PHILIPPIANS at a glance

PURPOSE: The Philippian church members put together a financial gift for the Jerusalem church and sent it to Paul. In turn, the apostle wrote them a letter thanking them for this gift. His letter was also to strengthen the believers by showing them that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone.

THE AUTHOR: Once again it is the apostle Paul.

THE ORIGINAL AUDIENCE: The Christians at Philippi.

THE DATE WRITTEN: This correspondence was written in roughly AD 61 from Rome during Paul’s imprisonment there.

THE SETTING: This church in Philippi was founded by Paul and his companions during his 2^ndmissionary journey spoken about in Acts 16:11-40. This was the first church established on the European continent. They had sent a monetary gift with one of their members named Epaphroditus. It was to be delivered to Paul (Phil. 4:18). At this time Paul was in a Roman prison. Paul wrote this letter thanking them and encouraging them in their faith.

 

            Happiness is one thing; joy is quite another. Happiness can be fleeting, joy runs deeper and because of that lasts much, much longer. Happiness is based on things, events, hobbies, love, etc. that bring on happy feelings; however, once those things disappear or deteriorate, happiness can be replaced very easily with despair. We use temporal things or situations to make us happy. Joy is something that is linked to God. While it is an emotion, it is brought on by a quiet, confident assurance of God’s love for you and his work in our lives. God is eternal; therefore, joy can be eternal as well if we make God our focal point and not that which surrounds us.

            The letter to the Philippian church is Paul’s “joy” letter. Philippians is also a joyful book because it emphasizes the real joy of the Christian life. The concept of “rejoicing” or “joy” can be found 16 times in the letter’s four chapters. It is summed up in Ch. 4, verse 4 with the following declaration: “always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice!”

            An example of being joyful in any and all situations can be found in the fact that Paul wrote this letter from a Roman prison. Hmmm, that type of joy must come from God, don’t you think? That would be from focusing on the Lord instead of the things that surround you.  

            Paul’s recipe for unspeakable joy, is found in Ch. 3:5-10: “I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.  Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.  I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.” That is where Paul’s joy comes from ... knowing Christ. Everything is worthless outside of knowing him.

 

Up next is a look at Paul’s blueprint for Philippians. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

EPHESIANS: God’s Armor for Us

           We’re constantly engaged in a spiritual battle as Christians. Once we turn our lives over to Christ we begin to feel the wrath of our greatest enemy. Without Christ we are no threat to Satan, but now we’re on his most wanted list. God, thru Paul, lets us know we have the tools to ward off the fiery darts of the evil one. The armor he provides enables us to remain true to God in the midst of those attacks. 

 

Here's the breakdown of all the armor provided:

 

The BELT represents TRUTH ... The enemy fights with lies, only sometimes his lies sound like the truth, but ONLY believers have God’s truth, which can defeat the devil’s lies.

 

The BODY ARMOR represents RIGHTEOUSNESS ... The enemy loves to attack our hearts, which is where our emotions, self-worth and trust reside. God’s righteousness is the body armor that offers protection for our heart, ensuring his approval. God’s approval is based on the fact that he loves us, and that Jesus died for us.

 

The SHOES represents the PEACE that comes from the good news of the gospel ... The enemy wants to believe that spreading the gospel message is useless. The task is too great, and rejection can be overwhelming. The shoes given to us by God give us the motivation to press on sharing the true peace that comes from God.

 

The SHIELD represents our FAITH & TRUST ... Each day we can see the enemy’s attacks in the form of insults, setbacks, and temptations; however, the shield of faith & trust will protect us from incoming fiery darts. The shield enables us to see beyond our circumstances and know in our heart that ultimate victory is ours.

 

The HELMET represents our SALVATION ... The enemy goes all out to try to bring us to a place where we begin to doubt God, Jesus & our salvation. The helmet protects our mind 

from the saving work God has done in us.

 

The SWORD represents the WORD OF GOD ... The only offensive weapon given to us is a sword, aka, the Word of God. There are many times we will need that sword to take on the enemy and smite him. When under attack we must trust the truth in God’s Word.

