The Gospel Journey by Michael Eastman

“Why Read and Memorize God’s Word?” For most Christians who have followed Christ for any number of years, this question may seem elementary. We were taught to hide God’s Word in our hearts early in our discipleship process. However, it is perhaps inevitable that we go through stages in our lives where the Scriptures, once held so dear at our conversion, can take a back seat to the busyness of life – even for those in fulltime ministry. When we acknowledge our condition and restore the time we spend alone in God’s Word, we experience the peace and joy as the fruit of giving God and His Word rightful priority in our lives. As believers we are taught that our spiritual war is not fought against flesh and blood but against a spiritual enemy that has a great arsenal. Satan fires constantly at us with those things the world loves. These temptations still have appeal to our self-centered and outward desires. This attraction to worldliness strives to charm our pride as the evil one attempts to rob us of our desire for Christ and His Word by placing our priorities on things that will pass away. However, God’s Word says that Satan can be resisted if we stand firm in our faith. This God-given faith can be and should be strengthened daily through the means God has provided, namely His Word. The Scriptures remind us that the Bible keeps our direction in life pure, meaning His Word gives us clear paths to follow and keeps us from wandering. This constant treasuring of God’s Word protects the believer from sin and allows a holy God to provide blessing in our lives that stimulates joy and worship. The Word of God frees our lips to sing the praises of our Lord and Savior because we have been dwelling on Him as we read and meditate on His truths. The world’s riches seem much less attractive and now delighting in God’s truth dominates our thinking and provides direction throughout the day. The wonderful thing about the Scriptures is that they always lead us back to Jesus. Christ Himself told His disciples that all of God’s Word was about Him and as we properly search the Word of God, one should find himself thinking of our Lord and Savior. This is what it means to let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you, giving you wisdom, instruction, and even admonishing where needed so that the Bible becomes to you and I a book of thanksgiving and praise as well as doctrine and instruction. So it’s time once again to immerse ourselves in the life-giving truth of God’s Word. For some this means reestablishing good old habits of daily feeding on God’s truth. For others, this may be the first time you are establishing this new spiritual discipline. Whatever the case, don’t hold back; jump in with both feet and continually ask the Spirit of God to strengthen you and give you the spiritual discipline you need to develop this daily routine of immersing yourself in the perfect, soul-reviving, Savior-praising pattern of reading God’s Word.

Acts & The Epistles of Paul

The Gospel Journey is a daily Bible reading program that follows the amazing story of the events that took place when God unleashed His power on a small group of men and charged them to take the story of their Redeemer, Jesus Christ, to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. It began as Jesus promised a few frightened, confused men that they should wait in Jerusalem to be “clothed with power from on high” (Acts 1:8) and then they were to go out as His witnesses. We don’t know exactly what the disciples were expecting as they waited and prayed in Jerusalem, but the “power from on high” did not disappoint. God sent the Holy Spirit amidst rushing winds, flames like fire and men speaking new languages! The unseen indwelling power from on high was God Himself, the Holy Spirit, now residing in the hearts of men and intent on changing the world. As the gospel spread, it changed the hearts and lives of thousands of new believers and the church was born. God encouraged and directed the growing church through the preaching and written letters of the apostles, many of which form much of our New Testament. Our Gospel Journey follows both the narrative in Acts and the accompanying letters written by Paul. Each time Acts takes us to a town or region that received a New Testament letter from Paul, we will read the letter before continuing on to our next destination. This reading strategy provides so much context and new understanding that we know you will be blessed in a fresh way by these books. Reading Acts Acts is the sequel to the book of Luke giving the 30-year history of the initial spread of the gospel and the birth of the church. Acts is our first look at mankind after the single most important event in history, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That pivotal event changed so many things that Ray Stedman compares the time of Acts to a revolving door sweeping out old ideas as new ones were coming in. Much time will be devoted to the significant transitions: From law to grace; Old Covenant to New Covenant; apostles to church leaders; from Jews to Jews and Gentiles; and from Judaism to Christianity.

God followed a pattern as he communicated these changes. He announced and affirmed. The apostles announced His plans through preaching and God affirmed those messages with miracles. The affirming miracles are at their strongest when the message was new (and usually unpopular). It happened at Pentecost when Peter proclaimed Jesus as Lord. The people were cut to the heart and three thousand were saved that day. It happened again in Chapter 10 when God shocked the Jews by extending the gospel to the Gentiles. When the skeptical Jews heard all the ways that God had affirmed the message, they were silent and then glorified God. As you read, watch for these announcements and affirmations during the first 2/3 of the book and then notice how they are no longer prominent in later chapters. The gospel now has a solid footing, believers are growing and Christ is being proclaimed in many regions. God’s plan has been set into motion and the enduring church is firmly planted. Reading Paul’s Epistles Paul wrote 13 of the 21 epistles in the New Testament. The role of the epistles in the scriptures is significant because only here are the full ramifications of Jesus’ work on the cross explored in depth and taught. These letters speak directly to the church era in which we live, and thus form the bulk of the doctrine and theology churches follow today. Paul’s letters follow a logical structure: opening comments, body and closing comments. The opening usually identifies the author(s) and greets and prays over his intended audience. The closing comments are usually personal in nature; sending messages to people, giving travel details, prayer requests and a prayer of benediction. The body of the letters usually addresses specific situations in the receiving church or region, such as the infiltration of false teaching, questions over a certain doctrine or weariness from persecution. We are better readers of these letters if we continuously ask God to show us how we are like the recipients, how God is asking us to change, and how the truths in the letter can breathe more love, faith and grace into us. You and the Gospel We do not read the Bible to gain knowledge; we read to know Christ and to become more like Him. During the Gospel Journey we will be saturated with the gospel, and it is exciting to contemplate how God will transform us through such exposure! Toward that end, we have provided application questions for us to consider as we read each book. We pray that this project will greatly increase our love for Christ and will compel us to live more for his glory. Grace and peace to you!

