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)

2 Thessalonians

The second letter to the Thessalonians is quite similar to the first in content, but the tone is more terse. Paul's first letter not only did not correct their misconceptions of the second coming,  but caused some to cast off their daily responsibilities and become loafers, living on other believers' expenses. At the same time, false teachers taught that the tribulation these believers were undergoing was a sign that the day of the Lord had arrived, adding more distress and confusion to the already troubled church.

Eschatology is not an easy doctrine; still it is an essential part of the Christian faith, taking up almost five percent of the NT writings. Paul realized the difficulty these young believers had on such teachings, and therefore wrote a follow-up letter to further elaborate on the details concerning the last days.

Paul pointed out that preceding Christ's return there will be rampant apostasy and lawlessness, and the revelation of the man of sin, which at present is restrained until the appointed time. So instead of loafing around and become busybodies, believers should continue to work hard, do good, pray for and support the furtherance of the gospel, and make good use of every opportunity to serve the Lord faithfully as they await His return.

2:16-17
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father who has loved us and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 
Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

OUTLINE OF 2 THESSALONIANS

1. Greetings (1:1-2)
2. Comfort in View of the Lord's Return (1:3-12)
For Discouraged Believers
a. Thanksgiving (1:3-6)
Patience in Persecutions
Faith in Tribulations
b. Supplication (1:7-12)
Vindication by God
Victory and Glory in Christ
3. Correction in View of the Lord's Return (2:1-17)
For Disillusioned Believers
a. Certainty and Signs  (2:1-12)
Apostasy | Antichrist | Anarchy–Lawlessness
Appearance of Christ
b. Consolation and Comfort (2:13-17)
Obtaining Glory | Obeying Truth
4. Conduct in View of the Lord's Return (3:1-18)
For Disobedient Believers
a. Prayer Request | Patience in Waiting (3:1-5)
b. Instructions on Work and Charity (3:6-15)
c. Benediction (3:16-18)

 

1 Thessalonians

Paul's fond memories of the Thessalonian believers are visibly expressed in the writing of this letter to the church which he founded during his second missionary trip (Acts 17:10), right after his unjust beatings, imprisonment and release at Philippi (Acts 16:19-40). 

Paul's ministry at Thessalonica was met with great opposition from the Jews there who incited a mob and created a great tumult in the city, forcing Paul to cut short his work. Despite this, a church was planted and in the face of fierce persecution and death, the new believers remained steadfast and became examples to other churches in the region.

When Paul heard of the Thessalonians' faith and testimony, he wrote this letter in part to commend and encourage them, as well as to correct some misconceptions they had on the second coming of Christ. Paul had endeared himself to these young believers, much like a mother to her children, as can be seen in his writing:

2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not only the gospel of God, but our own souls as well, because you were dear to us.

Such should be the heart of a pastor who shepherds the flock of God, just as Christ laid down His life for the sheep, and the likes of Stephen, Peter and Paul who came after, and all who would heed Christ's call to take up the cross to follow Him. 

This is agape love in action.

OUTLINE OF 1 THESSALONIANS

1. Greetings (1:1)
2. The Believer's Life Testimony (1:2-3:13)
a. Sincerity in Thanksgiving (1:2-10)
Faith | Love | Hope
b. Sincerity in Confession (2:1-20)
Pure Motive | Selfless Labour
Unforgettable Experience
c. Sincerity in Expectation (3:1-13)
Change in Plan | Joy in Persevering
Earnestness in Prayer
3. The Believer's Life Motivation (4:1-5:24)
a. Christian Living (1:1-5)
b. The Coming of the Lord 
c. The Day of the Lord 
d. Christian Conduct (1:6-18)
4. Final Words (5:25-28)
a. Prayer Request (5:25)
b. Instructions (5:26-27)
c. Benediction (5:28)

Colossians

Believers are constantly bombarded by the philosophies and religious perspectives of this world, while trying to practice the pure faith of the gospel of Christ on a daily basis. It was no different in Paul's time, especially in a small city bustling with commercial interests like Colossae, where exchange of ideas and information was common place due to trade traffic.

It seems likely that the church was founded by Epaphras as an offshoot of Paul's three-year ministry in Ephesus (1:4-8; 2:1), and when Epaphroditus brought news to Paul in prison about the onslaught of heretical and cultic teachings the church was facing, Paul was stirred to write this letter.

