IN HIS WISDOM
IN HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
IN HIS SANCTIFICATION
IN HIS REDEMPTION
There is no logical process to attain to the things of God without Spiritual insight, everything is revealed by faith in Jesus Christ.
John 3:3—Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
I Cor. 1:5, 19; Isa. 29:13, 14 - Their wisdom shall perish without true fellowship
I Cor. 15:33—Evil communications corrupt good manners
Col. 2:3—In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
The simple Gospel is Jesus Christ in the flesh dying on the cross in our place, shedding His blood to make an atonement for everyone that would believe in Him.
I Cor. 15:3—Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures
15:4—"Buried and rose again according to the scriptures"
The Spiritual foundation of every believer's life is Jesus Christ.
1Cor. 3:11—For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1Cor. 10:4—And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
Matt. 7:25; I Cor.1:24, 30; 2:6-7, 13; 12:8
The Apostle Paul spoke the wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom
(Our foundation must not be CULTURE, but CHRIST!)
Matt. 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11
1Cor 10:4—And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
Eph 2:20—And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
I Peter 2:4-8 A living Stone, (Wise men) as lively stones are built up a spiritual house. (A living Temple) Eph. 2:21-22; 3:5; II Peter 3:2; I Cor. 3:9-16; II Cor. 6:16; Heb.3:1-6
Eph. 2:20—And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
1Cor.10:5—But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
1Cor. 10:12—Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Mat.7:27; Luke 6:49; II Peter 2:20
We have been given the foundations to build on and it is our responsibility to build proportionally and properly. I Cor. 3:13
How does your life square up, straighten up, measure up and size up?
Examine your faith - Test your commitment - Try the spirits.
Luke 6:48—He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep…
This wise builder struck the rock before he laid the foundation. God is not to be found on the surface. You must DIG DEEP.
(1Cor. 11:3; Php 3:10; Luke 16:3)
(II Tim. 2:15; Hebrews 4:11; II Peter 1:5, 6, 7)
Don't just dig it up, but dig it out!
A man's words expose
his true nature: what he is really like beneath the surface.
what he is down deep within his heart: his motives, desires, ambitions, or the lack of initiative.
his true character: good or bad, kind or cruel.
his mind: pure or impure, dirty or clean, negative or positive.
his spirit, what he believes and pursues: the legitimate or illegitimate, the intelligent or ignorant, the true or false, the good or evil, beneficial or wasteful, Spiritual or carnal.
I Cor.11:4,13; 14:15; John 8:43; Jer. 7:28; Mt 13:15; Mat. 12:34; Luke 6:45
Faith sees the invisible, Believes - the incredible, Receives - the impossible.
KEY VERSES:
3:6 "God giveth the increase"
3:9 "For we are laborers together with God"
3:10 "A wise master builder"
3:11 Jesus Christ is the foundation
3:16 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God" (6:15, 19, 20)
II Peter 1:2…but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Col 3:16; II Cor. 2:14; Col 1:28
By the teachings of His Spirit - He reveals His Son in us.
Gal. 1:16—To reveal his Son in me… Acts 9:6; John 16:13
He changes us into the same image.
II Cor. 3:18 …changed into the same image from glory to glory… (1Cor. 15:49; Romans 8:29; Col 3:10)
Jer. 1:18 …I have made thee …for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver
1Cor. 10:12—Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
1Cor. 10:13—There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1Cor. 10:15—I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
KEY VERSES:
4:2 "It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful"
4:20 "For the kingdom of God in not in word but in power"
KEY VERSES:
5:7 "Christ our Passover"
(Purge out the old leaven that ye may be a new lump.)
6:3 "Know ye not that we shall judge angels"
KEY VERSES:
10:12 Our liberty is no excuse for slackness. We must take heed because there is a storm coming.
1Cor. 10:13—There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 15 -I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
Mat .10:24—The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
4:1—Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
Sin, World- sensuality-man, Satan
Man, Satan- 2Co 12:7 the messenger of Satan, God
Spirit, Word, God
KEY VERSES:
9:22 "By all means save some"
9:24 "Run that ye may obtain"
10:4 "That rock was Christ"
10:12 "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall"
KEY VERSES:
11:1 "Be ye followers of me even as I also am of Christ"
11:3 "The head of every man is Christ"
No one ruled by the Spirit of God will ever curse Jesus. 12:3
The Holy Ghost in a person's life will always exalt Jesus, produce morality and unity. Eph 4:3; 4:13
Each gift is necessary for the proper functioning of the Body. 12:12-27
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given according to the Holy Spirit's will.12:11
There are many members of the one body and all should seek the more excellent way.
We must be growing spiritually and diligently exercising our faith so that God will add to our life more of His Love that we all would be like Him, which is the more excellent way. (12:27-31)
A special gift enabling a Christian to perform a particular ministry in the church. I Cor. 12:4; Rom. 12:4; Eph. 4:4; Heb. 2:4; 1Peter 4:10
Paul gives instructions on the spiritual gifts in 1 Cor. 12:4 - 11, 28 - 30.
Spiritual gifts are gifts and abilities given by the Holy Ghost to be used in the church and in the ministry to reach the world for Christ. People do not always use the gifts in the way that they should be used. Christian believers do not always use their gifts wisely as God wants them used. This happened to the believers in the Corinthian church, and it happens to multitudes of believers and churches in every generation.
The misuse and abuse of God's gifts are the very reasons the whole world has never been reached for Jesus Christ. I Cor. 1:5-9; I Peter 4:10-11
The Gifts of the Spirit are many but only one Holy Ghost There are Nine gifts of the Spirit specifically mentioned in I Corinthians 12:The Word of Wisdom; The Word of Knowledge, Faith, The gifts of Healing, The Working of Miracles. Prophecy, Discerning of spirits, Divers kinds of Tongues, and the interpretation of Tongues.
