JAMES SURVEY
Maturing through Trials

Philippe R. Sterling
 
Press on to spiritual maturity through the endurance of purifying trials which involves being swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.
 
Introductory Matters
 
The author identifies himself as James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ (1:1).  Which James is this?  He may be James the half-brother of Jesus (see Matt 13:55-56; Mark 6:3).
 
James and the other siblings at first did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah (John 7:1-5 and Mark 3:31-35).  Then we find them in the Upper Room praying with the disciples (Acts 1:14).  What brought about the change from unbelief to faith?  Jesus appeared to James after His resurrection (1 Cor 15:7) and this perhaps convinced him that Jesus was the Christ and he believed in Him for everlasting life.
 
James became a leader of the church in Jerusalem.  Paul refers to him as a “pillar” of the church along with Peter and John in Gal 2:9.  He moderates the council in Acts 15.
 
James addresses the letter to the twelve tribes who are scattered abroad (1:1).  The phrase seems to identify the recipients as Jewish.  Persecution had scattered Jewish believers from Jerusalem throughout Judea and Samaria and beyond (Acts 8:1; 11:19).  Wherever they went they shared the good news with other Jewish people.
 
These Jewish believers were going through difficult trials.  The stress of these trials surfaced problems in their fellowship.  Some of the believers catered to the rich and neglected the needy among them.  Some were seeking status as teachers.  Some were quarreling with each other.
 
These problems were due to spiritual immaturity.  James writes to encourage his “brethren” to press on to maturity by rejoicing through trials and resisting temptations.  He uses the word “perfect” several times, a word that means “mature, complete” (see 1:4; 2:22; 3:2).  The joyful endurance of trials brings about maturity.  When we respond to trials with a persevering faith that is swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, the process has a maturing effect on our lives.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.   Greeting: James greets the scattered Jewish believers (1:1). 

II.  Introduction: James encourages them to press on to maturity by rejoicing through trials and resisting the
     temptation to blame God (1:2-18). 

     A.  Press on to maturity by rejoicing through trials with God’s wisdom (1:2-12). 

          1.  Attitude in Trials: Rejoice through trials because of the opportunity for growth that trials provide (2-3).
          2.  Advantage of Trials: The joyful endurance of trials brings about spiritual maturity (4).
          3.  Assistance for Trials: Pray in faith for the wisdom to understand and endure trials whether poor or
               rich — endurance leads to approval which leads to reward (5-12). 

Key Verse: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (1:12).  Jesus rewards perseverance under trial.
 
     B.  Press on to maturity by resisting the temptation to blame God (1:13-18). 

          1.  Source of Temptation: Temptation does not come from God but from within ourselves (13-14).
          2.  Steps in Temptation: Temptation begins with out-of-control desire which leads to disobedience and ends
               in death (15-16)
          3.  Solution for Temptation: We guard against temptation by trusting our unchanging God who gives good
               gifts and relying upon the word of truth which gives us life (17-18). 

We are in danger of falling before the attacks and pressures of trials.  We are also subject to falling before the attractions and fleeting pleasures of temptations.  No matter what may be the trials on the outside or the temptations on the inside, we are to press on to maturity.
 
III. Summary Exhortation: Be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (1:19-20). 
​
IV. Extended Exhortation: Press on to spiritual maturity through the endurance of purifying trials which involves
     being swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (1:21–5:6). 

     A.  Be swift to hear (1:21–2:26). 

          1.  Being swift to hear means to be an effectual doer of the word (1:21-27). 

          2.  Being swift to hear means forsaking partiality and practicing the royal law of love (2:1-13). 

          3.  Being swift to hear means maintaining an active faith (2:14-26). 

               a.  A workless faith is lifeless — it withers and dies (14-17).
               b.  A workless faith is useless — it benefits no one (18-20).
               c.  A working faith justifies before men — it evidences faith to men (21-26). 

     B.  Be slow to speak (3:1-18). 

          1.  We need to control our words because the tongue is powerful, perverse and polluted (3:1-12). 

          2.  We control our words by exercising the wisdom that is from above and not the wisdom that is from
               below (3:13-18). 

     C.  Be slow to anger (4:1–5:6). 

          1.  Worldliness creates anger (4:1-5). 

          2.  Humility cures anger (4:1–5:6). 

               a.  Humility enables repentance from sin (4:6-10).
               b.  Humility enables restraint in speech (4:11-12).
               c.  Humility enables reluctance to boast (4:13–17).
               d.  Humility enables regard for the needs of others — implied by the last days judgment of those who
                    oppress others (5:1-6). 

V.  Concluding Exhortation: Persevere in trials until the coming of the Lord waiting for His reward and relying
     upon prayer (5:7-20). 

     A.  The Lord will appropriately reward perseverance at His coming (5:7-11). 

We should be patient like the farmer who waits for his crops, and like Job who endured his sufferings and was eventually blessed by God. The imminent return of the Lord encourages us to be patient and refrain from complaining against one another.
 
     B.  Prayer enables perseverance (5:7-20). 
​
We should pray if we are undergoing trials.  The prayers include asking God for the wisdom and the ability to endure the trials that we might become more mature.  We should sing praises when God helps us to be joyful in the midst of our trials.
 
Those who are weakening under their trials should call for the elders of the church to pray for them and anoint them with oil.  The anointment with oil represents the empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit that will restore the weak believer.  Those who have weakened to the point of wandering from the truth should be sought out and encouraged to return.
 
Theological Reflection and Application
 
We are to examine ourselves to see if we are pressing on to spiritual maturity.  We must first have been born again since apart from spiritual birth there is no spiritual maturity.  James mention the new birth early in the letter: “In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth” (1:18a).  The Spirit of God generates spiritual life in the person who believes the word of truth.  The word of truth in this case is the promise of Jesus for eternal life
 
If we have been born again, we must examine our lives in the light of the word.  James compares the word to a mirror (1:22-24).  As we look at the word, we see ourselves as we really are.
 
We must act on what we see and not merely look at the image and walk away.  We must be “doers of the word and not hearers only.”  The blessing does not come in hearing the word but in doing the word.
 
We must be prepared for trials.  God is preparing mature men and women for service.  He forms our faith through the furnace of trials.  Press on to spiritual maturity.

SURVEY OF HEBREWS
Partners with Christ

Philippe R. Sterling
 
Aim to be Christ’s partner in the life to come.
 
Introductory Matters
 
Authorship: The Book of Hebrews is an anonymous work.  Numerous suggestions have been given as to who wrote the book.  No clear consensus has emerged concerning who the writer was.  Perhaps the best suggestion was articulated by Origen when he wrote, “As to who actually wrote the epistle, God knows the truth of the matter.”  Hebrews seems to fit the description of one of its puzzling characters: “without father, without mother, without genealogy” (7:3).  Because the writer desired anonymity, it seems best to let his wishes stand.
 
Audience: The traditional title “To the Hebrews” is first encountered toward the end of the second century.  The document lacks the usual epistolary opening.  Nowhere does it tell us that the original readers were Hebrews, nor does it tell us where they lived.  The book’s argument suggests believers of Jewish background who were being tempted to lapse back to their Judaism.
 
Date: The writer said that he and those to whom he wrote had come to faith in Jesus Christ through the preaching of others who had heard Jesus (2:3-4). The original readers had been Christians for an extended period of time (5:12). The reference to Timothy's release from imprisonment (13:23) dates the book in his lifetime.  The imprisonment of Christians seems to have been a well-known fact of life (10:34; 13:3). This was true after Nero launched an empire-wide persecution in A.D. 64. All of these factors when taken together seem to point to a writing date near A.D. 68-69.
 
Genre: The writer/speaker describes his work as “a word of exhortation” (13:22).  He alternates exposition with exhortation.  The expositional material serves the exhortative purpose of the whole book.  Hebrews is much more a sermon than a typical letter, although it is also a letter.  It does not begin as letters normally do.  There is no identification of author or addressees, and no opening salutation.  It is more typical of speech than of writing.  Indications of this are the references to speaking and hearing (2:5; 5:11; 8:1; 9:5; 11:32). It ends as a letter, with personal information, greetings, a doxology, and a benediction.  We could call Hebrews a written sermon sent to a Christian community facing a serious issue of defection from Christ to exhort them to remain faithful to Christ that they might share in His glorious reign in the world to come.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.  Prologue: God has climactically spoken to us through His Son, the Heir of all things (1:1-4). 

