Are You A Rebel?
Philemon 1 – Hebrews 3
We start and finish Philemon today and begin Hebrews. I’ll provide an outline of Philemon in today’s post and then one for Hebrews in tomorrow’s post. Before we get to the outline, however, I’d like to look at the last passage of Scripture in today’s reading:
Hebrews 3:14-19
“For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said,
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.”
Who was it that was unable to enter because of unbelief? It was those who were disobedient. We have heard God calling His people to obedience repeatedly during our journey through the Bible. Jesus says in John that if we love Him we will obey Him. Here Paul tells us that disobedience is equivalent to “unbelief”. Have you ever viewed your disobedience in that way; as unbelief? If we believe we will obey.
Guys, we are under grace but grace doesn’t mean that disobedience is no big deal. Disobedience is an extremely big deal; it is rebellion against God’s authority. Our disobedience is a revelation of our flagging belief. Do we live as we say we believe? As Scripture tells us God judges the heart of a man; He is not fooled by a phony show of faith. He knows what you believe. Do you?
OUTLINE
Philemon
Most agree that this brief personal letter was written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome. It was addressed to Philemon, who lived in Asia Minor, in either Colossae or Laodicea. The letter follows a typical first–century form.
Paul’s letter was written to beg a wealthy believer named Philemon to take back a runaway slave, Onesimus, without punishing him as harshly as Roman law permitted. While the details of Paul’s relationship with Onesimus remain a mystery, some things can be deduced. The runaway slave met Paul while the apostle was in prison. Paul’s appeal suggests that Onesimus may have robbed his master for funds to use in making his escape. Yet Paul describes Onesimus as “faithful” and as a “brother.” Apparently Paul led the runaway slave to Christ, and Onesimus had shown evidence that his conversion was real. After his conversion Onesimus had spent enough time with Paul to be “helpful” to him and for Paul to develop an honest affection for him.
With this in mind we can understand why Paul was eager for Onesimus to be reconciled with his master, also a Christian, and to demonstrate his new faith in Christ by rendering Philemon honest service.
We can assume that Philemon acceded to Paul’s moving request. There is even speculation that this Onesimus later became the Ephesian bishop of that name the early church leader Ignatius mentions in letters to that city. If Onesimus did rise to become bishop, it shows the stunning impact of the Gospel in Roman society where only the wealthy became leaders of the many voluntary associations and clubs found in society.
OUTLINE OF PHILEMON
I. Salutation 1–3
II. Thanksgiving and Prayer 4–7
III. The Plea for Onesimus 8–21
IV. Greetings and Benediction 22–25
Richards, L. O. (1991). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.). Wheaton: Victor Books.
Having given you several rather long winded posts of late I will leave this one as brief as possible.
Have a blessed day brothers!
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Bill
Dying to self, living to serve!
Good Works: Whose Field Are You Working?
2 Timothy 3 – Titus 3
There were several verses I wanted to comment on today but I owe you an outline for Timothy and yesterday’s post was so long I think I’m going to have to cut out a passage or two. At any rate I do want to share this passage with you.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
Why is it so important to read our Bibles every day? All of the above. Scripture is a fertilizer of our growth in Christ. It propels us further along the road of sanctification. It feeds us and fortifies us, providing the spiritual nutrients necessary to grow into spiritual adulthood. But, to what purpose? If I haven’t said this before hear me say it now; it isn’t about you. The universe, creation, existence, is not about you. The universe, creation, existence, is all about God. It is all about His purpose and His will. What is His will? What is the purpose of the nutrition you receive from God’s Holy Word? The purpose is that you will be competent and equipped for every good work.
You know I think we get pretty confused about “good works”. We know that we are not saved by “good works” so that we may not brag in our own ability to “earn” salvation. Yet, Paul mentions “good works” as something in which every Christian should be involved. I have seen two extremes concerning the issue of “good works”. Some say that “good works” are meaningless as they have nothing to do with salvation. Others say that without good works one can lose their salvation. Pardon me but I think both extremes are incorrect.