Paul emphasizes the practical nature of the Spiritual gifts. The Spirit bestows his gifts for the edification of the church, the formation of Christian character, and the service of the community. The reception of a spiritual gift, therefore, brought serious responsibility, since it was essentially an opportunity for yielding yourself in sacrificial service for others and was not self-serving.
The more spectacular gifts such as tongues, healings and miracles necessitate order that would prevent indiscriminate use (1 Cor. 14:40). The spirits of the prophets must be subject to the prophets (vs. 32). Paul clearly insists that those receiving spectacular gifts must remain in order. Speaking in Tongues was not forbidden but encouraged (vs. 39), gifted exposition of the word, instruction in faith, in morals and anointed preaching of the gospel are infinitely superior. The greatest peril lay in overemphasizing the gifts, which tend to exalt the individuals and leads to the loss of the church's awareness of the Spirit's presence and power.
The standard used to judge the relative values of spiritual gifts are: doctrinal (1 Cor. 12:3), moral (1 Cor. 13), and practical (1 Cor. 14).
"Some" have been placed in the church for the proper order to be kept and that people would remain submissive and humble. Without the leading, guiding and directing of the Holy Ghost people will go astray. It takes Holy Ghost filled people that operate in the spirit to govern the church properly.
1Cor. 12:28—And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Apostles. Apostles are Men of God chosen by a Word from God for specific purposes over the church to declare and to do the Will of God. Even when Paul was asked to legislate for the churches he had founded, his authority was not his apostleship but a word from the Lord (1 Cor. 7:10).
Prophets. Prophets stand next in importance to apostles they build up believers in the faith by speaking and teaching the Revealed Word. (1 Cor. 14:6, 26, 30 - 31).
God makes His will known through the prophet Acts 13:1 or a future event will be foretold (Acts 11:28; 21:10 - 11); but the prophet's special gift is the edification, exhortation, consolation, and instruction of the local churches (1 Cor. 14).
Teachers. Carefully distinguished from, the gift of prophecy is the gift of teaching (1 Cor. 12:28 - 29; Rom. 12:7). The prophet proclaims the word; the teacher explained what the prophet proclaims, reduces it to statements of doctrine, and applies it to the situation in which we live. The teacher offers systematic instruction (2 Tim. 2:2) to the local churches. In Eph. 4:11 Paul adds pastor to that of teacher, because no one is able to communicate effectively without loving those who are being instructed. Likewise, to be an effective pastor, one must also be a teacher.
Helpers . The Gift of Helps (1 Cor. 12:28) Helpers; What spiritual gift was signified by "helper" may be gathered from Acts 20:35, where Paul exhorts the Ephesians elders to labor "to help the weak" The deacon was one who ministered to the needy (Acts 6:1 - 6).
The Evangelist. The evangelist is a gift to the church. Timothy is called an evangelist in 2 Tim. 4:5, as is Philip, one of the seven, in Acts 21:The task of preaching the gospel is every believer's responsibility, but Evangelists have been entrusted specifically to encourage and enrich the church as well.. They are to exercise their ministry in the full realization that the power comes from God.
Governments. The Gift of Governments or Administration (1 Cor.12:28; Rom.12:8) Leaders, Directors or elders, who maintain church discipline.
It is absolutely necessary that we follow the leading of the Holy Ghost but If you're not submissive to the God-ordained leadership then you're not submissive to God.
Love is Greater in quality and longer in endurance.
More than any sound, More than every Gift, More than all sacrifices
Long suffering, Kind, Envieth not, Vaunteth not itself, Is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all thing, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8—Charity never faileth:
10—that which is in part shall be done away.
11—I became a man, I put away childish things.
12—then shall I know even as also I am known.
13—And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
1Cor. 14:40—Let all things be done decently and in order.
1Cor. 14:36—What? came the word of God out from you?
[or came it unto you only?]
Too many think God doesn't speak specially to people and that God doesn't give truth and insight that other's won't receive but He does, just don't abuse it.
LEARN THE TRUTH
LOVE THE TRUTH
LIVE THE TRUTH
1Cor. 2:15—But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
The rules laid down by Paul were commandments from the Lord.
Every prophet and every spiritual person must acknowledge this fact and obey the rules.
There were some in Corinth who had rejected the rules God had given Paul.
They thought their gifts and spirituality placed them above the rules and gave them the right to exercise their gifts as they felt led.
1Cor. 14:37—If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
If anyone refuses to accept and follow the rules, then let him remain in his ignorance.
>1 Corinthians 14:38God will take care of him who rebels and continues to act selfishly in ignorance.
>1 Corinthians 14:23(Receive from the Lord to help them also.)
> 1 Corinthians 14:3 > 1 Corinthians 14:20 (1Cor. 15:33, 34)A Spiritual minded man is knowledgeable, Faithful and wise in all his ways. All are edified where the spiritual are obedient.
KEY VERSES:
12:31 "Covet earnestly the best gifts"
13:13 "The greatest of these is love"
14:33, 40 "Let all things be done decently and in order"(God of PEACE)
KEY VERSES:
15:10 "By the grace of God I am what I am"
15:26 "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death"
15:4 "As we have born the image of the earthly we shall also bear the image of the heavenly"
These are the greatest resources that we have in this world and they must not be wasted: Money 16:1-4, Opportunities 5-9, People 10-24.
KEY VERSES:
16:2 "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him"
16:9 "A great door and effectual is opened unto me and there are many adversaries"
16:22 if any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be accursed
There is a deep significance. Failure to recognize Jesus Christ as Lord caused many disorders to creep into their lives. I Cor. 1:1-10; 31; 2:8,16; 3:20; 4:4; 5:4,5; 6:11-14,17; 7:10,11,17; 8:6; 9:1; 10:21; 11:23-32; 12:3; 14:21,37; 15:57,58; 16:10,22,23
I Tim. 1:19; Heb. 5:11-14; I Cor. 3:1-4; 15:34; II Peter 1:3-10
The more spiritual knowledge we know and act upon, the stronger our conscience will become.
