1 John

Perhaps no one is more qualified than the apostle John when it comes to writing about the nature of fellowship. The very basis of all human relations and interactions must be built upon a sound relation with God Himself. This is made possible when Christ came physically to interact with men—for us to hear, to see and to touch—to know for sure that God wants to relate with us.

John brought out three aspects of God that affect the way we fellowship with Him and one another:

1. God is light. Therefore we must walk in the light and not in darkness, confessing and forsaking our sinful ways by refusing to let sin have free reign in our mortal bodies. The proofs of our fellowship in the light are obedience to God, loving one another, being certain of who we are in Christ, and not loving the world and its ways which are contrary to God and His truth. This is living in the light.

1. God is love. This is manifested in our adoption as His children, in which we relate to Him as our Father, and by which we relate to each other and to other people with that same love that He first loved us, without compromising the truth. This is walking in love.

1. God is life. The criteria in relating to God involves faith, love and action in unison (5:1-3). The certainty that we have this relationship with Him is found in a faith that overcomes the world, full assurance of eternal life, total obedience to His will, and eradicating sin and idolatry from our lives. This is purifying in hope.

This epistle is indeed the handbook on true fellowship.

OUTLINE OF 1 JOHN

1. God is Light (1:1-2:29)
Conditions for Fellowship 
a. Reality of Fellowship with God (1:1-4)
b. Walking in the Light (1:5-7)
c. Dealing with the Issue of Sin (1:8-2:2)
d. Obeying the Lord's Command (2:3-6)
e. Loving One Another (2:7-14)
f. Avoiding Lusts and Pride (2:15-17)
g. Resisting the spirit of Antichrist (2:18-29)
2. God is Love (3:1-4:21)
Cautioning on Fellowship 
a. The Manner of God's Love (3:1-3)
b. The Manner of God's Children (3:4-12)
c. The Manner of Love in Action (3:13-24)
d. Discerning the Spirits (4:1-6)
e. Displaying Christ's Love (4:7-21)
3. God is Life (5:1-21)
Characteristics of Fellowship 
a. The Importance of Love (5:1-3)
b. The Importance of Faith (5:4-5)
c. The Importance of Divine Witness (5:6-10)
d. The Importance of Certainty (5:11-13)
Confidence in Fellowship
a. Praying in God's Will (5:14-17)
b. Living in the New Life (5:18-20)
c. Keeping Away from Idolatry (5:21) 

 

2 Peter

While Peter's first epistle dealt with facing adversaries outside the church, his second addressed the issues of enemies within. At the time of writing, Peter was near the end of his life (1:14). Still, he encouraged the believers to maintain purity in doctrine and remain true in the faith.

After the exhortation to grow in godliness and confidence in the Scriptures, Peter cautioned these believers to be wary of false prophets and teachers in their midst, and provided a clear description to help identify who these leaders and teachers were in the following areas:

1. Beliefs – Deny the Lord Jesus Christ
2. Moral conduct – Covetous, gainsaying and immoral
3. End – Swift destruction

Peter continued to sound out another group of enemies within the church: those who mock in unbelief at the second coming of the Lord, and scoff at those who look to Christ's return. He foresaw that this spirit of unbelief will rear its ugly head again in the last days, when many in the churches shall choose to ignore the warning signs and continue to indulge in their own wanton lifestyles.

The remedy to guard against such an attitude of callousness and lustful abandon is to keep on growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well to take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts.

OUTLINE OF 2 PETER

1. Greetings (1:1-2)
2. Fortifying Against False Teachers (1:3-21)
a. Growing in Godliness  (1:3-14)
b. Knowing the Scriptures (1:15-21)
3. Recognizing False Teachers (2:1-22)
a. Recognizing their Ploys (2:1-3)
b. Recognizing their Punishments (2:4-9)
c. Recognizing their Personalities (2:10-22)
4. Overcoming False Teachers (3:1-18)
a. Resisting their Mentality (3:1-7)
b. Awaiting the Lord's Manifestation (3:8-10)
c. Growing in Maturity (3:11-18)

 

1 Peter

Suffering is never a pleasant or welcomed experience, more so in the face of religious persecution as a result of our faith. In his letter, Peter addressed the 'strangers that are scattered' across the Roman empire.