 

The devil can be a formidable foe to those who are unprepared for his attacks, but he is NO MATCH against the Creator of the Universe. We need to know WHOSE we are and what God stands for. Knowing him in an intimate way makes all the difference in the world. Those who only SAY they’re Christians, but live as they please, will be routed by the devil. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us that we are to ... “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” We don’t need to be intimidated by this because he is a toothless lion who can do nothing to us unless we allow it. At times GOD will allow certain attacks to strengthen our faith & trust in him. 

Love always wins ... God is love*, therefore, God always wins!  

 

NOTE: The Bible presents the shield as simply the SHIELD OF FAITH. I added the word TRUST because I see faith and trust linked together. Having faith in God must mean you trust him. Now it would depend on the depth of your faith as to whether you would add trust to the equation, but I still believe they are intertwined. For example, I believe in the existence of God, of Jesus and of the Holy Spirit. I believe the Bible is the immutable word of God. I have chosen to believe these things; therefore, I have placed my faith in God and because I believe in him with my whole heart and soul I have learned to trust him. I believe that whatever in scripture is attributed to him, I accept it as absolutely true. Faith & trust in God are the two main cogs in the wheel called Christianity.

 

            Up next we will take our first look at Paul’s letter to the church members in Philippi.

Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

* “But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” - 1 John 4:8 NLT

EPHESIANS: The Mega Themes

A. GOD’S PURPOSE

 

EXPLANATION: According to God’s eternal & loving plan, he directs, carries out, and sustains our salvation.

 

IMPORTANCE: When we respond to Christ’s love by trusting in him, his purpose becomes our mission. Have you committed yourself to fulfilling God’s purpose for your life?

 

B. CHRIST THE CENTER

 

EXPLANATION: Christ is exalted as the center of the universe & the focal point of history. He is the head of the body, the church. He is Creator & sustainer of all creation.

 

IMPORTANCE: Because Christ is central to everything his power must be central in us. Begin by placing all your priorities under his control.

 

C. THE LIVING CHURCH

 

EXPLANATION: Paul describes the nature of the church. The church, under Christ’s control, is a living body, a family, a dwelling. God gives believers special abilities by his Holy Spirit to build the church.

 

IMPORTANCE: We are part of Christ’s body, and we must live in vital union with him. Our conduct must be consistent with this living relationship. Use your God-given abilities to equip believers for service. Fulfill your role in the living church.

 

D. THE NEW FAMILY

 

EXPLANATION: Because God thru Christ paid our penalty for sin and forgave us, we have been reconciled ... brought near to him. We are a new society, a new family. Being united with Christ means we are to treat one another as family members.

 

IMPORTANCE: We are one family in Christ, so there should be no barriers, no divisions, no basis for discrimination. We all belong to him, so we should live in harmony with one another.

 

E. CHRISTIAN CONDUCT

 

EXPLANATION: Paul encourages all Christians to wise, dynamic Christian living, for with privileges goes family responsibility. As a new community, we are to live by Christ’s new standards.

 

IMPORTANCE: God provides his Holy Spirit to enable us to live his way. To utilize the Spirit’s power, we must lay aside our evil desires and draw on the power of his new life. Submit your will to Christ and seek to love others.

 

            Up next is a look at God’s Armor to ward off the fiery darts of the enemy. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name and for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

EPHESUS at a glance, plus The Blueprint

PURPOSE: To strengthen the believers in Ephesus in their Christian faith by explaining the nature & purpose of the church, and the body of Christ.

AUTHOR: The Apostle Paul

THE ORIGINAL AUDIENCE: The church at Ephesus, then circulated to neighboring local churches.

DATE WRITTEN: Approximately AD 60, from Rome during Paul’s imprisonment there.

THE SETTING: This letter wasn’t written to confront any heresy or problem in the churches. It was sent with Tychicus (Te’che-kus) to strengthen & encourage the churches in the area. Paul had spent over three (3) years with the Ephesian church. As a result, he was very close to them. Paul met with the elders of the Ephesian church at Miletus (my-lee’tus) (Acts 20:17-38) - a meeting that was filled with great sadness because he was leaving them for what he thought would be the last time. Paul may have intended this to be a circular letter to be read to all the churches in the area.