I Cor. 1:5; 8:1; 16:14; Eph. 4:5; Phil. 1:9-11; II Peter 1:3,8
The right knowledge is seed for the fruit of God's Love to grow in your heart by faith in the power of God.
For a man to experience the same love of God working in his heart there must first be right knowledge. For every measure of spiritual development there must first be planted a seed of truth.
Limits and boundaries are not to confound but to Protect and keep safe.
1Cor. 9:12; 15, 16; Isaiah 57:20; 21; II Cor. 3:17The best example is found in the one who practices what he preaches. Implicit obedience to the Word of God is the foundation to direct or correct all others.
We ought to have consideration not of ourselves only, but of others also.
We must be responsible to say and do the right things at the right times.
Freedom of speech must be fully respectful to other's safety, In 1919, Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes ruled that the First Amendment does not protect a man falsely shouting "fire" in a theater and causing a panic.
1:19,31; 2:9,13; 9:9,10; 10:6; 15:23,45; Psa. 37:23
# 2 Corinthians # Introduction ## Why Was 2 Corinthians written? ("The Letter of Tears") Paul labored vigorously for the church in Corinth while both present and absent in body. I understand completely. You need the underlying source code for the markdown table so you can paste it into a simple text environment without the client rendering it first. Here is the raw markdown text for your chronological outline: | Step | Event | Details | Scripture | |---|---|---|---| | 1 | **BIRTH OF A CHURCH** | Paul establishes the church ( AD. 50–52 AD). | Acts 18 | | 2 | **THE SEVERE LETTER** | Paul writes an early, non-extant letter (the "Warning Letter"). | 1 Cor 5:9 | | 3 | **A BAD REPORT** | Paul hears a bad from the house of Chloe, that there are contentions | 1 Cor. 1:11 | | 4 | **1 CORINTHIANS** | Paul writes 1 Corinthians (from Ephesus) addressing personal problems in the church and contentions. | | | 5 | **FAILURE & ESCALATION** | Timothy's delivery of 1 Corinthians seems to be followed by escalation of peronsal sins and questions of the Paul's authority. False apostles gain further and not less influence. | | | 6 | **A PAINFUL VISIT** | Paul to abandoned his original travel plans and makes a humiliating "Painful Visit" to Corinth. (sorrowful, grevious) | 2 Cor. 2:1 | | 7 | **LETTER OF TEARS** | Determined to not have another "painful visit", Paul writes a tearful letter in which he "made them sorry". The crisis he addressed was a challenge to Paul’s legitimacy and in part a result of during the Painful Visit, an individual publicly "injured or insulted Paul" and the fact the congregation's willingness to follow false apostles who were as well spreading discrediting lies about Paul. This letter is considered Lost. In 2 Corinthians it appears that the "Leter of Tears" had at least partial desired effect. | 2 Cor. 2:1-4; 7:8-10 | | 8 | **2 CORINTHIANS** | Paul meets Titus in Macedonia, receives good news of repentance, and writes 2 Corinthians addressing both reconciliation and remaining opposition but most importantly that he still loved them. | 2 Cor. 1:14 | | 9 | **THIRD/FINAL VISIT** | Paul makes his final planned visit to Corinth to finalize the collection and restore order. | | 1. **Arrival and Partnership in Corinth (Acts 18:1–4): ** Paul arrives in Corinth from Athens and immediately meets Aquila and his wife Priscilla, who had recently been expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius. Because they shared the trade of tentmaking, Paul stayed with them and worked. He preached every Sabbath in the local synagogue, persuading both Jews and Greeks. 2. **Shift to Gentile Ministry (Acts 18:5–11): ** After Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul intensified his teaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. When the Jews opposed and blasphemed, Paul publicly shook his clothes, declaring, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles." He moved his ministry next door to the house of Justus. Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed, along with many Corinthians. The Lord appeared to Paul in a vision, commanding him to speak without fear, promising protection and noting, "I have much people in this city." Paul remained in Corinth for a year and six months, teaching. 3. **Legal Confrontation and Departure (Acts 18:12–23):** When Gallio was the Deputy of Achaia, the Jews brought Paul before the judgment seat, accusing him of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law. Gallio refused to be a judge of religious questions concerning "words and names," driving the accusers away. Then, Sosthenes (another chief ruler of the synagogue) was beaten in front of the court. Paul stayed a "good while" longer before leaving for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila. He stopped in Ephesus, preached in the synagogue, and promised to return. He then sailed to Caesarea, greeted the church, and traveled to Antioch, before setting out through Galatia and Phrygia. 4. **The Ministry of Apollos (Acts 18:24–28): A Jew named Apollos, eloquent and mighty in the scriptures, arrived in Ephesus, knowing only the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla took him aside and expounded "the way of God more perfectly." Apollos then desired to travel to Achaia (the region containing Corinth). The brethren wrote letters supporting him, and he helped the believers greatly, publicly demonstrating from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. -------- > 2 Co 2:1 ¶ But I **determined** this with myself, that I would **not come again to you in heaviness**. 2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? 3 **And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow** from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but **that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.** ## How was 2 Corinthians written? ## GOOD or BAD (Christian Behavior: Goodness, Pureness/Cleanness, Holiness) - Judge of God for every thing done in his body - Not glorying in appearance but in heart - Not living unto themselves > 2 Corinthians 5:9 &mdahs; Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be **good or bad**. - > 2 Corinthians 5:11 — Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but **we are made manifest unto God**; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. > 2 Corinthians 5:12 — For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which **glory in appearance, and not in heart**. > 2 Corinthians 5:14 — For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, **then were all dead**: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live **should not henceforth live unto themselves**, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. > 2 Corinthians 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 2Co 6:1 ¶ We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; 9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 11 ¶ O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. 12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. 