).II. Main Subject of the Letter (1:8-21). A. Paul could have commanded Philemon to do the right thing (1:9). 1. The apostle preferred to entreat Philemon because of love (1:9). a. Paul reminded Philemon of his age (1:9). b. He also mentioned he was a prisoner of Jesus (1:9). B. Paul begs Philemon on behalf of Onesimus (1:10-14). 1. Paul converted Onesimus while Paul was in prison (1:10). 2. Paul says the once unprofitable Onesimus was now profitable to both the apostle and to Philemon (1:11). 3. Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon (1:12-14). a. Paul loved Onesimus (1:12). b. Paul wanted to keep Onesimus with him to help the apostle in his imprisonment (1:13). c. Paul would not keep Onesimus without the consent of Philemon because he did not want to force a benefit against the will of the benefactor (1:14). C. Reasons for receiving and restoring Onesimus (1:15-19). 1. Onesimus returns as a brother in the Lord with whom Philemon might spend eternity in heavenly rest (1:15). 2. Paul says that Onesimus comes back to Philemon not as just a slave but as a brother in Christ (1:16). a. In the flesh, Onesimus was Philemon's slave (1:16). b. In the Lord, Onesimus was Philemon's brother (1:16). 3. Paul pleads with Philemon to receive Onesiums as he would receive Paul if he came to Philemon (1:17). 4. If Onesimus owes Philemon anything, Paul will repay it (1:18-19). a. Paul wrote the bond with his hand (1:19). b. Paul does not invoke the fact that Philemon owed his very self to the apostle (1:19). D. Personal appeal (1:20-22). 1. Paul says that if Philemon will receive Onesiums and treat him well, it would give him joy and rest his heart in Christ (1:20). 2. Paul expresses confidence and satisfaction that Philemon would do what Paul wanted him to do (1:21). 3. Paul wanted Philemon to prepare accommodations for him because he expected to be released from prison and visit with Philemon (1:22).III. Conclusion (1:23-25). A. Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, Paul's fellow-workers, sent their good wishes (1:23-24). B. Paul wanted the favor of Jesus to be with Philemon's spirit (1:25).
Dec 24 06 10:54 PM
Quote:I. Introduction. A. The primary purpose of this letter was to guard the church against the false teachers of false philosophy. 1. The first half of the letter is doctrinal (1:12 to 2:23). 2. The second half of the letter is practical (3:1 to 4:1 . B. Greeting and gratefulness for their faith (1:1-2). 1. The letter was from Paul, an apostle of Jesus, and Timothy, the brother (1:1). 2. To the saved and the faithful in the city of Colossae, a city of Asia Minor near the town of Laodicea (1:2). 3. He wishes for them grace and peace from Jehovah and from Jesus (1:2). C. Paul's prayer for them (1:3-11). 1. Thanksgiving for their faith and love for the saints (1:3-4). 2. Thankful for the hope of an eternal reward (1:5). 3. The gospel was the foundation of the hope of future reward (1:5). 4. The gospel had come to Colosae and to all the world (1:6). 5. The gospel brings forth the fruit of the knowledge of the grace (gifts) of God (1:6). a. Their faithful preacher was Epaphras (1:7). b. Paul had learned about the church in Colosae from Epaphras (1: . 6. Paul prayed they might: a. Be filled with knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and understanding (1:9). b. Walk worthily of the Lord (1:10). c. Bear fruit in every good work (1:10). d. Be strengthened with all power (1:11). e. Be patient and longsuffering with joy (1:11).II. Doctrinal Part of the Letter (1:12 to 2:23). A. Exhortation to be thankful for salvation (1:12-29). 1. The Father made us sufficient to partake of heaven (1:12). 2. The Father translated the saved out of the world of sin, and into the kingdom of his dear Son (1:13). 3. In Christ is forgiveness of sins (1:14). 4. Jesus is: (1:15-19). a. The image of the invisible God (1:15). b. The firstborn of all creation (1:15). c. Creator of all things (created through and unto him) (1:16). d. Before all things (eternal) and by him all things stand together (1:17). e. Head of the church (1:1 . f. Preeminent--to be first (1:1 . g. God in the completeness of his being (1:19). B. The great blessing of reconciliation in Jesus is made known through the gospel (1:20-23). 1. Through Jesus, the Father changes the sinner from enemy to friend (reconciles the lost). Men are invited to be reconciled to Jehovah--to change their attitude, and accept the provision God had made (1:20). a. The reconciliation is by the blood of the cross (1:20). b. The result of reconciliation is peace (1:20). 2. The lost are corrupt in mind and evil in works (1:21). 3. The sinner may come back to God and be made holy, without blemish and unreprovable by Jesus' death on the cross (1:22). 4. It is necessary to continue in the faith (1:23). a. Grounded in the hope of the exciting news of salvation (1:23). b. The gospel was preached throughout the world (1:23). C. The service and persecution of Paul (1:24-29). 1. Paul rejoiced in his suffering because it served the highest interest of the church, which is Jesus' body, for which Paul gladly faced afflicted (1:24). 2. Paul served sinners because of the stewardship given to him according to the will of God (1:25). 3. The revealed mystery is that God is willing to save all the nations--not just the Jews (1:26-29). a. Christ is also in the Gentiles as the hope of glory (1:27). b. Paul preached Jesus to all men that all might be made complete in Christ (1:2 . c. Paul labored--toiled to the point of weariness--to teach the whole world the truth of the gospel (1:29). D. Exhortation to steadfastness (2:1-10). 1. The importance of the subject (2:1-7). a. The apostle loved the lost and sought their salvation-- even those he had never met (2:1). b. Paul wanted them to have comfort, love, and the full assurance that the gospel is for all (2:2). c. In Christ all spiritual wisdom and knowledge is deposited (2:3). d. Do not let false teachers fool you with their fair speech (2:4). e. Though I cannot be with you physically, I think of you and am happy because you have a clear-headed understanding, and therefore, have a strong foundation (2:5). f. Stay with the truth you received (2:6-7). 2. Warning against false teachers (2:8-10). a. There is an ever-present danger of being spoiled by those who claim to love truth, but follow empty words, the teaching of men, and all that is opposed to God (2: . b. In Christ is the fullness of perfection and the government of deity. If you have Christ--the gospel--you do not need any other teaching. The fullness of the divine is in Jesus (2:9). c. In Christ you have full perfection (2:10). E. You have everything you need in Christ (2:11-15). 1. In Christ you have a circumcision not made with hands (2:11) a. This circumcision is the putting off of the sinful body of the flesh (2:11). b. It is the work of Christ (not the work of man--not made with hands) (2:11). 2. The circumcision not made with hands--putting off the body of flesh--occurred in baptism (2:12). a. It is a co-burial and a co-ressurrection--you are buried with Christ and you are raised with Christ (2:12). b. This is accomplished because of your faith in the work God does in your burial and resurrection (2:12). 3. You were dead in sin, but are now alive in Christ (2:13). 4. Gentiles are saved without submitting to the Jewish law (2:14). a. The bond written in ordinances that opposed Gentiles and preferred Jews, is removed (2:14). b. Jesus nailed that Old Covenant to his cross (2:14) 5. Jesus gives both Jew and Gentile victory over the devil and his angels in the triumph of calvary (2:15). F. Evils to be avoided (2:16-23). 1. Do not be bound by the requirement of the Jewish law (2:16). a. The Jewish law was a shadow (2:16). b. The substance is Christ--the new covenant (2:17. 2. Salvation does not come by: (2:1 a. Your own suffering--crawling over broken glass or lying on beds of nails (2:1 . b. Worshipping angels (2:1 . c. The worthlessness of human wisdom (2:1 . d. Salvation comes by holding fast to Christ (2:19). 3. If you died and were buried with Christ in baptism and raised with him to a new life, do not follow worthless things (2:20-23). a. Human ordinances (2:20). b. Austerities (2:21). c. Things which may appear to be clever, but have no value in warring against the enemies of the soul (2:22-23).III. Practical Part of the Letter (3:1 to 4:1 . A. You died and were buried and were raised with Christ to be a new creature (3:1-4) 1. Think about heaven, not earth (3:2). 2. You are dead to sin and alive to God (3:3). 3. When Jesus comes again he shall appear a second time apart from sin unto salvation, and worldly things will perish (3:4). B. Stay away from evil (3:5-11). 1. Avoid sexual impurity of every kind, filth (keep your house clean), intemperate affection, evil thoughts, and greed--love of money which is worship of mammon, or idolatry (3:5). 2. God will punish every vile thing (3:6). 3. You once lived by the rule of moral decadence (3:7). 4. But now, put all wrong away (3:8-9). a. This includes anger, wrath, malice, railing and vulgar talk (3: . b. The old man of sin has bean crucified with Christ, therefore, tell the truth (3:9). 5. Follow Christ as your generous creator and do not be biased against other humans (3:10-11). C. Things children of God must do (3:12-25). 1. Follow what is true and right (3:12-15). 2. Let the word of Christ live in you, and teach and admonish one another to love and good works (3:16-16). 3. Do only those things Christ approves (3:17). 5. Wives obey your husbands (3:1 . 6. Husbands love you wives (3:19). 7. Children obey your parents (3:20). 8. Fathers, do not provoke and discourage your children (3:21). 9. Slaves, offer sincere obedience to your masters (3:22-24). a. Do not chaff and be resentful (3:23). b. Christ will come and reward you (3:24). c. Christ will punish evil doers (3:25). 10. Masters, be fair to your slaves knowing you have a master in heaven to whom you must give an answer (4:1). D. Various admonitions (4:2-6) 1. Continue in prayer (4:2-4). 2. Walk in wisdom toward those outside of Christ (4:5). 3. Buy back the opportunities (4:5). 4. Let your speech be with grace (4:6). 5. Know how to answer each one (4:6). E. Tychicus and Onesimus would come to them and bring additional information about Paul's condition (4:7-9). F. Closing remarks and blessing (4:10-1 .