Ephesians and Colossians are basically twin sister epistles. The former describes the Church of Christ, while the latter portrays the Christ of the Church; one focuses on the Body and the other centers on the Head. In this respect, both letters when read together, offers us a picture of the glorious Bride and that of her magnificent Bridegroom.

What sets Christ and Christianity apart from all other religions and philosophies is the sufficiency and centrality of Christ in His Person and work. No speculations, superstitions, or any supernatural visions and experiences, proposed or pursued by man in his vain attempt to circumvent the simplicity of the gospel, can ever hope to attain in any measure the knowledge and perfection that is found in Christ.

The supremacy of Christ must be matched by the submission of the Christian in order to bring out the splendor of the divine life in the believer. Paul sums up this mystery which had been hidden in ages and generations as—

1:27 Christ in you, the hope of glory.

OUTLINE OF COLOSSIANS

1. Introduction (1:1-14)

        a. Greetings (1:1-2)

        b. Prayer and Thanksgiving (1:3-14)

2. The Transcendence of Christ (1:15-2:3)

        a. In His Nature over Creation (1:15-18)

        b. In His Redemptive Work (1:19-23)

        c. In His Church as the Head (1:24-2:3)

3. The Completeness of Christ (2:4-23)

        a. Secured in Christ (2:4-7)

        b. Complete in Christ (2:8-10)

        c. Renewed in Christ (2:11-17)

        d. Contrasted with Greek Worships (2:18-19)

        e. Contrasted with Jewish Beliefs (2:20-23)

4. The Preeminence of Christ (3:1-4:6)

        a. Our Position in Christ (3:1-4)

        b. Our Priorities in Christ (3:5-4:6)

        Put off the Old Man | Put on the New Man

        Conduct at Home | at Work | in the World

5. Conclusion (4:7-18)

        a. Sending Tychicus and Onesimus (4:7-9)

        b. Greetings from the Brethren (4:10-14)

        c. Further Instructions (4:15-18)

Philippians

The church at Philippi occupied a very special place in the heart of Paul (1:8; 4:1), not only because he suffered much and was unjustly beaten and thrown into prison while ministering in that city (Acts 16:23), but also for the sacrificial love and financial support these believers shown by sending one of their very own to personally carry their love gift to the apostle while he was in Roman custody awaiting trial.

Philippians is a letter filled with joy despite the writer himself being imprisoned and in chains. It goes to show that real joy is not a product of outward circumstances or inward conditions, but the abiding peace of God that keeps our hearts and minds through Christ. Indeed, Paul was so confident of this fact that he asserted:

4:9 Those things which you have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me—do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

This prison cell epistle is perhaps the most personal of all the letters Paul ever wrote. The main topics he touched on include: his fellowship of love with the church, the mind of Christ to emulate, and the joy of the Christian. Paul could not have put it clearer what a Christian's lifelong pursuit should be when he made reference to his own personal aspiration ever since his encounter with the resurrected Christ:

3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

For Paul, Jesus Christ was everything to him.

OUTLINE OF PHILIPPIANS

1. Introduction (1:1-11)

        a. Greetings (1:1-2)

        b. Prayer of Thanksgiving (1:3-11)

2. Christ is Our Preoccupation (1:12-30)

        a. Paul's Desire for the Gospel (1:12-18)

        b. Paul's Dilemma for the Believers (1:19-30)

3. Christ is Our Example (2:1-30)

        a. Christ's Example of Humility (2:1-11)

        b. Christian's Exemplary Life (2:12-18)

        c. Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30)

4. Christ is Our Treasure (3:1-21)

        a. Vanity of Glorying in the Flesh (3:1-7)

        b. Value of Prizing Christ Above All Else (3:8-21)

5. Christ is Our Sufficiency (4:1-13)

        a. Living at Peace with One Another (4:1-3)

        b. Having the Peace of God (4:4-9)

        c. Being at Peace in All Situations (4:10-13)

6. Conclusion (4:14-23)

        a. Thanking for the Gifts (4:14-19)

        b. Final Words (4:20-23)

Ephesians

If a picture paints a thousand words, then Paul's 3,000-word letter to the Ephesian believers depicts three lovely aspects of the Church—the bride of Christ—in all her pristine glory and beauty.