13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. > 2 Corinthians 7:1 — Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us **cleanse ourselves** from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, **perfecting holiness** in the fear of God. - 2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. 3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. 5 ¶ For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. 8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12 ¶ Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. 13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. 14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. 15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. 16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things. # Galatians # Ephesians # Philippians # Philippians ## Background to the Epistle to the Philippians ### The Purpose The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25), with a gift as an expression of their concern to meet the needs of Paul (Phil 1:3–5, Phil 2:30, and Phil 4:10–19). > Philippians 4:15-17 — Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. Sometime during his journey to deliver the gift to Paul, Epaphroditus contracted some life-threatening debilitating illness. At some point he recovers. > Philippians 2:26,27 — For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. It is at this time, Epaphroditus shares some news of the church at Philippi: - The presence of spiritual conflicts in the church. (Phil 1:27–30) - The church's immediate need for Paul's visit. (Phil 2:19–24) - The presence of false doctrine slipping into the church. (Phil 3:2–3) - The presence of those who usurp positions to lead away from Christ. (Phil 3:17–20) - The current state of leadership and who is still present since Paul's visit 10 years prior. (Phil 4:2–3) - The presence of evidence of the temptation to waver in what they had been taught and shown. (Phil 4:9) Upon Epaphroditus' return to health, Paul sends word to the Philippians through Epaphroditus of his upcoming sentence in Rome and of his optimism in the face of death (1:18b–26), along with exhortations to imitate his capacity to rejoice in the Lord despite one's circumstances (2:14–18). In summary, Paul's purpose of writing this epistle was to **Thank** them for their Gift and Concern (4:10,18), **Warn of False Teachers** (3:1-3), **Warn of the Dangers of Contentious Quarreling** (1:28; 2:3), **Encourage** (The word joy or rejoice is found in every chapter. 1:4,18,25-26; 2:2,16,18; 3:1,3; 4:1,4,10; Sin is not mentioned once; Paul intends to visit: 1:25, 26; 2:24). ### The Church At Philippi Paul and Silas first visited Philippi in Greece during Paul's second missionary journey, which occurred between approximately 49 and 51 AD. Philippi was the location of the first Christian community established in Europe. > Acts 16:11-15 — Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; 12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. 13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. 14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. - Philippi consisted mostly of retired Roman Soldiers and their Families. Anyone born there was given automatic Roman citizenship. It was clearly a place where Roman citizenship and its benefits were understood and valued. - The riverside prayer meeting indicates a small Jewish population as there is evidently not enough Jews to build a synagogue (Jewish law required at least 10 Jewish men in a place in order to have a synagogue.) Paul's usual custom to preach to the "Jews first" was interrupted as there was no synagogue in Philippi. - The Leadership of the Ladies at Phillippi is significant: Lydia hosts the church in her home (Acts 16:15), and Paul credits Euodias and Syntyche as having "laboured with me in the gospel"e;. - It was at Phillipi, Paul and Silas prayed for deliverance of a fortune telling slave girl. It was this deliverance that attracted the hatred of those who enslaved the girl and brought Paul and Silas to prison. (Acts 16:16-40) - Paul and Silas' imprisonment, resulted in the jailer's and his family's salvation. > Acts 16:30 — And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? - Paul leaves a testimony of courage and faithfulness to God despite injustice and even illegal treatment. > Acts 16:37 — But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. ## Chapter 1 ### Introduction to All the Saints, vs. 1,2 > Philippians 1:1,2 — 1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. #### Writers "Paul and Timothy" > Philippians 1:1 — Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Paul with Timothy's help and the Holy Spirit's inspiration wrote the letter of Philippians. Paul possibly wrote this epistle about 10 years after his first visit to Philippi. > Matthew Henry — "...he [PAUL] joins Timothy with himself, to express his own humility, and put honour upon Timothy." Phillippians is written probably during Paul's 2 year House Arrest in Rome (Acts 29:14-31). Philippians 1:3,4 Paul mentions his bonds. He was under arrest as he had made his appeal to Ceasar and was waiting an audience. This was not in a dugeon, but he was under house arrest with 1 guard and was allowed visitors and was free to share the Gospel with them. Paul made his appeal to Ceasar not for his personal defence but so that "the Gentiles will hear the gospel." - Acts 16 - 2nd Missionary Journey with Silas: First Visit - Acts 20 - 3rd Missionary Journey: Second Visit - (No in Scripture) Possible 4th Missionary Journey (After Epistle written): Third Visit - (Acts ends with Paul waiting in Rome) Followed by Second Imprisonment in Rome and Martyrdom Paul is Hopeful and intends to visit: "I shall come shortly" (2:24). It is probable he died in Rome and didn't make it for a 3rd visit to Philippi, but Paul does recommend and send Timothy to them. #### "ALL" - "ALL" the saints points back to Paul's purpose of encouraging the Church. He makes it clear that the letter he is writing is intended for "All the saints." He is inferring that for the Christian church the only qualification that really matters is to be "saints in Christ Jesus." It is also interesting that he mentions "ALL" before he does "BISHOPS and DEACONS". > Galatians 3:28 — There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. - The Gospel is for All. John M. Mcaleb: Of one the Lord has made the race, Thro’ one has come the fall; Where sin has gone must go His grace; The Gospel is for all. Say not the heathen are at home, Beyond we have no call, For why should we be blest alone? The Gospel is for all. Received ye freely, freely give, From every land they call; Unless they hear, they cannot live: The Gospel is for all. Refrain The blessèd Gospel is for all, The Gospel is for all; Where sin has gone must go His grace: The Gospel is for all. #### "SAINTS" How many saints are there in church history? The saints are not a canonized list of names of dead people canonized by the Roman Catholic church, but a saint Biblically is any believer who is "in Christ" and in whom Christ dwells, whether in Heaven or on Earth. Saints are those who have dedicated themselves to the worship and service of the one true God as revealed through his Son, Jesus Christ. - Holiness in character: religious, sacred, consecrated - Morally blameless - Physically and spiritually pure - One set apart for Holy fellowship and service. "sanctified" > Col 1:12 ¶ Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: > Titus 2:12 — Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; #### "Grace be unto you and peace" - GRACE: God's unmerited favor. Providence. - PEACE: Phil. 4:7; God's gift of peace is beyond human understanding ### Prayer for the Saints, vs. 3-11 > 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. 