The Bible is clear that “good works” do not save us. No where can I find scripture that states that if you don’t do “good works” you can lose your salvation. I can find words of Jesus in Scripture that state that none that are given into His hand will be lost. The Scripture does not go on to say “…if they continue to do good works.”
John 10:28-30
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
You may disagree, but I read that passage to say you cannot lose your salvation. Salvation doesn’t depend on you it depends on the grace and mercy of God; it depends on the loving sacrifice of Christ. Christ freely gave His life for you; He did not lay it down in exchange for your good works. Salvation is not some bargain you worked out with God; you save me I do good works – deal? Good works don’t save us but good works are the right and natural response to salvation.
Titus 2:11-14
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
Did you get that? He gave Himself up to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify us. He did this so that we would belong to Him; a possession who are zealous for good works. Now what are good works? Good question. You know there are many charitable organizations in the world doing good works. Doing good should come naturally for a Christian but it seems to me that the good works in question have to do more with God’s will. Some of these good works include renouncing ungodliness and worldly passion; to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. Some of these good works include feeding the hungry and giving shelter to the poor but to a purpose. That purpose is showing the love of Christ and pointing the lost toward salvation.
These are the good works that come naturally in response to God’s grace and mercy which was given to you through salvation. Are you doing these good works? Brothers, you won’t lose your salvation if you don’t do these good works, but I have to ask, if you aren’t doing these good works, have you really accepted Christ? Your life is supposed to reflect the new creature you became when you accepted Christ. Does it? Do you have the appearance of godliness, but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5)?
Guys, are you working your field or God’s field? Are you a lover of self or a lover of God? It really comes down to that. If you love Him you will obey Him and He has instructed you to work His field. That is the only way you can be fruitful in Christ. Let me finish my comments with two more verses from today’s reading.
Titus 3:8
“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.”
Titus 3:14
“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.”
Now for an outline of Titus.
OUTLINE
Titus
The letter of Titus, like the second letter to Timothy, was written to a younger leader during Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome. Like the letters to Timothy, this is a letter of guidance and instruction.
Titus is mentioned 12 times in the New Testament. A fascinating picture of the man and his ministry can be drawn from the references. Titus was a Gentile, an uncircumcised Greek. He joined Paul’s missionary team some time prior to Paul’s second missionary journey. Like Timothy, Titus was frequently sent on special missions to deal with difficulties in various churches. Titus was apparently successful in helping reduce the tension that existed between Paul and the Corinthians. Timothy had earlier failed in that particular mission. It is significant that while Paul frequently exhorts Timothy to be strong, or to let no one despise his youth, no such urgings are found in his letter to Titus. Whether settling conflicts or collecting gifts for the poorer churches of Palestine, Titus seems to have enjoyed unusual success.
When Paul wrote this letter Titus was working in another difficult field: Crete. This island, 160 miles long and 35 miles wide, lies in the Mediterranean southeast of Greece. Once it had been the center of a great culture but the Cretans had become known in the ancient world as a depraved and intractable people. In this letter Paul quotes the poet Epimenides, who about 600 b.c. observed that “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons” (1:12). Yet Paul expresses no concern for Titus. He simply gives advice, which has been rightly valued by young leaders throughout the Christian era, and expects Titus to successfully lead the Cretan church to “devote themselves to doing what is good”
THEOLOGICAL OUTLINE OF TITUS
I. TITUS’ MISSION 1
II. TITUS’ MINISTRY 2
III. EXPECTED RESULTS 3
CONTENT OUTLINE OF TITUS
I. Greeting (1:1–4)
II. Titus’ Mission to Crete (1:5–16)
A. To Appoint Elders (1:5–9)
B. To Refute False Teachers (1:10–16)
1. Their character (1:10–14)
2. Their condemnation (1:15–16)
III. Titus’ Ministry in Crete (2:1–15)
A. Instructions Concerning Different Groups (2:1–6)
B. Instructions Concerning Titus’ Personal Example (2:7–8)
C. Instructions Concerning Slaves (2:9–10)
D. Instructions Concerning Godly Living (2:11–14)
E. Summary: Titus’ Duty (2:15)
IV. The Expected Results of Titus’ Ministry (3:1–11)
A. To Create Good Citizens (3:1–2)
B. To Motivate Godly Conduct (3:3–8)
C. To Protect from Spiritual Error (3:9–11)
V. Concluding Instructions and Greetings (3:12–15)
Richards, L. O. (1991). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.). Wheaton: Victor Books.