    A.  Opening Statement: God has finally and fully spoken through His Son (1:1-2a).

    B.  The Sovereign Son: Seven phrases describe the person and work of the Sovereign Son (1:2b-3). 

          1.  He is the appointed heir of all things.
          2.  He made the world.
          3.  He uniquely manifests God’s glory.
          4.  He embodies God’s essence.
          5.  He upholds all that exists.
          6.  He made the sacrifice of atonement for the removal of sin.
          7.  He has been exalted to sit at God’s right hand sharing His sovereign authority (allusion to Psalm 110:1). 

     C.  Transitional Statement: The Son is supreme over angels (1:4). 

II.  Part 1 – The Supremacy of the Person of Christ: Jesus is God’s exalted King-Son leading other sons to glory
     (1:5 to 4:16). 

     A.  Greater than the Angels: To God’s kingly Son and His fellow-heirs, not to angels, belong a triumphant
          eternal reign (1:5 to 2:18). 

          1.  Catena: A chain of seven Old Testament quotations supports the point of the supremacy of the Son
               over angels (1:5-13). 

               a.  Psalm 2:7 – Jesus is the unique Son of the Father.
               b.  2 Samuel 7:14 – Jesus is the Messianic Son of David.
               c.  Deuteronomy 32:43 (LXX) – God calls the angels to worship the Son whom He has sent into the world.
               d.  Psalm 104:4 – The angels are servants.
               e.  Psalm 45:6-7 – The Son is God.  God refers to the Son as God.  The Son is elevated above
                    His companions.
               f.  Psalm 102:25-27 – The Son’s role in creation puts Him alongside of God and separates Him from
                   the creation.
               g.  Psalm 110:1 – The Son reigns with God at His right hand. 
​
          2.  The Role of Angels: The angels are commissioned servants for the sake of those who will inherit
               salvation (1:14).
​
          3.  First Warning – Don’t drift away from Christ’s Word: Neglect of our salvation-hope is perilous.  It
               brings discipline in this world and the loss of reward or inheritance in the world to come (2:1-4).

          4.  The Leader of our Salvation: In His humanity, the Heir of all things has become fully suited to the needs
               of His fellow heirs (2:5-18). 

     B.  Entering His Rest: As partners of the Son, we must acquire our salvation-rest by a persevering faith (3:1
          to 4:16).  

          1.  Call: We are invited to be partakers in the Son’s priestly house through our persevering faith (3:1-6).

          2.  Second Warning – Don’t disbelieve Christ’s Word: We enter into our salvation-rest by believing the word
               of Christ and receiving grace to help in time of need (3:7 to 4:16).  

               a.  Peril of Disbelief: Rejection of Christ’s word is more serious than rejection of Moses’ word and will keep
                    us from entering into our promised inheritance of reigning with Christ (3:7-19).
               b.  Entrance into Rest: We enter into our salvation-rest by believing God’s word through Christ (4:1-13).
               c.  Application and Transitional Statement: We hold fast our confession by drawing near to the throne
                    of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help from our great High Priest Jesus (4:14-16).  

III.  Part 2 – The Superiority of the Priesthood of Christ: Jesus is God’s exalted Priest-Son able to aid His brethren
     (5:1 to 10:39).  

     A.  The Son’s Melchizedekian Priesthood: The superiority of our Lord’s Melchizedekian priesthood over the
          Levitical priesthood is the anchor of our salvation-hope (5:1 to 7:28).  

          1.  The Son’s Priestly Role: God’s Kingly-Son is fully suited to His priestly role (5:1-10).
 
               a.  The Qualifications of the High Priest: The high priest must have a human nature, human compassion
                    and divine appointment (5:1-4).
               b.  The Qualifications of Christ: Jesus was divinely installed as High Priest forever according to the order
                    of Melchizedek after He had been perfectly equipped by the sufferings and trials of life to be our High
                   Priest (5:5-10).  

          2.  Third Warning – Don’t defect from Christ’s Word: Avoid the danger of defection by a persevering
               progress toward spiritual maturity (5:11 to 6:20).  

               a.  The Problem of Immaturity: Beware of relapsing into a state of spiritual infancy through dullness
                    of hearing (5:11-13).
               b.  The Remedy: Press on to spiritual maturity (6:1-20).  

                    1)  The Need for Progress: Press on beyond the elementary teachings about the Christ (6:1-2).
                    2)  The Danger of an Irremediable Fall:  Beware of backsliding to a state where repentance
                         becomes impossible (6:3-8).
                   3)  The Call to a Persevering Faith: Anchor to the hope set before us by being imitators of those such
                        as Abraham who through faith and patience inherit the promises (6:9-20).  

          3.  The Melchizedekian Priesthood: The Lord’s superior Melchizedekian priesthood is our anchoring hope
               (7:1-28).  
 
               a.  Type of Christ: Melchizedek prefigured Jesus in his name and title, office, and lack of priestly
                    ancestry (7:1-3).
               b.  Greater than Levitical Priests: Melchizedek is great because Abraham gave him a tithe; he
                    blessed Abraham; he eternally lives on, while the Levitical priests were dying men; and Levi paid him
                    a tithe (7:4-10).
               c.  Better Hope: Since the Levitical priesthood could not bring perfection, God called for a new
                    priesthood which would give a better hope and enable us to draw near to Him (7:11-20).
               d.  Superior Priesthood: The Melchizedekian priesthood of God’s Son is superior to Aaron’s because it
                    was confirmed by an oath; it is permanent because of Jesus’ eternality; it is better in character because
                    of Jesus’ sinlessness; and it is efficacious (7:20-28).  

     B.  ​The Son’s New Covenant Priestly Service: The superiority of the Son’s New Covenant service is the basis for
          a worshipper’s confidence and acceptance (8:1 to 10:39).  

          1.  Introduction to Jesus’ New Covenant Ministry: Jesus serves in a better sanctuary and mediates a
               better covenant (8:1-13).  

               a.  The True Tabernacle: Jesus performs His priestly work in the true Tabernacle in Heaven which
                    is associated with a better covenant established on better promises (8:1-6).
               b.  The New Covenant: The better covenant is the new covenant spoken of in Jeremiah 31:31-34
                    which renders obsolete the first covenant made with Israel at Sinai (8:7-13).  

          2.  Explanation of Jesus’ New Covenant Priestly Ministry: Jesus is superior in His New Covenant functions
               (9:1 to 10:18).  

               a.  The Earthly and Heavenly Sanctuaries: Jesus serves the true tabernacle of God in heaven, not an
                    earthly sanctuary (9:1-14).
               b.  The Old and New Covenants: Jesus’ death has ratified a new and everlasting covenant so that those
                    who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance (9:15-22).
               c.  The Old and New Sacrifices: Jesus’ one sacrifice, unlike the annual sacrifices of the Day of Atonement,
                    is truly effective and provides ongoing forgiveness of sins (9:23 to 10:18).  

          3.  Warning and Encouragement: Our steadfast faith, hope, and love deters divine retribution in this life
               and results in great reward in the life to come (10:19-39).  

               a.  Basic Admonition: Come before God with full assurance of faith and gather together to encourage
                    one another (10:19-25).  

                    1)  Two Great Privileges: We have access to God by the blood of Christ and we have a great High
                         Priest (19-21).
                    2)  Three Solemn Duties: Draw near to God with full assurance of faith, hold fast the confession of
                         your hope, and stir up one another to love and good deeds by gathering together and encouraging
                         each other (22-25).  

               b.  Fourth Warning – Don’t go on sinning willfully against Christ’s Word: Expect God’s family judgment
                    for continuing to sin willfully against the truth (10:26-31).
               c.  Encouragement: Anticipate great reward for steadfast faith (10:32-39)

IV. Part 3 – The Persevering Faith of the Partners of Christ: We maintain our partnership with God’s exalted
     King-Priest through our persevering faith (11:1 to 12:29).  

     A.  Persevering Faith and God’s Approval: Faith is the indispensable basis of all effective spiritual living (11:1-40).  

          1.  The Nature of Faith: Faith is grounded on God’s Word and gains God’s approval (11:1-3).
          2.  The Approval of Faith: The life of faith receives approval and reward from God (11:4-16).
          3.  The Triumph of Faith: The life of faith triumphs over all experiences of life through it may not always
               be rewarded in this life (11:17-40).  

     B.  Persevering Faith and God’s Discipline: Our new covenant relationship with God’s exalted King-Priest
          should motivate us to faithful perseverance under divine discipline (12:1-29).  

