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.

EXPOSITIONAL SURVEY OF EPHESIANS
The Creation and Commission of the Church
 
Philippe R. Sterling
 
The Triune God planned and created the Church as His dwelling in this age and commissions her to walk worthy of her calling in His power to the praise of His grace and glory now and in the ages to come.
 
Ephesians is one of the prison epistles Paul wrote during his first Roman imprisonment circa 60 to 62 AD.  In it he compares the Church to a building or temple that is built according to a divine plan for a glorious purpose in this age and in the ages to come.  Believers are living stones that are joined together to form the structure of the Church with Christ being the cornerstone and the apostles and prophets the foundation.  The call of the Church is to walk worthy of her calling and to stand strong in the Lord.  The body of the letter can for the purpose of exposition be divided as the blueprint of the Church, the building of the Church, and the business of the Church.
 
Invocation: The apostle Paul writes to the faithful believers at Ephesus invoking God’s grace and peace to
them (1:1-2).
 
I.   The Blueprint of the Church: To the praise of His glory, God conceived of the Church from eternity to reign
     with Christ (1:3-23). 

     A.  Praise for the Plan: Blessed be our Triune God who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in
          Christ (1:3-14). 

          1.  Blessings: God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (1:3). 

          2.  Blessings from God the Father: To the praise of His glory, God the Father planned the inheritance
               of the Church before He created the world (1:4-6).  The Father chose us in Christ and adopts us to
               reign with Christ. Praise God! 

          3.  Blessings from God the Son: To the praise of God’s glory, God the Son procured the inheritance
               of the Church (1:7-12).  The Son redeemed us and grants us an inheritance to reign with Him.  Praise God! 
​
          4.  Blessings from God the Holy Spirit: To the praise of God’s glory, God the Holy Spirit protects the
               inheritance of the Church (1:13-14).  The Holy Spirit seals those who believe and secures our
               inheritance. Praise God! 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
 
     B.   Prayer for Understanding: Pray for the greater comprehension of our blessings in Christ (1:15-23).
 
          1.   Encourage other believers by your faith and love (1:15-16).
 
          2.   Being enlightened, ask God for a greater comprehension of the Father and of the Church’s hope, riches,
               and power (1:17-23).
 
               a.  Pray that the Spirit would teach you about God through the revealed word (1:17). 

               b.  Being enlightened, pray that you would comprehend the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of
                    His inheritance, and the greatness of His power that is in accordance with the power that raised Christ
                   and made Him head of the Church (1:18-23). 

Teach us Lord.
 
II.   The Building of the Church: To the praise of His glory, God creates the Church as His dwelling in this
      age (2:1 to 3:21).
 
     A.   Production of the Church: God takes spiritually dead people and transforms them into a living temple for
           His dwelling (2:1-22).
 
          1.   Creation of the Living Stones: God creates the Church by making spiritually dead people alive in
                Christ (2:1-10).
 
                a.   The Old Condition: We were great sinners (2:1-3).
 
                     1)  We were spiritually dead (2:1). 

                     2)  We were constitutionally depraved (2:2-3a). We lived according to the direction of the world (2a),
                         the dictation of the devil (2b), and the domination of the flesh (3a). 

                    3)  We were eternally doomed (3b). 

              b.   The New Creation: God saved us by grace through faith and created us as a Church for good
                    works (2:4-10).
 
                    1)  God saved us in Christ by His grace (2:4-6). 

                    2)  God saved us in order to show the riches of His grace in a new creation (corporate Church) appointed
                         to accomplish pre-designed good works (2:7-10).  God saved us in order to show the riches of
                         His grace (7).  God saved us by grace through faith, not as a result of works – salvation by grace is
                         the gift of God received through faith (8-9).  God makes and appoints the Church for good works (10). 

We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works. Amazing grace!
 
          2.   Construction of the Holy Temple: God fits together Jews and Gentiles to build a holy temple for His
               dwelling on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ as the cornerstone (2:11-22).

               a.  We were alienated from God and from each other (2:11-12). 

               b.  Jews and Gentiles have been reconciled to God and to each other through the cross (2:13-18). 

               c.   We are a new people built together as a living temple for God’s dwelling (2:19-22).  The temple is built
                     on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.  Jesus is the cornerstone.  We are living stones
                     (see 1 Peter 2:4-5).
 
      B.  Presentation of the Church: God unveils the mystery of the Church through the ministry of the apostles
           and prophets for the demonstration of His wisdom (3:2-13). Faithful Jews and Gentiles will have
           high-level administrative roles in the kingdom. 

    C.  Prayer for Enablement: Pray for strength in the power of the Spirit (3:1, 14-21).
 
          1.   Humbly approach the Father in prayer (3:1, 14-15). 

          2.   Appeal to the Father for inner strength from the Spirit, the enthronement of Christ in your hearts, and all
                the fullness that comes from God in your lives (3:16-19).
 
         3.   Ascribe glory to the One who alone can give the things we request (3:20-21).
 
Fill us with all the fullness that comes from You Lord.  To God be the glory!
 
III.  The Business of the Church: To the praise of His glory, God commissions the Church to walk and war worthy of
      her calling (4:1 to 6:20).
 
     A.  Walk of the Church: The Church is to walk worthy of her calling (4:1 to 6:9). 

         1.   Walk in Unity: Live undividedly together for the growth of the Church (4:1-16).
 
               a.  Be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit (4:1-3).  Cultivate three attitudes that help preserve
                    unity: humility, meekness, and patience.  Practice two acts that help preserve unity: forbearance to
                   one another in love, and diligence in maintaining peace. 

               b.   Focus on seven elements of unity centered on the three Persons of the Godhead (4:4-6).  The
                    One Spirit gives life to one body of believers who share one hope.  The One Lord is the object
                    of one faith which is pictured by one baptism.  The One God, the Father of all, is supreme over
                    all, operative through all and resides in all.
 
               c.  Exercise the diversity of gifts to enable the Church to grow (4:7-16).  Jesus endows the Church for
                   service and growth (7-11).  Believers enable the Church to grow through connected service (15-16). 

Use your gift to build up the Church.

         2.   Walk in Newness of Life: Live differently as new creations in God’s image    (4:17-32).
 
               a.   We Are Not to Live in Accordance with the Pattern of the Old Self That We Have Put Off: We are not
                    to live according to the carnal pattern of the old life we put off (17-24).  We can’t live the way we used
                    to live (17-19) since we are not who we used to be (20-24).  Our old life was dead spiritually, dark
                    mentally, depraved morally, and dissipated physically.
 
              b.   We Are to Live in Accordance with the Pattern of the New Self That We Have Put On: We are to live
                    in accordance with the spiritual pattern of the new life that we have in Christ (25-32).
 
                    1)  Having put aside the lie, we are to speak truth to one another since we are members of one
                         another (25). 

                    2)  We are to properly manage anger so as not to enable the devil to divide us (26-27). 

                    3)  Rather than stealing, we are to work diligently that we may give to others in need (28). 

                    4)  We must not speak corruptly, but speak what edifies so as to give grace to our hearers (29). 

                    5)  We are not to grieve the Spirit because He has sealed us until the Day God redeems the
                         purchased possession of the Church (30). We grieve the Spirit by living as unenlightened
                         unbelievers live. We please the Spirit through our thoughts, words, and deeds that edify. 

                    6)  We are to forsake destructive venting, and be kind and tenderhearted by forgiving each other in
                         the manner that God in Christ has forgiven us   (31-32).           

Live as the new people we are in Christ.
 
          3.  Walk in Love: Live devotedly in love and purity so as to inherit kingdom rewards (5:1-8a). 

               a.  Imitate the love of Christ (5:1-2). Love fellow believers in a similar way as Christ loved us and
                    offered Himself up for us. 

               b.  Shun immoral conduct and conversation (5:3-4). 

               c.  Believers who indulge in immoral conduct and conversation lose their special kingdom inheritance
                    having linked with unbelievers in the darkness of their former state instead of the light of their current
                    state (5:5-8a). 
 
          4.   Walk as God’s Enlightened Children: Live dedicatedly in truth (5:8b-14).
 
                a.  We should live as God’s enlightened children (5:8b). 

                b.  Bear the fruit of the light (5:9-10).  Reveal the spectrum of God’s light by your character, conduct,
                     and conversation. Show that you approve the things that please God. 

                c.  Expose others to the light (5:11-13).  Instead of participating in the deeds of darkness, expose darkness
                     to your light. 

               d.  Awake and arise from among unbelievers so that Christ will shine on you (5:14). Lethargic believers
                    are euphemistically asleep among spiritually dead unbelievers. Christ shines His word upon believers
                    who awake and arise. 

Rise and shine.
 