Memory Passages As a church we are committed to being IMMERSED in the scriptures on an ongoing basis. We immerse ourselves by both reading and memorizing. We have selected two passages to memorize during the Gospel Journey, Philippians 3:7-14 and Titus 2:11-14. We love both of these passages because they instruct us on how beautifully our lives and attitudes change when we are transformed by the power of the gospel. Because we are memorizing passages over a period of weeks, we suggest that each week you learn the new verse and then practice the entire passage together. This repetition will firmly entrench Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s word in your mind and heart. The verses are grouped together below just the way you will be memorizing them; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be memorizing about two lines per week. Philippians 3:7-14

7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Week

Memory Verse Philippians 3:7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

Reading Plan Mon

Introduction to Acts Acts 1; 2:1-13

Tue

Acts 2:14-47; 3

Wed

Acts 4; 5:1-16

Thu

Acts 5:17-42; 6

Fri

Acts 7; 8:1-3

Journey Notes • T he beginning of the gospel journey in Acts is stunning. God sends the Holy Spirit amidst rushing winds, fire and men speaking new languages! These Spirit-empowered men descend on Jerusalem with sermons and miraculous healings, and literally thousands are converted! • The euphoria of the first chapters is quickly followed by the harsh realities of following Christ when Peter and John are questioned and jailed. Will the new believers still follow Christ even when it is painful? Is the cost too high? Chapter 4 is a valuable tutorial in handling disappointments and fear. In an inspired moment of faith, they remember how Jesus was also persecuted and so they pray for boldness. God mightily assures them with an earthquake and the filling of the Holy Spirit. They begin to develop into a close community, but the troubles continue, culminating in the murder of Stephen. • These early chapters chronicle the miraculous birth of the church. When apostles are jailed, amazing things tend to happen and when persecution increases, so do conversions! • T oday we will read Peter’s sermon to the crowds at Pentecost. Nearly 1/3 of the book of Acts is devoted to the sermons preached by Peter (3 sermons), Stephen (1 sermon) and Paul (7 sermons). Notes

Introduction to Acts T his book is often called the “Acts of the Apostles”, but they probably would not like that title, since all that they had in “life and godliness” was a result of Jesus Christ. Luke is the human author moved along by the Spirit of God to pen every word written around 62 A.D. This is his second letter to Theophilus, the first being the gospel of Luke, which told of the life of Christ. Now he shares the 30 year effects that Christ’s life and death had on the disciples whom He had chosen to establish His church. At Christ’s ascension, He commissions His apostles without New Testament Bibles to preach the gospel with unashamed authority. These men are empowered by the Holy Spirit to display a God given authority until the Bible was completed and the early church was well established. These truths are realized by the rapid spread of Christianity that no persons or government could stop. In fact, the early church never fought against the government but was constantly instructed to submit to it. The book of Acts shows clearly how God saves by leading unbelievers to repentance, radically changes their desires, and takes those who came from extremely diverse backgrounds and causes them to be one people, His Bride the Church. Thoughts to consider as you journey through Acts: 1. Is God miraculously working in you the way He worked in the people in Acts? 2. Is your life not only forever changed, but also forever changing because of Jesus? 3. Are you participating in the continuing gospel journey today or are you watching on the sidelines?

Notes

Week

Memory Verse Philippians 3:8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,

Reading Plan Mon

Acts 8:4-49

Tue

Acts 9

Wed

Acts 10

Thu

Acts 11,12

Fri

Acts 13 Paul’s 1st Missionary Journey

Journey Notes • T o the astonishment of the Jews, God continues to take the gospel to sinners and despised people. This week is full of surprising acts of love. • T he first expansion of the gospel is a surprising act of mercy and unconditional love. God sends Phillip to Samaria, a people loathed by both Jews and Gentiles alike. • I n Chapter 9 unconditional love chooses a violent enemy of Christ to become one of the greatest champions of the cross. • I n Chapter 10 Peter is privileged to bring the gospel to the first Gentile, Cornelius. This is the longest narrative in the book. It is hard us to appreciate how difficult it was for the Jews to include Gentiles. It went against everything their exclusive culture had taught them for generations. The coming of the Holy Spirit in a manner that does no less than replicate the apostle’s Pentecost experience convinces the Jews that this is God’s plan. • P aul spends the next 10 years taking the gospel to everyone he can reach. He takes 3 major trips, which Christians call Paul’s Missionary Journeys. They are covered from Acts 13 to 21. • O ur week finishes as Paul and Barnabas set out on the first Missionary Journey in Chapters 13 and 14. Notes