First, Paul described the glorious characteristics of the Church, the sum total of the mystery of the gospel and all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: predestination, election, adoption, redemption, sanctification, inheritance in glory, and sealed by the Spirit of promise. Paul followed up with a prayer for all saints to know the hope of our calling and the extent of the glory of God's inheritance in us.

Next, Paul stated the privileged position of the Church from the individual to the corporate standpoint, emphasizing how God had made possible for Jews and Gentiles to share a common access to God through Christ. He then uttered a second prayer for the realization of this heavenly vision.

Last but not least, Paul foresaw how this identity in Christ will not only unify and equip the believers for life as a community and an individual through obedience and godly living, but also permeate and transform every human relationship. This new entity, however, will experience enmity from the godless world and hostility from dark spiritual forces. Paul therefore urged all believers to put on the armor of God to wage this spiritual warfare in the power of the Lord.

Christ loves His bride—the Church, and sacrificed Himself to cleanse and sanctify her, so that He might present her as a glorious Church, without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish. Paul understood it well by echoing Adam's words to Eve in the garden of Eden:

5:30 For we are members of Christ's body, of his flesh and of his bones.

OUTLINE OF EPHESIANS

1. Greetings (1:1-2)

2. God's Purpose for the Church (1:3-23)

        a. Chosen by the Father (1:3-6)

        b. Redeemed by the Son (1:7-12)

        c. Sealed by the Spirit (1:13-14)

        d. Heavenly Blessings in Christ (1:15-23)

3. Position of the Church (2:1-22)

        a. Individually (2:1-10)

        Alienation to Adoption

        b. Corporately (2:11-22)

        Foreigners to Fellow Citizens

4. Privilege of the Church (3:1-21)

        a. Mystery of Reconciliation (3:1-13)

        Jews and Gentile are Finally One

        b. Prayer for Realization (3:14-21)

        Fully and Abundantly in Christ

5. Performance of the Church (4:1-6:17)

        a. Corporate Lifestyle (4:1-16)

        Unity and Gifts

        b. Individual Lifestyle (4:17-5:21)

        Holiness and Obedience

        c. Family Lifestyle (5:22-6:9)

        Husband-Wife Relationship

        Parents-Children Relationship

        Master-Servant Relationship

        d. Warfare Lifestyle (6:10-17)

        Putting on the Armor of God

6. Personal Request (6:18-20)

7. Parting Words (6:21-24)

Galatians

Paul's first missionary journey covered the island of Cyprus and the southern region of Galatia, which included Antioch (not to be confused with the Antioch in Syria, the home base of the early missionaries), Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. This letter therefore addressed believers living in these cities which Paul preached and planted churches.

Following closely behind the heels of the apostle were the Jewish legalists, hijacking and undoing what Paul was trying to accomplish, by replacing the gospel of justification by faith with a gospel of works through observance of the law. As a former Pharisee of the strictest sect, Paul knew the futility of keeping the law to earn salvation. When he heard what happened in these churches, he wasted no time in writing this letter to correct the Gentile believers who were misled and deceived by these proselyting Judaizers.

Though Christianity has its basis in the Old Testament, Judaism was never meant to be the bedrock of the Christian faith, but only a type that points to the Rock of Salvation—Christ. Being well-versed in the law, Paul aptly used his knowledge of the law to build his argument in defense of faith in the finished work of Christ.

While believers are no longer under the law, this newfound liberty is no license for lawlessness, as the legalists wrongly inferred. The solution is not to give up that freedom and come under the bondage of the law; rather, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the Christian can enjoy this freedom by obeying Christ's commandment of love.

5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works through love.

OUTLINE OF GALATIANS

1. Introduction (1:1-9)
        a. Greetings  (1:1-5)
        b. Reason for Writing (1:6-9)
2. Proof of the Apostle's Authority (1:7-2:21)
        a. His Calling in the Gospel  (1:10-12)
        b. His Conversion Experience (1:13-24)
        c. His Commissioning (2:1-10)
        d. His Confrontation with Peter (2:11-14)
        e. His Personal Conviction (2:15-21)
3. Proof of the Gospel's Superiority (3:1-4:31)
        a. Natures of the Gospel and the Law  (3:1-29)
        The Spirit vs the Flesh
        Abraham's Example – Faith not Works
        Basis of Justification – Faith not the Law
        b. Comparisons of the Gospel and the Law  (4:1-31)
        Not under the Law but under Grace
        Heirs by Grace not by the Law
        Law and Grace Mutually Exclusive
4. Proof of the Believer's Liberty (5:1-6:10)
        a. The Law of Christian Liberty  (5:1-26)
        Stand Fast in this Privilege
        Love One Another through Practical Ways
        Walk in the Power of the Spirit
        b. The Practice of Christian Liberty (6:1-10)
        Bear Each Other's Burdens
        Persevere in Charity
5. Conclusion (6:11-18)
        a. Jews' Boasting in Circumcision  (6:11-13)
        b. Paul's Boasting in Christ (6:14-18)