          1.  Running the Race: Run your race with endurance looking to Christ (12:1-3).
          2.  Enduring Discipline: Endure and learn from God’s discipline (12:4-13).
          3.  Fifth Warning – Don’t refuse Him who is speaking: Render to God an acceptable service with reverence
               and awe to avoid judgment in this life and loss of inheritance in the life to come (12:14-29).  

V.  Epilogue: Offer to God an acceptable service relying on the grace of Jesus Christ (13:1-25).  

     A.  Concluding Instructions: Serve God acceptably in social and spiritual areas (13:1-19).  

          1.  Social Instructions: Love the brethren, honor marriage, be content (1-6).
          2.  Spiritual Instructions: Submit to spiritual leadership and offer spiritual sacrifices (7-19).  

     B.  Benediction: May God through Jesus equip you to do that which is pleasing in His sight (13:20-21).

     C.  Closing: Heed this brief exhortation in fellowship with God’s people and reliance on God’s grace (13:22-25).  

​Theological Reflection and Application
 
Jesus the exalted Son is our sympathetic High Priest who has gone before us and enables us to enter into the promise of our inheritance.  If we rely upon His grace and mercy and persevere in faith to the end, we will receive the inheritance of reigning with Him in the world to come.  Aim to be Christ’s partner in the life to come.
 
Note these applications:

1. God has spoken through the Son.  Are you listening?
2. Don’t drift.  Listen and obey.
3. Be part of the band of brothers with Christ as leader.
4. Call on your Priest!
5. Move on to maturity.
6. Overcome spiritual sluggishness.
7. We need each other to get through the challenges of the Christian life.  Some assembly is required!
8. Be steadfast in faith that you might receive a rich reward.
9. Run with endurance the race marked out for you.
10. Rely on grace.

 

 

SURVEY OF PHILEMON
No Longer a Slave but a Beloved Brother

Philippe R. Sterling
 
The community of love within the church transforms relationships and indirectly undermines unjust social structures.
 
Introductory Matters
 
Paul writes from prison in Rome to Philemon who is a leader of a church which meets in his house in Colossae.  Philemon is probably a wealthy landowner with slaves.  He had come to believe in Christ under Paul’s ministry. Onesimus, one of his slaves, ran away after perhaps stealing from him and made his way to Rome.  In Rome he encounters Paul and believes in Christ.  Paul hopes to reconcile Onesimus and Philemon.  He writes to appeal to Philemon to receive back his runaway slave as a beloved brother who now would be useful to him and to Paul.  The name Onesimus means “profitable, useful.”
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.  Opening: Paul greets Philemon as a beloved brother and invokes God’s grace and peace (1-3). 

     A.  Salutation: Paul refers to himself as a prisoner of Christ, refers to Philemon as a beloved brother and
          fellow worker, and addresses others in Philemon’s church fellowship (1-2). 

Paul is a “prisoner of Christ.”  He does not mention that he is an apostle as he does in other letters.  He is in a humble state subject to Christ.  He does not rest his appeal on apostolic authority but on personal relationship.
 
Philemon is a beloved brother and fellow worker.  “Love/beloved” is repeated five times in the letter (1, 5, 7, 9, and 16).  Philemon belongs to a fellowship of brotherly love and has shown the quality of love.
 
Paul mentions others in Philemon’s church fellowship.  Apphia, Archippus and the church in Philemon’s house are witnesses to Paul’s appeal for Onesimus.  Philemon thus may be accountable to the church fellowship in how he responds to Paul’s appeal.
 
     B.  Invocation: Paul invokes God’s grace and peace to the church fellowship — plural “you” (3). 

II.  Thanksgiving: Paul gives thanks for Philemon’s love and faith towards God and all who believe (4-7). 

Elements of the thanksgiving relate to the appeal which follows.  Paul has heard of Philemon’s love and faith towards the Lord Jesus and all the saints (5).  Will he express that brotherly love to Onesimus (16)?  He has refreshed the hearts of the saints (7).  Will he refresh Paul’s heart by reconciling with Onesimus and sending him back to Paul (20)?  Paul prays that the fellowship of his faith will be effective for Christ’s sake (6).  The passage prepares the ground for the appeal that follows.
 
III. Appeal: Paul appeals to Philemon to receive back Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother (8-20). 

     A,  Tone of Appeal: Paul is making an “appeal” not giving an order (8-9). 

Paul refers once again to himself as a prisoner of Christ and not as an apostle.  He does not use his apostolic authority to order Philemon to do what is proper, but instead appeals to him because of his confidence in Christ.  It is usually better to appeal than to command.
 
     B.  Basis of Appeal: Paul appeals to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus on the basis of his present usefulness to
          both Paul and Philemon (10-16). 

          1.  Usefulness to Paul: Onesimus has become a believer through Paul and is useful to him (10-13). 

Paul is the spiritual father of Onesimus.  Philemon bears a similar relationship to Paul (19).  Onesimus might have been a great loss in the past but now he is highly useful to both Paul and Philemon.  Paul has a close relationship with Onesimus and in sending him back to Philemon he is sending back a part of his own heart.  Philemon’s response to Paul’s appeal will have a significant effect on Paul and all who read the letter.  Paul implies his desire to have Onesimus return to minister to him in his imprisonment on behalf of Philemon after his reconciliation with Philemon.
 
          2.  Usefulness to Philemon: Onesimus will be useful to Philemon were he to receive him back not as a slave
               but as a beloved brother (14-16). 

Paul does not want to force Philemon’s decision but desires his free consent.  Were Philemon to reconcile with Onesimus, he would have him back as a beloved brother forever.  The reference to the eternal expands the appeal of Paul from the temporal service relationships to the everlasting fellowship of believers.
 
Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus now relate to one another as members of a family of faith.  The status of Onesimus has shifted from a slave to “more than a slave,” that is “a beloved brother.”  Onesimus will be useful to Paul and Philemon in the physical sense, “in the flesh,” and in the spiritual sense, “in the Lord.”
 
     C.  Stated Threefold Appeal: Paul asks that Philemon would do three things: accept Onesimus as he would
          accept Paul; transfer to Paul whatever debt Onesimus incurred; and refresh Paul’s heart in Christ (17-20). 
 
          1.  First Part of Appeal: “Accept him as you would me” (17). 

Paul states outright what he desires Philemon to do.  If he regards Paul as a partner, he should accept Onesimus as he would accept Paul.
 
          2.  Second Part of Appeal: “Charge that to my account” (18-19). 

Whatever debt Onesimus owes to Philemon should be transferred to Paul.  Paul is the guarantor of the debt.  Paul promises to repay and writes the promissory note with his “own hand.”  Paul mentions Philemon’s debt to him.  He had probably led Philemon to Christ.  Philemon is indebted to Paul for his spiritual life, a debt far greater than that which Onesimus had incurred and for which Paul was willing to repay.
 
          3.  Third Part of Appeal: “Refresh my heart in Christ” (20). 

Paul seeks a benefit from Philemon.  By reconciling with Onesimus and sending him back to Paul, he would refresh Paul’s heart in Christ. Paul uses three references to “heart” to frame and form his appeal.  Philemon has refreshed “the hearts of the saints” (7).  Onesimus is Paul’s “very heart” (12).  Philemon should refresh Paul’s “heart in Christ” (20).
 
Paul leaves it to Philemon to work out his response to Paul’s appeal.  Should he receive Onesimus back as a beloved brother in Christ?  Should he charge Onesimus’ debt to Paul?  Should he repay his own debt to Paul by sending Onesimus back to Paul?
 
IV.  Closing: Paul expresses confidence of Philemon’s obedience, asks for the preparation of lodging for him should
​      he be released from prison, cites greetings from fellow workers, and extends a benediction (21-25). 

Paul has made his case and has confidence that Philemon will do even more than that for which he has appealed.  While Philemon is being gracious to Onesimus, Paul asks that he prepares a place for him to stay should he be given back to him as a result of his prayers.  As with the invocation (3), Paul’s benediction (25) is in the plural including Philemon and the church community. 
 
The benediction focuses on the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul knows that it will take grace for Philemon to forgive and welcome back Onesimus as a beloved brother.  Grace is available.  Philemon just needs to receive grace and act with grace.
 
Theological Reflection and Application
 
Paul writes a public letter to Philemon appealing to him to receive back his runaway slave Onesimus no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.  The fellowship of love within the church transforms relationships and indirectly undermines unjust social structures such as the master/slave structure of Paul’s time.
 
What happened to Onesimus? Did Philemon receive him back as a brother?  Was Onesimus useful?