Have a faithful day brothers!
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Bill
Dying to self, living to serve!
No - this is not the author!
A Little Controversy
2 Thessalonians 3 – 1 Timothy 4
We begin 1 Timothy today so I will provide an outline below. Before the outline, however, I’d like to cause a little controversy. I found the following passage in 1 Timothy interesting.
1 Timothy 4:1-5
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”
When I read “who forbid marriage” in verse 3 I thought of the Catholic Church. When I read “require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving” I think of Catholics and Judaizers. Paul makes sure we understand what he means about foods God created by saying “everything created by God is good”. Passages like this speak rather clearly to me of the fact of the New Covenant – we are no longer under The Law; in particular the dietary law. In fact, earlier in 1 Timothy Paul had this to say about The Law:
1 Timothy 1:9-10
“understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine”
I’m reminded of a comment from last week about some Christians putting themselves back under the requirements of The Law. I am fascinated by the Jewish roots of our Christians faith. I see nothing wrong in celebrating the old festivals or even keeping the Mosaic dietary laws as long as it isn’t looked at as some kind of requirement to be right with God. No one tried to observe The Law better than the Pharisees and Jesus had all kinds of condemnation for them. You can’t be made right by the law. As a new creature in Christ you are not under The Law. You are in fact held to a higher standard which He enables you to observe. The Law is for those who want to rely on themselves for their salvation. Good luck with that!
I just can’t let it go at that. Some people think that the equation is Salvation = Jesus + X, with X being something else – the dietary laws, observance of the Sabbath on Saturday, celebration of festivals. That is not the equation. The equation is Salvation = Jesus. Jesus is sufficient. If you don’t think that is true then the writings of Paul seriously challenge your point of view. To make the New Testament say what you want it to say you’re going to have to do a lot of redacting. There are some groups that do this. We call them cults.
Boy, I’m rather opinionated on this topic aren’t I? Forgive me brothers. I’m afraid we all too often take bits and pieces of the Bible to support a position we prefer. Even when we honestly search for truth we often take parts of the Bible as evidence but miss other parts that might moderate our conclusions. That is why I believe it is so important for all Christians to read through the Bible from beginning to end on a regular basis. Doing so gives us context; it helps us see the bigger picture.
You know scientists do studies and they often publish their findings in a report. The news media will often search the summaries or skip to subheadings of these reports to find what they think will make great headlines. The problem with their approach is that they make something sound as an absolute proven fact when the report actually says there is only a tendency. I’m afraid we are often like these media types.
When we look at polling, the President, regardless of party, typically will have an approval rating under 50%. The approval rating of Congress, regardless of party, is typically half of that if not a quarter, and the approval rating of the media is even lower than that. Let us not follow in the footsteps of such a low regarded group as that. Let us be faithful to the one true faith, rejecting the chains that some wish to put back on our lives. Let us hold ourselves to the higher standard and embrace the entirety of God’s Word.
My how I rattled on. Now for the outline.