Paul’s first Missionary Journey Itinerary: (1) Antioch and Seleucia (starting point) (2)Cyprus – home of Barnabas (3) Salamis – John Mark joins (4) Paphos, Cyprus – conversion of Sergius Paulus (5) Perga – John Mark leaves (6) Pisidian Antioch – First Gentile Christian congregation (7) Iconium (Konya) – many believe (8) Lystra – Paul and Barnabas treated as gods (9) Derbe – success (10) Lystra – Paul appoints elders (11)Iconium – Paul appoints elders (12) Pisidian Antioch – Paul appoints elders (13) Perga – Paul appoints elders (14) Attalia (15) Return to Syrian Antioch

Notes

Week

Memory Verse Philippians 3:9 ...and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

Reading Plan Mon

Acts 14 Introduction to Galatians, Galatians 1

Tue

Galatians 2, 3

Wed

Galatians 4, 5

Thu

Galatians 6, Acts 15 Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey

Fri

Friday Acts 16

Journey Notes • Following his trip to the region of Southern Galatia, Paul learns that those believers are struggling to embrace their new freedom in Christ. Grace is unfamiliar to Jews who had always worked to be worthy of their most Holy God. The Jewish leaders put immense pressure on the new Christians to return to their good works. Paul is angered that Christ is being compromised and he sends off the strongly worded letter to the Galatians. It is believed to be his first inspired letter to the churches. • The theme of Galatians is FREEDOM in Christ! Romans, Hebrews and Galatians are the key books to read to thoroughly understand and enjoy your freedom in Christ. • In Acts 15 we see that the Galatians were not the only ones grappling with the law and grace. Jews and Gentiles everywhere do not know how to share the same faith, so apostles and elders gather to make some decisions at the Jerusalem Council. • Paul takes Silas for his second missionary journey in Acts 15:36-18:22

Introduction to Galatians The theme of Galatians is unmistakable, the apostle Paul is proclaiming and protecting the pure gospel of Jesus Christ: in His great mercy God declares filthy sinners to be completely righteous (justification) only through faith in Jesus and not because of any works. Salvation and subsequent Christian maturity come by faith alone, through Christ alone, by His grace alone and must be free of any of man’s works. This is Paul’s only letter that does not open with a greeting of thanksgiving. Instead he opens by accusing them of “Deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ for a different gospel.” He then defends his teaching as coming directly from Christ Himself and exposes the eternally destructive false gospel of works that was confusing this early church. Paul argues from his personal experience, the Old Testament patriarchs and even the law itself! In the last chapters Paul turns to describe the life of a justified believer. First, the gospel is liberty and believers must live as those who are free. Second, the gospel is practiced in love and empowered by the Spirit and gives victory over the flesh. Third, the gospel causes service to Christ and His people and declares the believer separated from the world.

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Galatians at a glance Chapter Topic

Topic

1-2

Gospel of Grace Defended

Authenticity of Liberty

3-4

Gospel of Grace Explained

Argument for Liberty

5-6

Gospel of Grace Applied

Application of Liberty

Thoughts to consider as you journey through Galatians: 1. Is my gospel free of works? 2. Does the gospel I believe give me the freedom to live for Jesus and to allow others to do the same? 3. Has my liberty made me complacent?

Paul’s second Missionary Journey Itinerary: (1) Antioch (starting point) (2) Syria and Cilicia (3) Derbe (4) Lystra (Timony joins the party) (5) Phrygia and Galatia (Holy Spirit prevents them going to Bithynia) (6) Troas (Paul’s vision of the man of Macedon) (7) Philippi (Conversion of Lydia, thrown in jail, earthquake, conversion of jailer – gospel goes to Europe (8) Thessalonica (9) Berea (Veria) (Jews examine scriptures - Memorial of Paul’s preaching) (10) Athens (Paul preaches the Unknown God on the Areopagus) (11) Corinth (Paul stays for 18 months, with Aquila and Priscilla, writes I and II Thessalonians) (12) Ephesus (Farewell) (13) Jerusalem (14) Return to Syria

Notes

Week

Memory Verse Review week Philippians 3:7-9 Review the three verses we have learned thus far so that you can easily say them all together, or use this week to catch up on your memorizing. The entire passage is printed in the back of the booklet.