Dec 24 06 10:55 PM
Quote:I. Introduction. A. Greeting and encouragement (1:1-2). 1. Paul and Timothy sent the letter (1:1). a. Paul does not call himself an apostle b. He thinks of himself and Timothy as servants of Jesus 2. The letter is sent to saints, supervisors (bishops) and deacons of the church at Philippi (1:1). a. He begs for them grace and peace (1:2). b. The source of grace and peace is God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (1:2).II. Paul's Thank You Letter (1:3-4:23). A. Paul's thankfulness for the brethren in Philippi (1:3-11). 1. Paul prayed for them with joy (1:3-4). 2. His prayer included many things (1:5-11). a. Thankfulness for their participation in his work of advancing the gospel, being confident they would continue (1:5-6). b. They helped him to defend and confirm the gospel (1:7). c. God knew how much he loved them (1: . d. Paul wanted their love to grow in knowledge and discrimination (1:9). (Love is not sentiment only but is connected with reason and judgment.) e. Understanding would enable them to know truth and approve what is right (1:10-11). B. Results of Paul's imprisonment at Rome (1:12-30). 1. The gospel was preached (1:12-19). a. Among the praetorian guard (1:13). b. Brethren made bold to speak the word (1:14). c. Some acted for unworthy reasons (1:15-16). d. Paul was happy the good news of salvation was taught regardless of the motive of the teacher (1:18-19). 2. Paul's only purpose in life was to honor Jesus (1:20-26). a. He wanted to boldly magnify Jesus (1:20). b. "To live is Christ, to die is gain" (1:21). c. Paul hoped to see them again in this life (1:22-26). 3. He urges them to behave like citizens of heaven (1:27-30). a. United and laboring for the one true faith (1:27). b. Unafraid and hopeful (1:2 . c. Thankful for the gifts of salvation and suffering (1:29). d. Paul once suffered in a Philippian jail and was now suffering in a Roman jail (1:30). C. Instructions to perform various duties (2:1-30). 1. There is in Christ consolation of love, fellowship of the Spirit, tender mercies and compassion (2:1). a. Paul urges them to make his joy full (2:2). b. He wanted them to be of the same mind and love, being of one accord and mind (2:2). 2. The example of Christ (2:5-11). a. Jesus was equal with Jehovah (2:6). b. He gave up the glory of eternity to assume the limits of human flesh (2:7- . c. He was offered as a sacrifice for sin (2: . d. In consequence of his gruesome death--his perfect obedience to the Father's will--he is today exalted (2:9-11; Heb. 5:8-9). 3. Imitate Jesus example (2:12-1 . a. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (2:12). b. Regardless of your condition God can work in you (2:13). c. Do not murmur (2:14). d. Do right in an evil world (2:15). e. Preach and defend the revealed word so as not to make Paul's life meaningless (2:16). f. I rejoice to be sacrificed for your faith (2:17). g. You should also be happy because it works for you an eternal reward (2:1 . 4. The sending of Timothy (2:19-23). a. He wanted to know their condition (2:19). b. Timothy was good and faithful (2:20). c. Others did not have Timothy's qualities (2:21). d. Timothy helped in advancing and guarding the gospel (2:22). e. He would send Timothy to Philippi as soon as he knew the outcome of his imprisonment (2:23). 5. If released, Paul would personally come to Philippi (2:24). 6. Epaphroditus brought relief to Paul from Philippi (2:25-30). a. Epaphroditus had been sick to the point of death (2:26-2 . b. Epaphroditus' health was recovered and Paul sent him back to Philippi (2:29-30). D. Encouragement to holy living (3:1-3). 1. Be happy and faithful (3:1). 2. Watch out for false teachers--they are dogs, evil workers and mutilators (3:2). 3. Worship God, glory in Jesus, have no confidence in the flesh and you will be right with God (3:3). E. Paul's life (3:4-21). 1. His early life and education (3:4-6). 2. He renounced everything to gain Christ (3:7-11). a. Earthly assets were rejected (3:7). b. Worldly things are nothing when compared to eternal rewards (3: . c. Paul was not righteous because he kept the moral law of God perfectly, but was pure because of his obedience of faith (3:9). d. Paul depended on Jesus' sacrifice for his salvation (3:10-11). 3. Paul still had work to do (3:12-17). a. Paul was not already safe in heaven, but was still struggling on earth to receive the final reward (3:12). b. Paul wanted to achieve the prize for which Jesus claimed him (3:13). c. He forgot the past and looked to the future (3:13). d. He pressed on toward the goal (3:14). e. All who want to be saved should do the same (3:15). f. We must walk by the rule God has given us (3:16). g. Follow Paul as he followed Christ (3:17). 4. False teachers (3:18-19) a. Many--not few--false teachers are in the world (3:1 . b. False teachers are enemies of Christ and will end up in hell (3:19). c. They worship their own belly and glory in their own shame and think only of fleshly lust and desires (3:19). 5. The saint is noble (3:20-21). a. The saint belongs to heaven and is waiting for the coming of the Lord (3:20). b. Jesus will reward the child of God with a heavenly home, crown and throne (3:21).III. Final Exhortations A. Stand fast in the one Lord (4:1-3). 1. Commands Euodia and Syntyche to stop fussing (4:2). 2. Wants the church to help these women (4:3). B. Be happy--it is your duty--and be faithful (4:4-7) 1. Rejoice--rejoice (4:4). 2. Let everyone see your gentleness (4:5). a. Be good (4:5). b. Jesus could come again at any time (4:5). 3. Do not be worried about earthly things (4:6). 4. The warrior peace of God guards your thoughts and hearts (4:7). C. Think on noble things (4:8-9). D. Paul was grateful for their kind contribution to his material needs (4:10-19). 1. They remembered him (4:10-13). a. He knew how to be content with or without food (4:11-12). b. With Jesus help, Paul could do what he had to do--either rejoice in the gift, or go without necessities (4:13). 2. Still, it was good for them to send money to his relief (4:14). 3. They had a long partnership with Paul (4:15-16). 4. Paul's only interest was in their spiritual health (4:17). 5. They had supplied his physical needs and he was happy (4:1 . 6. God would reward them (4:19-20). E. Closing remarks (4:21-23).