          5.   Walk as Wise People: Live dutifully in wisdom (5:15 to 6:9).
 
               a.  Be wise by living under the influence of the Holy Spirit (5:15-21). 

                   1)   Live sensibly (5:15-17).  Live carefully as prudent people (15).  Make the most of your allotted
                         time (16).  Understand what the will of the Lord is (17).
 
                  2)   Live spiritually (5:18-21).  Do not live under the influence of wine (don’t be drunk).  Live under
                        the influence of the Holy Spirit.
 
                        a)  Command: Be continuously filled by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit uses the word of Christ to bring
                             us to spiritual maturity – up to the fullness of God (5:18; see Col. 3:16; Eph. 3:14-19). 

                        b)  Consequences: Believers filled by the Holy Spirit sing to the Lord in their hearts, give thanks,
                             and submit to each other (5:19-21). 

Be filled by the Holy Spirit.
 
               b.   Behave wisely in life’s relationships (5:22 to 6:9).
 
                    1)   Live wisely at home (5:22 to 6:4).  Glorify God at home.
 
                         a)   Wives and Husbands:  Wives submit to their husbands as part of mutual submission
​                              (see vs. 21) and their submission to the Lord; husbands submit to their wives as part of mutual
                              submission by their sacrificial and sanctifying love like that of Christ for the Church (5:22-33).
 
                         b)   Children and Parents:  Children are in mutual submission by honoring their parents; parents are
                               in mutual submission by not provoking children to anger but providing training and instruction in
                              the word of the Lord (6:1-4).

                    2)  Live wisely at work (6:5-9). Glorify God at work. Servants submit as part of their service to
                         Christ knowing that He will reward them. Masters act graciously as part of their service to
                        Christ knowing that He is impartial.  

Honor authority at home and at work.
 
     B.   Warfare of the Church: The Church is to war against spiritual forces in the strength of the Lord (6:10-20).

          1.  Standing Strong in God’s Panoply: Be strong in the Lord by putting on God’s panoply so as to stand
               against the devil’s strategy (6:10-13).

               a.  Be strong in the Lord (10).  

               b.  Be strong in the Lord by putting on God’s panoply (11a).  

               c.  By putting on God’s panoply you will be able to stand against the Devil’s strategy and the wicked
                    spiritual beings we struggle against (11b-12).  

              d.  Put on God’s panoply so as to stand prepared for battle (13).  

          2.  The Elements of God’s Panoply: God’s panoply includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation,
               God’s word, and prayer (6:14-20).  

               a.  Belt, Breastplate, Sandals: Stand firm because you have been girded with truth and righteousness
                   and because the gospel that makes peace has prepared you (14-15).  

               b.  Shield: Believe God’s word which equips you to resist the devil (16).
 
               c.  Helmet and Sword: Keep in mind our by grace through faith salvation, and use the word of God (17).  

               d.  Prayer: Put on the whole armor accompanied by prayer for all believers that includes prayer for
                    boldness in speaking of the provisions of the gospel     (18-20).  

Benediction: Paul sends Tychicus to inform the church about his circumstances and blesses them with God’s peace, love, and grace (6:21-23).
 
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
​Which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (2:10).

SURVEY OF GALATIANS
The Letter of Liberty

Philippe R. Sterling
 
Justification by grace through faith alone in Christ alone apart from the works of the Law is the foundation for spiritual liberty and successful Christian living by the power of the Holy Spirit.  This is the true gospel revealed to Paul by God.
 
Introductory Matters
 
Paul addresses the letter to the churches of Galatia.  Galatia was a Roman province in Asia Minor.  The churches were formed during Paul’s first missionary journey recorded in Acts 13:13–14:26.  False teachers who substituted law for grace had infiltrated the churches.  Paul writes to defend justification and sanctification by grace and to promote spiritual liberty.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
The winner of best song in the 1966 Academy Awards was Born Free.  The song makes use of the phrases born free, stay free, and live free.  We can use these phrases as headings for the main points of Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia.
 
I.   Born Free: Believers are born free in Christ (1:1-5). 

      A.  Address: The Apostle Paul writes to the churches of Galatia (1:1-2). 

     B,  Invocation: Paul invokes grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself
          for our sins so that we might be rescued from the present evil age (1:3-5). 

Galatians has been called the Magna Carta of Christian Liberty.  It teaches that the grace of God in Jesus Christ enables us to escape the curse of sin and the Law and live a new life in the power of the Holy Spirit.  The message of Galatians is a message of liberation.
 
Paul concludes the opening paragraph with a statement concerning the liberating power of the work of Christ, Christ gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age.  The gospel of grace is an emancipating message.
 
II.  Stay Free: Believers should defend their freedom in Christ (1:6–4:31). 

Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty!  Wendell Phillips said that at a Massachusetts antislavery meeting in 1852.  It is valid not only in the realm of the political but even more so in the realm of the spiritual.
 
     A.  Distortion: The good news of grace may be distorted by men or angels (1:6-10). 

          1.  Occasion: Some have deserted Christ for a distorted gospel (1:6-7). 

Paul gives the reason for writing his letter to the churches of Galatia in verse 6.  He is shocked that so soon after he has been with them, they are deserting Him who called them by the grace of Christ for a different gospel.  Paul blames false teachers, but he does not excuses the churches of Galatia for going along with them.  Paul says that they have accepted a different gospel, a counterfeit gospel.  This counterfeit gospel distorts the gospel of Christ by adding the works of the law, thus mixing law and grace.  Grace is a basic theme of the letter (see 1:3, 6, 15; 2:9, 21; 5:4; 6:18).
 
          2.  Imprecation: Paul calls for a curse of God upon people or angels who distort the good news of Christ (1:8-9).
 
The English word “accursed” translates the Greek word anathema.  This does not refer to eternal condemnation but to the here and now judgment of God.  False teachers under the curse of God should not receive financial support (see 6:6).
 
          3.  Motive: Paul’s motive is to please God not people (1:10). 

We may be tempted to compromise in order to attract and please people.  Paul was not a politician.  He was an ambassador.  His task was not to play politics but to proclaim a message as a bondservant of Christ.
 
     B.  Defense: Believers should defend the good news of grace (1:11–4:31). 

News analyst Elmer Davis in his book But We Were Born Free said, “This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”  Paul was willing to contend for spiritual liberty.  We are commanded to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
 
          1.  Paul provides a personal defense of the good news of grace (1:11–2:21). 

Paul uses a twofold approach in his defense of the gospel of grace.  His first approach is personal.  He reviews his own personal experience with Jesus and the message of the gospel.  He points out that he had received the gospel independently from the Lord and not from the apostles, but that they had approved his message and ministry.  Furthermore Paul had defended the gospel of grace when Peter, the leading apostle, had compromised his earlier stand.
 
                a.  The gospel of grace Paul preached is the true gospel given to him by the direct revelation of Christ
                     (1:11-24).
                b.  The apostles in Jerusalem approved of Paul’s presentation of the gospel of grace (2:1-10).
                c.  Paul’s rebuke of Peter on the matter of freedom from the Law vindicated his understanding of the
                    gospel of grace (2:11-21). 

          2.  Paul provides a doctrinal defense of the good news of grace (3:1–4:31). 

Paul’s second approach is doctrinal.  Paul uses eight lines of reasoning to develop a theological defense of the gospel of grace.
 
               a.  The Galatians began by faith, and their growth in Christ should continue to be by faith (3:1-5).
               b.  Abraham was justified by faith, which applies for all who believe (3:6-9).
               c.  Christ has redeemed all who believe from the curse of the Law (3:10-14).
               d.  The Law does not nullify the promise made to Abraham (3:15-18).
               e.  The Law was given to drive people to faith, not to save them (3:19-22).
               f.  Believers in Christ are adopted children of God and no longer under the guardianship of the Law
                    (3:23–4:7).
               g.  The believers of the churches of Galatia should recognize their departure from the gospel of grace
                    and turn back to their original freedom in Christ (4:8-20).
               h.  Abraham’s two sons allegorically reveal the superiority of the Abrahamic promise to the Mosaic Law
                    (4:21-31). 

III.  Live Free: Believers should live free in Christ (5:1–6:18). 

     A.  Freedom from Law: Believers have been set free in Christ and are not to subject themselves to the Law
          (5:1-12). 

         1.  Exhortation: Stay free (5:1). 

         2.  Explanation: False teacher will seek to steal your freedom (5:2-12). 

     B.  Freedom for Life in the Spirit: Believers should not abuse their freedom for life in the flesh but should use
          their freedom for life by the Spirit in their personal and social spheres (5:13–6:10). 