8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1; Colossians 1:19; Romans 15:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:25 > D. L Moody used to tell the story of a man who came to him and said, “When the Mexican war began I wanted to enlist. My mother, seeing I was resolved, said if I became a Christian I might go. She pleaded and prayed that I might become a Christian, but I wouldn’t. I said when the war was over I would become a Christian, but not till then. “All her pleading was in vain, and at last, when I was going away, she took out a watch and said: My son, your father left this to me when he died. Take it, and I want you to remember that every day at 12 o’clock your mother will be praying for you. Then she gave me her Bible, and marked out passages, and put a few different references in the fly-leaf. I took the watch and the Bible just because my mother gave them. I never intended to read the Bible. “I went off to Mexico, and one day while on a long, weary march, I took out my watch, and it was 12 o’clock. I had been gone four months, but I remembered that my mother at that hour was praying for me. Something prompted me to ask the officer to relieve me for a little while, and I stepped behind a tree away out on those plains of Mexico, and cried to the God of my mother to save me.” God saved him, and after the Mexican war was ended, he said, “I have enlisted again to see if I can do any good for my Master’s cause.” > The story is told about two wives who were doing their laundry in a laundry mat. They were both mending their husband’s pants. One wife said, “My husband is so miserable. Nothing goes right at work, and he can’t find anything good on television. Our home is a place of despair. When we go to church, the song leader is terrible and the pastor is an idiot. The other wife said “My husband is so excited.” He can’t wait to go to church. He loves the sermons. We laugh all the time and enjoy our family. It got very quiet in the laundry room as the women continued sewing the pants. One was patching the seat of the pants, and the other was patching the knees.` #### 1. The Motivation of His Prayer Prayer motivated by love - **Thankful** Thankful for You Upon Every Remembrance of You - **Desirous of Fellowship in the Gospel** In Every Prayer of Mine, **making request with joy** for your **fellowship in the Gospel** (from the first day until now) 1 Thessalonians 5:11 -- Build Each Other Up Knowledge is increased by fellowship, love and truth. 1:7 "Partakers of my grace" > Luke 19:15 "gained by trading" - **Confident and Expecting** Confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Spiritual Prayer: Romans 8:26; 2 Corinthians 10:4 Confident: Proverbs 15:29; Hebrews 4:16 - **Common Trial: Common Blessing** Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, **ye all are partakers of my grace**. Having witnessed and benefited from their Christian Fruit, it is just and evident ye are "partakers of my grace" -- you are truly saved. To partake of this grace is to communicate the same you receive to others. "Have you in my heart" -- Paul is warmly attached to them. As they had fellowshipped and shared with Paul in his BONDS and in the WORK of the Gospel, they also will share in same favor of God. > 2 Timothy 2:12 — If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: > Romans 8:17 — And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. > 1 Peter 4:13 — But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. - **Personal Longing** I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. #### 2. The Requests of His Prayer - **I pray your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;** Perfection of love is produced by the increase of the knowledge of the Son of God, "yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment" Phil. 3:10 "That I may know Him" Shows our perception advancing. Knowledge produces love but love produces greater knowledge. - **I pray ye may approve things that are excellent** Perfection of love produces the ability to discern. - **I pray that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.** The perfection of love produces purity. "Sincere" — judged by sunlight. Tested as genuine, Pure, "Without offence" - **I pray you are filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.** The perfection of love produces a fruitful life. 1:11 "Being filled With the fruits of righteousness"The nature of man must be changed by grace before he can bear fruit. "Which are by Christ Jesus Unto the Glory and Praise of God" Fruit is the Indication of the general character. ### Purpose in the Trial: Furtherance of the Gospel, vs. 12-30 - It is God's will that the Gospel be preaching everywhere to everyone. - God uses ordinary people (young, old, male, female, gifted, simple) to spread the Gospel. - Whose cause do we further by our manner of living? #### The Gospel Furthered In the Midst of Persecution and False Pretenses, vs. 12-18 > 12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 1. **"I would ye should understand"** Paul rights here desiring that the Believer's would not be offended. Paul's imprisonment might be a stumbling-block to those who had received the gospel by his ministry. They might be tempted to think, If this doctrine were indeed of God, God would not allow such treatment of Paul. They responded to Christ's affliction with the same criticism: > Matthew 27:41-43 — Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. They might be timid of owning this doctrine, lest they find their own trouble through association. 2. **The Things Which Have Happened Unto Me** > 2 Timothy 3:10-12 — 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. - **Acts 9:29** He preached to the Hellenistic Jews and they responded with planning to kill him. - **Acts 13:50** At Antioch, the Gentiles glorified God at their preaching, but the Jews controlled by jealousy drove out Paul and Silas from there coasts. ("shook off the dust of their feet") - **Acts 14:5** At Iconium, "... the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles". The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and Paul and Barnabas had to flee to escape from being stoned. - **Acts 14:19** Jews from Antioch and Iconium Followed Paul and Barnabas to Lystra and stirred up the People to stone Paul. Supposing he was dead, they dragged him out of the city and left them. But as the disciple stood around him, he rose up and returned into the city. - **Acts 16:22** At Philippi, Paul and Silas cast the devil out of the girl and were arrested, clothes rent off, beaten, whipped with many stripes and cast into prison. - In Acts 23:10, the authorities had to hide Paul for fear the people might tear him to pieces. - Five Times received of the Jews 39 Lashes. 