OUTLINE
1 Timothy
Paul’s two letters to Timothy, along with Titus and Philemon, are unique in the New Testament. They were written to individuals rather than to churches. The first three of these letters are commonly called the “pastoral letters.” This is because 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus were written to instruct young leaders about how to carry out their itinerant ministries. Even so, about 10 percent of the material in these letters has to do with church organization or program. Paul concentrates most of his advice in two areas: These young leaders are to urge the churches to maintain purity of doctrine and lifestyle.
Paul’s first letter to Timothy was apparently written during that imprisonment in Rome with which the Book of Acts concludes. Most believe that Paul was released from this imprisonment, went off on another preaching mission, and was subsequently arrested and taken to Rome again. Paul’s second letter to Timothy was written during this second imprisonment, which the apostle did not survive. Eusebius, an early church historian, reports that “Paul is said, after having defended himself, to have set forth again upon the ministry of preaching, and to have entered the city [Rome] a second time, and to have ended his life by martyrdom. While then a prisoner, he wrote the second epistle to Timothy, in which he both mentions his first defense, and his impending death.”
It is clear from several references within these letters, as well as testimony of history, that the pastoral epistles date from near the end of the Apostolic Age. Only the letters of John may be later in origin. Thus the pastorals reflect the growing hostility of many in the Roman world to the church and the dangers a developed faith continues to face today.
Timothy
Timothy was a dearly loved companion of the Apostle Paul, who looked on him as a son as well as fellow soldier (1 Tim. 1:2, 18; 2 Tim. 1:2). Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother and Greek father (2 Tim. 1:5). He traveled with Paul on both the second and third missionary journeys and was sent on a number of special missions by the apostle (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10; Acts 19:22; 2 Cor. 1:1, 19). He was not always successful on his missions. The sense of a somewhat ineffectual leader is strengthened by Paul’s encouragement that Timothy not permit people to “look down on you because you are young” (1 Tim. 4:12). The hesitant Timothy is also exhorted to be strong and given rather thorough instructions on how to complete his task.
At the same time Timothy is one of the more admirable of the New Testament’s “next generation” of Christian leaders. Paul commends him to the Philippians, saying, “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the Gospel” (Phil. 2:20–22).
THEOLOGICAL OUTLINE OF 1 TIMOTHY
I. THE TASK 1
II. INSTRUCTIONS 2–4
III. ADVICE 5–6
CONTENT OUTLINE OF 1 TIMOTHY
Greeting (1:1–2)
I. The Task (1:3–20)
A. Silence False Teachers (1:3–11)
B. Praise for Salvation (1:12–17)
C. Hold to a Good Conscience (1:18–20)
II. Instructions (2:1–4:16)
A. Concerning Worship (2:1–15)
B. Concerning Leaders (3:1–16)
C. Personal Guidance (4:1–16)
1. Concerning asceticism (4:1–5)
2. Concerning teaching (4:6–10)
3. Concerning duties (4:11–16)
III. Advice to Timothy (5:1–6:16)
A. Show Respect (5:1–2)
B. Organize Widows (5:3–16)
C. Honor Elders (5:17–25)
D. Instruct Slaves (6:1–2)
E. Monitor Money (6:3–10)
F. Pursue Righteousness (6:11–16)
G. More on Money (6:17–19)
Conclusion (6:20–21)
Richards, L. O. (1991). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.). Wheaton: Victor Books.
Have a wonderful day brothers!
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Bill
Dying to self, living to serve!
You Are Called To Holiness
1 Thessalonians 4 – 2 Thessalonians 2
We finish 1 Thessalonians and start 2 Thessalonians today. I’ll provide an outline below. I love how today’s reading starts and I think it is important for each of us to ponder what Paul has to tell us in the following verses.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
“Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.”
Fellas, are you growing in your faith? Are proceeding steadily in sanctification – becoming more like Christ every day? It is the will of God that you abstain from sexual immorality, that you know how to control your own body in holiness. You have been called to holiness. Make a firm commitment today, if you haven’t already, to keep your mind and body pure, to continually discipline yourself to reject the lusts and passions of this world. Such rejection does not happen by accident. You must pursue it with a vengeance.