Fifty years after this letter was written, one of the church fathers, Ignatius, was on his way to Rome to be executed. As he was traveling, he wrote a letter to the church of Ephesus. Ephesus is not far from Colossae. Ignatius praises the Bishop of Ephesus, and says he is one of the finest leaders he has ever met. The Bishop of Ephesus has an interesting name. It is a slave name. The Bishop’s name is Onesimus.

How did Paul’s letter to Philemon make it into the New Testament? The Apostle Paul probably wrote hundreds of letters throughout his life. This one contains no doctrine, it settles no controversies, it fights no heresies – it is just a personal note.
​
Some of Paul’s letters were collected and preserved at the end of the first century in the city of Ephesus. Could it be that the Bishop himself slipped this letter among the other letters of Paul that were preserved, because he wanted to tell the world, "I was once a slave, but I owe my life to the Apostle Paul"? Perhaps he was saying, "Now, by God’s grace, I am a Bishop in the church.”

TITUS SURVEY
Sound Doctrine and Godly Living

Philippe R. Sterling
 
Qualified elders of the church are to counter false teaching and teach sound doctrine that leads to godly living.
 
Introductory Matters
 
Paul had visited Crete after his imprisonment in Rome and left the island with the work of organizing the local churches incomplete.  He left Titus in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders in every city (1:5).  He now writes to provide directions for the task.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.   Opening: Paul writes to Titus to further the faith and knowledge of the truth that corresponds to godliness
     in accordance with the commandment of God (1:1-4). 

II.  Task of Titus: Establish order and appoint elders in the cities of Crete (1:5). 

III. Appointing Elders: Titus is to appoint qualified elders in the churches of Crete who will be able to teach
     sound doctrine and suppress false teaching (1:6-9). 

     A.  Qualifications of Elders: Elders are to be above reproach holding fast the faithful word (1:6-9a).  The qualities
          of being above reproach are expressed positively and negatively. 

     B.  Task of Elders: Elders who are above reproach and who hold fast the faithful word are able to teach
          sound doctrine and suppress false teaching (1:9b). 

IV. Establishing Order: Titus is to establish order in the churches of Crete by suppressing false teaching and
     teaching sound doctrine (1:10–3:11). 

     A.  Suppress false teachers (1:10-16). 

          1.  Qualified elders are needed to counter false teachers (1:10-11).

          2.  The Cretans needed severe reproof so as to be sound in faith (1:12-14).

          3.  Purity of doctrine produces purity of life and a polluted mind renders one worthless for any good deed
              (1:15-16). 

     B.  Teach sound doctrine (2:1–3:7). 

          1.  Statement of Task: Teach sound doctrine (2:1). 

          2.  Instruction to Various Groups: Instruct various groups in godly living (2:2-10) 

               a.  Older Men: Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in
                    steadfastness (2:2). 

               b.  Older Women: are to be reverent, restrained in gossip and drink, teaching and training the
                    younger women (2:3). 

               c.  Younger Women: Younger women are to honor the word of God by lovingly fulfilling their roles as
                    wives and mothers (2:4-5).

               d.  Younger Men: Model and teach godly living to the younger men (2:6-8). 

               e.  Servants: Servants are to adorn the word of God by their service in good faith (2:9-10). 

          3.  The Grace of God and the Blessed Hope: Model and teach godly living in response to the appearing of
               the grace of God and in anticipation of the appearing of Christ (2:11-14). 

               a.  The Grace of God: The grace of God brings salvation and promotes godly living (2:11-12).
 
               b.  The Blessed Hope: Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of Christ motivates godly living
                    (2:13-14). 

          4.  Restatement of Task: These things speak and exhort and reprove (2:15).
 
          5.  Further Instructions: Respect authority and be ready for every good deed (3:1-2). 

          6.  Salvation by Grace not Works: We are justified by God’s grace apart from works (3:3-7).  The Holy
               Spirit regenerates and renews. 

     C.  Review of Task: Teach sound doctrine so that those who have believed in God will engage in good deeds,
          and suppress false teachers (3:8-11). 

V.  Closing: Paul addresses transition of leadership, hospitality for itinerant preachers, meeting pressing needs;
     and conveys final greetings and a benediction (3:12-15). 

Theological Reflection and Application
 
We can make the following observations and applications from Titus:
 

1. The word of God, the grace of God and the Spirit of God are sufficient to develop godly leaders and godly believers.

 
   2.   The character of leaders is vital for the instruction of believers in the faith and the suppression of false teachers.
 
   3.   False teaching is destructive and has to be countered in the church. 

   4.   We are justified by God’s grace. 

   5.   The Holy Spirit regenerates and renews. 

   6.   Grace enables us to live godly lives. 

   7.   The blessed hope of the rapture motivates our godliness. 

   8.   Believers are to engage in good works and present a good testimony. 

   9.   How do we recognize sound teaching? 
​

• It is in accordance with the word of God.
• It is centered on Christ.
• It is founded on grace.
• It promotes spiritual health in ourselves and others.
• It encourages good works.

SURVEY OF SECOND TIMOTHY
Paul’s Final Handoff of the Faith

Philippe R. Sterling
 
Do faithfully and fervently everything God has assigned and empowered you to do.
 
Introductory Matters
 
Paul writes to Timothy who was in Ephesus from a prison in Rome about AD 65-68.  With the time of his death approaching, he writes to encourage Timothy to fulfill his ministry and to come to him in Rome.  The letter has a very personal tone.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.   Opening of the Letter: Paul greets his beloved spiritual son Timothy extending to him God’s grace, mercy and
     peace (1:1-2). 

     A.  The Sender (1:1) — Note how Paul, suffering in prison, identifies himself: he is an apostle; he holds his office
          by divine appointment; it is in accordance with the promise of life in Christ Jesus. 

     B.  The Recipient (1:2a) — Timothy is Paul’s beloved spiritual son. 

     C.  The Greeting (1:2b) — Paul desires that Timothy experience three blessings from God the Father and
          Christ Jesus the Lord: grace, mercy and peace. 

II.  Body of the Letter — Extended Exhortation: Do faithfully and fervently everything God has assigned
     and empowered you to do, and come to me (1:3–4:21a). 

     A.  Introduction to the Body of the Letter: Paul explains why he is writing (1:3-7). 

          1.  Paul thanks God for three things which he remembers about Timothy (1:3-5): 

               a.  Paul remembers the fatherly relationship which inspires his repeated prayers for Timothy (1:3). 

               b.  Paul remembers the tears which inspires his desire to see Timothy again (1:4). 

               c.  Paul remembers the multi-generational faith which inspires his confidence in Timothy (1:5). 

          2.  Paul exhorts Timothy about his gift from God involving his assignment and enablement (1:6-7). 

               a.  Stir the gift into flame — assignment from God that was affirmed publicly by the laying on of hands
                    (1:6; see Acts 16:1-3).  Stir up your God-given ability and use it — renewed intensity in service to God. 
                    In the NT “gift” often means divinely bestowed abilities for the service of God and the edification of
                    fellow Christians. 

               b.  Don’t hold back out of fear for God has equipped us for ministry with power, love, and self-control
                    through the Holy Spirit — enablement (1:7). 

     B.  Primary Content of the Body of the Letter: Do faithfully and fervently everything God has assigned
          and empowered you to do — fight the good fight of faith as Paul has done, fulfill your ministry and finish
          well (1:8–4:8). 

          1.  Be willing to endure suffering in order to protect and propagate the correct message — pass on the
               teaching to faithful people. (1:8–2:13). 

               a.  Be willing to suffer as Paul suffered in order to tell the good news (1:8-12). 

               b.  Continue to pattern your message after Paul’s and preserve it without change (1:13-14). 

               c.  Let God empower you, and entrust the message to loyal people (1:15–2:2). 

                    1)  Paul informs Timothy of wide-spread departure of many from him with the one exception
                         of Onesiphorus who provides a good example to follow (1:15-18).

                    2)  Let God empower you and entrust the message to loyal people (2:1-2). 

               d.  Be willing to suffer for Christ and gain the reward of reigning with Him (2:3-13). 

          2.  Keep reminding teachers of the correct message and charge them not to quarrel; and be sure that
               you yourself are the kind of person of whom God will approve — keep the faith pure from false
               teachers (2:14-26).

               a.  Remind teachers of the correct message and charge them not to quarrel; be sure that you are pleasing
                    to God by teaching the message correctly and by opposing what is bad (2:14-15). 

               b.  Avoid discussions which are unprofitable and detrimental to your proper service (2:16-19). 

               c.  Avoid what is defiling spiritually and resolutely do what is right (2:20-22). 

               d.  Avoid discussing foolish questions and gently teach the truth with a view to recovering some from
                    the devil’s trap (2:23-26). 