          1.  Exhortation: Do not turn liberty into license but in love serve one another (5:13). 

Some think “free” means free to do as they please.  Christian liberty is freedom from sin and freedom to serve.  We are not to take liberties with our liberty. 
 
Patrick Henry shouted, “Give me liberty or give me death.”  Someone observed that the next generation shouted, “Give me liberty.”  The present generation shouts, “Give me.”
 
          2.  Explanation: Love fulfills the Law (5:14-15). 

The Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill the law of love.  The fruit of the Spirit is love (5:22).
 
          3.  Application: Live by the Spirit in your personal and social life (5:16–6:10). 

               a.  Personal Life: Live by the Spirit so as not to fulfill the lusts of the flesh (5:16-24). 

Since we still have the sinful nature indwelling us, we may fall to the sins that nature produces if we do not live by the Spirit.  The Spirit enables us to overcome the flesh.
 
The sins of the flesh fall into four categories.  First, Paul mentions three sexual sins: immorality, impurity, sensuality.  He then cites two religious sins: idolatry and sorcery.  He then lists eight social sins: enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying.  Two sins associated with alcohol fall in a fourth category: drunkenness, carousing.  Finally to show that this long list is only representative and not exhaustive, Paul adds the words “and the like.”
 
Paul warns that those who habitually indulges in these fleshly sins will not inherit the Kingdom of God.  This does not say that a believer loses his salvation if he lapses into a sin of the flesh, but that he will lose his inheritance or reward in the Kingdom of God if he continues in that sin.
 
The Spirit enables us to produce fruit.  By the Spirit’s power we can produce a nine-fold fruit cluster of three triads.  The first triad concern inner qualities of the heart: love, joy, peace.  The second triad reaches out to others: patience, kindness, goodness.  The final triad guide our general conduct: faithfulness, meekness, self-control.  The word “fruit” is singular indicating that these qualities are unified and should all be found in a believer who lives under the control of the Spirit.
 
               b.  Social Life: Live by the Spirit so as to fulfill the law of Christ (5:25–6:10). 

We are free from the Law of Moses and possess liberty in Christ, but we are to fulfill the law of Christ in the power of the Spirit.  Such a life involves sharing the burden of other believers and supporting the teaching of the word.
 
                    1)  The law of Christ involves sharing one another’s burdens (5:25–6:5).

                    2)  The law of Christ involves supporting the teaching of the word and doing good (6:6-10). 

     C.  Freedom Brand: Willingly bear the brand-mark of Jesus (6:11-18). 
​
The teachers of a distorted gospel sought to compel circumcision for all believers.  Paul exclaims that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything for the believer.  What is important is that we are a new creation in Christ.  He invokes peace and mercy upon those who follow this rule and upon the Israel of God.  The Israel of God are the faithful believing Jewish remnant which make up the church with believing Gentiles.
 
In Paul’s day followers of a god or goddess were sometimes branded with the mark of that idol.  Paul was “branded” for Jesus, but he did not receive his brands in the usual way.  They were the physical marks of suffering for declaring the gospel of grace.
 
Theological Reflection and Application
 
We are born free in Christ to live free in Christ.  Break free by believing the gospel of grace.  Walk free by continuing in the gospel of grace.  In Christ we are free.  Such freedom is priceless.  Never, never give it up.

 SURVEY OF SECOND CORINTHIANS
A Defense of the Apostolic Ministry

Philippe R. Sterling
 
Jesus builds the Church on the foundation of apostolic ministry such as that of Paul who was given apostolic authority by the Lord (see 13:10).
 
Introductory Matters
 
We can infer the following matters concerning Paul’s letters and visits to the church at Corinth:

1. First Visit: Paul founded and established the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey spending eighteen months there (Acts 18:1-11).
2. Previous Letter: Paul wrote a letter (lost) telling the church not to associate with immoral believers (1 Cor 5:9).
3. First Corinthians: Paul wrote First Corinthians from Ephesus during his third missionary journey to deal with a number of problems in the church reported to him and to answer doctrinal and practical questions sent to him in a letter from Corinth.
4. Painful Visit: Paul made a painful visit to Corinth but failed to accomplish his purpose (inferred from 2 Cor 2:1; 12:14; 13:1-2).
5. Severe Letter: Paul sent a “sorrowful” letter (lost) to Corinth by Titus (2 Cor 2:4).
6. Second Corinthians: Titus met with Paul in Macedonia with a good report from Corinth and in response Paul wrote Second Corinthians (2 Cor 7:5-13).
7. Third Visit: Paul likely made a third visit to Corinth towards the close of his third missionary journey (Acts 20:1-3).

 
Second Corinthians is the most autobiographical of the letters of Paul.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.   Greeting: Paul presents himself as an apostle of Christ by the will of God who is addressing the church of
     God which is at Corinth (1:1-2). 

II.  Thanksgiving: Paul blesses the God of all comfort who comforts believers in all their afflictions so that they also
     can comfort others in their afflictions, and relates his own experience of comfort in his affliction (1:3-11). 

III. Explanation — The Apology of Paul: The Apostle Paul presents a defense of his conduct and calling to
     the Corinthians (1:12–7:16). 

     A.  Paul defends his conduct (1:11–2:17). 

          1.  The Change in Plans: Some accused Paul of vacillation when he changed plans to visit Corinth but he had
​               the pure motives of sparing further sorrow both to the Corinthians and to himself (1:12–2:4). 

               a.  Paul had pure motives (12-14).
               b.  Paul defends himself against the accusation of vacillation when he failed to follow through on plans to
                    visit Corinth by pointing to the faithfulness of God (15-22).
               c.  Paul changed his plans to go to Corinth to spare further sorrow both to the Corinthians and to himself
                    (23–2:4).  

          2.  The Case of the Offender: An offender who had caused sorrow and responded well to church
               discipline should be forgiven, comforted and reaffirmed (2:5-11).  

          3.  Parenthesis: Paul give thanks to God who always leads His servants who faithfully proclaim His
               word in triumph in Christ (2:12-17).  

     B.  Paul defends his calling (3:1–6:10).
 
          1.  The Glory of the Ministry: God has called the Apostles to a new covenant ministry in the Spirit that is
               more glorious than that of the Mosaic covenant (3:1–4:6).  

          2.  The Weakness of the Ministry: The Apostolic ministry is carried out amidst much suffering, in
               human weakness, and requires faithful diligence that will be properly recompensed at the judgment
               seat of Christ (4:7–5:10).  

          3.  The Practice of the Ministry: The ministry calls for proper motives, right message, and commending
               manner (5:11–6:10).  

               a.  Motives: The fear of the Lord, care for others and the love of Christ properly impels ministry (5:11-15).
               b.  Message: God has entrusted His ambassadors with a message of reconciliation (5:17-21).
               c.  Manner: God’s ambassadors are to conduct themselves well in all circumstances as servants of God
                    (6:1-10).  

     C.  Appeal: Paul appeals for reconciliation with the Corinthians and their separation from the defilement of the
          world (6:11–7:1).  

     D.  Comfort: Paul experienced comfort and joy from the report of Titus concerning the Corinthians (7:2-16).  

IV. Instruction — The Arrangement for the Offering: Paul gives instruction for the special offering for the believers
     in Jerusalem (8:1–9:15).  

     A.  Example: Macedonia overflowed in the grace of giving (8:1-6).  

     B.  Exhortation: Paul encourages the Corinthians to abound in the grace of giving as they abound in everything
          else (8:7-15).  

     C.  Preparation: Paul endorses the messengers who are handling the offering and urges the Corinthians to be
          well-prepared with a bountiful gift at their coming (8:16–9:5).  

     D.  Explanation: Generous giving is a good thing that God enables (9:6-14).
 
     E.  Illustration: The greatest example of generous giving is the gift of Christ (9:15).  

V.  Exhortation—The Authority of Paul: Paul exercises his apostolic authority in exhorting the Corinthians (10:1–13:11).  
     A.  Apostolic Activity: Paul answers the accusations that have been placed against him and points out the sphere
          of his apostolic activity (10:1-18).  

          1.  Accusations: Paul answers the accusations of meekness when present and boldness when absent,
               weighty letters and unimpressive presence by pointing out that his apostolic authority does not rest in
               the flesh but in Christ (10:1-11).  

          2.  Activity: God apportioned to Paul to be the first to preach the gospel to the Corinthians and to regions
               beyond (10:12-18).  

     B.  Apostolic Credentials: Paul’s knowledge, sacrificial service, sufferings, visions, and attesting signs all
          support the genuineness of his apostleship (11:1–12:18).  

     C.  Apostolic Exhortation: Paul exhorts the Corinthians to do what is right so that when he is present with them
          he need not use severity in accordance with his apostolic authority 12:19–13:10).  

