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The Epistles
April16, 2025 - 

Overview & Introduction - The Epistles - April 9, 2025

Series Overview

Having studied the elements of Spiritual Warfare, and then how to achieve Spiritual Maturity, we are returning to a deeper, more focused study of the Word of God. Our goal is to continue strengthening our faith and understanding.  We begin with a study of the Epistles. 

This series will focus on understanding the Epistles, the letters written by the apostles, particularly Paul, Peter, James, John, and others, to various churches and individuals in the New Testament. These letters provide rich theological insights, practical advice for Christian living, and essential teachings of the Gospel.  We will explore the historical context, key themes, and messages of the Epistles, aiming to apply their timeless truths to our lives today.

 

Introduction to the Epistles

The Epistles, a collection of letters found throughout the New Testament, are among the most insightful and practical writings in the Christian faith.  Written by the apostles, these letters were addressed to early Christian communities or individuals to provide guidance, encouragement, correction, and doctrinal teaching.  They offer enduring wisdom for believers, addressing both the spiritual and practical aspects of Christian life.

Each epistle serves a unique purpose, ranging from Paul's theological teachings on grace and salvation in letters like Romans and Ephesians to Peter's exhortations to live holy lives in the face of persecution.  John's letters emphasize love, fellowship, and the assurance of salvation, while the epistles of James and Hebrews challenge believers to live out their faith in everyday actions.

I am excited to explore the rich theological truths they contain, the practical applications they offer, and the profound insight into the early Christian church's struggles, triumphs, and growth. Through a deeper understanding of these letters, we hope to grow in our own faith, strengthen our relationship with God, and be better equipped to live out the Gospel in our daily lives.

In this study series, we will reflect on the key themes of grace, redemption, spiritual growth, and church life.  We will also learn how to apply the apostolic teachings to our current circumstances and discover how these ancient letters continue to speak powerfully to us today.

As we begin this study we are reminded to open our hearts to God's Word as we embark on a journey of discovery, and examine into the enduring messages of the Epistles.

Lesson 1 - Part 1 - Romans - April 16, 2025

Introduction

There is a total of 13 Epistles or letters written by various Apostles in the New Testament. They are usually broken down into three groups or categories:  

  1. The Church Epistles (Romans to 2nd Thessalonians)

  2. The Pastoral Epistles (1st & 2nd Timothy, Titus)

  3. The Personal Epistle (Philemon)

As we begin our journey through the first group, the Church Epistles, we start with the book of Romans. This was not only the first epistle in the New Testament but also one of the most theologically rich and foundational books in all of Scripture.  Written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57, during his third missionary journey, the letter to the Romans was addressed to a diverse group of believers in Rome, Jews and Gentiles alike, who had not yet met the Apostle Paul in person.  So, in addition to a personal greeting, Romans serves as a carefully structured presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, from sin to salvation, from death to life, and from law to grace.

Primarily, Romans is a letter about righteousness: the righteousness of God, the unrighteousness of humanity, and the gift of righteousness that comes by faith.  Paul lays out the human need for salvation (chapters 1–3), the solution through faith in Christ (chapters 4–5), the power of new life in the Spirit (chapters 6–8), and the scope of God’s plan for Israel and the world (chapters 9–11).  He then closes with practical instructions for Christian living and unity (chapters 12–16).

What makes Romans so powerful is that it is both deeply personal while at the same time doctrinal. Theologians have commented that it challenges the mind and stirs the heart.  As he writes, Paul addresses questions still relevant today:​

Lesson 1 - Part 2 - Romans - April 23, 2025

Introduction

 Having answered the two questions concerning Paul’s letter to the Romans:

A.  How can a person be made right with God?

B.  What role does faith play in salvation?

We turn our attention to the final questions:

C. How should we live in light of grace?

D. What does it mean to be the Church?

 

C. Grace-Transformed Life Means:

     1. Surrendered Living

     2. Renewed Thinking

     3. Humble Service.

     4. Genuine Love

     5. Submission and Peace

     6. Bearing with Others

D. What does it mean to be the Church?

     1. The Church as a Body (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12)

     2. A Community of Grace (Romans 5–8)

     3. A People of the Spirit (Romans 8, Galatians 5)

     4. A New Humanity (Ephesians 2)

     5. A Mission-Oriented People (Romans 10, 2 Corinthians 5)

Lesson 2 - Part 1 - 1st Corinthians - April 30, 2025

Introduction

After studying Romans and its deep theological foundation of salvation by grace through faith, we now move to 1st  Corinthians, a practical letter addressing the real-world struggles of a Christian community.  Written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 55, this is one of the church epistles that speaks to the issues of division, immorality, worship, and spiritual gifts in the early church.  It remains incredibly relevant to today’s church.

Key Themes

I. Unity in the Church (Chapters 1–4)

II. Holiness and Moral Integrity (Chapters 5–7)

III. Freedom and Responsibility (Chapters 8–10)

IV. Order in Worship and Spiritual Gifts (Chapters 11–14)

V. The Power and Hope of the Resurrection (Chapter 15)

 

I. Divisions and Unity (Chapters 1–4)

Main Theme: Unity in Christ Over Human Leaders

The Problem of Divisions (1 Corinthians 1:10–17)

  1. The Message of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:18–31)

  2. Christ-Centered Leadership (1 Corinthians 2:1–16)

  3. Understanding Our Role: Servants and Stewards

  4. The Danger of Seeking Human Approval

  5. The Apostles' Humble Example

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