          3.  Be aware of future trends and conditions and turn away from those who practice evil (3:1-9). 

          4.  Continue in the truth in which you have been instructed (3:10-17). 

          5.  Fulfill your ministry especially by preaching the word (4:1-8). 

     C.  Secondary Content of the Body of the Letter: Paul expresses his desire that Timothy come to him soon
          (4:9-21a). 

          1.  Do your best to come to me soon (4:9-13). 

          2.  Expect opposition from Alexander and be on guard (4:14-15). 

          3.  The Lord will rescue me from everything bad and bring me safe to His heavenly Kingdom (4:16-18). 

          4.  Greet my friends there and make every effort to come before winter (4:19-21a). 

III.  Closing of the Letter: Paul expresses the greetings of others and closes with a benediction of grace (4:21b-22). 

Theological Reflection and Application
 
We often focus on a long-distance race as an illustration of the spiritual race of the believer.  There is another race that provides a parallel, the relay.  Passing the baton from one runner to the next is crucial for the success of the team.  Each runner must make sure that the succeeding runner has the baton.
 
Paul’s story showcases the need to train up a new generation of faithful believers.  On his first mission trip, he and Barnabas took John Mark with them (Acts 13:5).  On a later mission trip, he refused to take Mark again because he had abandoned them and left for home (Acts 13:13; 15:37-39).  He replaced him by picking up Timothy (Acts 16:1-3).  With the time of his death approaching, Paul writes a final letter to pass the baton to Timothy.  He summons Timothy to Rome and also asks him to bring along Mark who is now useful to him (2 Tim 4:9, 11).
 
We can pick up four statements of Paul which reflect the passing of the baton:
 
     1.  “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in
          Christ Jesus” (1:13).  Hold on to the word.
 
     2.  “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men
          who will be able to teach others also” (2:2).  Entrust the word to others. 

     3.  “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom
          you have learned them” (3:14).  Abide in the word. 

     4.  “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead,
          and by His appearing and His Kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season;
          reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.  For the time will come when they will not
          endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers
          in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
          But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (4:1-5).
          Preach the word. 

SURVEY OF FIRST TIMOTHY
How to Conduct Oneself in the Household of God

Philippe R. Sterling
 
I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
 
1 Timothy 3:15
 
Introductory Matters
 
1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are designated as Pastoral Epistles.  Timothy and Titus were emissaries of Paul sent to assist churches with accurate teaching, polity and practice.  They were probably written after Paul’s release from his first imprisonment in Rome.  Paul writes 1 Timothy because of a possible delay in coming to Ephesus (see 1:3 and 3:14).  He needed Timothy to take care of matters such as false teaching in the church, leadership qualifications, and operational practices.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.    Paul greets Timothy and blesses with grace, mercy and peace (1:1-2). 

II.  Paul charges Timothy (1:3–6:19). 

     A.  Oppose false teachers (1:3-20). 

          1.  Some have strayed from the truth and are incorrectly teaching about the administration of God which
               is based on faith and grace and not law (1:3-11). 

          2.  Paul was entrusted with a message of grace of which he is the foremost recipient (1:12-17). 

Note the doxology to God the Father:
 
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (1:17).
 
          3.  Paul charges Timothy to fight the good fight and oppose those such as Hymenaeus and Alexander who
               have suffered shipwreck in regard to the faith (1:18-20). 

     B.  Organize the church for public worship and leadership (2:1–3:13). 

          1.  Public Worship: Paul instructs Timothy about how believers should act in public worship (2:1-15). 

               a.  Prayer: We are to pray publicly in the church for all people, especially for governmental authorities,
                    that we might live tranquil lives and bear witness of the man Christ Jesus, the one mediator between
                    God and man (2:1-7). 

               b.  Role of Men and Women: Men and women have complementary roles in the public worship of the
                    church (2:8-15). 

                    1)  Men: When believers gather together for worship, men are to pray in a holy manner without
                         dissension (2:8). 

                    2)  Women: When believers gather together for worship, women are to dress modestly and not try to be
                         in charge of men (2:9-15). 

This passage runs counter to prevailing feminist ideology.  Rather than argue, it may be best to simply present what the passage teaches about the conduct of believing women in the worship assembly of the local church. 
 
The manner in which believing women should conduct themselves in the worship assembly of the local church is two-fold.  First, they are to properly adorn themselves in their attire and attitude (2:9-10).  Second, they are not to teach or hold authority over men but instead receive instruction in quiet submission (2:11-12).  This arrangement is in accordance with the pattern of creation in which Adam was first formed (2:13) and Eve through deception fell into transgression (2:14).  Believing women who fulfill their assigned role will receive future eternal rewards (2:15).  “Childbearing” functions as a figure of speech in which the part represents the whole — representing the general scope of activities in which believing women engage.  Women may give instruction to men apart from the worship assembly, as Priscilla and her husband did in the case of Apollos (Acts 18:26).  Also women can share and pray in the worship assembly while honoring male headship (see 1 Cor 11:3-5).
 
          2.  Leadership: Paul instructs Timothy about the qualifications for leaders in the church (3:1-13). 

               a.  Elders are to have the right qualities and qualifications (3:1-7). 

               b.  Deacons and deaconesses are to have the right qualities and qualifications (3:8-13).
 
          3.  Statement of Purpose: Paul writes this letter so that believers would know how they should
               conduct themselves in the household of God which is the church (3:14-16). 

Note the hymn on Christ:
 
     He who was revealed in the flesh,
     Was vindicated in the Spirit,
     Seen by Angels,
     Proclaimed among the nations,
     Believed on in the world,
     Taken up in glory (3:16).
 
     C.  Oversee the church by properly dealing with different groups (4:1–6:19). 

          1.  Paul further warns about false teachers and instructs Timothy to be godly and teach rightly so as to
               ensure deliverance for both himself and those who hear him (4:1-16). 

          2.  Paul instructs Timothy about what he should teach to different groups of believers (5:1–6:19). 

               a.  Timothy is to treat older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and
                    younger women as sisters in all purity (5:1-2). 

               b.  Paul gives instructions about older and younger widows (5:3-16). 

               c.  Paul gives instructions about honoring and rebuking leaders (5:17-25). 

               d.  Paul gives instructions about believers in servitude (6:1-2). 

               e.  Paul gives instructions about the danger of pursuing gain and the benefit of pursuing godliness (6:3-16).
 
Note the charge and doxology to God the Father:
 
 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. (6:13-16)
 
               f.  Paul gives instruction about the rich — they should be rich in good works (6:17-19). 

III.  Paul entreats Timothy to stay faithful to the ministry entrusted to him and blesses with grace (6:20-21). 
 
Theological Reflection and Application
 
The letter presents doctrinal truth in several areas of theology such as Soteriology, Christology and Ecclesiology.  Note the following:
 

1. The lawful use of law is to reveal sin (1:9-11).
2. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1:15).
3. We simply believe in Christ for eternal life (1:16).
4. Christians are called believers (4:10; 5:16; 6:2)
5. God our Savior desires all men to be saved (2:3-4).
6. The man Christ Jesus is the one mediator between God and men (2:5).
7. Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for all (2:6).
8. The living God is the Savior of all men, especially of believers (4:10).
9. The local church is the household of God, the pillar and support of the truth (3:15).
10. Believers are to conduct themselves in accordance with their proper roles in the household of God (3:15).

 

SECOND THESSALONIANS SURVEY
The Church and the Day of the Lord
 
Philippe R. Sterling

Pray and work while waiting for the coming of the Lord.
 
Introductory Matters
 
Paul’s first letter encouraged the believers in Thessalonica, but it did not provide all the answers to theological and practical problems.  The believers were enduring persecutions and afflictions.  Then a letter arrived as if from Paul stating that the day of the Lord had actually come.  The church was confused and disturbed.  Some of the believers reasoned that since the Lord’s coming was so near they ought to quit their jobs and wait for Him.  This put a burden on other believers to care for them.  The fact that the Rapture may happen at any time and the day of the Lord will begin does not mean that believers are free to live in an irresponsible manner.  Believers must keep their jobs and earn a living until the Lord comes.
 