Dec 24 06 10:56 PM
Quote:I. Introduction. A. Greeting (1:1-4). 1. Written by Paul (1:1). a. Paul was God's slave, but sent by Jesus (1:1). b. The elect are chosen by faith and a knowledge of truth (1:1). c. The doctrine is consistent with a proper fear of God (godliness) in contrast to false teaching (1:1). 2. Fearing God and keeping his commandments, which is godliness, brings hope of eternal life (1:2). a. God cannot lie, therefore the promised reward is sure (1:2). b. Eternal life in Christ was promised from before eternity (1:2). 3. The powerful gospel of salvation (1:3). a. It was revealed at the best time (1:3). b. God's word is made known through preaching (1:3; 1 Cor. 1:21). c. Paul was a steward of revelation and received his commission by the will of God (1:3). 4. Letter was written to Titus (1:4). a. Titus was Paul's child after a common faith (1:4). b. Paul prays for Titus the favor of God and a calm soul (1:4).II. Various Commands and Exhortations (1:5 to 3:11). A. Titus work in Crete (1:5-16). 1. Paul left Titus in Crete to set things in order by appointing elders in every city of Crete (1:5). a. Titus, a preacher, was to appoint elders (1:5). b. There is a difference in appointing and selecting (Acts 6:3; John 15:16). c. The disciples selected the men to be appointed as elders. d. The church did the selecting and the preacher did the appointing. 2. Qualifications of elders (1:6-9). a. Not deserving of blame, Husband of one wife, Believing children free from riot and unruliness, God's manager, Free from a self-will that is inconsiderate of others, Not soon angry, Not a wine-bibber who is abusive, Not spoiling for a fight, Not greedy, Given to hospitality, A lover of good, Sound mind and able to think, Just, Holy, Self-controlled, Holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, Able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict correct doctrine. 3. Many false teachers were disturbing the church, especially Jews (1:10-14). a. The false teaching had to be corrected and the false teachers stopped (1:11). b. The false teachers sabotaged whole families (1:11). c. They taught wrong things because they saw an opportunity to make money by doing it (1:11). d. Cretans had a bad reputation (1:12). e. Paul said they deserved their rotten report (1:13). f. Because Cretans generally were liars, ferocious, and idle gluttons, it was necessary to reprove them sharply to keep them sound in the faith (1:13). g. Titus was to watch out for and avoid false teachers (1:14). 4. To the pure all things are pure (1:15). a. This does not follow that a saint can do wrong things with immunity. b. This means that right thinking people do right things. 5. To the impure all things are impure (1:15). a. They are polluted in mind and seared in conscience and therefore morally corrupt (1:15). b. What we do is controlled by what we think, therefore, discipline your thoughts. 6. These evil, false teachers claim to be children of God, but are reprobates (1:16). B. What Titus was to teach (2:1-15). 1. Preach sound doctrine (2:1). 2. Aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience (2:2). 3. Aged women (2:3-5). a. Reverent in bearing (2:3). b. Not slanderers (2:3). c. Not addicted to much wine (2:3). d. Teachers of good things (2:3). e. Train young women to love their husbands and children (2:4). f. To be level-headed (2:5). g. Decent (2:5). h. In subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed (2:5). 4. Younger men to be of sound mind (2:6). 5. Titus to be an example to the believers (2:7- . a. His teaching to be uncorrupted (2:7). b. Conduct himself with dignity (gravity) (2:7). c. His speech was to be healthy, or sound (2: . d. His impeccable character and sound teaching would shame and put to silence those who opposed him and Paul (2: . 6. Servants to be in subject to their masters (2:9-10). a. Slaves to submit to their masters (2:9). b. Slaves not to contradict their masters (2:9). c. Slaves not to steal (2:10). d. Slaves are to be faithful to their masters (2:10). e. Good behavior on the part of believing slaves would beautify the gospel (2:10). C. The nature and design of the gospel (2:11-15). 1. The gospel makes known to all men God's gracious offer of salvation (2:11). 2. The God's gift of the gospel teaches the saved to refrain from wrong and to do right (2:12). 3. The gospel teaches us to look for the second coming of Christ (2:13). 4. Jesus suffered and died that, because of his stripes and sacrifice, Jehovah could forgive man and still be just (2:14). a. Those redeemed by the blood of Jesus are to be enthusiastic for good works (2:14). 5. Titus was to teach these things with authority (2:15). 6. Titus was to speak and exhort and reprove (2:15). D. Titus' conduct and teaching (3:1-11). 1. Believers are to be good citizens, but obey God first (3:1). 2. Believers are to treat all men properly (3:2). 3. Believers were once of the world, but have been saved and are now in the world but of a higher order (3:3-4). a. Salvation come through the kindness of God our Savior, which is his grace (3:4). b. God's grace is his love towards man (3:4; John 3:16). 4. Man is not saved by his own works done in righteousness (3:5). a. Man's own works done in righteousness mean a flawless keeping of moral and divine law (3:5; Rom. 4:2). b. All mature people sin and fall short of God's glory (3:5; Rom 3:23). c. Jesus Christ is the only exception--he lived without sin and by his perfect keeping of the law earned his reward by his own works done in righteousness (Heb. 4:14-15; Rev. 5:6-14). d. It is not possible for man to devise his own plan of salvation (3:5). 5. Man is saved by his works of faith (righteousness) and obedience to the gospel (3:6-7; Rom. 1:5, 16; 2 Thess. 1:8; James 2:24-26). a. Man by his obedient faith receives God's gift of salvation (grace). Man's obedience to the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ makes him free from the law of his flesh which brings sin and death (Rom. 8:2). b. It follows that, while man cannot save himself by keeping the moral and divine law without fail; man, by his right doing (obeying the commands of God, which is a work of faith (faith is a work--John 6:28-29)), does something (works) to be saved by God's grace. c. Obeying God has merit. Faithful work of obedience to the commands of God is meritorious. Salvation is a reward for faithful service (Phil. 3:13-15; Rev. 3:4; Matt. 5:12; 6:1; 10:1, 42; Luke 6:23, 35; 1 Cor. 3:8, 14; Heb. 10:35; 2 John 8; Rev. 11:18; 22:12). d. Man can be worthy of his calling (Eph. 4:10; 2 Thess. 1:11); worthy of the gospel (Phil. 1:27); worthy of the Lord (Col. 1:10); worthy of the kingdom of God (2 Thess. 1:5) e. Paul calls man's part in receiving God's gift of salvation (grace) the "washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" (3:5). f. God gives his favor to us richly in Jesus (3:6). g. We are justified by God's favor in giving to us a Redeemer and a plan revealed in the gospel, which is the basis of our hope (3:7). 6. Salvation begins for man in his good works and he is, being saved, to maintain (continue) in his good works righteousness) (3: . 7. Treatment of the factious (3:9-11). a. Avoid foolish and meaningless questions and genealogies (3:9). b. A rebellious person is to be warned two times and then is to be rejected (3:10). c. A factious man is perverted, is sinning, being self- condemned (3:11).III. Conclusion (3:12-15). A. Titus was to bring Zenas and Apollos with him and meet Paul at Nicopolis (3:12-13). B. Let our people learn to maintain good works (3:14). C. Customary salutations (3:15).