This is an apt description of the saints who were oppressed and persecuted, a reminder that they were but strangers and pilgrims here on earth (2:11), that their real abode was in heaven and therefore should not place their hopes on this world as the ultimate goal in life. The fact that believers have been singled out as objects of persecution clearly proves where our true allegiance and affection should be.

Peter exhorted these early believers not to feel discourage as a result of the trials they were undergoing, but to press on in their heavenly calling even under adverse circumstances. He emphasized the importance of holiness as God's people, chosen to show forth the praise of Him who has called them out from darkness into His marvelous light, and given them a royal and priestly status.

In view of this privileged position, believers are to emulate Christ's example in suffering, living in submission to the will of God, exhibiting a harmonious conduct in public towards those in power and rule, and privately in the family towards spouses and one another. 

Indeed, suffering has its divine purpose for the good of God's people, be it leaders or laymen. For when we faithfully do our part, the reward is sure:

5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that does not fade away.

OUTLINE OF 1 PETER

1. Salutation and Praise (1:1-5)
2. Salvation – The Believer's Belief (1:6-2:12)
a. The Believer's Life (1:6-25)
b. The Believer's Growth (2:1-8)
c. The Believer's Status (2:9-12)
3. Submission – The Believer's Behavior (2:13-3:12)
a. Towards Authorities (2:13-17)
b. Towards Employers (2:18-25)
c. Towards Spouses (3:1-8)
d. In Every Area of Life (3:9-12)
4. Suffering – The Believer's Buffeting (3:13-5:9)
a. The Believer's Conduct (3:13-17)
b. The Example of Christ (3:18-4:6)
c. The Exhortation to Follow (4:7-19)
d. Response in Suffering (5:1-9)
Elders: Feed and Care for the Flock
Saints : Submit in Humility
5. Benediction (5:10-14)

 

James

The writer of this letter is James, the half-brother of Jesus Whom He made a special appearance after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7), the other being Jude who also wrote a short letter bearing his name. Remarkably, James became a leader of the Jerusalem council and was recognized as one of the pillars of the early church, along with Peter and John. Interestingly, the thrusts of their epistles focused on faith (James), hope (Peter), and love (John).

Some early reformers were skeptical of this book in the canon of Scripture; Martin Luther even coined it the 'epistle of straw'! Though the letter of James suffered much misunderstanding and malignity for its apparent emphasis on works in contrast to Paul's stand on justification by faith, diligent students will no doubt detect faint traces of Jesus' teachings resonating from James' words. John Burns of Criswell College pointed out that 'the underlying structure of James' theology is the wisdom of Jesus, as our Lord, the Savior taught it and lived it.'

The book of James is practical in nature and has been regarded by many as the handbook of faith and spirituality in the world and the workplace. One can almost see the veiled reference to Jesus in His exemplary life from every argument, advice and application that James made in his letter.

Indeed, James is not contradicting Paul on salvation by works. Rather, he is stating the fact that a real saving faith is also an active faith—one that is authentic and applicable in every area and aspect of a believer's daily life. His challenge is still as valid and relevant today:

2:18 Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

OUTLINE OF JAMES

1. The Test of Faith (1:1-18)
a. Benefits of Trials (1:1-12)
b. Source of Temptations (1:13-18)
2. The Traits of Faith (1:19-4:17)
a. Swift to Hear (1:19-2:26)
Hearing versus Doing
Partiality versus Integrity
Dead Faith versus Active Faith
b. Slow to Speak (3:1-18)
Faith and the Tongue
Wisdom and the Tongue
c. Slow to Anger (4:1-17)
Replacing Anger with Humility
Replacing Criticism with Justice
3. The Triumph of Faith (5:1-20)
a. Condemnation of the Unjust Rich (5:1-6)
b. Comfort of the Saints in Sufferings (5:7-12)
c. Command to Pray in Faith (5:13-20)

 

Hebrews

The book of Hebrews is remarkable, not only for its beautiful literary prose, flawless theological perspectives, skilled and articulated persuasion, but also in its uniqueness as an epistle unlike the rest, Pauline or otherwise, without claim of author-ship or attribution. While there are postulations to candidates such as Luke, Timothy or even Priscilla, the focus of the book is evidently not on the writer but the readers.