 

THE BLUEPRINT

 

1. Unity in Christ (Ephesians 1:1 - 3:21)

2. Unity in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1 - 6:24)

 

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, he explains the wonderful things that we have received thru Christ & refers to the church as a body to illustrate unity of purpose & show how each individual member is a part that must work together with all the other parts. In our own life, we should work to eradicate all backbiting, gossip, criticism, jealousy, anger, and bitterness, because these are barriers to unity in the church.

 

Random notes: 

* The “church age” began at Pentecost (Acts 2). 

* The first Christian church was birthed in Jerusalem. 

* Paul & his associates established local assemblies in scores of Gentile (Non-Jewish) cities. * Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a letter of encouragement. In it Paul describes the nature & appearance of the church, and he challenges believers to function as the living body of Christ on earth.

 

            Up next are the Mega Themes found in Paul’s letter. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

GALATIANS: Today’s Christians & the OT laws

The key to understanding the relationship between the Christian and the Law is knowing that the Old Testament law was given to the nation of Israel, not to Christians. Some of the laws were to reveal to the Israelites how to obey and please God (the Ten Commandments, for example). Some of the laws were to show the Israelites how to worship God and atone for sin (the sacrificial system). Some of the laws were intended to make the Israelites distinct from other nations (the food and clothing rules). None of the Old Testament law is binding on Christians today. When Jesus died on the cross, He put an end to the Old Testament law (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23–25; Ephesians 2:15).

In place of the Old Testament law, Christians are under the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2), which is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…and to love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). If we obey those two commands, we will be fulfilling all that Christ requires of us: “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:40). Now, this does not mean the Old Testament law is irrelevant today. Many of the commands in the Old Testament law fall into the categories of “loving God” and “loving your neighbor.” The Old Testament law can be a good guidepost for knowing how to love God and knowing what goes into loving your neighbor. At the same time, to say that the Old Testament law applies to Christians today is incorrect. The Old Testament law is a unit (James 2:10 ... “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.”- ESV). Either all of it applies, or none of it applies. If Christ fulfilled some of it, such as the sacrificial system, He fulfilled all of it.

“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). The Ten Commandments were essentially a summary of the entire Old Testament law. Nine of the Ten Commandments are clearly repeated in the New Testament (all except the command to observe the Sabbath day). Obviously, if we are loving God, we will not be worshiping false gods or bowing down before idols. If we are loving our neighbors, we will not be murdering them, lying to them, committing adultery against them, or coveting what belongs to them. The purpose of the Old Testament law is to convict people of our inability to keep the law and point us to our need for Jesus Christ as Savior (Romans 7:7-9; Galatians 3:24). The Old Testament law was never intended by God to be the universal law for all people for all of time. We are to love God and love our neighbors. If we obey those two commands faithfully, we will be upholding all that God requires of us.

            

Addendum:

            

            In the OT there are Ceremonial laws, Civil laws & Moral laws. The first two apply very specifically to the Jews of the OT time period prior to Christ. The Moral laws should be observed by all, since they represent how we treat others. This sort of law is the direct command of God - e.g., the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). We are to obey this moral law, not to obtain salvation, but to live in ways that please God. The Ten Commandments is a good measuring stick to see if we measure up to it. It should be considered a guide. Christ’s death removed the requirement to strictly follow every nuance of the Commandments; however, a person who is truly born again of the spirit will have a desire to follow them.

 

            Up next is our first look at Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-law.html.

ESV = English Standard Version

GALATIANS: The True Gospel vs. a False Gospel

THE MARKS OF A FALSE GOSPEL:

 

1. A false gospel treats Christ’s death as meaningless.

Galatians 2:21 ... “I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.” 

 

2. A false gospel says people must obey the law in order to be saved.

Galatians 3:12 ... “This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.”

 

3. A false gospel tries to find favor with God by observing certain rituals.

Galatians 4:10 ... “You are trying to earn favor with God by observing certain days or months or seasons or years.”