Dec 24 06 10:58 PM
Quote:I. Introduction (1:1-2). A. The author of the letter (1:1) 1. Identified as "the elder" (1:1). a. This may not refer to the office of elder or presbyter, but to age. b. John does not identify himself in any of his letters. c. He often refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." d. John outlived all the rest of the apostles so it would be natural for him to stress his great age. 2. The style of the letter is so much like that of the gospel of John we can be sure that the same man wrote both books. There is no doubt that John the apostle wrote the gospel of John. Therefore, we are sure he wrote this book. B. The letter was written to a female disciple and her children (1:1). 1. The word translated "lady" is from the Greek work "Kuria" (English, Cyria). Sarah also means lady or princess. 2. This lady had children. Some think John wrote the letter to a church which he called "the elect lady." A church would not be said to have children. B. John sincerely loved Cyria and her children (1:1). C. She was also known and loved by all who have known the truth (1:1). 1. It is possible to know the truth (John 8:32). a. We may know the mystery of God, even Christ (Col. 2:2). b. We can read and understand the revealed message, and this enables us to know the writer's understanding of the mystery of Christ (Eph. 3:4). c. We can be filled with a knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Col. 1:9). d. By considering what inspired men wrote, God gives us understanding in all things (2 Tim. 2:7). e. The Son of God gives us understanding (1 John 5:20). 2. Those who know and love the truth love and respect all other lovers of truth. D. The truth abides in the child of God and is eternal (1:2). 1. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Col. 3:16). E. Paul wishes for this select lady grace, mercy and peace (1:3). 1. Those who have the revealed word dwelling in them have grace, mercy and peace--favor, forgiveness and calm. F. John was happy to find certain of the children of Cyria walking in the truth (1:4). 1. The Father commands us to walk in truth (1:4). 2. Some of this dear lady's children were walking in the truth (1:4). This may imply that some of her children were not walking in truth. It is not uncommon for the children of pious people to forsake the right way. The children of Job are an example.II. Importance of Sound Doctrine (1:5-11). A. The command for all who walk in the truth to love one another (1:5). 1. Those who love obey the commandments of God (1:6). a. "If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). b. We love the children of God when we show our love for God by keeping his commandments (1 John 5:2-3). B. Warning against false teachers (1:7-11). 1. Many false teachers are in the world (1:7). a. John had in mind especially those who denied that Jesus Christ came in the flesh (1:7). b. Such deniers are deceivers and antichrists (1:7). 2. Examine yourself to be sure you are walking in the truth and will receive a full reward (1: . a. It is possible to lose the reward (1: . b. Reward means hire or wage. 3. Abiding in the teaching of Christ (1:9). a. Teaching of Christ may mean what Christ taught, or teaching about Christ. b. If John means the true teaching about the nature and being of Jesus, this would include his Lordship. c. If Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings, then he is to be obeyed without question. c. Right teaching about Jesus requires keeping his commandments; keeping his commandments requires a proper understanding of who is and what he has done. 4. It is possible to go beyond the teaching of Christ (1:9). a. We must not go beyond the things that are written (1 Cor. 4:6). b. Those who go beyond what is written do not have God (1:9). c. Those who abide in the teaching have both the Father and the Son (1:9). 5. Treatment of false teachers (1:10). a. Do not receive false teachers into your house (1:10). b. Give false teachers no greeting (1:10). c. "Cease, my son, to hear instruction to err from the words of knowledge" (Prov. 19:27). d. We are not to do or say anything that would seem to agree with and support things that are doctrinally wrong (1:10-11). e. If you wish a false teacher good success, you are a partaker in his evil works (1:11). False teaching is an evil work and not something to be treated lightly.III. Conclusion (1:12-13). A. John had many other things to say to this good lady (1:12). 1. He did not want to write with paper and ink (1:12). 2. He hoped to see her soon and speak face to face (1:12). 3. Such communication would make her joy full (1:12). B. The children of Cyria's elect sister sent greetings (1:13).
Dec 24 06 11:00 PM
Quote:I. Introduction. A. Exhortation and personal feeling (1:1-14). 1. Greetings (1:1-2). a. Written by Paul an apostle of Jesus (1:1). b. Written to the church of God at Corinth (1:1). c. Good wishes of grace and peace (1:2). 2. Affliction and comfort (1:3-11). a. Paul persecuted and consoled (1:3-5). b. The Corinthian disciples encouraged by Paul's example to also patiently endure (1:6-7). c. The riot in Ephesis (Asia), and Paul's deliverance (1:8-10). d. Paul was helped by the prayers of the Corinthians and others (1:11). 3. Paul's glorying (1:12-13). a. His conduct in the world and in Corinth was honest. He had not used gimmicks of worldly wisdom (1:12). b. Paul's letter was not deceptive but could be fully understood by the reader (1:13). c. Most of the Corinthians accepted Paul and recognized his sincerity (1:14). d. At the last judgment they would rejoice together (1:14). B. Paul's proposed trip to Corinth (1:15-24). 1. Paul's failure to come to Corinth was not because of fickleness (1:15-22). 2. His reason for not coming was to avoid, if possible, having to condemn and punish the Corinthians (1:22-24).II. Instructions About Things Commanded in His First Letter to Corinth. A. Forgiveness of the persons guilty of incest (2:1-11). 1. Because the guilty pair was condemned and avoided by the Corinthian saints, they changed their minds and corrected their conduct (2:1-4). a. It is sad to rebuke sinful saints. b. When sinners change, the sorrow is turned to joy. 2. Correct attitude toward forgiven sinners (2:5-11). 3. Paul's anxiety as he waited in Troas for the coming of Titus with a report from Corinth (2:12-13). 4. Paul traveled to Macedonia, received word from Corinth and rejoiced (2:14-17). B. Paul defends himself and the gospel he preached (3:1-6:10). 1. Paul did not need letters of recommendation because the Corinthians knew him and the quality of his work in the preaching of the gospel (3:1-1 . a. The gospel Paul preached was more glorious than, and superior to, the Mosaic law (3:7-11). b. The law of Moses was veiled (had things in it not fully revealed), but the gospel is unveiled (nothing in it is concealed and by it the mysteries of the Old Covenant are disclosed)--"where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (3:12-1 . 2. Paul's attitude and conduct in the preaching of the glorious message of freedom from sin (4:1-6). a. Paul was honest and open (4:1-2). b. If a person was lost it was not the fault of the unveiled gospel, but because they allowed the god of this world to blind them to the truth (4:3-4). c. It was Paul's purpose to preach an understandable word of light and glory (4:5-6). 3. To God be the glory and not to man (4:7-1 . a. The apostles of Jesus worked and suffered for the good of the church (4:8-15). b. The expected future reward empowered and comforted them (4:16-1 . 4. Unseen things of eternity make present misery bearable and strengthen for duty (5:1-15). a. They had the prospect of eternal life (5:1-4). b. They were willing to be "absent from the body" (5:5- . c. All must appear before the judgment seat of Christ (5:9-10). d. Knowing the fear (terror) of the Lord, we persuade men to obey the gospel (5:11). e. In all soberness of mind Paul entreated them to seriously consider their duty to God (5:12-13). f. Paul was motivated by love (5:14-15). 5. Paul knew it was his duty to make known the terms of salvation (5:16-21). 6. The attitude with which Paul did his work of preaching the cross and salvation (6:1-10). C. Exhortations to holiness (6:11-7:16). 1. Paul entreats with tender affection (6:11-12). 2. The sin and folly of idolatry (6:14-1 . 3. Paul's plea to be heard (7:1-4). 4. Titus came to Paul in Macedonia with word from Corinth (7:5-16). a. Paul was worried about how the Corinthians would react to his first letter to them (7:5). b. Titus reassured Paul (7:6-7). c. The sorrow Paul's letter produced brought about repentance and the sorrow, therefore, was good (7:8-16).III. Directions and Remarks About the Collection (8:1-9:15). A. The good example of the Macedonian church in giving generously to relieve the poor of Judea (8:1-5). B. The Corinthians to complete collecting the gift for the needy in Jerusalem and Judea (8:6-15). 1. Titus was to complete this grace in them (8:6). 2. Paul urges them to show the sincerity of their love by giving their wealth to help others (8:7- . a. They were to abound in this as they excelled in other things (8:7). b. Paul tells them to set an example for others (8: . 3. He appeals to them on the basis of the gift of God's son (8:9). 4. He reminds them of their intention and promise of a year past (8:10-12). 5. Paul did not want the Corinthians to be burdened while the Judeans were eased, but that there might be equality (8:13-15). 6. Titus and another brother were being sent to Corinth in order to assure that the contribution would be ready when Paul and his companions arrived (8:16-21). 7. Reasons why the Corinthians should give liberally for the relief of the poor in Judea (9:1-15). a. Paul has boasted of their readiness (9:1-2). b. Their heavenly reward depended on their generosity (9:3-5). c. God would increase their ability for doing good (9:6-11). d. To show affection for Jewish brethren and to cause the Jewish Christians to be glad the Corinthians had been converted (9:12-15).IV. Paul's Defense of Himself and His Apostleship (10:1-13:14). A. The accusations against him by his enemies (10:1-17). 1. He was accused of being weak when present and bold when absent (10:1-3). a. He expressed hope that he would not be forced by their indifference to exercise his power to punish and show just how strong he could be when present (10:2). b. He did not walk nor war according to the flesh (10:2-3). 2. The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, is mighty to the casting down of strongholds (10:4-6). a. He tells the Corinthians to submit to God in complete obedience (10:5). b. When they had perfected their obedience they were to avenge all disobedience (10:6). 3. The folly of trusting in self instead of trusting in God (10:7-17). B. Paul feared for their loyalty (11:1-15). 1. Paul preached to, and converted many of the Corinthians, and now they were tempted to turn against him (11:1-6). 2. Paul had the right to receive support for his work in ministering about spiritual things, but he also had the right to refuse support (11:7-11). a. The churches of Macedonia had supplied Paul's needs to enable him to preach to the people of Corinth (11:9). b. He took pleasure in knowing that he had taught them about Christ and the church without receiving anything from them (11:10). c. He did this because he loved them (11:11). 3. Those who objected to Paul were false apostles and deceitful workers (11:12-15). a. Like Satan, they made themselves appear to be ministers of righteousness (11:14) b. They were sure to be punished (11:25). C. Paul's conversion, preaching, and sufferings entitled him to have their confidence and support (11:16--12:14). 1. The persecution Paul endured from the day of his conversion to the present (11:16-33). 2. Paul's visions and revelations (12:1-10). 3. Paul's apostolic credentials (12:11-14). a. Paul was not behind any other apostle one little bit (12:11). b. In his life and ministry, Paul had demonstrated the signs of an apostle by wonders and mighty works (12:12). D. Paul's aim to edify (12:14-13:10). 1. Paul's intention to come to Corinth (12:14-1 . a. He would gladly wear himself out in serving their spiritual interest (12:15). b. The more love he showed for them the less love they showed for him (12:16). c. Paul did not take advantage of them (12:17). d. Titus did not take advantage of them (12:1 . 2. Paul says that when he comes he expects to find them free of wrong and doing right (12:19-21). 3. Paul warns that if they were not behaving as they should, when he came he would not spare them but would use his apostolic power to punish them (13:1-4). 4. Paul's earnest admonition (13:5-10). a. They were to try and prove themselves whether they were in the faith (13:5-6). b. They were to do no evil, but do that which is honorable (13:7). c. Paul could do nothing against the truth (13: . d. He did not want to have to use his power to punish them and cast them down, but to build them up (13:9-10) E. Conclusion and blessing (13:11-14).