2 Thessalonians has different features from 1 Thessalonians.  In 1 Thessalonians the emphasis in on the coming of the Lord in the air for believers and in 2 Thessalonians it is on the coming of the Lord with believers to the earth.  In 1 Thessalonians the coming of Christ stands out and in 2 Thessalonians the coming of the man of sin stands out.  In 1 Thessalonians comfort predominates and in 2 Thessalonians correction predominates.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.   Greeting: Paul greets the Thessalonian believers and invokes God’s grace and peace (1:1-2). 

Paul opens the letter by identifying himself and his companions to the church in Thessalonica.  He will end the letter with a personally written greeting as a mark of genuineness.  Someone may have sent the church a letter written falsely in Paul’s name (see 2:2).
 
Paul mentions Silvanus and Timothy.  Silvanus also known as Silas was with Paul when he first came to Thessalonica.  Paul had sent Timothy to the Thessalonians on a previous occasion.
 
II.  Thanksgiving and Encouragement: Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians’ growth in faith and love,
     encourages them to persevere in their trials, and assures them of his prayers for them — God will reward them
     for their faithful endurance and will repay those who persecute them (1:3-12). 

      A.  Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians growth in faith and love but does not mention hope (1:3-4). 

In 1 Thessalonians Paul referred to their faith, love and hope.  Here he only mentions faith and love.  Perhaps that is because they had been shaken from their composure by people who taught that the Tribulation had already come.  Thus they lacked hope in Christ’s return at the Rapture to deliver them before that terrible time began.
 
      B.  Reward: God will reward believers who faithfully endure persecution and suffering (1:5). 

God will ultimately reveal His righteous judgment.  For believers it results in rewards.  For unbelievers it results in retribution.  By their persevering faith and love in persecution and affliction the Thessalonians are eligible for royal status in the Kingdom of God.
 
      C.  Retribution: God will repay those who afflict believers (1:6-10). 

The passage implicitly reflects a series of end-time events.  This includes the Tribulation, Second Coming, Millennium, Great White Throne Judgment and consignment of unbelievers to the Lake of Fire.  Paul will clarify that they are not currently in the Tribulation (2:1-12).  He had written of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture in 1 Thess 4:13–5:1.
 
           1.  God’s retribution involves Tribulation wrath (1:6-8). 

           2.  God’s retribution involves eternal destruction (1:9-10). 

Paul shifts from the Tribulation to the eternal fate of unbelievers.  The unbelievers will suffer “eternal destruction.”  They will be eternally separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power.
 
      D.  Prayer: Paul and his companions pray that the Thessalonian believers would be worthy of their calling --
           that calling is to rule and reign with Christ in the Kingdom (1:11-12). 

The divine favor of ruling with Christ is something of which believers are to be “worthy” (vv. 5 and 11).  It is not automatic.  The work of faith is required.
 
III. Correction: Paul corrects the misconception of the Thessalonians that the day of the Lord has come (2:1-17). 

      A.  Don’t fear that the day of the Lord has already come — don’t be deceived about the order of events
           concerning the Rapture and the Tribulation (2:1-3a). 

The church at Thessalonica had a major end-time misconception.  False teachers were saying that the day of the Lord has come.  The day of the Lord refers to the Tribulation.  If the day of the Lord has come then they have missed the Rapture.  This is contrary to Paul’s teaching.
 
There are several views today about the timing of the Rapture.  The Pre-tribulation view is that the Rapture occurs prior to any part of the Tribulation.  The Mid-tribulation view is that the Rapture will occur in the middle of the Tribulation.  The Pre-wrath view is that the Rapture will occur towards the end of the Tribulation and that the Church will suffer the wrath of men but not the wrath of God.  The Post-tribulation view is that the Church will go through the entire Tribulation and at Jesus’ Second Coming He will first rapture the surviving believers and then immediately return with them to rule and reign on the earth.  In the following verses Paul defends the Pre-tribulation view.
 
      B.  The day of the Lord will not come until the man of sin is revealed (2:3b-5). 

Paul reminds the Thessalonians of two things he had taught them: the day of the Lord would not begin until the departure of believers and the revealing of the man of sin.  The man of sin will be a political ruler, whom the apostle John call “the beast,” whose work is supported by a religious leader known as “the false prophet.”  The revelation of the man of sin will be followed by a blatant display of blasphemy impossible to miss.
 
      C.  The present work of the Holy Spirit through the Church restrains the revealing of the man of sin (2:6-12).
 
The removal of the Church at the Rapture will be a removal of God’s restraining power.  The mystery of lawlessness is active but restrained during the Church age.  The lawless one will be revealed for a brief rampage during the Tribulation and then terminated at Christ’s Second Coming.  The coming of the lawless one will be in accord with the activity of Satan.
 
      D.  The Church will be saved from the day of the Lord (2:13-15). 

      E.  Prayer: May the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father comfort and strengthen you in every good
           work and word (2:16-17). 

IV.  Exhortation: Paul exhorts the Thessalonian to pray and to work as they wait for the coming of the Lord (3:1-15). 

      A.  Pray as you wait (3:1-5). 

           1.  Paul requests prayer for the spread of the word of God and for deliverance from evil people (3:1-3). 

           2.  Paul expresses confidence in the Thessalonians and prays for their steadfastness (3:4-5). 

      B.  Work as you wait — lead disciplined lives (3:6-15). 

           1.  Some believers live undisciplined lives (3:6, 11). 

           2.  Paul modeled and taught a disciplined life (3:7-13).
 
           3.  We are to admonish and exhort those who live undisciplined lives (3:14-15). 

V.   Closing: Paul gives a final prayer, certifies the letter and offers a blessing (3:16-18). 

      A.  Prayer: Paul prays for the Lord’s peace and presence (3:16). 

      B.  Certified Letter: Paul writes in his own hand the final greeting so as to certify the genuineness of this
           letter (3:17). 

      C.  Blessing: The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all (3:18). 

Theological Reflection and Application
 
1 and 2 Thessalonians contribute to the development of this timeline of history: Ongoing Restraint of the Mystery of Lawlessness in the Church Age, Resurrection and Rapture of Believers, Revelation of the Man of Sin and Tribulation, Second Coming of Christ with Glorified Believers of the Church Age, Millennial Kingdom, Great White Throne Judgment and Consignment of the Unbelieving to the Lake of Fire, New Heaven and New Earth.
 
These affirmations and applications follow for those living in the Church age:
 

1. We need to remember that our calling is to rule with Christ in the Kingdom.  Our growing faith, love and hope in this life prepares us for the life to come.
2. God rewards persevering believers and justly repays those who afflict them. 
3. We should know and adhere to the truths of God’s Word so as not to be swayed by false teaching.
4. God wants us to know the general timeline of prophetic history.  This can strengthen our hearts for every good work and word.
5. We should engage in productive labor as we wait for the coming of the Lord.

FIRST THESSALONIANS SURVEY
Rapture Ready — Prepared for the Lord’s Return

Philippe R. Sterling
 
Pleasing God involves excelling in love and purity and living in anticipation of the Rapture. 
 
Introductory Matters
 
Paul was imprisoned in Philippi on his second missionary journey.  After a miraculous display of God’s power, the magistrates appealed to him to leave town.  Paul then went on to Thessalonica, the capital of the province of Macedonia.  He was there only a short time when he was forced out by a mob.  He went on to Berea and after several weeks of ministry there, agitators came from Thessalonica and stirred up a mob again against him.  Paul went on to Athens and while there sent Timothy to Thessalonica to find out how the believers there were doing.  Paul then went to Corinth.   Paul arrived in Corinth in weakness, in fear and in much trembling (1 Cor 1:23).  While at Corinth, Silas and Timothy arrived from Thessalonica with great news for him: the church there was doing well.  With joy, Paul sends this letter to them.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.   Greeting: Paul greets the Thessalonian believers (1:1). 

II.  Thanksgiving: The Thessalonians had a faith worth talking about (1:2-10). 

      A.  Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonians work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope (1:2-4). 

      B.  Paul mentions examples of their work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope that had become
           well-known (1:5-8). 

      C.  Paul summarizes the spiritual course of the Thessalonians: they had turned away from their idolatry to
           serve the living and true God and they were waiting for God’s Son from heaven who would deliver them
           from the wrath to come, that is the Tribulation (1:9-10). 

III.  Body of the Letter: Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stay the course in serving God and waiting for His
      Son from heaven (2:1–5:11). 

      A.  Paul reviews his relationship and concern for the Thessalonians from the point of first sharing the good news
           of Christ with them to the present (2:1–3:13). 