     D.  Farewell Exhortations: Paul exhorts the brethren to be in order, be comforted, be likeminded, and be at
          peace so that the God of love and peace may be with them (13:11).  

VI. Greetings: Paul encourages the Corinthians to greet each other with affection and conveys the greetings of
     fellow believers (13:12-13).  

VII. Benediction: Paul extends the love, grace, and fellowship of the Triune God (13:14).  

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

1. Our ministry is glorious (3:7-11).
2. The New Testament believer is not under the law (3:7, 11).
3. We are not to draw attention to ourselves but to Christ (4:5).
4. Human weakness is not a barrier to serving Christ (4:7, 10, 11).
5. God provides sufficient grace for every trial (4:8-9).
6. A key to serving Christ is denial of self for others (4:12).
7. The aim of life is not worldly success but to be pleasing to Christ (5:9).
8. The judgment seat of Christ is a legitimate motive for service (5:10).
9. God has committed to us the message of reconciliation (5:19).
10. The example of others is a legitimate encouragement to giving (8:1).
11. Poverty is not an excuse for not giving (8:2-3).
12. Giving produces thanksgiving (9:11-13).
13. We are in a spiritual battle (10:3-5).
14. False teachers victimize people (11:19-20).
15. There are occasions when it is necessary to present credentials (12:11-12).

SURVEY OF FIRST CORINTHIANS
Prescription for a Healthy Church

Philippe R. Sterling
 
The prescription for spiritual health in a sinful environment is having an accurate understanding of the message and messengers of Christ, making wise moral decisions, and heeding biblical teaching.
 
Introductory Matters
 
An important issue is the problem of health care.  We all get ill or injured whether or not we have adequate health insurance coverage.  Politicians know they have to come up with a workable solution for our health care crisis if they are to be elected to office.
 
We need good health care not only for our physical bodies but also for our spiritual lives.  We all succumb to spiritual illnesses.  The Bible diagnoses our spiritual illnesses and provides the proper prescription for health.
 
Paul writes the letter of First Corinthians to a sick church in the middle of a sinful city.  Corinth was a prosperous city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.  It was a strategic seaport and ships and people came from all over the world.  It had a beautiful stadium where the Isthmian games were held.  On top of a 2,000 foot granite mount stood an acropolis, a temple of pagan worship.  The goddess of the city was Aphrodite, the goddess of love.  Night after night up to 1000 religious prostitutes filled the streets.  Prices were high.  They had a proverb, “Not every man can afford to go to Corinth.”  The Greeks invented a word, “to Corinthianize,” which meant “to live an immoral life.”  Corinth could hold its own with Las Vegas or New Orleans today.
 
In the middle of this sinful city was a sick church.  They prided themselves in their spiritual gifts and knowledge.  Yet something was radically wrong with their personal lives and with their local assembly.  The church at Corinth was spiritually sick.  It was a divided church.  They formed fan clubs for various spiritual leaders.  It was a disorderly church.  One man was living in adultery with his stepmother, flaunting his immorality while the church stood by doing nothing about it.  The members of the church were taking each other to court before unbelievers.  It was a church with doctrinal difficulties.  It had wandered from sound teaching and its proper application to personal and corporate life.
 
The church needed a touch from the Great Physician who has the power to heal physical and spiritual sickness.  Paul writes this letter as a prescription for healthy spirituality.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
The literary structure of the letter is found in Paul’s statements concerning the sources of information from which he learned about the situation in Corinth.  There is the problem of divisions communicated by personal report of Chloe’s people (1:11).  There is the problem of disorders communicated by an unspecified report (5:1).  There is the problem of doctrinal difficulties communicated by a letter from the Corinthians (7:1; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1).
 
I.    Invocation: Paul describes himself and the church at Corinth and invokes God’s grace and peace to them (1:1-3).
 
II.   Thanksgiving: Paul gives thanks for God’s grace in granting the Corinthians abundant spiritual gifts and the
      promise of His sustaining power until the day of Christ (1:4-9).
 
III.  Prescription for Divisions: The remedy for the divisions in the church is having a better understanding of
     the message and messengers of Christ (1:10–4:21).
 
     A.   Malady: Paul exhorts the Corinthians to harmony in light of the reports he has received of divisions
           among them centered on fan clubs of servants of God (1:10-17).
 
     B.   Remedy: The remedy for the divisions among the Corinthians is a better understanding of the message
           and messengers of Christ (1:18–4:5).
 
           1.    The Message: The message of Christ crucified that Paul brought to the Corinthians is foolishness to
                 natural people, but the wisdom of God to spiritual people (1:18–3:4).
 
                 a.    The message of Christ crucified opposes the human wisdom that fostered the divisions among
                       the Corinthians (1:18–2:5).
 
                       1)    The message of Christ crucified is foolishness to the unbeliever but the power and wisdom of
                              God to the believer (1:18-25).
                       2)    The message of Christ crucified proved to be the power and wisdom of God in the experience
                              of the Corinthians who believed (1:26-31).
                       3)    The message of Christ crucified in Paul’s preaching proved to be the power of God in contrast
                              to human wisdom (2:1-5).
 
                 b.    The message of Christ crucified reveals the true wisdom of God (2:6–3:4).
 
                       1)    The wisdom which Paul preaches to the mature originates from God and is not understood by
                              the world (2:6-9).
                       2)    The Spirit of God reveals the wisdom of God to those who have received Him (2:10-13).
                       3)    Only the spiritually mature believer fully grasps the wisdom of God in contrast to the natural
                              person who is incapable, the baby believer who has a limited capacity, and the immature
                              fleshly believer who has willfully obstructed his capacity for grasping what the mature are able
                              to grasp (2:14–3:4).
 
           2.    The Messengers: Messengers such as Paul and Apollos are servants of God accountable to God
                 (3:5–4:5).
 
                 a.    The messengers of God are simply servants that He uses to do His work (3:5-9).
                 b.    The messengers of God are accountable to Him regarding how they serve and may receive or forfeit
​                        a reward (3:10-17).
                 c.    The messengers of God must not be caught up in the wisdom of this age and become objects of
                        human boasting (3:18-23).
                 d.    The messengers of God are to be regarded simply as servants of Christ who will be evaluated by
                        the standards of God and not of men (4:1-5).
 
     C.   Entreaty: Paul admonishes the Corinthians for their arrogant attitudes and urges them to imitate his example
           of service for the sake of Christ (4:6-21).
 
IV. Prescription for Disorders: The remedy for the disorders in the church is making wise godly decisions (5:1–6:20).
 
     A.   Activating the Discipline of the Church: Paul notes a serious sexual sin in the church and instructs the church
           to remedy the matter by removing the person from their fellowship — such disassociation only pertains
           to immoral believers and not to the immoral people of the world (5:1-13).
 
     B.   Arbitrating Disputes in the Church: The Corinthian believers were taking each other to court before
           the unrighteous and not before the saints in the church which is inconsistent with their future destiny to
           judge the world, their present competency, the spiritual preference to relinquish personal rights, and
           their righteous standing in Christ (6:1-11).
 
     C.   Avoiding the Defilement of the World: Paul instructs the members of the Corinthian church to flee
           immorality since it is incompatible with their relationship to the Triune God (6:12-20).
 
V.  Prescription for Difficulties: The remedy for the difficulties in the church is hearing and heeding biblical
     teaching (7:1–16:12).
 
Paul discusses a number of topics raised by the Corinthians.  Each of these sections begin with “Now.”
 
     A.   Apply teaching about marriage (7:1-40).
 
           1.    Paul teaches that the single state is good and preferred by him, and marriage and the fulfillment of
                  mutual conjugal obligations is acceptable and natural depending on the gift God has given to each
                  one (7:1-7).
 
           2.    Paul applies the principle of celibacy and marriage to the concerns of specific groups in the
                  church (7:8-40).
 
     B.   Apply teaching about spiritual liberty (8:1–11:1).
 
           1.    In morally indifferent matters such as food a knowledgeable believer must regulate his liberty by love for
                  his weaker brother (8:1-13).
 
           2.    Paul in the relinquishing of his privileges as an apostle in order to preach the good news illustrates
                  the attitude towards spiritual liberty which gains God’s approval (9:1-27).
 
           3.    Israel in the misuse of its privileges in the wilderness warns against the attitude toward spiritual
                  liberty which brings God’s disapproval (10:1-13).
 
           4.    The eating of meat offered to idols is inconsistent with spiritual liberty if it involves participation in
                  idolatrous worship but is permitted if eaten apart from idolatrous worship without giving offense to a
                  fellow believer (10:14-30).
 