Reading Plan Mon

Introduction to Philippians Philippians 1, 2

Tue

Philippians 3, 4

Wed

Acts 17 Introduction to I Thessalonians; I Thessalonians 1

Thu

I Thessalonians 2, 3

Fri

I Thessalonians 4, 5

Journey Notes • T he church in Philippi is the first European church. When Paul visits, the preaching, persecution and amazing jail stories continue and he leaves behind a healthy church. Later he writes to them from another prison cell with the simple message of Philippians: forsake everything for the only thing that brings lasting joy: Christ! • Philippians 3:6-11 is the “Hymn of Christ,” one of the most beautiful descriptions of Christ in scripture. • Paul and Silas leave Philippi for Thessalonica where the Jews are particularly hostile. After leaving, Paul sends Timothy back to check on them and Timothy brings back some questions from the growing, healthy church. Paul responds with the letter we call I Thessalonians. • I Thessalonians provides the most thorough teaching on the return of Christ in the entire New Testament. Every chapter refers to it. • The return of Christ is mentioned 318 times in the New Testament, more than any other doctrine; the primary teachings are in I & II Thessalonians, Matthew 24 & 25 and Revelation. Introduction to Philippians Philippians has been called “the epistle of joy,” and has lifted the hearts of believers throughout history, even in the most difficult circumstances. What is it in the message of Philippians penned by Paul from prison that seems to radiate such joy and happiness? It seems that both author and readers who cherish this text have discovered that the secret to joy, peace and contentment in every circumstance lies outside their circumstances in the strength that Christ provides (4:11-13). In contrast to the unsatisfying chase after self-gratification and pleasure, the author of Ecclesiastes proclaims ,“Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (Ecc. 1:2) But it is in Philippians where Paul so supremely offers the alternative. That is, biblical joy, rooted and grounded in the conviction that God sovereignly controls the events of life for believers’ good and His glory (2:18, 3:1, 4:4). And, lest we become confused over our source of joy and happiness, Paul reminds us in this letter, “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.” (3:8) Paul’s goal was to point the Philippians (and us today) to the true joy-giver, Jesus Christ.

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Philippians at a glance Chapter Topic

Topic

Account of Circumstances

Suffering

The Mind of Christ

Submission

The Knowledge of Christ

Salvation

The Peace of Christ

Sanctification

Thoughts to consider through Philippians: 1. Are you seeking your joy in anything other than Christ? 2. Is Christ your joy giver?

Introduction to I Thessalonians Paul left Thessalonica under the cover of darkness during an uproar from the Jews because many believed his teaching that Jesus was the Messiah. Surely he had great concerns about the believers he had to leave behind. Upon hearing reports from Timothy, Paul writes first to defend his ministry against personal attacks meant to undermine the message, second to encourage the spiritual stamina the converts had exhibited in the face of adversity, and third to address pastoral concerns for them to “excel still more” with a call to personal and corporate holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit. These believers lived for the immediate return of Christ, but 20 years had passed and they were still waiting. They were hopeless about loved ones who had died during that time because they did not have a right understanding of life after death. Paul instructs them about living in the light of Christ’s glorious ascending, Christian hope and eternal life. I Thessalonians at a glance Chapter Topic

Topic

1-3

Remembering the Thessalonians

Looking back

4-5

Instructions to the Thessalonians

Looking forward

Thoughts to consider through I Thessalonians: 1. Are you looking to continuously “excel still more” in your love for Christ and in your Christian walk? 2. Do you regularly see miraculous works of God in your life as you did at the time of your salvation? 3. How are you complacent in your life, not bothering to excel still more?

Notes

Week

Memory Verse Philippians 3:10, 11 That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Reading Plan Mon

Introduction to II Thessalonians II Thessalonians 1, 2, 3

Tue

Acts 18:1-22

Wed

Introduction to I Corinthians I Corinthians 1, 2

Thu

I Corinthians 3,4

Fri

I Corinthians 5,6

Journey Notes • T his week we read the second letter to the healthy church at Thessalonica and the first of two letters to the very unhealthy church in Corinth. • Paul’s final stop on his second missionary journey is Corinth where he stays for one and a half years. Corinth wallowed in everything evil, corrupt, sinful, debauched and depraved. People actually travelled to Corinth to take a vacation from morality. This cultural crossroads happily hosted every new sinful practice or religion from its neighbors. Self was king. Everyone lived for his own good pleasure. • T oday we begin I Corinthians. Paul opens this letter with warnings about disunity. Unity takes humility and this church had not thrown off their me-centered culture. They tried to love Christ through a lens of self, which had resulted in conflict in the Body and disgruntled factions. Paul pleads with them to unify through focusing only on Christ and the gospel. Introduction to II Thessalonians Paul’s love for the church at Thessalonica is evident in his continual concern for their spiritual well-being and stamina to endure. In the few months since the first letter to Thessalonica, persecution of the church had grown worse, leading many to despair. Paul writes from Corinth to encourage the church to persevere a little longer because by their perseverance they would be rewarded in the coming kingdom and those who inflicted the persecution would be judged by God. Paul also addresses a letter that had been circulating convincing some that the rapture had already taken place because of the increase of persecution. So Paul expounds on and clarifies the main events concerning the Day of the Lord to prove the letter and claims were false. At the end of the letter Paul rebukes those who had used the eminent return of Christ to avoid working and were begging off of those who were working to supply their needs. They had become “busybodies”. Paul writes that the church is to stay away from those who lead an unruly life and gives steps for correcting those who refused to work.