Dec 24 06 11:21 PM
Quote:I. Introduction. A. The object of this letter was to correct the false idea that the day of the return of Jesus was impending. B. Greeting (1:1-2). 1. Paul was the writer and Timothy and Silvanus (Silas) were with the apostle and are mentioned not as co-writers, but as a courtesy (1:1). 2. The letter was addressed to "the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:1). 3. Paul desires that they enjoy quietness and favor with God (grace and peace) (1:2). 4. The apostle takes note of their growth (1:3-4). a. In faith--they were growing exceedingly in faith (1:3). Since faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17), they were feeding their faith on divine revelation (John 6:63). b. In love--they had an expanding, abounding love for each other (1:3). c. In patience--they suffered affliction and endured persecution but were still busy in the service of Christ (1:4).II. Doctrinal Part of the Letter (1:5 to 2:17). A. The righteous judgment of God (1:5-12). 1. The present persecution of children of God by unbelievers was a token of a coming day when God will judge the world in righteousness (1:5). a. The affliction visited on believers was not now being punished. b. It is right for such atrocities to be condemned and punished. c. God is righteous and it therefore follows that a time will come when such evil will be repaid. Their present suffering was a forecast of a coming righteous judgment. In its final outcome, life is fair. 2. In the last judgment, suffering saints would be counted worthy of participation in the heavenly kingdom of God (1:5). a. The enduring steadfastness of the Thessalonians showed how precious and dear Christ was to them. b. It is certain that this worthiness will exalt the Thessalonians. c. It is not that the believer can earn salvation by his suffering, but it is that the suffering proves his faith and makes his hope of ultimate salvation stronger. B. God is righteous and will one day strike down those who persecute and hurt his children (1:6-10). 1. The tormentors will be tormented--they deserve it (1:6). a. Those who oppose God and reject his word judge themselves to be unworthy of eternal life (Acts 13:46). b. God in his goodness and purity cannot receive them in their wickedness and corruption and therefore must send them away. The only eternal alternative is the lake burning with fire and brimstone. 2. The afflicted are urged to look for the second advent of Jesus (1:7-9). a. He will come in power and with a heavenly host of angels (1:7). b. He will render vengeance to those who do not know God (1:7). c. Those who do not obey the gospel will be punished--not because they do not obey the gospel but because their sins are not forgiven, seeing they have rejected God's saving power (Rom. 1:16). d. Their punishment is being sent away from God who is the source of all good and the giver of every real blessing (1:9). 3. At his next appearing Jesus will perfect salvation (1:10). a. He will come to be glorified in his saints (1:10). b. He will be marveled at in all believers--those who know his wondrous gifts in this life will marvel when they at last shall see his surpassing glory (1:10). c. The final victory of the saint is the result of receiving, believing, and obeying the gospel (1:10). C. Paul's earnest desire that they might be prepared for the day of the Lord's return (1:11). 1. Paul prayed God would count them worthy of the heavenly calling (1:11-12). 2. Paul wanted their every desire for good to be recognized and compensated (1:11). 3. Paul begged God to bless their every work of faith--note: faith works (1:11). 4. At the coming of Christ there is to be mutual glorification-- they would magnify Jesus and he would honor them (1:12). D. More on the second coming of Christ (2:1-12). 1. The event is certain but the time of it is uncertain, except Paul says to believers in about A.D.50 that it was not "just at hand" (2:1-2). 2. A great apostasy would precede the return of Jesus (2:3). a. The man of sin, the son of perdition, would lead the defection (2:3). 3. Characteristics of the man of sin (2:4). a. He opposes God and exalts himself (2:4). b. He sits in the sanctuary of God--the apostate church (2:4). c. He claims to be God (2:4). 4. A full-blown apostasy was being restrained (2:5-6). 5. The apostasy had already started (2:7). a. There was one who held back the apostasy and was then keeping it from coming to full flower (2:7). b. The inhibiting power would one day be removed (2:7). 6. When the one who restrained the apostasy was taken out of the way, the lawless one (man of sin, son of perdition) would be revealed (2: . a. At his coming, Jesus will end the reign of terror (2: . b. The man of sin will be reduced to nothing at the coming of the Lord (2: . 7. The nature of the man of sin (2:9-10). a. He works with Satan (2:9). b. He uses power, signs, and lying wonders (2:9). c. He is deceitful (2:10). d. He is unrighteous (2:10). e. He causes those he misleads to perish (10). f. Those who perish because they are persuaded by the lies of the man of sin to be unrighteous have only themselves to blame (2:10). g. The son of perdition can dupe the perishing because they do not love saving truth (2:10). 8. God sends a working of error (2:11-12). a. The working of error causes them to believe a lie (2:11). b. Because they delighted in refusing to obey God's word (which is, by definition, unrighteousness) and believed not the truth they will be doomed (2:12) D. Thanksgiving for salvation (2:13-15). 1. They were sanctified in the Spirit by believing the truth (2:13). a. Those who hear, believe and obey the gospel are sanctified in the Spirit by believing the truth (2:13). b. Failure to love truth brings eternal loss, but loving the truth brings rich rewards. 2. The saved are called by the gospel to obtain a place in the glory of Christ (2:14). 3. Stand fast by the truth (traditions you received from us) whether spoken or written (2:15). E. A prayer that God would comfort their hearts and establish them in every good work (2:16-17).III. Practical Part of the Letter (3:1-1 . A. The apostle asks them to pray that the gospel "may run and be glorified" (3:1-2). 1. Asking especially for his deliverance from evil men (3:2). B. He is confident they would remain faithful (3:3-5). 1. Paul's letter contained commands for them to obey (3:4). 2. God would direct their hearts by means of the letter (written word) into the love of God and patience of Christ (3:5). C. He commands them to withdraw from the disorderly (3:6-12). 1. They are to shrink from and avoid those who are out of step and will not receive the teaching of the apostle (3:6). 2. Paul's conduct while in Thessolonicia (3:7- . a. He was not disorderly (3:7). b. He paid his own way (3: . c. He was hard working and industrious (3: . d. He was not a burden to them (3: . e. He had the right to live of the gospel he preached, but elected to forego that right to encourage them (3:9). 3. Paul commanded them not to feed the lazy and slothful (3:10-12). a. Some among them refused to work (3:11). b. Being idle, they became busybodies--meddlers in other people's matters (3:11). c. He commands them to earn their own bread and mind their own business (3:12). D. He tells them to never get tired of doing what is right (3:13). E. Attitude toward those who might reject the words of Paul and refuse to obey his commands (3:14-15). 1. Mark him, having nothing to do with him - make him ashamed of himself (3:14). 2. Do not treat him like an enemy, but appeal to him as a wayward brother (3:15). F. Closing remarks (3:16-1 . 1. May the Prince of Peace give you peace (3:16). May you have a quiet heart at all times (3:16). 2. The Lord be with you (3:16). 3. Paul signed and certified the epistle (3:17). 4. He wishes for them the gracious gifts of a loving Lord (3:1 .