           5.    Seeking the glory of God in all that is done sums up the principle of spiritual liberty (10:31-33).
 
     C.   Apply teaching about headship 11:2-16).
 
           1.    Paul commends the Corinthian church for holding firmly to his teaching (11:2).
 
           2.    Paul criticizes the practice of women in the church concerning the matter of head coverings while
                  praying or prophesying — the head covering in their culture reflected the headship of man in the
                  creation order (11:3-16).
 
     D.   Apply teaching about the Lord’s Supper (11:17-34).
 
           1.    The Corinthian church was observing the Lord’s Supper in an irreverent manner (11:17-22).
 
           2.    The Lord’s Supper is a commemoration of the Lord’s death (11:23-26).
 
           3.    Partaking of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner results in divine judgment of sickness and
                  death which was already occurring among the Corinthians – the divine judgment can be avoided by
                  proper self-judgment (11:17-34).
 
     E.   Apply teaching about spiritual gifts (12:1–14:40).
 
           1.    The Spirit gives spiritual gifts to each one for the common good (12:1-11).
 
           2.    The human body illustrates the principle of the unity and diversity of spiritual gifts in the church (12:12-31a).
 
           3.    The church should pursue the exercise of love more than the exercise of spiritual gifts because of
                  the superiority of love (12:31b–13:13).
 
           4.    The church should prefer the gift of prophecy over the gift of tongues because prophecy edifies the
                  church and convicts unbelievers while tongues do not (14:1-25).
 
           5.    The church is to conduct an orderly meeting so as to edify (14:26-36).
 
           6.    God’s command is that everything be done in a proper and orderly way (14:37-40).
 
     F.    Apply teaching about the resurrection (15:1-58).
 
           1.    The bodily resurrection of believers is inseparably linked to the resurrection of Christ historically,
                  logically, theologically, and experientially (15:1-34).
 
                  a.    The primary content of the good news Paul preached to the Corinthians is the death and
                         resurrection of Christ which is historically authenticated by many witnesses including Paul ((15:1-11).
                  b.    The denial of bodily resurrection logically renders the good news groundless and worthless (15:12-19).
                  c.    The bodily resurrection of Christ theologically guarantees the bodily resurrection of dead believers
                        as well as Christ’s eventual abolishment of death and the subjection of all things to God (15:20-28).
                  d.    The assurance of bodily resurrection experientially affects the service and conduct of believers
                        (15:29-34).
 
           2.    Paul answers objections to the bodily resurrection of believers (15:35-57).
 
                  a.    The resurrection body has a similarity and a diversity from the earthly body confirmed by nature
                         and Scripture (15:35-49).
                  b.    Believers who are alive at the rapture will instantaneously receive a resurrection body like the
                         one provided to those who have died resulting in victory over death for both groups (15:50-57).
 
           3.    The assurance of bodily resurrection should lead believers to steadfast and abounding service for the
                  Lord (15:58).
 
     G.   Apply teaching about giving 16:1-12).
 
           1.    The church is to collect the offering for poor saints in Jerusalem in an orderly manner in advance of
                  Paul’s arrival in Corinth so he could send it on to Jerusalem under proper care (16:1-4).
           2.    Paul’s travel plans and that of his associates include visits to Corinth as the Lord wills (16:5-12).
 
     H.   Summary: Paul finally exhorts the Corinthian believers to watchfulness, steadfastness, moral strength,
           love, and respectful submission to their spiritual leaders (16:13-18).
 
I.   Benediction: Paul expresses final greetings, an anathema on anyone who does not love the Lord, and a
     benediction of love in Christ (16:19-24).
 
Theological Reflection and Application
 
What’s the prescription for a healthy spirituality?  Have an accurate understanding of the message and messengers of Christ.  Make wise moral decisions.  Hear and heed biblical teaching in all areas of doctrine and life.

 SURVEY OF ROMANS
Saved from Servitude to Sin for Spiritual Service

Philippe R. Sterling
 
The Book of Romans addresses how Jewish and Gentile believers can live a righteous life free from the domination of sin and its consequences through faith in Christ alone apart from works which results in justification and through living in faith and reliance upon the Holy Spirit which makes possible sanctification and spiritual service.
 
Introductory Matters
 
Paul names himself as the author.  Tertius wrote the text at the dictation of Paul (Rom 16:22).  The recipients of the letter are believers living in Rome in various house and tenement churches (Rom 1:5; 16:3-16).  Paul addresses Jewish and Gentile believers on the matter of how to live a righteous life free from the domination of sin and its consequences (Rom 1:16).  From Rom 15:25-26 we can ascertain that Paul wrote the letter while in Corinth around 56-57 AD.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.    Opening Remarks: Paul commends the faith of the believers at Rome and expresses his desire to visit them
      and preach good news (1:1-15).
 
II.   Theme: The good news is that God’s power delivers the believer who lives by faith whether Jew or Greek from
      the domination of sin and its consequences (1:16-17).
 
In Romans the word “gospel” or good news includes justification and sanctification.  Through this good news a person can be declared righteous and live in righteousness.  Faith secures righteousness and living in faith brings about sanctification and service.
 
III.  Body of the Letter: God gives to faith the righteousness which makes possible spiritual deliverance from
      servitude to sin and spiritual service by the aid of the Holy Spirit (1:18–15:13).
 
      A.  Problem: God continuously reveals from heaven His displeasure with unrighteousness and ungodliness
           and will judge both Jews and Gentiles impartially (1:18–3:20).
 
           1.  God’s Present Wrath: God gives unrighteous humanity which comprises of both the immoralist and
                the hypocritical moralist over to increasing levels of servitude to sin for suppressing the truth about God
                in unrighteousness (1:18–2:5).
 
Romans 1:18 which states the present revelation of God’s wrath and 2:5 which tells of a coming day of wrath [perhaps the Great Tribulation cited in Matt 24:21] and a coming revelation of God’s righteous judgment [perhaps the final judgment of Rev 20:11-15] serve as bookends for this section.  In between are details of the revelation of God’s wrath against immoralists (1:19-32) and hypocritical moralists (2:1-4).
 
                a.  Manifestation of God’s Wrath: God continuously reveals His displeasure against humanity’s
                     ungodliness and unrighteousness in the suppression of truth (1:18).
 
All people are under God’s wrath or God’s continuous displeasure with their sin which involves turning them over to reap the consequences of sin.  God’s wrath is a present reality in regards to the consequences of sin for anyone who sins.
 
                b.  Wrath towards the Immoralist: God expresses His displeasure with humanity’s suppression of the truth
                     of what is known about Him in creation and replacing that truth with idolatry by giving humanity over
                     to increasing levels of servitude to sin (1:19-32).
 
People reap what they sow.  Whoever sows to the flesh reaps corruption — increasing levels of servitude to sin and ultimately death (see Gal 6:8).  This applies to both unbelievers and believers.
 
                c.  Wrath towards the Moralist: The manifestation of God’s displeasure also falls on the hypocritical
                     moralist (2:1-4).
 
                d.  Revelation of God’s Righteous Judgment: Both the immoralist and hypocritical moralist are subject
                     to God’s righteous judgment (2:5).
 
           2.  God’s Future Impartial Judgment: All of humanity comprising of both Gentiles and Jews face God’s
                impartial judgment for being under sin (2:6–3:20).
 
                a.  God will impartially judge Jews by the written Law and Gentiles by the Law written upon the
                     heart (2:6-16).
 
                b.  Jews are justly condemned by the Law which they were privileged to receive (2:17–3:8).
 
                c.  Both Jews and Greeks are all under sin (3:9-20).
 
God deals fairly with humanity.  God would give eternal life to all who persist in good works (2:7).  The fact is that there is no such person (3:9).  At the great white throne judgment the books of works will be examined to see if anyone might qualify for eternal life by their works and no one will be found righteous (Rev 20:11-15). 
 
Is there an escape from the problem of sin?  God has a solution whereby a person can find righteousness and live in righteousness.  This Paul will now address.
 
      A.  Solution: God grants righteousness through faith in Christ and the righteous through faith in dependence on
           the Holy Spirit can live victoriously over sin (3:21–8:39).
 
           1.  Justification: Anyone can receive righteousness through faith alone in Christ alone (3:21–5:11).
 
                a.  Fact of Justification: God declares righteous the person who has faith in Jesus apart from the works
                     of the Law (3:21-31).
 
                     1)  All receive righteousness on the basis of faith (21-23).
                     2)  The redemption of Christ makes possible the gift of righteousness (24-26).
                     3)  God grants righteousness by the law of faith (27-31).
 
                b.  Defense of Justification by Faith Alone: The Law and the Prophets bear witness to the fact of
                     justification by faith alone (4:1-25).
 