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II Thessalonians at a glance Chapter Topic 1

Encouragement in Persecution

Explanation of the day of the Lord

Exhortation to the church

Thoughts to consider through II Thessalonians: 1. Does your faith give you the confidence to persevere? 2. Can you trust God to work through the sins of people and situations around you? 3. Is your confidence in the Lord or are you a lazy Christian?

Introduction to I Corinthians I Corinthians is the most topically diverse book that Paul writes because he is responding both to reports delivered by Chloe’s people and to written questions in letters from the church in Corinth. Before correcting them on these issues, Paul kindly points them to their hope that “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1:9). Paul is guiding them through how to live as children of God in all of their social situations. He is continually teaching them how to have unity in all things, how to stop fighting amongst themselves, how to love one another, how to use their Spiritual gifts in edifying one another and how the hope of their resurrection is based on the reality of Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead. After much correction and encouragement, at the end of the letter Paul gives one last appeal, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all you do be done in love” (16:13,14). I Corinthians at a glance Chapter Topic

Topic

1-4

Divisions in the Church

Concern

5-6

Disorder in the Church

Condemnation

7-16

Difficulties in the Church

Counsel

Thoughts to consider through I Corinthians: 1. Is your church service drenched in thoughts of love, humility and unity? 2. Is your identity in Christ compelling you to these things? 3. Are any areas of your life fractured because you have forgotten to stay focused on Christ? Notes

Week

Memory Verse Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

Reading Plan Mon

I Corinthians 7,8

Tue

I Corinthians 9; 10:1-22

Wed

I Corinthians 10:23-33; 11

Thu

I Corinthians 12,13

Fri

I Corinthians 14

Journey Notes • I n I Corinthians 7–10 Paul address three specific questions from the Corinthians: marriage and divorce; betrothal and widows; food offered to idols. • C orinthian self-love had crept into everything, including their worship. In Chapters 11-14 Paul has harsh words concerning topics of corporate worship: head coverings, communion and spiritual gifts - which are not for us personally, but to be used to edify the Body. He is aiming at their hearts. • N otes about head coverings from the Chapter 11 study notes in the ESV™ Study Bible: “Women in this culture covered their heads to show that they were married; to uncover her head brought great shame to her husband. Short hair for women was also considered shameful. Another appalling act was a man covering his head during worship. Roman men sometimes covered their heads with the loose folds of their togas when worshipping pagan idols. Everyone in the Corinthian church would have thought it absurd to dishonor Christ by worshipping in this way.” Notes

Notes

Week

Memory Verse Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

Reading Plan Mon

I Corinthians 15

Tue

I Corinthians 16 Introduction to II Corinthians II Corinthians 1

Wed

II Corinthians 2,3,4

Thu

II Corinthians 5,6,7

Fri

II Corinthians 8,9

Journey Notes • I n I Corinthians 16 Paul plans to send Timothy to Corinth and Paul will later follow after passing through Macedonia. His plans did not materialize. Timothy goes to Corinth only to find teachers in the church attacking Paul’s character in an effort to discredit the gospel. Hearing this, Paul immediately returns to Corinth for a short, difficult visit (II Cor. 2:1). He then travels to Ephesus where he follows up on his visit with a harsh letter that he sends via Titus (II Cor. 2:4). The scriptures give us no more information about those two interactions, but they are so painful that Paul decides to cancel his planned extended visit “that I would not come again to you in sorrow. “(2:1) Paul is forced to leave Ephesus, so goes to Troas hoping to find Titus. Titus is not there, so he leaves for Macedonia still in search of answers and Titus. To his great relief, he hears that many have repented, but others are still blinded by their selflove and Paul’s reputation is still challenged. With a heavy heart, he writes II Corinthians. • E ven though persecution is a common thread in the Gospel Journey, we don’t usually relate to the riots, trials, beatings and jail cells about which we’ve been reading. This week we find Paul in the midst of persecution that hits closer to home: conflict with people that we love, even with fellow believers. Paul writes II Corinthians to defend his apostleship, to affirm his love for them and to continue to correct wrong thinking. Notes

Introduction to II Corinthians Paul addresses 4 major issues in this letter. He defends his apostleship against attacks on his person, his teaching, and his integrity; he addresses a collection for the poor in Jerusalem; he expresses his joy over the Corinthians remaining firm in their faith under great persecution and finally he gives instruction concerning a repentant offender that had been put out of the church. This is a very hard letter for Paul to write, and it will be a very hard letter for many of those reading it to take and apply. In Paul’s defense against the accusations he reveals a great deal about the difficulties of the gospel ministry. This letter best explains the joys and sorrows of a genuine ministry for the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice that he first directs the Corinthians to the blessings of God in affliction and the comfort that comes through Jesus Christ, and at the end after all the instruction, encouragement and rebuke, he calls the church to examine and test themselves to see if they are of the faith. He reminds them that all this can be accomplished because “Christ is in you.” II Corinthians at a glance Chapter Topic