OUTLINE
2 Thessalonians
Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians was also written from Corinth, the last location Paul, Silas, and Timothy were known to have been together. It was probably written shortly after the first letter, in response to new developments in Thessalonica. There persecution had intensified, and many of the victims were struggling with despair. The only way out seemed to lie in the return of Christ, and rumors had started that Paul himself was saying the time of the end had arrived! One practical impact of this on the church was that many simply stopped work and lived off others. Why worry if Jesus is coming back tomorrow?
In this letter Paul deals with each of these three issues. The Christian is suffering now, but God will repay the persecutors—and reward the faithful (1:1–12). As for Christ’s return to earth, that takes place after the “Day of the Lord” described in Old Testament prophecy—after the Antichrist appears (2:1–17). As a result, there’s no basis for the idleness of some. Paul’s simple solution to that problem is don’t feed idle people. If they’re able–bodied and still won’t work, they won’t eat!
Paul’s letter has many a helpful reminder for us. Christians do experience persecution, and redress is not always experienced in this world. But Christ will surely balance the books when He comes. In the meantime, we live as citizens of God’s kingdom, always aware that the sinful human society is doomed.
THEOLOGICAL OUTLINE OF 2 THESSALONIANS
I. JUDGMENT 1
II. ANTICHRIST 2
III. IDLENESS 3
CONTENT OUTLINE OF 2 THESSALONIANS
Greeting (1:1–2)
I. God Will Repay (1:3–12)
A. Thanks for Perseverance (1:3–4)
B. God’s Judgment to Come (1:5–10)
1. It is just (1:5–7a)
2. It takes place at Jesus’ return (1:7b–9)
3. It vindicates and glorifies God’s saints (1:10)
4. Prayer for preparation (1:11–12)
II. The Antichrist Will Come First (2:1–17)
A. Present Troubles Are Not the Day of the Lord (2:1–2)
B. The Antichrist Appears Before That Day (2:3–4)
C. Don’t Confuse the Normal Lawlessness in Sinful Human Society for the Antichrist or the End of This Era (2:5–12)
D. Stand Firm Now: Let God Encourage You and Strengthen You (2:13–17)
III. So Get Back to Work (3:1–15)
A. Pray for Protection (3:1–5)
B. Work Hard and Support Yourself (3:6–15)
Final greetings (3:16–18)
Richards, L. O. (1991). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.). Wheaton: Victor Books.
Have a holy day brothers!
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Bill
Dying to self, living to serve!
Christ Strengthens You
Philippians 4 – Colossians 2
Brothers, today we begin Colossians so I have provided an outline below. Two different bits of Scripture stood out in today’s reading so I want to briefly touch on them. The first is a bit of encouragement for us to persevere through any and all troubles. In fact the final verse of the passage is perhaps one of the best known bits of Scripture emanating from Paul’s writings.
Philippians 4:11-13
“…for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Does Christ strengthen you? If not the trouble isn’t with Him but your relationship with Him. You should have a peace that surpasses understanding if indeed you are in right relationship with Him. This is not to say that nothing bad will ever happen to you or that you won’t find yourself laid low from time to time. It is to say that right relationship with Christ will provide you the strength you need to continue on through good and bad, plenty and need. You can do, and get through, all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Earlier this week Larry left a comment concerning the conviction of some Christians that we should follow more of the Old Testament Laws if we are to truly be followers of Christ. I think the most common argument made by these folks is that the Sabbath is Saturday, not Sunday, and that we are sinning by not observing it as our day of rest and worship. This argument has been around from the beginning and Paul has addressed this kind of thing repeatedly during his ministry. I found the following verse very interesting in this regard.
Colossians 2:16
“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.”