           1.  Paul reminds the Thessalonians about the time he spent with them evangelizing, making disciples
                and planting a church — he provides principles by which anyone can engage in fruitful ministry (2:1-16).
 
                a.  Take the good news to those who have not heard (2:1-6). 

                     1)  Paul’s effort in Thessalonica though brief was not in vain (1).
                     2)  Paul boldly proclaimed the truth (2).
                     3)  Paul’s ministry was effective because it did not come from error, impurity or deceit (3).
                     4)  Paul’s aim was to please God (4).
                     5)  Paul did not come with flattering speech, greed or glory seeking (5-6). 

                b.  Build into the lives of those who believe (2:7-12). 

                     1)  Paul expressed the tenderness and affection of a mother (7-8).
                     2)  Paul expressed the example and exhortation of a father (9-11).
                     3)  Paul’s aim in ministering among them as a spiritual mother and father was that they would
                          walk worthy of God (12). 

                c.  Let God’s word do its work (2:13-16). 

                     1)  When the Thessalonians sat under Paul’s teaching, they welcomed it not as the word of men, but
                          for what it really is, the word of God which performs its work in those who believe (13).
                     2)  Sometimes people are so hostile to the grace of God that they not only reject it, but they also
                          actively oppose it, and incur God’s wrath (14-16). 

           2.  Paul expresses his concern for the Thessalonians spiritual health by sending a helper, sending
                letters, and praying — he provides key principles that promote spiritual health (2:17–3:13). 

                a.  I Want to Be With You: Paul was taken away from the Thessalonians and hindered from coming to
                     them (2:17-20). 

                b.  I Want to Know How You Are: Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians in
                     their faith (3:1-5). 

                c.  I Want to Complete Your Faith: Timothy brought back good news of the Thessalonians’ faith and
                     Paul wished to complete in person what lacked in their faith (3:6-10). 

                d.  I’m Praying for You: Paul prayed that God would direct his steps to the Thessalonians and that
                     they would be blameless at the coming of Christ (3:11-13). 

      B.  Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to excel at pleasing God (4:1-12). 

           1.  Excel in living to please God (1). 

           2.  Excel in purity (2-8). 

                a.  We have apostolic commands given by the authority of Christ (2). 

                b.  God’s will is our present sanctification (3a). 

                c.  A critical area of present sanctification is sexual purity (3b-8). 

           3.  Excel in love (9-10). 

                a.  We are taught by God to love one another (9). 

                b.  Those who practice brotherly love are to excel still more (10). 

           4.  Excel in work (11-12). 

                a.  God commands quiet diligence in everyday work (11). 

                b.  Our work is a witness (12). 

      C.  Paul encourages the Thessalonians to keep hoping in deliverance from the Tribulation by the Rapture
           (4:13–5:11). 

           1.  The Rapture: The Lord will one day descend from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise first and we
                who are alive and remain until His coming will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the
                air (4:13-18). 

                a.  Have a confident expectation of a future reunion with your loved ones who have died in Christ (13). 

                b.  The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the basis of this confident hope (14). 

                c.  The Lord Himself has provided the comforting information about His coming from heaven to
                     gather believers together through resurrection and rapture to be with Him always (15-17). 

                d.  We are to comfort one another with this blessed hope (18). 

           2.  The Coming Wrath of God: Believers will escape the coming wrath of God, the Tribulation, and should
                await their deliverance by living in accordance with their identity as children of light (5:1-11). 

                a.  Wise Up to End Times Doctrine: God has promised to rescue believers from the end time calamities
                     that lie ahead (5:1-3, 9; 1:10). 

                b.  Live Up to Your Spiritual Identity: Believers have a standing as children of light and should not live
                     in spiritual stupor (5:4-7). 

                c.  Wait Up for the Rapture: Believers should equip themselves against the spiritual stupor that
                     characterizes the surrounding world by building each other up in faith, love and hope as they await
                     their deliverance from the wrath to come (5:8-11). 

 IV.   Closing Exhortations: Paul gives concluding exhortations in regards to leadership, fellowship and worship
       (5:12-22). 

      A.  Leadership: Paul requests of the Thessalonians to appreciate their leaders, esteem them highly in love for
           their work, and live in peace (5:12-13). 

      B.  Fellowship: Paul urges the Thessalonians to minister in a variety of ways to each other, depending on the
           state of the person who needs the ministry — admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the
           weak, be patient with all and seek the good of all (5:14-15). 

      C.  Worship: Paul names various elements of personal and public worship — rejoice always, pray
           continuously, give thanks in everything, yield to the Holy Spirit, receive revealed truth, tests all things, hold
           fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil 5:16-22). 

V.   Farewell: Paul’s farewell includes a prayer for the sanctification of the whole person so as to be blameless at
      the coming of Christ, a request for prayer, an encouragement to spiritual affection, a charge to read the letter,
      and a benediction of grace (5:23-28). 
​
Theological Reflection and Application
 
Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians conveys information about personal discipleship, spiritual development, and the eschatological events of the Rapture and the Tribulation.  Paul’s relationship with the Thessalonians provides a model for discipleship.  Paul balances the loving nurture of a mother with the encouragement and exhortation of a father.  The Thessalonians for their part receive the word and grow in faith, love and hope.  Pleasing God involves excelling still more in love and purity and living in anticipation of the Rapture.  Jesus will rescue believers from the wrath to come, the Tribulation. God makes possible the present sanctification of the cooperating believer so that there can be a blameless presentation at the coming of Christ.  Be ready for the Rapture.

COLOSSIANS SURVEY – ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN CHRIST

Philippe R. Sterling
 
Jesus Christ is supreme in His person and work and fully sufficient for the lives of those who have received Him by faith and live by faith in Him.
 
Introductory Matters
 
Colossae was an inland city in Asia Minor about 100 miles from Ephesus.  A trade route between East and West passed though the city.  There was a Jewish colony in Colossae.  Philosophical and religious ideas from East and West captivated minds of people living there.  Believers in Christ went to Colossae during the time of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus.  Epaphras and Philemon, two men Paul led to Christ, started a church.  During the time of Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, false teachers began to subvert the truth of Christ in Colossae.  Epaphras goes to Rome to seek Paul’s help.  Paul writes a letter to affirm the truth and attack the error.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
Letter Opening: Paul greets and offers thanks and prayers for the Colossians (1:1-14).
 

1. Greeting: Paul and Timothy write to the faithful believers in Colossae by the will of God (1:1-2).
2. Thanks: Paul gives thanks for the faith, hope and love of the believers in Colossae of which he has learned from Epaphras (1:3-8).
3. Prayers: The good beginning of the Colossian believers leads Paul to pray for their increase in the knowledge of God’s will so they may live worthy of the Lord (1:9-14).

 
The believers of Colossae needed to know and do the will of God so as not to be attracted to false teaching.  Paul does not begin by attacking the false teachers but by exalting the Lord Jesus.
 
Letter Body: Christ is supreme and sufficient for the believer’s life (1:15 – 4:6).
 
I.  Declaring the Truth of Christ: Christ is supreme in His person and work (1:15 – 2:3). 

The mention of Jesus in v. 14 leads Paul to teach the Colossians about His supremacy and sufficiency for their spiritual life.
 
     A.  Person of Christ: Christ is supreme in His person (1:15-19). 

          1.  In relation to God, Jesus is His image – worship Him as God (15a).
          2.  In relation to creation, Jesus is its Creator – worship Him as Creator (15b-17).
          3.  In relation to the church, Jesus is its Head – worship Him as Lord (18-19). 

     B.  Work of Christ: Christ is supreme in His work (1:20 – 2:3). 

          1.  Reconciliation: Christ reconciles all things to Himself (1:20-23).
          2.  Proclamation: Christ completes his work of reconciliation through our proclamation of him (1:24 – 2:3). 

We fill up that which is lacking in Christ’s work by fully carrying out the preaching of the word of God.  He has committed to us the word of reconciliation (see 2 Cor. 5:18-21).
 
II.  Defending the Truth of Christ:  Believers need to guard against those who oppose the supremacy and sufficiency
     of Christ by their precepts and practices (2:4-23). 

Paul has established the truth of Christ’s supremacy and sufficiency.  He now attacks the false teachers who oppose His supremacy and sufficiency.
 
     A.  Believers need to be on guard against false teaching (2:4-5). 

False teachers can be persuasive.  We are to maintain good order and stability of faith in the face of false teaching.
 