Faced with intense persecutions and excommunication from their communities, many Jewish believers were considering to abandon Christianity and go back to Judaism. With this in mind the writer of Hebrews exhort these believers to stay on course and warned them not to turn away from the faith to return to the old Judaistic system. Parallel comparisons are made to show Christ's superiority over creation, the Law, the Aaronic priesthood, and the old covenant sacrifices.

After stating the supremacy of Christ's Person, the author goes on to elaborate on the superiority of His atoning works in His role as the perfect High Priest and the Mediator of a better covenant by His sinless sacrifice. And because Christ Himself too was in all manner tempted and tested as a Man, He can sympathize with human weaknesses that these early believers and anyone who is facing the trial of faith now.

Faith is so important that without it, no one can please God. The hall of fame on faith lists the names of Old Testament saints who overcame life's trials by their faith and God in turn honored them. These cloud of witnesses should inspire a believer to put aside any besetting sin and instead look to the Author and Finisher of our faith as the greatest Example to emulate in living a life of total dependence on God, because He has given us this sure promise:

13:5 I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

OUTLINE OF HEBREWS

1. The Superiority of Christ (1:1-10:18)

In His Identity (1:1-2:18)
a. Message – Better than the Prophets (1:1-3)
b. Sonship – Better than the Angels  (1:4-14)
c. First Warning: Danger of Neglect (2:1-4)
d. Humanity – A Better Mediator (2:5-18)
In His Administration (3:1-4:13)
a. Achievement – Better than Moses (3:1-4)
b. Appointment – Better than Moses (3:5-6)
c. Second Warning: Danger of Unbelief (3:7-4:13)
In His Priesthood (4:14-7:28)
a. Office – Better than Aaron (4:14-5:10)
b. Third Warning: Danger of Stagnation (5:11-6:20)
c. Order – Better than Aaron (7:1-28)
In His Efficacy (8:1-10:18)
a. A Better Covenant (8:1-13)
b. A Better Tabernacle (9:1-5, 11)
c. A Better Sacrifice (9:6-10, 12-10:18)

2. The Superiority of the Christian Life (10:19-13:25)

Assurance of Faith (10:19-11:40)
a. Faith's Demand (10:19-25)
b. Fourth Warning: Danger of Backsliding (10:26-39)
c. Faith's Definition and Illustrations (11:1-40)
Endurance in Hope (12:1-29)
a. Example of Christ (12:1-4)
b. God's Discipline and Dealing (12:5-24)
c. Fifth Warning: Danger of Rejecting God (12:25-29)
Exhortation to Love (13:1-25)
a. Social Sphere of Life (13:1-6)
b. Ecclesiastical Sphere of Life (13:7-25)

 

The General Epistles

These epistles are a collection of eight letters written by five authors, one of which is anonymous and has been greatly debated by theologians and bible scholars. They are termed 'general' because they were not written to specific churches or individuals but to the church at large, though two of John's short letters were addressed to 'the elect lady' and a person named Gaius, both of which had no clear references as to their real identities.

Formerly these epistles were placed before Paul's writings but were subsequently arranged in the order we see today based on their late dating and recognition, thus:

  1. Hebrews (Perfect works of Christ)
  2. James (Faith)
  3. 1 and 2 Peter (Hope)
  4. 1, 2 and 3 John (Love)

  5. Jude (Perseverance of the Saints)

The fact that this group of letters formed only one-tenth of the New Testament does not negate their importance or relevance; rather, they complemented Paul's epistles by addressing daily challenges and difficulties faced by Christians in the world. Just as the early believers felt out of place living and working in the Roman empire that was aristocratically hostile to their faith, Christians today experience similar tensions when putting into practice their beliefs in a largely atheistic society with many cultures that are steeped in superstitions and traditions.

Two major principles can be observed from these letters: God can be trusted to work in our lives, and in return we too should work towards meeting the felt needs of people around us. And just as God chose to enter human history in the time of Christ and the early disciples, He continues to work out His presence through the lives of His people in different ages.

 

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)