 

4. A false gospel counts on keeping laws to be right with God.

Galatians 5:4 ... “For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.”

 

THE MARKS OF THE TRUE GOSPEL:

 

1. The true gospel teaches that the source of the gospel is God.

Galatians 1:11-12 ... “Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.”

 

2. The true gospel knows that life is obtained thru death; we trust in the Son of God who loved us & died for us so that we might die to sin & live for him.

Galatians 2:20 ... “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

 

3. The true gospel explains that all believers have the Holy Spirit thru faith.

Galatians 3:14 ... “Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.”

 

4. The true gospel declares that we cannot be saved by keeping laws; the only way of salvation is thru faith in Christ, which is available to all.

Galatians 3:21-22 ... “Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.”

 

5. The true gospel says that all believers are one in Christ, so there is no basis for discrimination of any kind.

Galatians 3:26-28 ... “For you are all children[a] of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male, and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

 

6. The true gospel proclaims that we are free from the grip of sin and that the Holy Spirit’s power fills and guides us.

Galatians 5:24-25 ... “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

 

            Up next we take a look at whether Christians today still have to obey the OT laws. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

GALATIANS: The Mega Themes

LAW

 

EXPLANATION - A group of aggressive Jewish teachers (Judaizers), were insisting that all non-Jewish believers in Christ must follow not only the Jewish law, but also their traditional rules to be saved. This of course was in addition to faith in Christ. Their emphasis was on circumcision, which was a sign of a Jews covenant with Almighty God. Paul intensely opposed this teaching as it added something to faith and trust in Christ for salvation. He showed the Judaizers from scripture that the law cannot save anyone.

 

IMPORTANCE - No one can be saved by keeping the OT law or even the Ten Commandments. All the law did was point out our sin and our inability to forgive ourselves. Without Christ there is no freedom from sin. Only Christ can make us right with God.

 

FAITH

 

EXPLANATION - Believers are saved from God’s judgment and the penalty for sin due to God’s gracious gift to us. Salvation is achieved thru faith, trusting in him and nothing or no one else. Becoming a Christian is in no way based on anything we can think, say, or do in this life. It has to do solely with believing in God.

 

IMPORTANCE - Being accepted by God comes from our believing in Christ alone. We must never add to or twist this truth. We are saved by faith alone and not by any good that we may do. Only Christ can forgive you of all your sins and bring you into a right relationship with God.

 

FREEDOM

 

EXPLANATION - Paul’s letter to the Galatian church outlines the principles of Christian faith. The Galatians are not under the authority of the Jewish law, nor the authority of Jerusalem, and neither are we. True faith in Christ provides complete freedom from sin and from the futile attempt to be right with God by keeping the law.

 

IMPORTANCE - We are all freed in Christ and yet salvation isn’t a right, but a privilege. Our freedom doesn’t make us free to disobey or practice immorality, rather it is our freedom to love and serve the living Christ. Let us love and serve God, not use our talents to do wrong.

 

HOLY SPIRIT

 

EXPLANATION - We become Christians thru the work of the Holy Spirit. He brings us new life. The Spirit instructs, guides, leads, and gives us power. He ends our bondage to evil desires, and creates in us love, joy, & peace.

 

IMPORTANCE - When the Holy Spirit leads us, he produces his fruit in us. We can follow Christ by simply following the Spirit’s leading.

 

            Up next we look at the differences between a true gospel and a false gospel. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

GALATIANS at a glance

PURPOSE: To refute the Judaizers* & to call Christians to faith & freedom in Christ.

AUTHOR: The Apostle Paul

ORIGINAL AUDIENCE: The churches in southern Galatia. **

DATE WRITTEN: Approximately AD 49, from Antioch, prior to the Jerusalem council in AD 50.

THE SETTING: The most pressing controversy in the early church was the relationship of new believers, particularly Gentiles, to the Jewish laws. This was especially a problem for the converts and the young churches that Paul had founded on his 1^st missionary journey. Paul wrote to correct this problem. Later, at the council in Jerusalem, the conflict was officially resolved by the church leaders.