2 Cor. 11:24 - Other passages of Paul's Persecution: Acts 18:12, Acts 21:36, Acts 22:22, > 1 Corinthians 4:9-12 — For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. 11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; 12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: 3. **"Have Fallen Out Rather" to the Furtherance of the Gospel** Out of Great Evil, God Produced Great Good. > 2 Timothy 2:9 — Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. - News of Pauls Arrest and Therefore Preaching was Spread Far and Wide, v. 13 - Believers were stirred to courage and boldness, v.14 > Job 17:7-9 — Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members are as a shadow. 8 Upright men shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite. 9 The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. - Not everyone stirred has good intentions but praise God that the Gospel is being preached!, v.15 > 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. #### The Gospel Furthered When Christ is Magnified, vs. 19-26 > 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. - This Evil Situation Shall "Turn" to my salvation (God's Gonna Turn it Around!) - Through 1) Your Prayer and 2) the supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ. - In Nothing Be Ashamed - but with all boldness - In LIFE and DEATH magnify Christ, v.21 - Magnify Christ in ministry to HIS BODY, v.24 "is more needful for you" "for your furtherance and joy and faith" Compare: v.12 "furtherance of the gospel" v. 24 "your furtherance" The BODY is the light to the world and the demonstration to the world of God's grace and power. A healthy body is essential to Christ being magnified and the Gospel being furthered. **What are some ways we can ensure a healthy BODY?** #### The Gospel Furthered in Unity and Humility, vs. 27-30 > 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. - "as it becometh the Gospel" - Regardless of what men may or may not do, - Stand Fast in One Spirit (Unity and Steadfast) - With One Mind **striving together** for the faith of the Gospel. "Teamwork", "Workers Together", "One plants another waters", "mission work: foreign and home", "Paul and Silas, Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Timothy" Prayer, Introducing the Presence of God, Introduction the Word of God in new places - Fear God rather than men (Matthew 10:28 able to kill the body but not the soul) - Your Trials seem as evidence to your enemies of your guilt, but you know that if we suffer with Him, we will also reign with Him. (2 Timothy 2:12) - Suffering is not a mistake, but in Christ it is call to both BELIEVE on Him and to SUFFER for His sake. > ILLUSTRATION: > 2 Corinthians 4:17 — For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; > Philippians 2: — 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. 23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. 25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.A Rule for Correct Interpretation of Scripture
There is perfect & unbroken unity from Genesis to Revelation. When interpreting a portion of Scripture, we must study its context. Not only the verses before and after it, but Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. My interpretation of that portion of Scripture must not disturb this perfect unity and harmony of Scripture. Let Scripture be its own interpreter. Remember: We are fully dependant on the Spirit of God to understand His Word (John 16:13 / I Cor. 2:6-14). Ask God to show you His truth (James 1:5).
When establishing one doctrine from a passage, you must never displace any other doctrine of Scripture.
II Peter 1:20 - Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
Private idios, id'-ee-os =
Pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate:--apart, aside, his own, their own.
I John 2:27 - But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
PAUL
The distinguished "apostle of the Gentiles;" also called SAUL, a Hebrew name. He is first called Paul in Ac 13:12; and as some think, assumed this Roman name according to a common custom of Jews in foreign lands, or in honor of Sergius Paulus, Ac 13:7, his friend and an early convert. Both names however may have belonged to him in childhood. He was born at Tarsus in Cilicia, and inherited from his father the privileges of a Roman citizen. His parents belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, and brought up their son as "a Hebrew of the Hebrews," Php 3: Tarsus was highly distinguished for learning and culture, and the opportunities for improvement it afforded were no doubt diligently improved by Paul. At a suitable age he was sent to Jerusalem to complete his education in the school of Gamaliel, the most distinguished and right-minded of the Rabbis of that age. It does not appear that he was in Jerusalem during the ministry of Christ; and it was perhaps after his return to Tarsus that he learned the art of tent-making, in accordance with a general practice among the Jews, and their maxim, "He that does not teach his son a useful handicraft, teaches him to steal," Ac 18:3; 20:34; 2Th 3:8.
We next find him at Jerusalem, apparently about thirty years of age, high in the confidence of the leading men of the nation. He had profited by the instructions of Gamaliel, and became learned in the law; yielding himself to the strictest discipline of the sect of the Pharisees, he had become a fierce defender of Judaism and a bitter enemy of Christianity, Ac 8:3; 26:9-1 After his miraculous conversion, of which we have three accounts, Acts chapters 9, 22 & 26, Christ was all in all to him. It was Christ who revealed himself to his soul at Damascus, Acts 26:15; I Co 15:8; to Christ he gave his whole heart, and soul, mind, might, and strength; and thenceforth, living or dying, he was "the servant of Jesus Christ." He devoted all the powers of his ardent and energetic mind to the defense and propagation of the gospel of Christ, more particularly among the Gentiles. His views of the pure and lofty spirit of Christianity, in its worship and in its practical influence, appear to have been peculiarly clear and strong; and the opposition which he was thus led to make to the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish worship, exposed him everywhere to the hatred and malice of his countrymen. On their accusation, he was at length put in confinement by the Roman officers and after being detained for two years or more at Caesarea, he was sent to Rome for trial, having himself appealed to the emperor. There is less certainty in respect to the accounts, which are given of Paul afterwards by the early ecclesiastical writers. Still it was a very generally received opinion in the earlier centuries, that the apostle was acquitted and discharged from his imprisonment at the end of two years; and that he afterwards returned to Rome, where he was again imprisoned and put to death by Nero.