     B.  Believers guard against false teaching by becoming established in true teaching (2:6-15). 

          1.  True teaching is based on faith (6-8). 

We need to continue in faith as we have begun in faith.  The best way of meeting persuasive argument is to walk in faith.  Human philosophy cannot answer the questions of origins, purpose, or the afterlife.  We know these things through divine revelation not human reasoning.
 
          2.  True teaching has Christ for its content – Christ is all . . . and all I need (9-12).

          3.  True teaching brings new life, forgiveness of sin, and spiritual victory (13-15). 

     C.  We guard against false teaching by preserving our freedom against legalism, mysticism and asceticism
          (2:16-23). 

          1.  We need to reject legalism (16-17).
          2.  We need to reject mysticism (18-19).
          3.  We need to reject asceticism (20-23). 

III. Displaying the Truth of Christ: Believers have life in Christ and need to express that life in daily living (3:1 – 4:6). 

Paul’s task is not complete with simply declaring and defending the truth of Christ.  Believers need to demonstrate the truth of Christ in their daily lives.  Paul applies the truth of the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ to the daily lives of believers.
 
     A.  Believers have life in Christ (3:1-4). 

     B.  Believers are to reveal their life in Christ in daily living (3:5 – 4:6). 

          1.  We are to reveal our life in Christ in our personal life (3:5-17). 

               a.  We are to put off the sins of the old life (5-11).
               b.  We are to put on the virtues of the new life (12-17). 

          2.  We are to reveal our life in Christ in our domestic life (3:18 – 4:1). 

               a.  We are to reveal our life in Christ through our relationships as husbands and wives (3:18-19).
               b.  We are to reveal our life in Christ through our relationships as parents and children (3:20-21).
               c.  We are to reveal our life in Christ through our relationships as employers and employees (3:22-25). 

          3.  We are to reveal our life in Christ in our public life (4:2-6). 

               a.  We are to pray for an open door for the word of Christ (2-4).
               b.  We are to conduct ourselves with wisdom towards outsiders (5).
               c.  We are to speak with grace to each person (6). 
​
Letter Closing: Paul closes the letter with personal commendations, instructions, and farewell (4:7-18).
 

1. Commendation: Paul commends his faithful fellow workers (4:7-15).
2. Instruction: Paul gives instructions for the distribution of this letter (4:16-17).
3. Farewell: Paul gives a personal farewell (4:18).

 
Theological Reflection and Application
 
One of the key features of the letter to the Colossians is its Christology. 
 

1. In Christ there is redemption and forgiveness of sins.
2. Christ is the image of the invisible God.
3. Christ is the Creator of the world.
4. Christ is the Head of the church.
5. Christ is the God-Man.  For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form (2:9).
6. Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
7. Christ will be revealed in glory.

 
Christ is supreme over all.  Christ is sufficient for all.  Jesus is all . . . and all I need!
 
We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ (Col 1:28).

SURVEY OF PHILIPPIANS
Partnership in the Progress of the Gospel

Philippe R. Sterling
 
To further the work of the gospel believers must walk worthy of the gospel by standing together in the faith of the gospel and striving together for the faith of the gospel.
 
Introductory Matters
 
Philippi was founded by Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander the great.  It was settled at the base of a cut through the mountains in Macedonia that divided the East from the West and became the center of the trade route known as the Egnatian Way between Europe and the Middle East.  It was a hub of industry and commerce.
 
Two centuries after the founding of Philippi, Rome conquered Macedonia.  In 42 BC two battles took place between Brutus and Cassius, defenders of the Roman Republic, and Antony and Octavian, avengers of Caesar’s death.  Anthony and Octavian were victorious and Brutus and Cassius dead.  After the battles Antony settled Roman soldiers there.  In 30 BC Octavian settled some people from Italy.
 
These Philippian residents received special privileges.  They were considered Roman citizens with all its rights including the right to appeal to the emperor, freedom from taxation, freedom to regulate their own civic affairs.  They spoke Latin and dressed in the Roman style.  They took pride in being Romans. Paul refers to a believer’s citizenship in 3:20, “Our citizenship in in heaven.”
 
It was in Philippi that Paul penetrated the continent of Europe with the gospel.  The first person to believe in Philippi was a woman named Lydia.  She was a seller of purple garments.  Such garments were expensive.  The dye came from a shellfish in the waters of Thyatira.  Each shellfish produced only one drop of the dye.  Since Philippi was a Roman colony it was a great market for purple garments.  Roman loved the color and with it trimmed togas and tunic.  Lydia must have been a wealthy woman to handle such an expensive product.  Lydia was a worshiper of God who met with some other women at a riverside for prayer.  There she met Paul, believed in Christ, and invited him and his party to stay at her home.
 
The next believer was a prison warden.  The witness of Paul and Silas singing praises to God after being beaten and jailed and the demonstration of God’s power in an earthquake that opened the prison doors prompted him to ask “What must I do to be saved?”  The business woman and the jailer became the first believers of the church at Philippi.
 
Paul only remained a short time in Philippi.  He visited briefly five years later.  Five more years elapsed until he wrote this letter.  Paul and the church at Philippi developed a close bond.  Paul had no mission board behind him when he set out to bring the gospel to Europe.  After his departure from Philippi to Thessalonica, the Philippians had more than once sent financial support (Ph. 4:15-16).  Their support of his ministry was a bond that united them.  In Phil 1:7 we find another bond.  Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he wrote this letter.  The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus to minister to his needs while under arrest (see 2:25 and 4:18).
 
Paul writes to thank the Philippians for their financial gift, to set their minds at ease concerning his present circumstances, and to exhort them to perfect even further their partnership in the proclamation of the gospel by standing together in unity and striving together for the faith.  That last purpose provides the main message of the letter (1:27).
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.   Invocation: Paul greets the believers and spiritual leaders in Philippi and invokes God’s grace and peace to
     them (1:1-2). 

II.  Prayer: Paul joyfully prays for the Philippians because of their partnership in the progress of the gospel (1:3-11). 

III. Personal Circumstances: Paul rejoices in his imprisonment in Rome because it has resulted in the greater
     progress of the gospel even among the Praetorian Guard (1:12-26). 

IV. Exhortation: Paul exhorts the Philippians to perfect their partnership in the progress of the gospel by walking
     in unity and steadfastness (1:27–4:9). 

     A.  Summary Exhortation: We must walk worthy of the gospel by standing together and striving together for the
          faith of the gospel (1:27-30). 
​
     B.  Extended Exhortation: We must walk in unity and steadfastness (2:1–4:1). 

          1.  We must stand together in the faith of the gospel (2:1-30). 

               a.  We must perfect our unity through humility (2:1-4).
               b.  We must pattern our relationships after our self-emptying and self-sacrificing Savior (2:5-11).
               c.  We must perfect our unity through much effort and reliance upon God (2:12-18).
               d.  We must pattern our relationships after the sacrificial and selfless service of Timothy and
                    Epaphroditus (2:25-30). 

          2.  We must strive together for the faith of the gospel (3:1–4:1). 

               a.  We must beware of those who supplement the gospel with human works (3:1-7).
               b.  We must receive the superior righteousness of Christ and pursue conformation to Christ (3:8-16).
               c.  We must imitate Paul and stand firm in the Lord (3:17–4:1). 

     C.  Concluding Exhortation: We must restore unity and live in tranquility (4:2-9). 

V.  Thank You Note: Paul joyfully thanks the Philippians for their partnership in the progress of the gospel
     through their generous financial gifts (4:10-19). 

VI. Benediction: Paul ascribes glory to God, sends greetings from the saints in Rome including those of
     Caesar’s household, and blesses the Philippians with the grace of the Lord Jesus (4:20-23). 

Theological Reflection and Application
 
The following are a few doctrinal and practical applications from Philippians:
 

1. Our fellowship must not only be social and spiritual but also financial for the progress of the gospel.
2. We can be confident that God will use our circumstances and our critics for the progress of the gospel.
3. Our identity as citizens of heaven imposes upon us the responsibility to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of that citizenship.
4. We preserve oneness by practicing lowliness.  We maintain unity by showing humility.
5. If we clothe ourselves with humility at the present time, God will crown us with dignity at the proper time.  The way up is down.
6. We are to be Christ-like stars shining upon a dark world.
7. We are to be faithful, available and teachable.
8. Stand firm against those who would mutilate the gospel.
9. Our one objective is to press on to spiritual maturity.
10. We are to be heavenly minded so that we can be earthly good.
11. When we put our problems in God’s hands, He puts his peace in our hearts.
12. Jesus provides the strength for contentment in all circumstances.
13. When we give out of our poverty, God will give according to His plenty.