 

                  The book of Galatians is the charter of Christian freedom. This letter proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah. Jewish Christians, who today are often referred to as ‘Messianic Jews’, struggled with dual identity. Their Jewishness limited them, demanding that they be strict followers of the law; however, their newfound faith in Christ invited them to celebrate holy liberty. 

                  This became a controversy that nearly tore the early church in half. The Judaizers, who were an extreme Jewish faction within the church, taught that Gentile Christians had to submit to Jewish law and traditions IN ADDITION to believing in Christ. Galatians, therefore, was written to refute the Judaizers and call believers back to a pure, unadulterated gospel. The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for ALL people ... Jews & Gentiles alike. Salvation is by God’s grace thru faith in Christ Jesus and nothing else. Faith in Christ means true freedom.

 

THE BLUEPRINT

 

1. Authenticity of the Gospel (Ch. 1:1 thru 2:21)

2. Superiority of the Gospel (Ch. 3:1 thru 4:31)

3. Freedom of the Gospel (Ch. 5:1 thru 6:18)

 

                  In response to attacks from the false teachers, the apostle Paul wrote this letter defining his apostleship and the authority of the gospel. The Galatians were starting to turn from faith to legalism. Many today still struggle with this, for it is a common and relevant issue. Many today would like to see us all return to trying to earn God’s favor thru following rituals and obeying a set of rules. This is not what the bible teaches. As Christians we have not been boxed in but rather set free. To preserve our Christ bought, God given freedom we need to stay close to Christ and resist any who would promote subtle ways for us to earn our salvation. It cannot be bought, nor can it be earned ... salvation is given to us as a gift due to God’s undeserved favor. 

                  Up next are the Mega Themes found in Paul’s letter. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

* Judaizers taught that Gentile believers must obey Jewish law in order to be saved.

** These churches were founded on Paul’s 1st missionary journey (including Iconium, Lystra & Derbe)

2 CORINTHIANS: The Mega Themes Part 2

HOPE

 

EXPLANATION - To encourage the Corinthian church as they faced trials, the Apostle Paul reminded them they would receive new glorified bodies in heaven. This would be a tremendous blessing in light of their present afflictions/suffering.

 

IMPORTANCE - To know some of what the future holds for us regarding the condition of our bodies in eternity should give us all great hope. With that in mind we can keep going thru any adversity. Our faithful service in the name of the Lord will result in great triumph on the other side.

 

GIVING

 

EXPLANATION - It was Paul who organized the collection of funds for the poor and needy in the Jerusalem church. Many of the churches in Asia* had given money to the fund. Paul takes the time to explain and defend his beliefs regarding giving and urges the Corinthians to follow thru with their previous commitment.

 

IMPORTANCE - Like the Corinthians, the churches today should also follow thru with their financial commitments. Our giving needs to be generous, sacrificial, well planned, and based on need. We should always remember that we serve Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. God uses us to provide for those who are in need knowing that he will provide for us. Our generosity not only helps those in need, but it enables the recipients to thank God. Our giving could very well be the answer to someone’s specific prayer for help.

 

SOUND DOCTRINE 

 

EXPLANATION - False teachers were a great challenge to Paul’s ministry and authority as an apostle. Paul professes his authority in order to preserve correct, sound biblical doctrine. For his defense Paul speaks of and displays sincerity, undying love for Christ and concern for God’s people.

 

IMPORTANCE - We should share Paul’s concern for correct biblical teaching in the churches today. There has been too many teachings that water down the true intent of the scriptures. We need to share Paul’s heart motivation, and love for Christ and his people, thus showing all our deep-seated sincerity.