Paul appears to have possessed all the learning which was then current among the Jews, and also to have been acquainted with Greek literature; as appears from his mastery of the Greek language, his frequent discussions with their philosophers, and his quotations from their poets-Aratus, Acts 17:28; Meander, I Co 15:33; and Epimenides, Titus 1:1 Probably, however a learned Greek education cannot with propriety be ascribed to him. But the most striking trait in his character is his enlarged view of the universal design and the spiritual nature of the religion of Christ, and of its purifying and ennobling influence upon the heart and character of those who sincerely profess it. From the Savior himself he had caught the flame of universal love, and the idea of salvation for all mankind, Gal 1:1 Most of the other apostles and teachers appear to have clung to Judaism, to the rites, ceremonies, and dogmas of the religion in which they had been educated, and to have regarded Christianity as intended to be engrafted upon the ancient stock, which was yet to remain as the trunk to support the new branches. Paul seems to have been among the first to rise above this narrow view, and to regard Christianity in its light, as a universal religion. While others were for Judaizing all those who embraced the new religion by imposing on them the yoke of Mosaic observances, it was Paul's endeavor to break down the middle wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles, and show them that they were all "one in Christ." To this end all his labors tended; and, ardent in the pursuit of this great object, he did not hesitate to censure the time-serving Peter, and to expose his own life in resisting the prejudices of his countrymen. Indeed, his five years' imprisonment at Jerusalem, Caesarea, and Rome arose chiefly from this cause.
These various journeys of St. Paul, many of them made on foot, should be studied through on a map; in connection with the inspired narrative, in Acts, and with his own pathetic description of his labors, II Co 11:23-29, wherein nevertheless the half is not told. When we review the many regions he traversed and evangelized, the converts he gathered, and the churches he founded, the toils, perils, and trials he endured, the miracles he wrought, and the revelations he received, the discourses, orations, and letters in which he so ably defends and unfolds Christianity, the immeasurable good which God by him accomplished, his heroic life, and his martyr death, he appears to us the most extraordinary of men.
The character of Paul is most fully portrayed in his epistles, by which, as Chrysostom says he, "still lives in the mouths of men throughout the whole world. By them, not only his own converts, but all the faithful even unto this day, yea, and all the saints who are yet to be born until Christ's coming again, both have been and shall be blessed." In them we observe the transforming and elevating power of grace in one originally turbulent and passionate-making him a model of many and Christian excellence; fearless and firm, yet considerate, courteous, and gentle; magnanimous, patriotic, and self-sacrificing; rich in all noble sentiments and affections.
EPISTLES OF PAU-There are fourteen epistles in the New Testament usually ascribed to Paul, beginning with that to the Romans, and ending with that to the Hebrews. Of these the first thirteen have never been contested; as to the latter, many good men have doubted whether Paul was the author, although the current of criticism is in favor of this opinion. These epistles, in which the principles of Christianity are developed for all periods, characters, and circumstances, are among the most important of the primitive documents of the Christian religion, even apart from their inspired character; and although they seem to have been written without special premeditation, and have reference mostly to transient circumstances and temporary relations, yet they everywhere bear the stamp of the great and original mind of the apostle, as purified, elevated, and sustained by the influences of the Holy Spirit.
It is worthy of mention here, that an expression of Peter respecting "our beloved brother Paul" is often a little misunderstood. The words "in which" in II Peter 3:16, are erroneously applied to the "epistles" of Paul; and not to "these things" immediately preceding, that is, the subjects of which Peter was writing, as the Greek shows they should be. Peter finds no fault, either with Paul, or with the doctrines of revelation.
The arrangement of Hug is somewhat different; and some critics who find evidence that Paul was released from his first imprisonment and lived until the spring of 68, assign the epistles Hebrews, 1Timothy, Titus, and 2Timothy to the last year of his life. See TIMOTHY.
---American Tract Society Dictionary
Paul's Conversion and Call
Paul's Conversion Acts 9:1-6 / 26:9-18
Paul encountered the Lord on his way to Damascus. In this encounter, the Lord identified Himself to Paul, placed His call on his life, (Acts 26:16-1and instructed him to go into the city where he would be told what to do (Acts 9:6). Having been blinded in his encounter with the Lord, he was led by the hand into the city of Damascus (v.and stayed at the house of a man named Judas (v.11). He was blind for three days during which time he fasted (v.and prayed (v.11). During this time, the Lord showed him a vision of a man named Ananias coming and praying for him that his sight might be restored (v.12). The Lord sent Ananias, one of the disciples of Damascus, to Paul having instructed him to pray for him that he might receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost (v.17). Paul's sight was restored, he was baptized in the Holy Ghost (v.1and broke his fast (v.19).
Paul's time of learning the doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
In the middle of verse 19, there appears to be space of time not mentioned in Acts. The latter half of Galatians 1:16 seems to pick up where the first half of Acts 9:19 left off. Paul says in Gal. 1:16b,17;"immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus." After his conversion, he did not consult with the disciples at Damascus or the Apostles that were at Jerusalem, but"immediately" went into Arabia. It is believed that he dwelt in the northern part of the Arabian Desert, the el-Badieh or"Great Wilderness" of the Arabs, which lays adjacent to the territories of Damascus. (American Tract Society Dictionary under"Arabia Deserta" & Easton's Bible Dictionary under"Arabia".) While there, he received the doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by revelation from the Lord (Gal. 1:11-12 / Acts 26:16b / II Co 12:2-4). After his stay in Arabia, he"returned again unto Damascus" (v.17b) where he spent"certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus" (Acts 9:19b). This was his first meeting with the disciples since his conversion and it was here that he began his public ministry preaching in the synagogues of that city (Acts 9:20,22/ 26:20). He preached in Damascus for"many days" (Acts 9:23),"three years" (Gal. 1:18), but when the Jews determined to kill him and laid in wait for him at the city gates, the disciples let him down from the wall in a basket by night and he went on to Jerusalem (Acts 9:23-27 / 26:20 / Gal. 1:18).
Galatians 1:11-17
11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. ?
II Corinthians 12
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Paul received further understanding and knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ by revelation from God in the wilderness of Arabia before beginning his public ministry.
When the Lord first appeared to Paul at the time of his conversion, the Lord said to him:
Acts 26:16 - I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee.
Here, at the time Paul was converted, the Lord said that he was to be a witness of the things He had just revealed to him, but He also speaks of appearing to him in the future and that he is to be a witness of the things He would reveal to him then as well.