I believe that one verse right there kind of covers the bulk of the arguments modern-day Judaizers put forth. I find it particularly instructive that Paul specifically mentions the festivals and Sabbath as items that do not require dogmatic observance. Of course it is important to read any and all verses in context. Since you are reading through the Bible with me I know you will have read the entire context of this verse and understand that I have not taken it out of context.
Now for the Outline.
OUTLINE
Colossians
All agree that Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians to combat a heresy. There’s little agreement about the exact shape of that heresy. Yet it clearly contained both pagan and Jewish elements and, though masquerading as a form of Christianity, it denied Christ His central place and distorted the Christian lifestyle reflected in all the New Testament writings. In attempting to reconstruct the heresy from the truths Paul puts forward most strongly, many scholars have concluded it was an early form of Gnosticism.
Gnosticism takes its name from the claim of its proponents to have access to a superior, hidden knowledge, or gnosis. The Gnostics made a sharp distinction between matter and spirit. The material was essentially evil; God and good were essentially spiritual. It followed that God could not have created the world, that Christ could not be God incarnate, and that what Christ did on the cross in a material body could not really accomplish salvation. Salvation could only be achieved when the divine spark held captive in the material body was released. What a person did in the body mattered little, so some adopted the most profligate lifestyles, while others turned to asceticism to loosen the cords which held the inner man to the body.
There is great value in the Book of Colossians for Christians today. In warning those being influenced by an early heresy the Apostle Paul has sketched for us a bright, clear vision of Jesus Christ and His central role not only in God’s plan, but in our lives. As we read this great book prayerfully we cannot help but be brought closer to our Lord. 
Chart: Colossians 1:9–11.
Paul’s prayer outlines the way in which believers can experience true spiritual growth. Spiritual growth begins with a knowledge of objective truth revealed in Scripture: “what God has willed.” But we treat that truth with “wisdom and insight,” seeking to understand its practical implications for our daily life. We then apply God’s truth, making choices which please Him in every way and are “worthy of the Lord.” As we do live a worthy life, we “bear fruit in every good work” and we come to know God in a personal intimate way, not just intellectually but experientially as well. There is no end to this wonderful process that offers us so much. We can keep on studying His work, keep on letting God’s Word shape our choices and our character. As we do we will not only find our lives are fruitful, but also that we grow closer to the Lord.
Date and Authorship
This letter was written by Paul during his first Roman imprisonment, most likely between a.d. 59 and 61. It is one of the most important of the New Testament letters in its clear affirmation of the centrality of Jesus Christ and explanation of how Jesus relates to our every experience.
Colossae
The city of Colossae lay in the Lycus River valley in what is now Turkey. Its population was a mixture of Greek, Jewish, and native Phrygians, along with Roman army veterans. The heresy Paul deals with in his letter seems to be a mixture of Jewish, pagan, and pseudo–Christian concepts. The letter was later circulated to other congregations (cf. 4:16) to guard them against similar errors.
THEOLOGICAL OUTLINE OF COLOSSIANS
I. CHRIST, THE TRUTH 1:1–29
II. CHRIST, THE WAY 2:1–23
III. CHRIST, THE LIFE 3:1–4:1
IV. PERSONAL NOTES 4:2–18
CONTENT OUTLINE OF COLOSSIANS
Introduction (1:1–14)
I. The Supremacy of Christ (1:15–23)
A. Christ Is Over All (1:15–18)
B. Christ Is Truly God (1:19–20)
C. Christ Is the Source of Salvation (1:21–23)
D. “Christ in You” Is the Content of Paul’s Message (1:24–29)
II. The Salvation Won by Christ (2:1–23)
A. Christ As Focus of Faith (2:1–5)
B. Christ As Source of Strength (2:6–7)
C. Substitutes to Avoid (2:8–23)
1. Empty philosophies (2:8–15)
2. Legalism (2:16–17)
3. Angel worship (2:18–19)
4. Asceticism (2:20–23)
III. The Christian Life Described (3:1–4:6)
A. Its Source and Motivation (3:1–4)
B. Its Principles (3:5–4:6)
1. Abandon old sins (3:5–11)
2. Encourage new virtues (3:12–17)
3. Strengthen relationships (3:18–4:1)
4. Pray and witness (4:2–6)
Conclusion: Personal Notes (4:7–18)
Richards, L. O. (1991). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.). Wheaton: Victor Books.
