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The Epistles
April 9, 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

  1. Unity in the Church (Chapters 1–4)

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

  3. Freedom and Responsibility (Chapters 8–10)

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

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

 

  1. Divisions and Unity (Chapters 1–4)

fights” and “power struggles” in the House of God are an abomination in the sight of God. 

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. Faithfulness Versus Fame (1 Corinthians 4:1–21

  4. Understanding Our Role: Servants and Stewards

  5. The Danger of Seeking Human Approval

  6. The Apostles' Humble Example 

Lesson 2 - Part 2 - 1st Corinthians - May 21, 2025

Introduction

This New Testament letter, written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, addresses a wide range of issues that are still deeply relevant to the church and Christian life today. Paul wrote 1st Corinthians around A.D. 55 while in Ephesus, responding to reports of division, immorality, and confusion within the Corinthian church.  The city of Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan hub, but it was also known for its immorality and cultural pressures—challenges that had begun to infiltrate the young Christian community. 

Our goal in this study is to understand how Paul's teachings to a struggling church can inform our own lives and churches today. As we move through the letter, we want to reflect on how we can pursue unity, live with integrity, use our spiritual gifts in love, and stand firm in the hope of the resurrection.

VI. Moral Purity and Church Discipline (Ch. 5–7) - Key Verses: 1st Corinthians 6:19–20 

VII. Christian Liberty and Responsibility (Ch. 8–10) - Key Verse: 1st Corinthians 10:23 

VIII. Worship, Order, and Spiritual Gifts (Ch. 11–14) - Key Verse: 1st Corinthians 13:13 – 

IX. The Resurrection and Hope (Ch. 15) - Key Verse: 1st Corinthians 15:58 

Lesson 3 - Part 1 - 2nd Corinthians - May 28, 2025

Introduction

The Key Theme in 2nd Corinthians is “Comfort and Strength in Christ.” The Apostle Paul wrote 2nd Corinthians during a time of tension and vulnerability for the early Christians. After planting the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey, Paul had ongoing correspondence and multiple visits with the church due to issues of immorality, division, and opposition.

Lesson 3 - Part 2 - 2nd Corinthians - June 11, 2025

Introduction

Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth dealt with finding God’s comfort in times of affliction.  This second letter is even more transparent and personal.  Written after a painful visit, following his “tearful letter” (2ndCorinthians 2:4), and in the wake of tension in the church, Paul defends his apostleship, reaffirms his love for the Corinthian believers, and outlines the paradox of Christian leadership—strength through weakness. 

The second part of 2nd Corinthians deals with  “grace through generosity” and “strength in weakness.”  This lesson deals with the topic of Christian giving.

 

  1. The Grace of Generosity –  2nd Corinthians 8–9 

  2. The Example of the Macedonians – 2nd Corinthians 8:2 (1–5)

  3. The Grace of Giving – 2nd Corinthians 8:6–15

  4. Integrity and Accountability in Giving (2nd Corinthians 8:16–24)

  5. Cheerful and Abundant Giving (2nd Corinthians 9:1–7)

  6. The Fruit of Generosity (2 Cor. 9:8–15)

Lesson 3 - Part 3 - 2nd Corinthians - June 18, 2025

Introduction

After offering the Corinthians advice and theological reflections on Christian giving, Paul defends his apostolic authority.  There were critics in Corinth who minimized Paul spiritual credentials – mocking is physical appearance because he did not fit the world’s standard of good looks, power, charisma and eloquent speech. They compared him to the “super-apostles;”  false prophets, who boasted of themselves and their statis with eloquent speech.

In these final chapters, which speaks to “Authentic Ministry and Spiritual Authority,” Paul mounts a bold defense, not just for his reputation, but for the sake of preserving the integrity of the Gospel.  In these passages, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthians with humility and firmness, defending his ministry against criticism.  But more deeply, he teaches a vital truth about spiritual warfare - that the real battles Christians face are not physical but spiritual.  Paul teaches that spiritual battles require spiritual weapons, not worldly power or persuasion.  His weapons are truth, humility, and obedience to Christ.

 

2nd Corinthians 10

  1. Gentle Strength – verses 1-2

  2. The Nature of the Battle – verse 3

  3. Spiritual Weapons – verse 4

  4. Destroying Arguments and Captive Thoughts – verse 5

  5. Obedience and Accountability – verse 6

  6. Authentic Authority and Boasting in the Lord – verses 17-18

  7. Looking Beyond the Surface – verse 7

  8. Authority for Building Up – verses 8-9

  9. Misjudged by Appearance – verse 10-11

  10. Warning Against Self-Comparison – verse 12 

  11. Staying Within God's Assignment – verses 13-16

12.  Boast Only in the Lord – verses 17-18

Lesson 4 - Part 1 - Galatians - June 25, 2025

Introductions

The Epistle to the Galatians is one of Paul’s most passionate letters, written to a group of churches he had founded.  After his departure, some teachers (Judaizers”) convinced the Galatians that faith in Jesus wasn’t enough, in order to be truly saved, they needed to follow the Mosaic Law, especially circumcision.

Paul writes urgently to defend the Gospel of grace and clarify his authority as an apostle.  Galatians is often called the “Magna Carta of Christian liberty,” because it passionately defends the believer’s freedom from the Law and asserts that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, not by observing religious rituals or rules, not by works of the Law.  History lesson: The Magna Carta, written and signed in 1215 in England, was a document that declared that no one, even the king, was above the law.  It freed the people from unfair taxation and the tyranny of the king.  Just as the Magna Carta freed citizens from tyranny, Galatians frees believers from legalism and spiritual bondage. 

 

  1. The True Gospel Comes from God, Not Man (Galatians 1:1–12)

2.  Paul’s Radical Transformation (Galatians 1:13–24)

3.  Paul’s Gospel Affirmed by the Apostles (Galatians 2:1–10)

4.  Confronting Hypocrisy in the Church (Galatians 2:11–14)

5.  Justification by Faith, Not Works (Galatians 2:15–21)

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