Paul said that (Acts 9:1-6 / 26:9-1after he was converted, healed and filled with the Holy Ghost; (Gal. 1:16b, 17)"immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus." It is evident that following his conversion, healing and baptism in the Holy Ghost; Paul, I believe by God's direction and leading, avoided meeting with any of the believers around him, but immediately left Damascus and headed into the wilderness of Arabia where God revealed to him more fully the doctrines concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ before he"returned again unto Damascus," met with the disciples there and began his ministry(Acts 9:19-20).
Digging Deep
Luke 6:48—He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep…
This wise builder struck the rock before he laid the foundation. God is not to be found on the surface. [Shifting Standards - Shifting sand]
1Cor. 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
All Fleshly desires being put to death!
Luke 16:3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved…(DIG, DIG, DIG, DIG)
While the foolish build on thoughts that are deviating from the Truth,
The wise seek only the truth.
There must not be any change from the foundation.
There must not be any variation from the foundation or the blueprint.
Every change and variation is a violation of God's Word.
Every violation of God's Word is a sin.
The Word of God is Truth. John 17:17
A person must be saved I Cor. 1:6,9,18,30; 2:12; II Cor. 5:17
A person must be full of the Holy Ghost ! Cor. 6:19; 12:3
A person must be a faithful witness I Cor.4:2,17; 7:25
A person must grow to be more like Him I Cor. 1:5,7,9,30
A person must study more of His Word I Cor. 2:7,13
A person must fully obey His Word I Cor.1:8
II Tim. 2:15; Hebrews 4:11; II Peter 1:5, 6, 7
A man's words expose his true nature: what he is really like beneath the surface.
Don't just dig it up, but dig it out
?A man's words expose what he is down deep within his heart: his motives, desires, ambitions, or the lack of initiative.
?A man's words expose his true character: good or bad, kind or cruel.
?A man's words expose his mind, what he thinks: pure or impure thoughts, dirty or clean thoughts, negative or positive.
?A man's words expose his spirit, what he believes and pursues: the legitimate or illegitimate, the intelligent or ignorant, the true or false, the good or evil, beneficial or wasteful, Spiritual or carnal.
I Cor.11:4,13; 14:15
John 8:43; Jer. 7:28; Mt 13:15; Mat. 12:34; Luke 6:45
Faith sees the invisible, Believes - the incredible, Receives - the impossible. Read and meditate - hear and meditate Read and believe - hear and believe Read and ponder - hear and ponder Read and obey - hear and obey
KEY VERSES:
3:6 "God giveth the increase"
3:9 "For we are laborers together with God"
3:10 "A wise master builder"
3:11 Jesus Christ is the foundation
3:16 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God" (6:15, 19, 20)
# Course Design # Outline ## Introduction ## I Corinthians ## II Corinthians ## Galatians ## Ephesians ## Philippians ## Colossians ## Syllabus ## Lesson Plan ## Quizzes ## Final Exam ## Addendum # EPISTLES I ASSIGNMENTS LIST Required reading, The Calvary Road, due by the end of the year. What is Paul’s “thorn in the flesh”? (Chapter 12) Give them the paper on Paul’s conversion and call. Give them “A Rule For Interpretation” Memorize Galatians 2:18. # Epistles I - Syllabus ## Class 1 ( Giving introductions ) A. Give introductions to Paul & Epistles I. B. Cover pages 1-7 of notes. (Pass out Study Questions on intro’s & pgs. 1-7) ## Class 2 Correct Study Questions in class (Quiz next week) ## Class 3 Quiz ## Class 4 A. Cover pages 8-14 of notes. ( Starting I Corinthians ) (Pass out Study Questions on 8-14) B. Required reading, The Calvary Road , due by the end of the year. ## Class 5 Correct Study Questions in class (Quiz next week) ## Class 6 Quiz ( Ending I Corinthians ) ## Class 7 A. Cover pages 15-19 of notes. ( Starting II Corinthians )(Pass out Study Questions on 15-19) B. What is Paul’s “thorn in the flesh”? (Chapter 12) ## Class 8 Correct Study Questions in class (Quiz next week) ## Class 9 Quiz ( Ending II Corinthians ) ## Class 10 A. Cover pages 20-25 of notes. ( Starting Galatians ) B. Give them the paper on Paul’s conversion and call. C. Give them “A Rule For Interpretation” ## Class 11 A. Cover pages 26-32 of notes. (Pass out Study Questions on pages 20-32) B. Memorize Galatians 2:18. ## Class 12 Correct Study Questions in class (Quiz next week) ## Class 13 Quiz ( Ending Galatians ) ## Class 14 Cover pages 33-40 of notes. ( Starting Ephesians ) (Pass out Study Questions on pages 33-40) ## Class 15 Correct Study Questions in class (Quiz next week) ## Class 16 Quiz ## Class 17 Cover pages 41-48 of notes. (Pass out Study Questions on pages 41-48) ## Class 18 Correct Study Questions in class (Quiz next week) ## Class 19 Quiz ( Ending Ephesians ) ## Class 20 Cover pages 49-54 of notes. ( Starting Philippians )(Pass out Study Questions on pages 49-54) ## Class 21 Correct Study Questions in class (Quiz next week) ## Class 22 Quiz ( Ending Philippians ) ## Class 23 Cover pages 55-59 of notes. (Pass out Study Questions on pages 55-59)( Starting Colossians ) ## Class 24 Correct Study Questions in class (Quiz next week) ## Class 25 Quiz ( Ending Colossians ) Following week Final Quiz 1. Make a syllabus for Stephen Jr. (Lesson 1, 2, 3 etc., S.Q., Quizzes, assignments & where given) all on one page. 2. 2 sets of S.Q. & Quiz (10-15 questions) for I Corinthians 3. 25 classes Begin each class by reviewing the class before it. May start Study Questions in class