Topic

1-7

Character of Paul: Ephesus to Macedonia

Change of Itinerary

8-9

Collection for Saints: Macedonia

Preparation for Visit

10-13

Credentials of Paul: To Corinth

Imminent Visit

Thoughts to consider through II Corinthians: 1. Do you resolve conflict with Christ-given love like Paul models for us in II Corinthians? 2. I s your comfort during trials “abundant in Christ” (1:4,5)? Use these examples of the change that occurs when we turn to Christ: Acts 1:8-10, 2:12-14, 4:8-18, 12:7-9.

Notes

Week

Memory Verse Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reading Plan Mon

II Corinthians 10, 11

Tue

II Corinthians 12, 13 Acts 18:23-28 Paul’s 3rd Missionary Journey

Wed

Acts 19

Thu

Acts 20

Fri

Introduction to Ephesians Ephesians 1, 2

Journey Notes • P aul leaves Antioch for his third missionary journey, this time taking Timothy. He encourages the churches he had previously visited and stays in Ephesus for three years. The trip is recorded in Acts 18:23-28:31. • Ephesians opens with a magnificent description of our spiritual blessings in Christ. Paul is awestruck by God’s good pleasures of forgiveness, adoption and redemption. He tells and retells the gospel that sinners are saved by God to be seated in the heavenly realms with Christ! He uses words like lavish, rich, incomparable and glorious. • The remainder of the book explains how to walk in a manner worthy of this glorious calling. Paul gives 35 specific directives as he lays out the Christian life! Along with Romans this is the most comprehensive treatment of Christian doctrine in the New Testament. • In Acts 19:21 Paul tells us how the Spirit is directing his future travels: Macedonia, Achaia, Jerusalem and then Rome. This is in fact his itinerary for the remainder of Acts. As Paul finishes his third missionary journey he knows that “imprisonment and afflictions await me” and he says tearful good-byes to many friends. His journey to Jerusalem reminds us of Christ’s journey to that same city.

Notes

Paul’s 3 rd Missionary Journey Itinerary: (1) Phrygia and Galatia (2)Ephesus –Paul stays for 2 years, writes I Corinthians and possibly Galatians (3) Macedonia –Paul writes II Corinthians (4) Corinth –Paul stays 3 months, writes Romans (5) Troas –Stays for 7 days; Eutychus and the nighttime meeting (6) Assos (Behramkale) – Acts 20:13,14 - Aristotle taught here (7) Mitylene (8) Samos (9) Miletus –Farewell speech to Ephesians (10)Jerusalem –Imprisoned (11) Caesarea – Paul in prison for two years; Felix, Festus, Agrippa (12) Malta - Shipwreck en route to Rome

Introduction to Ephesians Ephesians is among Paul’s prison epistles written from Rome and intended for all the churches in Asia Minor, though perhaps first being sent to Ephesus, forever associating the church with the letter. The letter is full of rich themes encouraging believers with the knowledge of God’s glorious plan for us and abundant riches toward those in Christ, among which is God choosing us “in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.” (1:4). Not only is it He who has chosen us, but Paul goes on to tell us who we are in Christ “according to the riches of His grace.” (1:7). In Ephesians Paul gives the believer the confidence that God has not only placed us sovereignly within our position in Christ, but that “He works all things according to the counsel of His will” (1:11), and that He does so “according to the kind intention of His will” (1:5). It has been said to understand Ephesians is to understand the vast spiritual riches we posses through our inheritance in Christ. Similarly, in Paul’s message to the Colossians, “God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27) Ephesians at a glance Chapter Topic 1-3

The privileges of the Christian

4-6

The responsibilities of a Christian

Thoughts to consider Through Ephesians 1. Do you live as one who knows the riches of His grace that have been lavished on you? 2. D o you actively put off the desires of the old self and renew the spirit of your mind so you can walk in your new self? 3. Are you content to submit to the God-designed authority in your life?

Week

Memory Verse REVIEW WEEK Philippians 3:7-14 Praise God! You have hidden our entire Philippians passage in your heart. Use this week to ensure that you can say the entire passage seamlessly and with meaning - or use the week to catch up.

Reading Plan Mon

Ephesians 3, 4

Tue

Ephesians 5, 6

Wed

Introduction to Colossians Colossians 1, 2

Thu

Colossians 3, 4

Fri

Today is a day for you to catch up on your reading and focus on your memory work. If you want to read ahead to next week, you can do that too!