                     1)  Abraham was accounted righteous by faith apart from works (1-5).
                     2)  David was credited righteousness apart from works (6-8).
                     3)  Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness apart from circumcision (9-12).
                     4)  God imputes righteousness apart from the Law (13-25).
 
                c.  Benefit of Justification: The justified person can experience spiritual victory in Christ (5:1-11).
 
                     1) The justified have peace with God, a standing in grace, and hope to face the trials of life through
                         the Holy Spirit (1-5).
                     2) The justified experience deliverance from the wrath of God [present servitude to sin] through
                         Christ (6-11).
 
Now that justification has taken place, it is possible to deal with sin in daily life.  The death of Christ secured justification.  The resurrection life of Jesus delivers the believer from the reign of sin and saves him from its temporal consequences.
 
           2.  Sanctification: Those who are righteous through faith in Christ can live victoriously over sin in the power of
                the Holy Spirit (5:12–8:39).
 
                a.  Solution to the Sin Problem: Those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness
                     can reign in life through Christ (5:12-21).
 
Eternal life is something that the believer possesses forever that can never be lost.  It is also a quality of life that the believer can enjoy in the present to a greater or lesser degree.
 
               b.  Freedom from Sin through Union with Christ: Those who are united with Christ in His death and
                    resurrection are freed from sin’s rule and can serve God in righteousness (6:1-23).
 
                     1) Union with Christ: Our Union with Christ in His death and resurrection frees us from sin’s rule (1-11).
                     2) Acting on that Union: Therefore we must not allow sin to rule in our mortal bodies but present
                         our bodies to God for righteousness (12-23).
 
                c.  Inadequacy of the Law for Spiritual Victory: Those who are righteous through faith in Christ are no
                     longer subject to the Law which can only reveal and stir up sin and not restrain it (7:1-25).
 
                     1) The Law’s Authority: Believers in Christ are released from the Law’s authority (7:1-6).
                     2) The Law’s Activity: The Law reveals sin and stirs up the sin nature (7:7-12).
                     3) The Law’s Inability: The Law cannot restrain the sin nature — only through Christ can the sin nature
                         be restrained (7:14-25).
 
                d.  Adequacy of the Spirit for Spiritual Victory: The Holy Spirit enables those who are righteous through faith
                     in Christ to overcome the power of sin as they set their minds on Him and allow Him to use every
                     life experience to transform them into the likeness of Christ (8:1-39).
 
                     1) Law of the Spirit of Life: The Holy Spirit enables believers who set their minds on Him to have
​                         victory over the sinful nature and live the resurrection life — something the Law could not do (1-13).
                     2) Son-Life and Joint-Heirs: Spirit-led believers experience a son of God kind of life that enables them
                         to become joint-heirs with Christ as they identify with Him in His suffering and glory (14-17).
                     3) Victorious Life: Spirit-aided believers can triumph over every experience of life as they trust in
                         God’s love and wait in hope of the glorification of the body and the renewal of creation (18-39).
 
The word often translated “condemnation” in Rom 8:1 does not refer to the truth of justification as the removal of condemnation.  In the context it refers to the truth of sanctification as ending the reign of sin in the body.  The verse might best be translated as “Therefore there is now no servitude to sin for those who are in Christ Jesus.”   This removal from the reign of sin is conditioned by being in Christ and living by the Spirit.
 
      C.  Excursus: God works with the Church made up of Jews and Gentiles in the present dispensation but will bring
           a future deliverance to Israel in accordance with His promises (9:1–11:36).
 
Israel provides an example of the experience of God’s displeasure over sin and unbelief.  God had chosen Israel to serve Him.  Israel sinned and experienced God’s displeasure.  Israel’s present hardened condition is an expression of God’s displeasure.  There is deliverance available for any Jew who would call on God (Rom 10:12-13).  God is presently working with believing Jews and Gentiles in the Church.  God has not cast Israel away.  There is a believing remnant and the nation will one day be restored.
 
           1.  Israel’s Past: Though chosen of God to serve Him, Israel pursued righteousness by works (9:1-33).
 
           2.  Israel’s Present: God grants righteousness to all who believe and has temporarily set Israel aside for
                her unbelief while He works through the Church in this age (10:1-21).
 
           3.  Israel’s Future: God has preserved a remnant from Israel and will one day restore her (11:1-36).
 
Believing Jews and Gentiles should heed the dangers of disobedience and take note of God’s mercies towards them.  This should lead to dedicated life and service.  Paul will now take up that matter.
 

      D.  Spiritual Living and Service: Those who are righteous through faith in Christ who present their bodies to
           God for holy living will experience His good and acceptable and perfect will in every sphere of life and
           service (12:1–15:13).
 
           1.  Call to Dedication: On the basis of God’s mercies, those who are righteous through faith in Christ
                should present their bodies to God for holy living and be transformed by the renewing of the mind (12:1-2).
 
           2.  Conduct within the Church: Those who are righteous through faith in Christ should serve and love
                each other (12:13-21).
 
           3.  Conduct within Society: Those who are righteous through faith in Christ should submit to governing
                authority and fulfill the law of love (13:1-14).
 
           4.  Law of Liberty and Law of Love: Those who are righteous through faith in Christ should balance
                spiritual liberty with spiritual responsibility by respecting personal conviction in gray areas and
                limiting personal freedom in offensive matters thus glorifying God (14:1–15:13).
 
IV.  Final Remarks: Paul writes of his ministry in the Gentile world and his plans to visit Rome, commends
      Phoebe, extends his greetings to specified Roman believers, and warns about divisive people (15:14–16:20).
 
V.   Greetings from Fellow Believers: Paul conveys the greetings of fellow believers with him in Corinth (16:21-24).
 
VI.  Benediction: Paul ascribes glory to the only eternal wise God who is able to establish believers according to
      the good news of Christ made known to all the nations (16:25-27).
 
Theological Reflection and Application
 
The question is: How can a person live a righteous life instead of a life dominated by sin and its consequences?  The answer is: by faith in Christ which grants justification apart from works and makes possible sanctification and spiritual service by the aid of the Holy Spirit.

SURVEY OF ACTS
From Jerusalem to the Ends of the Earth

Philippe R. Sterling
 
The Book of Acts shows how believers spread the kingdom message from Jerusalem to Rome in a single generation providing principles for its spread in every generation until the Lord comes.
 
Introductory Matters
 
The Book of Acts chronicles the spread of the kingdom message by the first century church through the power of the Holy Spirit from Jerusalem to Rome, from rejecting Jews to receptive Gentiles, despite persecution from without or problems from within, in order to motivate believers of every generation to keep spreading the kingdom message until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to establish the messianic kingdom.  The kingdom message is that Jesus is the redeemer of the world and he will return to rule the world.  Jesus is Savior and Sovereign.  All who believe in him have eternal life.  All who faithfully serve him will reign with him when he establishes the messianic kingdom.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
The Book of Acts demonstrates how the early church fulfilled its commission from Christ to carry the kingdom message to the ends of the earth.  Believers spread the kingdom message from Jerusalem, through Judea and Samaria, to the ends of the earth. .A synthetic analysis of this book and an application of its principles will help us in our task of taking the kingdom message to the world.
 
Luke structures the book to stress his objective for the book.  Four keys open up the structure for us.
 
The first key is the mention of the kingdom at the beginning and at the end of the book which function as bookends emphasizing the main message (1:3; 28:30-31).  The word “kingdom” is used eight times in Acts: Jesus taught about the kingdom of God (1:3); the disciples asked about the kingdom (1:8); Philip taught the Samaritans about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (8:12); Paul and Barnabas told the Christians in Antioch that we enter the kingdom of God through many hardships (14:22); Paul argued in the Synagogue for three months about the kingdom of God (19:8); Paul told the Ephesians elders that he had preached the kingdom (20:25); Paul preached to Roman Jews “the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus” (28:23); Paul “preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus” in Rome (28:31).
 
The second key is the theme verse, Acts 1:8, which gives the geographical order of Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the ends of the earth.  Jerusalem functions as the epicenter of the kingdom message.  The kingdom message is like the proverbial rock dropped in the pond.  The impact begins in Jerusalem but doesn’t remain there.  The influence spreads in outward fashion to the ends of the earth.
 
The third key is a focus on the leadership of the Apostle Peter in chapters 1-12 and then a focus on the leadership of the Apostle Paul in chapters 13-28.  Their ministries reflect the change in the makeup of the church from being largely Jewish to being largely Gentile
 
The fourth key is the use of seven progress reports distributed throughout the book which divide the book into seven panels or units of thought (2:47; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:30-31).  A. S. Valdes in the Grace New Testament Commentary on Acts suggests that these seven panels are arranged in a concentric pattern with the fourth panel at the center—“the granting of co-equal status to Gentiles directly through Jesus”.  He writes, “The structure follows the movement from a Jewish beginning with the Twelve in Jerusalem to Paul—who pictures Israel in her historic mission as light to the Gentiles—as God’s witness in Rome, the contemporary capital of the Gentile-dominated world.” Understanding this structural plan helps to resolve some theological problems such as the four extensions of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the function of miraculous signs.
 