Dec 24 06 11:22 PM
Quote:I. Introduction. A. Greeting (1:1). 1. Written by Paul (1:1). a. Paul an apostle through the will of God (1:1). b. According to the promise of life in Christ (1:1). 2. Written to Timothy (1:2). a. Paul's beloved child in the gospel (1:2). b. Paul wishes for Timothy grace, mercy, and peace (1:2). B. Paul's attitude toward Timothy (1:3-5). 1. Paul prayed for Timothy constantly (1:3). 2. Paul wanted to see Timothy and rejoice with him (1:4). a. Paul remembered Timothy's tears on parting from Paul (1:4). b. Timothy was a man of sincere faith (1:5). c. Paul remembered this same earnest faith in Timothy's grandmother and his mother (1:5). C. Reasons for Timothy to be faithful (1:6-1 . 1. Timothy received a gift by the hands of Paul (1:6). a. Apostles could impart a gift of the Holy Spirit to others by laying hands upon them (Acts 8:1 . b. Paul, an apostle, had laid his hands on Timothy and imparted such a gift to him--his gift was probably prophecy, or teaching ability (1:6). c. Paul urges Timothy to remember his gift and use it by boldly confirming and defending the gospel (1:6). 2. Timothy was not to be fearful--or a coward (1:7). a. Show power--strength and not weakness (1:7). b. Love of God and truth, expressed in obedience (1:7). c. Soundness of mind, or self-government (1:7). 3. Timothy to be unashamed of the gospel and Paul's imprisonment (1: . a. Paul was not ashamed of the gospel (Rom. 1:16). b. Timothy to suffer hardship (1: . D. A right attitude toward the gospel and toward God (1:9-12). 1. Timothy to suffer for the gospel according to the power of God--God strengthens the saint through the gospel (1: . 2. God saves and calls us with a holy calling (1:9). 3. Our salvation is not according to our works (1:9). a. We do not gain salvation as a result of living without sin, nor can we devise our own scheme of redemption, nor can we be saved by our own suffering (1:9). b. Salvation is by faith, which is a work of God that we are to do (John 6:28-29). c. We are to work repentance and baptism and "save ourselves" (Acts 2:38-40). d. Our good works bring glory to God (Matt. 5:16). e. We must "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12). 4. God saves us by his eternal purpose and gift (1:9). 5. Jesus has appeared (1:10). a. Jesus robbed death of its power by making abundant (spiritual) life clear through the gospel (1:10). b. Paul was appointed a preacher and an apostle of the gospel which makes immortality evident (1:11). 6. This is why Paul suffered (1:12). a. Paul was not ashamed (1:12). b. Paul knew the Christ in whom he believed (1:12). c. Jesus protects what is committed to him (1:12). 7. Timothy to hold to the truth (1:13-14). a. The good thing entrusted to Timothy was the gospel (1:14). b. Timothy was to use the gift supplied by the Holy Spirit to guard the truth of the gospel (1:14). c. To guard truth is to teach it and defend it against false teachers (1:14). 8. Some had not held to the truth (1:15). a. All in Asia had rejected Paul and the gospel (1:15). b. Two outstanding examples were Phygelus and Hermogenes (1:15). c. Please note that Paul called the names of false teachers. 9. Others held to the truth 1:16-1 . a. Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul (1:16). b. Onesiphorus came to Paul to help him (1:17). c. Onesiphorus had also served the cause of truth in Ephesus, as Timothy very well knew (1:1 .II. Exhortations to Duty (2:1 to 4:5). A. Timothy to be strong in Christian service (2:1-13). 1. Be strengthened by the blessings that are in Christ (2:1). 2. Having heard the gospel, pass it on to faithful men, who will teach others (2:2). 3. Be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel (2:3-4). a. Be a good soldier of Jesus (2:3). b. A soldier must be dedicated (2:4). 4. To win the games one must strive and keep the rules (2:5). 5. The farmer is first to eat of the harvest (2:6). 6. Show you understand spiritual matters by paying attention to what I say about suffering for the cross (2:7). 7. Keep in mind that Jesus, who is of the seed of David, rose from the dead and by his resurrection demonstrated that he is the Messiah (2: . 8. Jesus suffered, the righteous for the unrighteous, and Paul also suffered (2:9-10). a. Paul was treated like a criminal (2:9). b. Paul could be bound but the word could not be (2:9). c. To benefit those who were selected by the gospel to be children of God, Paul was willing to suffer (2:10). 9. It is true that if we died with Christ and were buried by baptism into his death, we shall also be raised from the water of baptism to live with him (2:11-14; Rom. 6:1- . a. If we confess him by enduring persecution, we shall be confessed and given a place in his throne (2:12). b. If we confess him, he will not deny us (2:12) c. If we are not true to our Master, he is still true to all his promises and warnings. (2:13). d. Jesus is God and cannot deny himself (2:13). B. Timothy to remind others of these truths (2:14). C. Timothy to work hard at showing himself approved (2:15-26). 1. Study the scriptures and get it right (2:15). 2. He was to avoid irreligious and empty words (2:16-1 . a. Impious babbling will increase in ungodliness (2:16). b. The word of the godless grows like a cancer (2:17). c. An example of such foolishness is seen in Hymenaeus and Philetus (2:17). d. These men have blasphemed the resurrection of all the dead by saying it has already happened (2:1 . D. Men may be faithless, but God's word will not fail; how to treat and look upon false teachers (2:19-21). 1. The firm foundation stands and has a twofold seal (2:19). a. God knows the names of his children on earth and their names are written in the book of life (2:19). b. Those who confess God must put away iniquity. Paul is discussing false teachers--children of God are to put away false teachers because what they do and say is wicked (2:19). 2. Lesson from a great house (2:20-21). a. Some vessels in a notable house are good and some are bad; some are used in the kitchen and some are used in the bed-chamber (2:20). b. Wise men will throw out the bad keep the good (2:21). c. The dishonorable vessels of wood and earth represent false teachers in the church and are to be cast out; we must not drink from their vessel (2:21). d. The person who turns from false teachers and iniquity is honorable, consecrated, and profitable for the Master's use (2:21). 3. Timothy is to reject evil and hold to the good (2:22-26). a. Run away from youthful lusts--sensual desires, pride, ambition, love of power, and rashness (2:22). b. Pursue righteousness, fidelity, love, and peace (2:22). Please note that one can follow after--seek to obtain-- righteousness. c. Reject questions that have no other purpose than to confuse and entrap and are not for the purpose of finding truth; such foolish questions cause useless fighting (2:23). d. The true servant of Jesus does not enjoy fussing and in his gentle nature seeks to avoid it. When necessary he will, however, vigorously engage in controversy with no small dissension (2:24; Acts 15:2). e. If truth is at stake, debate is not to be avoided. If the debate is not for the purpose of finding truth, it is useless and not worth one's time (2:25). f. The proper use of strong discussion and questioning is to deliver the deceived from the devil's trap, and be released from his rule (2:26). E. Concerning the great apostasy (3:1 to 4:5). 1. The apostasy was to be expected (3:1-7). a. Perilous times will come (3:1). b. Men--both teachers and people--shall be selfish, lovers of money, boast of being in favor with God, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, grim and merciless, slanderers, without self-control,fierce, not lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, swollen with pride, lovers of sensual pleasure rather than lovers of God; (3:2-4). c. Holding a form of godliness (love of God), but having denied the power therefore (3:5). d. From these also turn away (3:5). e. They seduce ignorant, lustful women (3:6). f. Always learning but never coming to knowledge (3:7). 2. Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses even in the face of overwhelming evidence that God was with Moses (3:8-9). a. These men also withstand truth even in the face of convincing proof (3: . b. They are corrupt reprobates--unable to distinguish right from wrong (3: . c. All who genuinely love truth will understand the tricks of the false teachers and reject them (3:9). d. Those humbugged by them are willingly deceived, because those who want to know the truth will know it (John 7:17; Matt. 7:7). 3. Timothy to imitate Paul's life (3:10-12). a. Paul had detected and exposed false teachers and Timothy was to follow him in this (3:10). b. Paul was faithful in teaching the truth, and Timothy knew his manner of life, purpose in preaching, fortitude in danger, meekness under provocation, and patience under suffering (3:10). c. Paul remembers when Jews from Antioch and Iconium stoned him at Lystra (3:11; Acts 14:19-20). d. The wicked world hates the church and will always oppress children of God (3:12). 