It’s doubtful that we could find a more nostalgic, emotional letter written by the Apostle Paul. Facing death alone in a dungeon, surrounded by memories, and exposed to the elements, this grand old man wrote by candlelight a letter to his dear friend, Timothy. Paul had no assurance it would ever reach him but, nevertheless, he wrote it. And we are so grateful he did!
First Timothy addresses the role of the shepherd and his responsibility for the life of the flock. The shepherd must know and teach sound doctrine, live a godly life, and maintain order in the church. This letter highlights the importance of choosing godly leaders according to God’s design.
Within these 47 verses, we find such helpful insights as the purpose of persecution as well as the importance of diligence, Bible study, personal discipline, minding our own business, and choosing the right companions. As we explore this letter, let’s be sensitive to what God is saying—as it relates both to His prophetic plan and to His practical advice. Both are of equal importance.
Although brief (fewer than 90 verses), this letter outlines such practical matters as a church model worth emulating, a philosophy toward ministry worth following, a commitment to purity worth remembering, a hope of Christ’s coming worth anticipating, and a love for fellow Christians worth duplicating.
Colossians is the chart and compass, which will enable us to sail a straight course between the dangers of viewing Christianity as merely a philosophy and of making it a lifestyle of rigidity. How we need this little yet potent letter! Beset by gnostic heresy and harassed by Greek philosophy, the saints at Colossae were in danger of losing their way. Paul wrote to help them get back on course.
If you need warm encouragement, a cheery boost of joy, a happy and hopeful word to lift your spirit, you’ve come to the right place. Philippians has this all and more! Free from complicated and knotty problems, these 104 verses offer authentic reasons to be thankful, joyful, and contented.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is foundational to the doctrine of the universal church, the earthly body of Christ. It is here we learn of spiritual gifts and their purpose in the church, the proper relationships between family members at home, and the armour of God for His people. No serious student of Scripture remains ignorant of Ephesians. Its insights, principles, and practical admonitions are essential to our growth toward Christian maturity.
Galatians assaults the bondage of legalism more directly than any other Bible book and, except for Romans, most thoroughly develops the answer to the question: are we saved by believing or by achieving? The clear announcement of this letter to Christians could be put into three words: you are free.
In this letter, Paul modelled how Christians should respond to suffering. He highlighted God’s role as the perfect comforter. Paul also showed believers the connection between inadequacy in ministry and experiencing God’s strength.
This 16-chapter letter is comprised mainly of troubleshooting, confronting, exhorting, and correcting. No other New Testament letter gives the pastor of a church in conflict a broader base of preaching material as he leads his flock out of carnal dangers and into new territory of purity and unity.
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