Acts is a book of transitions.  It is important to understand these transitions when it comes to doctrine and practice for the church today.  The doctrine of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a case in point. The baptism of the Spirit is the operation of the Holy Spirit which takes an individual believer in Christ and makes that person a member of Christ’s body, the church (see Eph 1:13).  The four accounts of the baptism of the Spirit in the Book of Acts mark major transitions of the church and teach that there is but one church into which all believers, whether Jews (Acts 2), Samaritans (Acts 8), Gentiles (Acts 10—11), or followers of John the Baptist (Acts 19), are united by the same Spirit. The presence of apostles and miraculous signs testify to this unity.  These were unique occasions.  Believers today are baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ at the moment of believing in Christ for eternal life and without the presence of miraculous signs such as speaking in tongues.
 
I.   Witness in Jerusalem: The church starts (1:1—6:7).
 
The Lord Jesus Christ tells the disciples what he intends for them to do in Acts 1:8.  This imperative presents a three-part outline for the entire book.  The first part of the book shows how the early church completed the first aspect of its commission.  Acts 5:28 says that the disciples filled Jerusalem with their teaching.
 
     A.   Panel 1 with Progress Report 1: The church is established in Jerusalem (1:1—2:47).
 
This panel marks the inauguration of the church.  It comes into being through the coming of the Holy Spirit.  Luke is careful to list all of the Jewish representatives in Jerusalem.  Through Peter’s sermon 3,000 come into the fellowship of the church.  The first of seven progress reports closes the panel.
 
     B.   Panel 2 with Progress Report 2: The church is extended in Jerusalem (2:48—6:7).
 
The Jewish church flourishes in Jerusalem in spite of opposition from the Jewish leadership and internal difficulties.  There is an alternation of opposition (3:1—4:31), internal problems (4:32—5:11), persecution (5:12-42), and internal strife (6:1-7).  The panel concludes with another progress report.  Luke is showing the expansion of the church by the Holy Spirit despite opposition from without and obstacles from within.
 
II.   Witness in all Judea and Samaria—Panel 3 with Progress Report 3: The church scatters (6:8—9:31).
 
The second part of the book shows how the early church completed the second aspect of its commission.  Acts 9:31 says that the church throughout all Judea and Samaria was being built up.
 
The church proclaims the kingdom message in Jerusalem with the result that many devout Jews receive it while the leaders reject it.  The rejection of the Jewish leaders climaxes with the stoning of Stephen, a Christ-like figure.  This gives rise to a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem which leads to a scattering of the believers throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria
.
God uses the persecution to providentially direct the spread of the kingdom message into the new regions.  The Lord Jesus Christ personally appears to the persecutor Saul and arranges for him to be brought into the church.  Luke ends the panel with another progress report which points out that the second stage of the Lord’s command concerning the spread of the kingdom message was fulfilled.
 
III.   Witness to the Ends of the Earth: The church sends (9:32—28:31).
 
The third part of the Book of Acts shows how the early church completed the third aspect of its commission.  Luke traces the extension of the church and the kingdom message to Syrian Antioch, to Asia Minor, to the Aegean area, and to Rome.  Acts 28:31 says that Paul was preaching the kingdom message unhindered in Rome.
 
     A.   Panel 4 with Progress Report 4: The church is extended to Syrian Antioch (9:32—12:24).
 
God prepares Peter for the extension of the kingdom message to Gentiles.  Miracles confirm his ministry.  He takes the kingdom message under the direction of God to Cornelius, a Gentile in Caesarea.  Peter and the Jewish believers recognize that God initiated the incorporation of Gentiles in the body of Christ and that they should not stand in his way.
 
Unnamed believers take the kingdom message to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch.  This is a crucial event in the book of Acts.  For the first time believers take the initiative to reach out to Gentiles in Antioch.  The word gets back to the church in Jerusalem which sends Barnabas to minister in Antioch.  The work grows so much in Antioch that Barnabas brings Saul to Antioch to help.  It is at Antioch that believers are first called “Christians” (11:26).  Christians were being recognized as a distinct group from Judaism.  The believers in Antioch express their unity with believers in Judea by sending money with Barnabas and Saul to help with a famine in Jerusalem.
 
The church in Jerusalem experiences severe persecution at the hand of Herod and the Jewish authorities (12:1-24).  This confirms Israel’s rejection of Christ and sets the stage for the 1st missionary journey.  A progress report (12:24) closes the section.  The kingdom message will now go from Antioch to Asia Minor.
 
     B.   Panel 5 with Progress Report 5: The church is extended to Asia Minor (12:25—16:5).
 
Syrian Antioch becomes the center of missionary activity.  Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, will carry the kingdom message to the Gentiles.  Paul goes forth under the Holy Spirit’s direction and God prospers his work.  God authenticates the ministry of Paul through miracles as he had with Peter (compare Acts 3:4ff. and 14:9ff.).
 
Peter is prominent in Acts 1-12; Paul in 13-28.  This reflects the change in the makeup of the church from being largely Jewish to being largely Gentile.  The narrative reflects many comparisons between Peter and Paul: both healed a lame man (3:1-10; 14:8-18); both confronted sorcerers (8:9-25; 13:4-12); both performed miracles in a unique manner (5:12-16; 19:11-12); both conferred the Holy Spirit through the laying of hands (8:14-25; 19:1-10); both raised someone from the dead (9:36-42; 20:7-12); both were imprisoned and miraculously released (12:1-19; 16:16-34).
 
The Council of Jerusalem resolves the issue of the incorporation of Gentiles in the church as Gentiles.  Luke relates the contention between Paul and Barnabas and the continued spread of the kingdom message in order to show that the Holy Spirit would ensure its spread in spite of human differences.  A progress report brings the section to a close.
 
     C.   Panel 6 with Progress Report 6: The church is extended to the Aegean area (16:6—19:20).
 
God directs the spread of the kingdom message into Europe.  This panel divides into three sections: (1) Macedonian call; (2) Ministry from Philippi to Corinth; and (3) ministry in Ephesus.  The center for mission shifts to Ephesus.
 
     D.   Panel 7 with Progress Report 7: The church is extended to the ends of the earth [Rome] (19:21—28:31).
 
The beginning of this last panel sets the tone: Paul by the Spirit sets his sight on Rome (19:21).  The panel divides into four sections: (1) completion of the 3rd journey; (2) captivity in Jerusalem; (3) captivity in Caesarea; and (4) journey to Rome and captivity in Rome.  At the climax of the book of Acts the focus turns again to taking the kingdom message to Gentiles.  Stanley Toussaint observes: “From Jerusalem to Rome most Jews rejected it and in city after city the message was then directed to non-Jews.  Now in the capital of the Roman world the same phenomenon occurred; so it will be until the fullness of Gentiles comes” (Bible Knowledge Commentary, p 431). Luke does not give a definite end to the ministry of Paul, suggesting that the task of preaching the kingdom message would continue to the end of the age.  This moving account of the expansion of the kingdom message to the end of the earth should motivate believers of any day to rely upon the Holy Spirit and take the kingdom message to the world until the Lord Jesus Christ returns.
 
Theological Reflection and Application
 
The Book of Acts provides principles for how we can spread the kingdom message throughout our world in our day. The story of the church doesn’t end with the book of Acts.  It continues to this day.  It continues in spite of persecution.  It continues in spite of division and strife within.  God the Holy Spirit who gave birth to the church on the Day of Pentecost, still empowers the witness of believers.  What part are you playing in this ongoing story?
 
1.    Be a witness. 
 
Take the kingdom message to the world.  Seventeen sermons in the Book of Acts unfold the message and various methods of presenting the message to different audiences.
 
2.    Pray.
 
In the Book of Acts we see prayer before the witness began, prayer at the beginning of the witness, and prayer throughout the course of the witness.  Prayer marked each transition and trial of the church in the fulfillment of its mission.  Prayer is of vital importance in preparing us to function effectively in the fulfillment of our mission.
 
3.    Rely on the Holy Spirit.
 
4.    Be bold.
 
5.    Organize for service and mission. 
 
Function as a body.  Serve in teams.
 
6.    Expect obstacles and opposition and overcome them by relying on God’s providence, God’s wisdom and God’s power.

SURVEY OF JOHN
The Good News of Eternal Life

Philippe R. Sterling
 
The Gospel of John presents eight signs Jesus performed so that anyone may believe His promise of eternal life and thus have everlasting life in His name.  In essence John’s message is faith alone in Christ alone for everlasting life.
 