4. Warning to be immovable in the truth (3:13-17). a. Wicked teachers will use false signs to beguile the gullible and will be themselves deceived (3:13). b. Timothy knew the truth and was to continue in it--the plea to not forsake truth shows the possibility of turning away from what one knows to be right (3:14). c. Timothy was taught the sacred writings (Old Testament) from childhood. The prophecies about Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus. Timothy could be certain--know something and know that he knew it (3:15). d. Not only the Old Testament, but every scripture that is God breathed, is profitable to make the man of God complete in the sight of God (3:16-17). e. This would include what inspired men of the first century wrote. Their writing was God-breathed--in words given by the Spirit (John 16:13). f. God-given writing is profitable and teaches, corrects, reproves, and instructs in righteousness (3:16-17). 5. A charge to be faithful in preaching the truth (4:1-5). a. The charge is solemn, and in the name of God, and in view of eternity (4:1). b. Preach the word no matter what may come--disprove false teachers and rebuke sinners always (4:2). c. This must be done whether it is convenient or inconvenient for you (4:2). d. People will demand that preachers speak smooth words that soothe them in their vices (4:3). e. They will deliberately reject truth and accept error, preferring false doctrine (4:4). f. Timothy was not to be fooled - he was to be calm and levelheaded, enduring persecution and ridicule, fulfilling his ministry (4:5).III. Conclusion (4:6-22). A. Paul knew his work on earth was almost over (4:6- . 1. He was already being offered (4:6). a. He was being poured out as an offering (4:6). b. The death of a servant of Jesus is a libation (4:6). 2. He was soon to depart on an exciting journey (4:6). 3. Paul had been a good soldier and a faithful servant (4:7). a. He had fought the good fight (4:7). b. He had finished the course (4:7). c. He had kept the faith (4:7). d. He had nothing to fear (4:7). 4. Paul knew that a crown of victory awaited him (4: . B. Paul wants Timothy to come to him and comfort him in his last hours on earth (4:9-15). 1. Demas abandoned Paul (4:10). 2. Crescens and Titus had been sent on missions (4:10). 3. Only Luke was with Paul. The apostles wanted to see both Timothy and Mark (4:11). 4. Tychicus had been sent to Ephesus (4:12). 5. Timothy to bring the cloak and the books (4:13). a. It is remarkable that the apostle, after mentioning his coming death, should give instructions about clothes and books (4:13). b. He was calm in the face of death, which shows his depth of faith and the certainty of his hope (4:13). 6. Paul speaks of people who had opposed him (4:14-15). a. Alexander the coppersmith did Paul much harm (4:14). b. Paul is not vindictive, but knows that God will render to him according to his works (4:14). c. Timothy was to mark and avoid Alexander (4:15). d. Alexander's opposed revelation (4:15). C. Paul before the emperor (4:16-1 . 1. When Paul was before the Ruler of Rome, his fellow- workers were terrified and did not show up in court (4:16- 1 . a. Paul understood their fears and prayed that God would forgive them (4:16). b. God was with him, and Paul was delivered (4:17). d. This was at his first hearing and Paul expressed confidence that God would strengthen him and save him in the heavenly kingdom (4:1 . D. Final remarks (4:19-22). 1. Greet Prisca and Aquila for me (4:19). 2. Erastus is at work in Corinth (4:20). 3. Trophimus I left sick at Miletus (4:20). 4. Get here before winter, if you can (4:21). 5. Greetings from some members of the church at Rome (4:21). 6. "The Lord be with thy spirit. Grace be with you" (4:22).
Dec 24 06 11:23 PM
Quote:. Introduction. A. Letter was written by the apostle Peter (1:1). B. Letter written to "them that have obtained a like precious faith" (1:1). 1. The book of first Peter was written to Jews and Gentiles dispersed throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia (1 Pet. 1:1). 2. The second letter of Peter was written to the same audience (1 Pet. 3:1). a. Faith is precious (valuable) (1:1). b. Faith is obtained in the righteousness of our God Jesus Christ (1:1). c. Righteousness is the quality of being right, or just, and is an attribute of God. Righteousness is whatever conforms to the revealed will of God. d. Jesus was made perfect by his obedience to the will of the heavenly Father. This was his righteousness. Our precious faith is in the righteousness of Christ. We are righteous when we, following the example of Jesus, obey the commands of God (See Psa. 119:172). C. Peter commends them to the good gifts of God (grace) and to magnified peace (1:1).II. Exhortation to Spiritual Growth (1:2-21). A. God gives us all things that belong to peace and righteousness (1:3). 1. The divine power of God gives us peace and righteousness (1:3). 2. This power works in us through the knowledge of Jesus who called through his gospel and by his power and honor (1:3). B The exceeding great promises of Christ (1:4). 1. Those who have the precious faith are made partakers of the divine nature (1:4). a. The divine nature in which the saved partake is not the natural qualities of God, for finite mortals cannot have these features, else they would be God. b. The divine nature we receive is the moral traits of God, which the writer proceeds to name. 2. Those who are made partakers in the divine nature have escaped the corruption that is in the world through human lust (1:4). C. The impressive beauty of Christian character (1:5-10). 1. We must work hard to develop the traits which God commands us to have (1:5). 2. Virtue is to be added to faith (1:5). Virtue in this verse means power or strength, and not moral excellence. 3. In our spiritual power we are to supply knowledge (1:5). a. Knowledge of Christ and his word, which is absolute truth, is necessary to salvation (John 8:32; 1 Pet. 1:23). b. God's truth given in his revealed word lives and tarries and is incorruptible (1 Pet. 1:23). 4. We are to add self-control to our knowledge (1:6). 5. To our self-control we are to add patience (1:6). 6. To our patience we must add the love of God (1:6). 7. To our love for God we add love of our brethren in Christ (1:7). 8. To our love of the brethren we are to add love for all mankind (1:7). D. The necessity of rigorous application of these teachings to our life (1:8-11). 1. If these virtues abound in your life, you are not slothful and unproductive in the knowledge of Christ (1: . 2. The person who does not add these characteristics to his faith is spiritually blind (1:9-11). a. He sees only what is near to him (1:9). b. He has forgotten the joy of salvation (1:9). 3. Work hard at adding these qualities to your faith to avoid falling from the grace of God (1:10). 4. Such conduct will assure your entrance into heaven (1:11). E. The need to be reminded of what we already know (1:12-14). 1. Those who have a precious faith are established in truth, but still need to recall foundational lessons (1:12). 2. Peter thought it necessary, as long as he was in his body of flesh on earth, to put us in remembrance (1:13). 3. Peter knew he would die suddenly and violently (1:14). He did not know when it would happen, and therefore, was earnest in pressing these lessons on his brethren (1:14). 4. He wanted them to be able to remember his teaching after he was dead (1:15). E. The reason for diligent application to Christian principles (1:16-21). 1. Peter and the other apostles did not follow cleverly cooked up myths (1:16). a. They were eyewitnesses of the majesty of Jesus (1:16). b. God the Father acknowledged Jesus and confirmed his claims (1:17-1 . c. Peter, James, and John heard the voice of God out of heaven validating Jesus as his son when they were on the mount of transfiguration (Matt. 17:5). 2. The voice of God confirming the deity of Jesus made the word of prophecy more sure (1:19). a. You will do well to listen to the teaching of Jesus and his apostles (1:19). b. God's revelation is like a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day of final judgment comes, and Christ appears in the glory of the morning star (1:19). 3. The words of the prophets were not their invention (1:20- 21). a. Prophecy does not come by the will of the prophet, but by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (1:21). b. Since it is the work of God, we must give careful attention to it.III. Warning Against False Teachers (2:1-22). A. False teachers will continue to appear (2:1-3). 1. False prophets came among the people in the past (2:1). 2. False teachers will also come to you (2:1). a. They will bring false teaching that destroys (2:1). b. They will deny Christ and bring swift destruction upon themselves and upon those who receive their false teaching (2:1). 3. The false teachers will have a big audience, and their conduct will cause the truth to be spoken against (2:2). 4. The false teachers will be mercenary and greedy, but their sure destruction is on the way; God will not fail to punish them (2:3). B. The judgment and punishment of God does not dwindle and waste away (2:4-19). 1. When angels sinned, God put them in pits of darkness awaiting the final judgment (2:4). 2. God destroyed the ancient world by a flood of water (2:5). 3. God burned to ashes the ungodly of Sodom and Gomorrah, but delivered righteous Lot (2:6- . 4. The preservation of Noah and Lot, and the destruction of the others, proves that God rescues the righteous and condemns the guilty (2:9). 5. The nature of ungodly sinners (2:10). a. They walk after the flesh in the unnatural lust of defilement (2:10). b. They despise the government of God, and in foolhardy self-will ridicule constituted authority (2:10). 