Journey Notes • P aul never actually visits Colossae in his travels, so we will read Colossians this week along with Ephesians. • E phesians, Philippians and Colossians are called the “Prison Epistles”, each written during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment recorded at the end of Acts. • S o if Paul did not visit Colossae, who brought them the gospel? Epaphras was likely converted in Ephesus, than returned to start a church in Colossae. Paul had heard of false teaching there that compromised Christ, so he wrote to correct them. Paul had always made it clear that every bit of false teaching, every crack in the unity of the church, every ripple of discouragement in an individual life begins when Christ is not our focus. That is why his letters are overflowing with Jesus. Colossians is one of his most Christ-focused books. He teaches about Christ, prays to Christ, and often he just stops and praises Christ. • C olossians 1:15-20 is a superb passage that exalts Christ above all others. Paul’s love for Christ is so consuming that he often breaks out in these doxologies (short hymns of praise to God). • Colossians is the most powerful defense of the Deity of Christ in Scripture. Notes

Introduction to Colossians In an age where science seeks to answer man’s oldest questions about origins, Paul’s letter to the Colossians declares, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Colossians places Christ in His rightful place as head of the one true church and reveals His identity as, “the image of the invisible God” (1:15), the one in whom “all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (2:9). For believers throughout history and still today, Colossians answers questions like; can Christ change my life, can He be my source of peace, joy and happiness, and can He provide meaning, hope and purpose to my life? The answers found in Colossians are abundant. Christ makes sinners holy and blameless (1:22), He gives stability to our lives (2:6-7), makes us complete (2:10), and so radically changes us that our old life is now dead (3:3). Paul’s writing to the Colossian church about AD 62 from prison following his voyage to Rome (Acts 27–28), and perhaps feeling his own mortality, yet eternal life in Christ, declares our own destiny in Christ, (3:4) “you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” colossians at a glance Chapter Topic

Topic

1-2

Supremacy of Christ

Doctrinal

3-4

Submission To Christ

Practical

Thoughts to consider through Colossians: 1. D o you rejoice in Christ as God or do you sometimes separate God and Christ in your thinking? Worship Him as you read Colossians. 2. F ear, worry, anger, pride and other similar emotions are usually indicators that Christ is not preeminent in an area of your life. Identify such areas and ask Christ to help you surrender them to Him. 3. A re you making the most of your time allowing Christ to affect your conduct and speech in a way that is evident to outsiders?

Notes

Week

Memory Verse Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

Reading Plan Mon

Introduction to I Timothy I Timothy 1, 2, 3

Tue

I Timothy 4, 5, 6

Wed

Introduction to Titus Titus 1, 2, 3

Thu

Acts 21

Fri

Acts 22,23

Journal Notes • This week we read two of Paul’s letters that are written to men, not churches. Paul had mentored Timothy and Titus and then placed them in positions of authority. He had left Timothy to pastor the church in Ephesus and Titus to pastor in Crete. Remember that this was still the age of the birth of the church, so these men pastored without the benefit of the New Testament; they relied on the circulated letters of the apostles. • T he teaching on leadership in I Timothy and Titus is very similar, but their situations are not. Paul is telling Timothy how to fix problems in an established church while he is telling Titus how to begin a new church. • T itus provides qualifications for elders and behavioral instructions for virtually everyone in the church. These instructions are to a very young, troubled church full of immature believers. Being on an island, they were literally separated from the solid teaching that was spreading through the rest of the region. Titus is full of practical directives for Christian living, often contrasting the believer with the unbeliever in great detail. • Titus contains two of the greatest gospel passages in all of scripture: 2:11-14 and 3:3-7.

Introduction to I Timothy In this letter Paul gives his spiritual son clear instructions on how the household of God was to be conducted. This personal letter is marked by the genuine love Paul had for Timothy as he strongly encourages him to be a “good minister of Jesus Christ”. Clearly, Timothy needed his spirit bolstered and Paul did that through reminding him of his calling and gifts. The letter also imparted great wisdom as Timothy oversaw a church in critical conflict. Paul challenges Timothy to oppose false teachers, continue teaching sound doctrine, and most important, to establish true Biblical leadership. The inspired letter of I Timothy contains God’s clear direction for the first century church as well as today’s; it remains God’s unmistakable instruction on “How the household of God ought to conduct itself”.

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I Timothy at a glance Chapter Topic

Topic

Doctrine

Warning

2-3

Public worship

Worship

False teachers

Wisdom

Church discipline

Widows

Pastoral motives

Wealth

Thoughts to consider through I Timothy 1. Do you trust Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan for the church even when it differs from the way the world would run a business? 2. Do you honor your elders when they guard the deposit entrusted to them? 3. Do you pray and encourage your elders to be servants of Christ and lovers of His word?

