Philemon

Philemon is the shortest letter among Paul's epistles, much like a postcard or aerogram, yet it is also one of the most personal letters he's written. Instead of asserting his apostolic authority, Paul chose to entreat the recipient with diplomacy and tact over a sensitive situation—a runaway slave.

It is obvious that Philemon was a man of high social status and well respected within the Christian community, given his generosity and hospitality towards traveling missionaries and co-workers of the gospels. In fact, he even hosted a church gathering in his house and might have been one of its leaders, if not the one in charge.

This short but instructive letter has a number of important lessons for believers in terms of interpersonal relating:

1. The use of authority is not necessarily suited or a good thing in every controversial or sensitive situation.

1. Showing proper respect and courtesy to whom it is due can be a more amicable approach to resolve differences or problems.

1. The basis for engaging our fellow believers in any issue, great or small, must be love and humility, and always for the good of those affected or involved.

Paul showed by his example how to go about it with Philemon and Onesimus, without his being physically present due to his imprisonment, but through a simple letter that is filled with lots of brotherly love and humility.

Romans 12:10

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.

 

OUTLINE OF PHILEMON

1. Paul's Praise of Philemon (v1-7)
a. Greeting (v1-3)
b. Thanksgiving (v4-7)
2. Paul's Plea on behalf of Onesimus (v8-17)
a. The Ground for the Plea (v8-9)
b. The Object of the Plea (v10-14)
c. The Reason for the Plea (v15-16)
d. The Purpose of the Plea (v17)
3. Paul's Pledge to Philemon (v18-20)
a. Extent of the Pledge (v18)
b. Basis of the Pledge (v19-20)
4. Paul's Promise to Philemon (v21-25)
a. Confidence of Philemon's Obedience (v21)
b. Confidence of Release and Visit (v22)
c. Salutations and Benediction (v23-25)

Titus

Like Timothy, Titus was an associate of Paul in the work of the gospel. This letter was written to give practical wisdom and instructions on church administration as well as appoint elders and leaders. Titus had the challenging tasks of looking after the church in Crete and fending off false teachers, particularly those of the circumcision.

This letter is one of four personal letters Paul wrote, containing pastoral advices and insights. While it is important to uphold the truth in the church, the most effective way to protect sound doctrines, however, is to practice and live it out in our lives. That's the only way to let the world see and be convinced of the transforming power of God in a believer's life. 

On the other hand, good church organization and operation are only possible when there is a willingness on the part of every member to obey the truth. The reality of our faith is seen in the crucible of godly daily living and brotherly relationship with one another.

2:11-14 sums up the gist of this letter:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

 

OUTLINE OF TITUS

1. Greetings (1:1-4)
2. Appointing Spiritual Leaders (1:5-16)
a. Criteria and Qualifications (1:5-9)
b. Characteristics of the Cretians (1:10-12)
c. Command to Rebuke and Correct (1:13-16)
3. Asserting Spiritual Life Principles (2:1-15)
a. To the Elderly (2:1-5)
b. To the Young (2:6-8)
c. To the Servants (2:9-10)
d. Speak, Exhort, Rebuke (3:11-15)
4. Applying Sound Practices (3:1-11)
a. Regulating Conduct (3:1-2)
b. Recounting Salvation unto Good Works (3:3-8)
c. Refusing Vain Arguments (3:9)
d. Rejecting Heretics (3:10-11)
5. Final Instructions (3:12-15)

2 Timothy

This second letter to Timothy is Paul's last will and parting words to his spiritual son in the faith, who was facing hard challenges as a minister in Ephesus. Paul imparted his final words of encouragement and insight, stressing the importance of godly living, faithful preaching of the Word, and warned Timothy of the coming apostasy within the church in the last days.

Paul recalled Timothy's tears of parting as he left for Rome to be imprisoned again prior to his trial before Caesar, knowing his execution was inevitable as the Roman empire began to view Christianity as a threat. However, he reminded Timothy of the precious faith he inherited from his mother and grandmother, and urged him to remain strong in the Lord.

What do our children or future generation inherit from us? What do they see in our lives that they can emulate and pass on? Will it be godly values and a living faith, or worldly ideals and self-interests?

Paul's admonition is given in the light of this truth: Jesus Christ shall judge the living and the dead at His appearing in His kingdom authority (4:1). This should spur us to be faithful in the work of the gospel, as we await His soon return and to stand before Him unashamed.

Paul's anticipation as his journey came to an end, reveals a man whose life values reflected his character and convictions, and showing us that hope not only triumphs over death but transcends it with an eternal indestructible joy that is in Christ, Who promises a crown of righteousness not only to those who finishes well, but also to all who earnestly look forward to His return.

 

OUTLINE OF 2 TIMOTHY

1. Steadfastness in Present Difficulties (1:1-2:26)
a. Delight in Timothy's Faith (1:1-5)
b. Directions for Timothy's Duties (1:6-18)
c. Depiction of a Faithful Minister (2:1-26)
Good Disciple-maker
Soldier | Athlete | Farmer
Diligent Student and Workman
Useful Vessel | Meek Servant
2. Preparedness for Future Challenges (3:1-4:22)
a. Last Days Apostasy (3:1-17)
Characteristics | Confrontation
b. Last Exhortation to Preach the Gospel (4:1-5)
c. Last Words of Paul (4:6-22)
His Imminent Departure
His Immediate Situation
His Last Instructions
Salutation and Benediction

1 Timothy

The letters to Timothy and Titus are also known as pastoral epistles. Timothy was Paul's apprentice and assistant in the work of the gospel, co-laboring with him since the second missionary journey.

Timothy had his weaknesses and strengths. He was young, timid, fearful, perhaps with inferiority complex, and  physically weak; but he was faithful, spiritually alert, received good training and had sound foundation in the faith. Paul regarded him as a spiritual son and companion in his travels, and entrusted him with important tasks as a means to build up his character and confidence in the work of the Lord.

This personal letter to young Timothy pastoring the church at Ephesus can be liken to a spiritual father mentoring his son in the faith. It contains principles and sound advices for Christian workers facing the problem of false doctrines, guidelines for proper worship, a believer's duties and responsibilities, and right attitude towards riches.

In this famous ancient city with its bustling commerce and center of Grecian worship, Timothy not only had to contend with the influence of wealth and influx of religious ideas, he had to be exemplary in his conduct while taking care of the spiritual well-being of the flock Paul entrusted him. This was certainly a big challenge for an inexperienced and timid person like him. Paul, however, saw beyond Timothy's apparent age and limitations—a caring heart just like his:

Philippians 2:19-20

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

 

OUTLINE OF 1 TIMOTHY

1. Personal Exhortation (1:1-20)
a. Greeting (1:1-2)
b. Paul's Charge to Timothy (1:3-11)
c. Paul's Recount and Thanksgiving (1:12-17)
d. First Charge: Fight Well (1:6-18)
2. Pastoral Advices (2:1-6:21)
a. On Public Worship (2:1-3:16)
Prayer | Public Conduct of Women
Requirements of Leaders | Deacons
Second Charge: Behave Well (3:14-16)
b. On False Teachers (4:1-16)
Their Traits and Teachings
Countering through Godliness
Third Charge: Lead Well (4:11-16)
c. On Dealing with People (5:1-6:2)
General Principles
Handling Widows | Treating Elders
Fourth Charge: Manage Well (5:21-25)
Servant-Master Relationship
d. On Attitude towards Wealth (6:3-21)
Godliness with Contentment
Danger of Greed
Fifth Charge: Guard Well (6:20-21)