6. The reaction of the angels in heaven (2:11). a. Righteous angels are greater in power than sinning angels but still do not rant and rave toward the fallen; they set an example of moderation which we must imitate (2:11). 7. The attitude and work of false teachers (2:12-19). a. They are like animals and cannot think (2:12). b. They are angry and abusive in matters in which they are ignorant (2:12). c. They set out to destroy, and shall themselves be destroyed (2:12). d. They will receive their just comeuppance (2:13). e. They carry vice to its greatest pitch and enjoy daytime debauches (2:13). f. They are spots and blemishes on the body of Christ (2:13). g. They wallow in their guile as they hypocritically participate in your love feasts (2:13). h. They have eyes full of adultery (2:14). i. They cannot stop sinning (2:14). j. They seduce the unstable (2:14). k. They are covetous and profane (2:14). l. They leave the right and do the wrong, following in the way of Balaam who could be paid to do evil (2:15-16). m. They profess to be able to teach, but are really wells without water and clouds without rain; they are reserved for the blackness of darkness (2:17). n. They use great, swelling words to cover their ignorance and entice new converts by lust and lasciviousness (2:1 . o. They promise to make men free from the restraint of law and commands, but are themselves the slaves of sin (2:19). C. Thoughts on fatal apostasy (2:20-22). 1. Saved by a knowledge of Jesus--by his truth--if they go back into sin, their last condition is worse than it was before they were saved (2:20). a. They would have been better off to have never known the truth than to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them (2:21). b. As the proverb says, they are like dogs eating their own vomit, or a washed sow wallowing again in the mire (2:22).IV. The Second Coming of the Lord (3:1-1 . A. Scoffers will deny his coming (3:1-7) 1. Peter wanted to stir up pure minds by putting them in remembrance (3:1-2). a. Remember the words of the prophets (3:2). b. Remember the commands of the Lord given through the apostles (3:2). 2. In the last days scoffers would deny that the prophecy concerning the second coming of Jesus would be fulfilled (3:4). a. These scoffers walk after their own lust (3:4). b. Scoffers would deny his coming on the grounds that all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation (3:4). 3. They willfully forget the flood of Noah's time (3:5-6). a. The world before the flood was "compacted out of water and amidst water, by the word of God" (3:5). b. There has been an alteration in the world's makeup since the time of the flood (3:5). c. The world before the flood was overflowed with water, and perished by the word of God (3:6). d. Therefore all things have not continued as they were from the beginning of creation. 4. The present world is doomed to destruction by fire (3:7). B. The reason for the delayed destruction of the world by fire (3:8-16). 1. With God one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day (2 Pet. 3: . a. This does not mean that God cannot tell time nor read a calendar. b. It simply means that time has no meaning to God since he inhabits eternity. 2. God's promise is sure (3:9). a. Notice it is promise (singular) and points to the promise of the second coming of Jesus and the destruction of the world and the judgment (3:9). b. God delays the destruction to give sinners time to repent (3:9) c. Those who do not repent will perish (3:9). 3. The final day of the world will come without warning, like a thief (3:10-13). a. The atmosphere around the world will pass away with a great noise (3:10). b. The elements will dissolve with intense heat and the earth and all works therein will be burned up (3:10). c. Since all material things are to perish, what kind of person do you think you should be in all holy living and godliness (3:11)? d. We should look for and fervently desire the coming of the Lord and the destruction of the world (3:12). e. Christians look for a better world of perfect righteousness (3:13). 4. The hope of the coming of Christ should intensify our godly living (3:14-16). a. We should apply ourselves with great effort to be in peace, sinless and blameless in his sight (3:14). b. God's delay in destroying the present system is for our salvation (3:15). c. Paul wrote this same thing to you (3:15). d. Paul wrote things hard to be understood and the careless wrest this to their destruction (3:16). C. Closing remarks and appeal (3:17-1 . 1. Knowing the Lord is coming, the world will be destroyed, and we will be judged, do not be carried away by the false teaching of the wicked (3:17). 2. Grow in grace and knowledge through a painstaking study of the revealed word (3:1 .
Dec 24 06 11:24 PM
Quote:I. Introduction. A. The author of the letter (1:1). 1. John refers to himself as the elder--the aged apostle (1:1). B. The letter was written to Gaius (1:1). 1. Three persons named Gaius are mentioned in the New Testament (Rom. 16:23; Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4). a. We cannot be sure John refers to any of the three. b. Gaius was a common name in the first century. 2. The Gaius to whom John wrote was known to and loved by John in the truth (truly or sincerely) (1:1). B. John's prayer for Gaius (1:2). 1. Gaius would have material abundance and good health (1:2). a. It is not wrong to want worldly possessions, but we must guard against trusting in them (Luke 12:15). b. It is not wrong to want good health, but it is wrong to want it so much we cannot be content (Phil. 4:11). 2. John knew Gaius was firm in faith and rich in virtue, enjoying an abundant and complete life, and asked of God that Gaius might be as affluent in money and health as he was in spirit and truth (1:2).II. Hospitality in Support of Truth (1:3-12). A. The good report concerning Gaius (1:3-4). 1. John learned Gaius was walking in the truth (1:3). a. Walking in the truth is equivalent to walking in the light (1 John 1:7). b. Walking in the light of truth brings freedom from sin, and therefore, liberty from panic and alarm (John 8:32). 2. John's greatest joy was hearing his disciples were faithful (1:4). a. John considered spiritual prosperity to be more important than wealth and health (1:4). b. John thought of Gaius as his child in the faith--John was responsible for the conversion of Gaius (1:4). B. John's request of Gaius (1:5- . 1. John commends Gaius (1:5). a. Gaius sheltered and supported true teachers of the word (1:5). b. Gaius was helpful to brethren and strangers (1:5). c. The brethren were members of the church known to both John and Gaius. The strangers were also members of the church, previously unknown to Gaius, but for whom he provided (1:5). 2. Those who has been helped by Gaius reported it to the church from which they went out (1:6). a. John congratulates Gaius for his continued help of these brethren and strangers (1:6). b. This was done in a manner worthy of God (1:6). 3. The workers Gaius helped on their journey went among the Gentiles preaching the gospel, but taking no financial support from the Gentiles (1:7). a. Gentiles would later be taught to give material aid to their spiritual teachers (1 Cor 9:11-14; Gal. 6:6). b. When Gentiles were first converted, they were not asked to give money to advance the preaching of the word lest the motive of the teacher be in doubt (1 Cor. 9:15). c. These preachers faced many dangers and accepted hardship to teach the Gentiles (1:7). 4. John says when we help such people we are fellow workers for the truth (1: . a. By supporting those who leave the comforts of home and face peril to teach the word, we please God by advancing truth (1: . b. We are credited with the good done by agents we have commissioned (1:8; John 4:1-2). C. Diotrephes and Demetrius (1:9-12). 1. John had either written to the church of which Gaius was a member, or would have written, to give this same counsel (1:9). a. Diotrephes, a ruler in the church of which Gaius was a member, loved power and ran rough-shod over the church (1:9). b. Diotrepehes received not John as an apostle (1:9). 2. John intended to visit the church and remember the deeds of Diotrephes (1:10). a. John claims to be superior to Diotrepehes. He will call the trouble maker to account and punish him. b. This is not a personal matter, but Diotrepehes was forbidding disciples to receive the brethren and strangers, and those who did receive them were cast out of the church. He interfered with the free course of truth--a religious offense (1:10). c. Diotrepehes also attacked the apostle John with malicious words (1:10). 3. John tells Gaius to follow good and not evil (1:11). a. He who does good is of God (1:11). b. He who does evil has no right knowledge of God (1:11). 4. John commends Demetrius (1:12). a. All men praised Demetrius. b. The truth praised Demetrius because his conduct was according to the rules of the gospel (1:12). c. The apostle John also sincerely praised him (1:12). d. His example was worthy to be followed (1:11).III. Conclusion (1:13-14). A. John hoped to speak with Gaius face to face (1:13). B. "Peace be unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name" (1:14). 1. John uses the word "friend" as a synonym for disciple, or believer, or Christian. a. They were friends of Christ and therefore friends of one another, and friends of all who know and love truth (John 15:13-15).
Aug 15 09 10:04 AM
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