 

            Up next is our first look at Paul’s letter to the Galatian church. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

* The Seven Churches of Asia, aka, The Seven Churches of the Revelation, aka, The Seven Churches of the Apocalypse ... are seven major churches of early Christianity, as mentioned in the New Testament Book of Revelation. All of them are located in Asia Minor, present-day Turkey. They are Pergamum, Thyatira, Smyrna, Sardis, Philadelphia, Ephesus, & Laodicea.  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_churches_of_Asia]

2 CORINTHIANS: The Mega Themes

TRIALS

 

EXPLANATION - The Apostle Paul had experienced great suffering, persecution*, and opposition to his ministry. He even struggled with personal weakness ... a “thorn in the flesh”. Thru it all, Paul affirmed God’s faithfulness.

 

NOTE: PAUL’S THORN IN THE FLESH (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Paul speaks of a “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12:7. He calls it “a messenger of Satan” that had a purpose of “torment.” Many explanations have been put forward, but whether Paul is referring to a physical, spiritual, or emotional affliction—or something else entirely—has never been answered with satisfaction. Since he was not talking of a literal thorn, he must have been speaking metaphorically. Some of the more popular theories of the thorn’s interpretation include temptation, a chronic eye problem, malaria, migraines, epilepsy, and a speech disability. Some even say that the thorn refers to a person, such as Alexander the coppersmith, who did Paul “a great deal of harm” (2 Timothy 4:14). No one can say for sure what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, but it was a source of real pain in the apostle’s life.

The exact nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh is uncertain. There is probably a good reason that we don’t know. God likely wanted Paul’s difficulty to be described in general enough terms to apply to any difficulty we may face now. Whether the “thorn” we struggle with today is physical, emotional, or spiritual, we can know that God has a purpose and that His grace is all-sufficient. ^[1]

 

IMPORTANCE - Paul told the Corinthians that God is absolutely faithful in all things, all the time. Trials tend to keep us from becoming prideful and teach us dependence on God. He comforts us, so we can comfort others.

 

CHURCH DISCIPLINE

 

EXPLANATION - Paul uses this platform to defend his view of church discipline. Neither immorality, nor false teaching can go ignored. The church’s approach to discipline is to neither be too lax nor too severe and the person who has corrected their behavior is to be reinstated once they have repented. The guilty party must be made to understand and accept that their behavior had been unacceptable in the eyes of God. Discipline must be an integral part of any church.

 

IMPORTANCE - The goal of all church discipline should be correction, not vengeance. No paybacks allowed. For a church to be effective for the Lord, they must both confront and solve problems head-on, NOT ignore them. No matter what, our approach is to be based on love, for love conquers all.

 

Up next, part 2 of the Mega Themes. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name and for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

* hound; afflict; torture; torment; badger; bother.

^[1] https://www.gotquestions.org/Paul-thorn-flesh.html

2 CORINTHIANS: The Blueprint

THE BLUEPRINT

 

1. Paul explains his actions (Ch. 1:1 thru 2:11)

2. Paul defends his ministry (Ch. 2:12 thru 7:16)

3. Paul defends the collection (Ch. 8:1 thru 9:15)

4. Paul defends his authority (Ch. 10:1 thru 13:14)

 

            In response to the multiple attacks on his personal character and ministerial authority, the Apostle Paul explains the nature of Christian ministry and speaks about his own ministry as an example. This letter is very important to anyone who feels called to be involved in any type of Christian ministry. It’s importance lies in its teaching about ministry and how it should be handled today. Paul is a great example for those involved in ministry, for he was blameless, sincere, confident, caring, open, and will to suffer for the sake of Christ.

 

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 1^st & 2^nd CORINTHIANS

 

            These two letters are very different, with different tones and focuses. The reason for each of these letters is for two very different purposes. It could be said that the 1^st letter is practical, while the 2^nd letter is very personal. 

 

1^st Corinthians focuses on the character of the church; 2^nd Corinthians focuses on Paul as he bares his soul & tells of his love for the Corinthian church.

 

1^st Corinthians deals with questions on marriage, freedom, spiritual gifts, and order in the church. 2^ndCorinthians deals with the problem of false teachers, which causes Paul to defend his ministerial authority and the truth of his message regarding Christ.

 

1^st Corinthians shares Paul’s instruction with regards to matters concerning the church’s well-being. In 2^ndCorinthians, Paul shares his personal testimony, knowing that acceptance of his spiritual advice is vital to the well-being of the church.