2 Corinthians

Paul wrote this second epistle to defend his apostleship and authority against the attacks of Jewish false teachers who infiltrated and stirred up the Corinthian believers to cast doubt on his character and credentials.

Prior to this letter, Paul had sent them a letter of grief written with tears (2:3-4) to express his deep pain and sorrow at their stubbornness in refusing corrections from his first epistle. Instead, they had become critical of his authority and right to discipline them. After reading and realizing Paul's good intentions, there was a change of hearts in the Corinthian believers towards the apostle, leading them to repentance and reproving the errand ones in their midst.

It was in this context that Paul wrote this epistle, which was his third letter to the Corinthian church, with three things in mind: firstly, to clarify his apostleship to those who had opposed his authority; secondly, to bring reconciliation and forgiveness to the disciplined offenders who had repented; lastly, to exhort them to follow the example of Christ and ready them for the collection of relief fund for the poor in Jerusalem.

Faced with the possibility of being denied and disowned by the very people he risked his life to reach with the gospel, Paul had no alternative but to bare himself fully to reveal what kind of man he was. In this very personal letter, we see a father's heart that not only had no reservation in giving the very best (6:11) but was prepared to embrace them in life and death (7:3). Even then, words would not adequately convey the extent Paul was willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel (11:23-33). 

Indeed, if there was ever a man who was so consumed by the love of Christ as to give his utmost, there is no question that it would have to be this apostle to the Gentiles. 

OUTLINE OF 2 CORINTHIANS

1. Introductory Address (1:1-2)
2. Words of Consolation (1:3-6:10)
        a. Clarity of Paul's Conscience (1:3-11)
        b. Clarity of Paul's Conduct (1:12-2:17)
        c. Clarity of Paul's Commission (3:1-6:10)
                His Ministry in the Gospel
                His Manner of Work
                His Manner of Life
3. Words of Exhortation (6:11-9:15)
        a. Paul's Desire for the Church (6:11-7:16)
                Their Purity in Faith and Life
                Their Joy and Consolation
        b. Examples to the Church (8:1-15)
                The Churches in Macedonia
                The Lord's Example
        c. Paul's Representatives to the Church (8:16-9:5)
                Introduction | Mission and Work
        d. Paul's Principles for the Church (9:6-15)
                Man-ward | God-ward
4. Words of Authentication (10:1-13:14)
        a. The Apostle's Authority (10:1-18)
                Purpose of Authority
                Limits and Boundaries of Authority
        b. Paul's Self-Appraisal (11:1-12:13)
                Reason for Boasting—Sufferings and Revelation
                Limits of Boasting—Thorn in the Flesh
        c. Paul's Plan to Visit (12:14-13:10)
                Reasons for the Delay
                Reaffirmation of His Visit
        d. Concluding Words (13:11-14)
                Consolation | Benediction

 

1 Corinthians

The Corinthian church, despite its rich gifting and growth, was plagued with many problems ranging from moral to ethical, doctrinal to practical, and communal to personal. The city of Corinth, a strategic commerce center in southern Greece, was notoriously immoral and largely Gentile in its demographic make-up. This might have led to abuses and excesses within the church as the believers struggled to make sense of their new-found faith that was contrary to their former lifestyles and belief system.

Paul planted the church on his second missionary journey, in the face of fierce opposition from proselyting Jews and strong pagan religious presence there. After receiving a mandate from the Lord through a vision at night, he stayed in Corinth for one and a half years, teaching and guiding the local believers while tent-making with Aquila and Priscilla, a couple who became his companions and co-workers (Acts 18:1-11).

The first epistle to the Corinthians can be divided into two parts, the first half of which Paul dealt with church-related problems using a reprove-correct approach (chapters 1-6), while the second half concerns with doctrine-related problems in which Paul adopted a question-answer approach (chapters 7-16). Correction is the theme of this letter and here we see Paul's firm but patient love in reproving and disciplining as a spiritual father.