Introductory Matters
 
The first three Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke have a discipleship focus telling believers how to follow Jesus.  The Gospel of John has an evangelistic focus telling readers to believe in Jesus for eternal life.  The author states his reason for writing, “these [signs] have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (20:31).
 
Early church tradition ascribes the book to John.  John does not directly name himself as the author but he does refer to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20) and states that “this is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things” (21:24).  Only the apostle John fits all these statements.
 
Internal evidence suggest that John wrote the book before 70 AD.  John does not mention the destruction of the Temple when Jesus speaks of His death and resurrection in terms of “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (3:19).  John also speaks of the pool with five porticoes by the sheep gate in the present tense (5:2).
 
John organizes the book around eight signs so that his readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who gives eternal life to all who believe (20:30-31).  The eight signs are Jesus turning water into wine, healing the royal official’s son from a distance, healing a crippled man, feeding five thousand, walking on water, giving physical sight to a man blind from birth, raising Lazarus from the dead, and Jesus’ death and resurrection. Those who believe simply on the basis of the factual report of the acts of Jesus and His promise of eternal life are blessed (20:29).
 
Literary Structure and Content

I.   Preamble: The eternal Son of God (the Word) who created all things became incarnate to give eternal life to all
     who believe in His name (1:1-14).
 
     A.   The Word who was with God and who was God created all things (1-3).
     B.   The Word became flesh and brought us life, light, grace and truth (4-5, 14).
     C.   Many reject the Word but those who receive Him by believing in His name become children of God (9-13).
 
II.   Eyewitnesses: John the Baptist and three eyewitnesses testify that Jesus is the Christ (1:15-21).
 
     A.   Testimony of John: John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the incarnated Son of God who came to take
           away the sin of the world (1:15-34).
 
     B.   Three Further Testimonies: Three Initial believers testify that Jesus is the promised Messiah (1:35-51).
 
          1.    Andrew testifies that Jesus is the Messiah (1:35-42).
          2.    Philip testifies that Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph, is the one of whom Moses and the prophets
                wrote (1:43-46).
          3.    Nathaniel testifies that Jesus is the Son of God, the King of Israel, simply on the basis of
                Jesus’ supernatural knowledge of him (1:47-51).
 
III.   Eight Signs: Eight signs bear witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who takes away the sin of the
      world and gives eternal life to all who believe in His name (2:1–20:29).
 
     A.   First Sign: Jesus transforms water into wine and develops its implication by cleansing the temple,
           teaching about the new birth, and teaching about living water (2:1–4:42).
 
          1.    Water into Wine: At a wedding in Cana of Galilee Jesus transforms water into wine which is the beginning
                of His signs (2:1-11).
          2.    Cleansing the Temple: Jesus cleanses the Temple and in interaction with the Judean authorities points
                to His death and resurrection as the culminating sign of His identity and authority (2:12-22).
          3.    New Birth Conversation: In a nighttime conversation with Nicodemus (a closet believer) Jesus explains
                the new birth that results from belief in Him for eternal life and then John the Baptist (an open believer)
                gives his final testimony concerning Jesus and the eternal life He gives to the one who believes in Him
                (2:23–3:36).
          4.    Living Water Conversation: In a conversation with a woman of Samaria Jesus reveals that Samaritans
                as well as Jews can be born again through believing His promise of eternal life — the Samaritans
                believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world (4:1-42).
 
     B.   Second and Third Sign: Jesus by His spoken word heals the royal official’s son and the crippled man
           which arouses the hostility of the Judean authorities to whom Jesus then asserts His unity with God the
           Father and the validity of His words supported by the testimony of John, His works, the Father and
           the Scriptures (4:43–5:47).
 
          1.    Jesus goes to Galilee and is received by the Galileans (4:43-45).
          2.    Healing Royal Official’s Son: While in Cana of Galilee, Jesus by His spoken word heals a royal official’s
                 son from a distance (4:46-54).
          3.    Healing Crippled Man: In the Temple in Jerusalem on the Sabbath Jesus by His spoken word heals a
                 man who has been crippled for 38 years (5:1-9).
          4.    Judean authorities respond with hostility (5:10-15).
          5.    Jesus responds to the Judean authorities by asserting His unity with God the Father and the validity of
                 His words supported by the witness of John, His works, the Father and the Scriptures (5:16-47).
 
     C.   Fourth and Fifth Sign: Jesus exhibits His control of the natural world in feeding five thousand and walking
           on water and clarifies the significance in the bread of life discourse which results in the departure of
           some disciples (6:1-70).
 
          1.    Feeding Five Thousand: The feeding of thousands of people from five barley loaves and two fish elicit
                the recognition of the people that Jesus is the Prophet like Moses who was to come into the world --
                Jesus is actually the Christ (6:1-14).
          2.    Walking on Water: Jesus walks on the sea and calms the disciples fear bringing them instantaneously
                to land (6:15-21).
          3.    Bread of Life Discourse: Jesus as the Bread of life gives everlasting life to all who believe in Him which
                is symbolized as eating His flesh and drinking His blood causing some disciples to stumble and
                withdraw (6:21-71).
 
     D.   Sixth Sign: Jesus as the Light of the world opens the eyes of the blind but some remain in darkness
           (7:1–10:30).
 
          1.    Conflict with the Spiritually Blind: Jesus exposes the spiritual blindness in His family, among the people
                 and among the leaders of the nation — they are blind to Him as the Light of the world, blind to their
                 spiritual need, and blind to the Father (7:1–8:59).
          2.    Giving Physical Sight to a Man Born Blind: Jesus gives physical sight to a man blind from birth (9:1-7).
          3.    Spiritual Sight and Spiritual Blindness: Those who have spiritual sight believe in Jesus for eternal life
                 while others willfully remain unbelieving in darkness (9:8–10:30).
 
     E.   Seventh Sign: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead which results in the belief of some and the plot of others
           to kill Jesus (10:31–12:50).
 
          1.    Unbelieving Judeans seek to kill Jesus for making Himself out to be God while others believe in Him
                 (10:31-42).
          2.    Raising Lazarus: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead and gives everlasting life to all who believe in Him
                 — “Do you believe this?” (11:1-44).
          3.    Many believe including some Gentiles who seek access to Jesus while others among the Judeans plot to
                 kill Jesus (11:45–12:50).
 
     F.    Eighth Sign: Jesus after preparing His disciples for their witness in the world by teaching in the Upper
           Room and Garden, is arrested, tried, crucified, and buried, and rises from the dead which is confirmed by
           His appearances to the disciples (13:1–20:29).
 
          1.    Teaching: As an expression of His love to the end, in the Upper Room and in the Garden Jesus
                 prepares His disciples for the coming events and for their witness in the world (13:1–17:26).
 
                 a.    In the Upper Room Jesus washes the disciple’s feet as an example of humble service, predicts
                        the coming events, and calms the troubled disciples with the promise of His return for them and of
                        the sending of another Helper in the person of the Holy Spirit (13:1–14:31).
                 b.    In the Garden Jesus teaches the disciples about bearing fruit, loving each other, the hostility of
                        the world, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, their post-cross experience, and intercedes in prayer for
                        them and all those who will believe in Him through their word (15:1–17:26).
 
          2.    Dying and Rising: Jesus is arrested, tried, crucified, and buried, and rises from the dead (18:1–20:18).
 
          3.    Appearing: The risen Jesus appears first to the disciples without Thomas who when told expresses
                 his doubt, and then He appears a second time to the disciples with Thomas present who then affirms
                 Him as Lord and God — Jesus calls blessed all who believe without seeing (20:19-29).
 
IV.   Purpose of the Book — That You May Believe: The Gospel of John is written so that people may believe
       that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing have everlasting life in His name (20:30-31).
 
V.   Postscript: The risen Jesus reveals His power in the miracle of catching fish and reveals His love in the
      restoration of Peter (21:1-23).
 
VI.   Closing Testimony: As the writer, John testifies to the truth of all he has written which is but a small selection of
​       all that Jesus did (21:24-25).
 
Theological Reflection and Application
 
We are fascinated with courtroom drama.  Note the interest in celebrity trials like that of O. J. Simpson, courtroom TV, and trial lawyer shows.  The climax of a trial occurs with the verdict.  The Gospel of John presents the evidence for Jesus and asks us to give a verdict.  The desired verdict is that we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing we have life in His name.  There are many people who are open to Jesus and will believe in Him for eternal life.  Take part in the harvest (4:35-38).  Whoever believes has eternal life (6:47).