Have blessed day guys.
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Bill
Dying to self, living to serve!
Press On Toward The Goal!
Philippians 1-3
I am exhausted. I’ve been up 35 hours straight working on a project for my employer. Since we are starting Philippians today and finish it tomorrow I will give you an outline of this wonderful book. I will also give you a bit of Scripture from today’s reading as an encouragement in your walk.
Philippians 3:11-14
“that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
OUTLINE
Philippians
Paul’s letter to the Philippians is warm and personal. The church had sent an emissary to Paul, who was in prison in Rome. This man, Epaphroditus, carried funds for the apostle’s support. In Rome, Epaphroditus became ill and nearly died. One reason for Paul’s letter is to explain why he is sending Epaphroditus back to Philippi and to ask them to welcome Paul’s young coworker, Timothy. Paul also intends to encourage those who are upset about his imprisonment. Rather than despair, they should feel the joy that wells up in Paul himself, for Paul’s jailing has resulted in even more active promotion of the Gospel by others.
As all have noted, the key word in this brief letter is “joy” or “rejoice.” Despite his chains, the apostle experiences an inner delight and no hardships can rob him of his joy. What a reminder this letter is of the vast difference between mere happiness, which depends on circumstances, and joy, which is rooted in spiritual realities. As we read Paul’s words we find ourselves directed, through his experience, to those things which can bring us joy as well.
Philippians is also notable for verses in chapter 2 which many believe are a hymn or a creed used in the early church. These verses exalt Christ as One who, though by very nature God, chose to become a human being, suffer death on the cross, and was subsequently exalted by God “to the highest place.”
WHERE THE ACTION TAKES PLACE
Philippi lay in Macedonia, some 10 miles from the Aegean Sea. After The battle of Actium in 31 b.c. the city was made a Roman military colony and a number of soldiers were retired there. This status gave the city the right of self–government, immunity from taxes, and the citizens were treated as if they lived in Italy. Astride a major trade route, and the only “colony” in Macedonia, the people of this leading (prote) city were proud of their community.
Acts 16 reports the experiences of Paul in Philippi. This is the city where he cast a demon out of a slave girl and ended up in prison, only to be freed by an earthquake and lead the Philippian jailer to Christ.
THEOLOGICAL OUTLINE OF PHILIPPIANS
I. JOY IN THE GOSPEL 1
II. JOY IN UNITY 2
III. JOY IN COMMITMENT 3
IV. JOY IN THE LORD 4
CONTENT OUTLINE OF PHILIPPIANS
Introduction (1:1–11)
I. Paul’s Situation in Rome (1:12–26)
II. Exhortations (1:27–2:18)
A. Exhortation to Unity and Courage (1:27–30)
B. Exhortation to Unity and Humility (2:1–11)
C. Exhortation to Work Out Our Salvation (2:12–18)
III. Introduction of Two Messengers (2:19–30)
A. Timothy ((2:19–24)
B. Epaphroditus (2:25–30)
IV. A Call to Commitment (3:1–21)
A. Not to the Flesh (3:1–6)
B. To Christ (3:7–11)
C. To Christ’s Purposes (3:12–21)
V. More Exhortations (4:1–9)
A. To Unity (4:1–3)
B. To Virtue (4:4–9)
VI. The Philippian’s Gift (4:10–20)
A. The Recent Gift (4:10–14)
B. Earlier Gifts (4:15–20)
Closing salutation (4:21–23)
Remain faithful brothers. Press on toward the goal!
Have a wonderful day!
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Bill
Dying to self, living to serve!