 

1^st Corinthians contains advice to assist the church combat the pagan influences in the wicked city of Corinth. 2^nd Corinthians contains testimony designed to help the church combat the havoc brought on by the presence of false teachers.

 

            Up next are the Mega Themes from 2 Corinthians. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

2 CORINTHIANS at a glance

PURPOSE: To affirm Paul’s ministry, defend his authority as an apostle, and refute the false teachers in Corinth.

AUTHOR: Most definitely the apostle Paul.

THE ORIGINAL AUDIENCE: The church in Corinth.

THE DATE WRITTEN: Approximately A.D. 55-57 from Macedonia.

THE SETTING: Paul had already written three (3) letters to the Corinthians (two (2) are now lost). In 1 Corinthians (the 2^nd of these letters), he used strong words to correct and teach. Most of the church had responded in the right spirit; there were, however, those who were denying Paul’s authority and questioning his motives.

NOTE: This is an intensely personal, autobiographical letter.

 

            2 Corinthians begins with a reminder by Paul of what his relationship is to the Corinthian church. He also reminds them that he had always been honest and straightforward with them. He lets them know that he had been planning to come to them for a visit, sharing his itinerary. Paul then references his first letter to them. He then moves right into the topic of false teachers and goes over his ministry among the Corinthians promoting it’s validity. He urged them not to turn away from the truth that he had preached to them.

            Paul next makes sure to bring up the issue of collecting money for the poor believers in Jerusalem. He shares how others have shared and urges those believers to show their love in a tangible way as well. Paul then gives the church a strong defense of his authority all the while showing the deceptive influence the false teachers have over them.

            The Corinthian church was weak and as a result struggled with their faith and Christian lifestyle. With an overabundance of idolatry and immorality all around them, their influence in their community was difficult to say the least. 1^st Corinthians letter was sent to deal with specific issues, the 2^nd letter was Paul’s defense of his ministry. With Paul not being there physically they seemed to be easy pickin’s for those who had a mind to deceive them. This is why focusing on Christ and him crucified is so urgently important. The enemy will find your weak spot and exploit it, thus shaming you into becoming non-effective as Christ’s ambassador. God loves you and will rescue you from the clutches of the enemy if you allow him to. 

            Up next is a look at Paul’s blueprint to build and sustain the Corinthian church.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The Life Application Study Guide,                                 

1 CORINTHIANS: Making Choices ...

                  We all make a myriad of choices each and every day. Most of the choices we make have no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ attached to them ... such as what you’ll wear or what you’ll eat, but we always run into decisions that happen to carry a little more weight. We don’t have a desire to do what is wrong and we certainly have no intention of causing others to do wrong either. So how on earth do we decide what choice to make?

                  In making choices on sensitive issues, we must answer certain questions as a means of steering us in the correct direction. How do we, as Christians, choose the proper course of action? Here are some questions we should entertain before making our choice ...

 

1. Does my decision help my witness for Christ?

 

2. Am I motivated by a desire to help others know Christ?

 

3. Does it help me do my best for God’s kingdom?

 

4. Is it against a specific command in Scripture & would thus cause me to sin?

 

5. Is it the best & most beneficial course of action?

 

6. Am I thinking only of myself, or do I truly care about the other person?

 

7. Am I acting lovingly & selflessly or selfishly?

 

8. Do my actions glorify God?

 

9. Will my choice cause someone else to sin?

 

            Every decision or choice we make each day comes with associated consequences. If our sole focus is on our Lord, than our tendency will be to make sound, Godly decisions. It should be well known by now that the world, which has Satan as its overlord, is working overtime to trip us up and make us fall into temptation. Satan/Lucifer has power in this realm, but is no match for Almighty God, who threw him out of heaven along with a third of the angels. (The Fall of Lucifer found in Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:16; Revelation 12:7-9.) Make any important decisions carefully ... consult the Lord ... listen for that “still small voice” of the Spirit, then choose.

                  Up next is our first look at Paul’s 2^nd letter to the Corinthian church. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.