4:15 For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

Pastors and church leaders can learn from Paul's wisdom and approach in handling problems within their congregations; church members too can play an important role by giving support to this difficult but necessary task.

OUTLINE OF 1 CORINTHIANS

1. Introductory Address (1:1-9)
2. Contentions within the Church (1:10-4:21)
        a. Reproving Schisms and Divisions (1:10-17)
        b. Contrasting Earthly-Heavenly Wisdoms (1:18-3:4)
        c. Co-Labouring with a Right Perspective (3:5-17)
        d. Defining Stewardship (3:18-4:5)
        e. Defending Apostleship (4:6-21)
3. Confusions within the Church (5:1-10:33)
        a. On Incest and Excommunication  (5:1-13)
        b. On Litigation between Members (6:1-8)
        c. On Immorality and Fornication (6:9-20)
        d. On Marriage and Celibacy (7:1-40)
        e. On Things Offered to Idols (8:1-10:33)
4. Questions concerning Gathering (11:1-34)
        a. Distinction between Men and Women  (11:1-16)
        b. Observation of the Lord's Supper (11:17-34)
5. Questions concerning Gifting (12:1-14:40)
        a. Nature and Purpose of Spiritual Gifts  (12:1-31)
        b. Love the Governing Principle (13:1-13) 
        c. Right Use and Practices of the Gifts (14:1-40)
6. Questions concerning the Resurrection (15:1-58)
        a. Christ's Resurrection  (15:1-34)
        b. The Christian's Resurrection (15:35-58)
7. Concluding Matters (16:1-24)
        a. Collection of Gift for the Poor  (16:1-4)
        b. Paul's Personal Plans (16:5-12)
        c. Final Exhortation (16:13-24)

Romans

The epistle to the Romans is Paul's magnum opus or master-piece exposition on the righteousness of God. The Romans Road to salvation has been used by many Christians as an effective tool for evangelism. For those who do not have any resources other than the Bible, this is one way to share the good news, so take a good look at the key verses and memorize them.

Unlike his other letters, this epistle was written to a church he had never founded and for a group of believers he had hardly met. However, at the end of this letter, Paul listed twenty-six names of people, possibly from that church which he came into contact in his missionary journeys. It was his means to touch base with the Roman believers through their friendships.

Romans is written in a Q&A style, an example of systematic approach to the study of doctrines covering essential topics such as justification by faith, sanctification in holy living, and glorification through hope. Key words like sin, righteousness, faith and law are frequently mentioned and emphasized in the context of Christ's redemptive work. The result is an eloquent presentation of the gospel that not only appeals to the learned mind but also the listening heart of the willing seeker.

But, like Paul's other letters, Romans is more than just solid theology to stir and satisfy the scholarly minded; it also contains practical exhortations for every believer on how to live out the redeemed life. Our position in Christ should be the basis for practical daily Christian living.

1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

OUTLINE OF ROMANS

1. Revelation of God's Righteousness (1:1-8:39)
        a. Prologue (1:1-17)
        b. Condemnation (1:18-3:20)
         Gentiles are judged by their Conscience
         Jews are judged by the Law of God
        c. Justification (3:21-5:21)
         Apart from Works, Circumcision and the Law
         Only through Faith in Christ
        d. Sanctification (6:1-8:39)
         Dying to Sin, Living for God
         Adoption to Sonship and Glory
2. Vindication of God's Righteousness (9:1-11:36)
        a. God's Sovereignty through Election (9:1-29)
         Jews as God's Chosen People
        b. God's Mercy through Judgment (9:30-10:21)
         Gentiles become Beneficiaries
        c. God's Mercy through Restoration (11:1-36)
         Israel to be Revived in the Appointed Time
3. Application of God's Righteousness (12:1-15:13)
        a. The Christian's Duties (12:1-13:14)
         To God—Living Sacrifice
         To Church and Community—Serve and Love
         To Authority—Submit and Honor
         To the World—Walk as Children of Light 
        b. The Christian's Liberty (14:1-15:13)
         Principles and Practices
4. Ending Note (15:14-16:27)
        a. Paul's Mission (15:14-21)
        b. Paul's Desire (15:22-33)
        c. Personal Greetings (16:1-24)
        d. Benediction (16:25-27)