Introduction to Titus Paul himself most likely led Titus to Christ. Titus was a Gentile probably saved in the Syrian Antioch church through the preaching ministry of Paul and Barnabas. Paul had taken Titus to Jerusalem as evidence that God was indwelling Gentiles with the Spirit at the time of salvation. From that point on, Titus was engaged in church planting and traveled with Paul on his third missionary journey, where he was left on the Island of Crete to establish the Cretan churches. Paul understood the poor spiritual condition in Crete and wrote the letter to encourage Titus and give him authority among the churches. Paul again used the inspired letter to direct Titus to develop leadership and proclaim sound doctrine. The letter opens with powerful statements of the doctrine of God, mostly likely to refute false teaching on the island. The letter clearly teaches salvation through Christ alone by grace alone which leads to the instruction of living a godly life. The godly living theme is giving to the young and the old, both male and female. The letter closes with a strong warning against false teachers. Titus at a glance Chapter Topic

Topic

Appoint elders

Protection of sound doctrine

Set things in order

Practice of sound doctrine

Thoughts to consider through Titus: 1. Why is God concerned about godly leadership? How does that affect you? 2. G ood works is a theme of this book because the Cretans claimed to know Christ, but did not live for Him. Is your life full of good works motivated by your love for your Redeemer? 3. What is the source of the rebuke in this community? What does Titus teach us about the place of rebuking in the church? Notes

Week

Memory Verse Titus 2:13 Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

Reading Plan Mon

Acts 24, 25

Tue

Acts 26,27

Wed

Acts 28 The Abrupt End of Acts

Thu

Introduction to Romans Romans 1; 2:1-16

Fri

Romans 2:17-32; 3

Journal Notes • This week we finish reading Acts and begin Romans. These closing chapters of Acts read like a modern thriller complete with arrests, secret plots, court scenes, corrupt officials, a king, an army, a harrowing storm at sea and a ship wreck. At the center of the story is Paul, who set out on a trip to Jerusalem not knowing what would happen to him there, but saying, “For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (21:13) • R omans is the crowning glory of theology in the New Testament, presented in a very logical, structured manner. This week Paul begins by making the case that every man is ungodly and unrighteous. In other words, we all need a Savior. Beginning in 3: 21 Paul presents us with our great Savior. The balance of Romans explains how Jesus works in the lives of those He saves and how we can participate with Him in working out our salvation. Notes

The Abrupt end of Acts Luke ends Acts with Paul under house arrest for two years with large numbers of people coming to hear him speak of the kingdom of God and things concerning Jesus. Some Jews in attendance rejected his teaching and others were being persuaded concerning Jesus. Paul declares, “That this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles.” This ends the biblical account of the life and death of Paul. What happened to Paul? We only have what historians left us and we even have disagreement there. It is believed he was released after his two year house arrest, continued ministering and sharing the Gospel, and was then rearrested and sent to the Mamertine Prison in Rome when the persecution against the Christians heightened under Nero. It was from there he wrote, he “was already being poured out as a drink offering” (2 Tim. 4:6). Historic tradition tells us he was beheaded on the Ostian Road just outside of Rome in 64 AD. Why the abrupt end to Acts? Possibly because the end of the letter wasn’t the end of the Gospel going out to the “remotest parts of the earth.” It continued through Timothy, Titus, Mark, and has been proclaimed down through the ages. The story of Acts continues today as we proclaim the same Gospel of Jesus.

Introduction to Romans Romans is considered to be the fullest expression of the theology of grace among all of Paul’s letters. He was writing from Corinth during his third missionary journey, most likely to different congregations in the region of Rome made up of both Jewish and Gentile Christians, and delivered by Phoebe (16:1-2) who lived near Corinth. The theme found in verses 1:16-17, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH,” is in part an answer to the issues being debated among Jews and Gentiles. In it Paul addresses matters of importance to Christians asking if they can be right with God without - or through - obeying the law. The impact of Paul’s letter on the church and lives of men is evident throughout history, and continues in changed lives today. It has been said that most, if not all, of the great revivals and reformations in the history of the church have been directly related to Romans. Men such as Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Tyndale, and Wesley, just to name a few, were forever changed and the world with them from its message, “THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” Romans at a glance Chapter Topic 1-3

Sin

3-5

Salvation

6-8

Sanctification

9-11

Sovereignty

12-16

Service

Chapter

Topic

1-11

Doctrinal

12-16

Behavioral

Thoughts to consider through Romans 1. H ave you discovered that you do not yet know Christ as your Savior? Please turn the page of this booklet and read the Roman’s Road which will walk you through the steps of what the Bible says we need to do to become Christians. Talk about this with a pastor or a Christian friend. It is a Christian’s greatest joy to share Christ with a friend! 2. H ow have ALL fallen short of the glory of God? How are you part of that “ALL”? Take time this week to praise God for your salvation!

Week

Memory Verse Titus 2:14 ...who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Reading Plan Mon

Romans 4, 5 The Roman’s Road

Tue

Romans 6, 7

Wed

Romans 8

Thu

Romans 9, 10

Fri

Romans 11

Journey Notes • Paul continues to teach on God’s plan for the Christian life: • P aul finishes his teaching on justification in Chapter 4 by showing that two of the greatest men in Jewish history, Abraham and David were also declared righteous by faith alone, NOT by their works. Salvation by faith alone has been God’s plan from the beginning. • R omans 6 - 8 teaches about sanctification, the life-long process of the redeemed man learning to conquer sin and become more like Christ. • F rom the notes in the ESV™ Study Bible: “Paul now asks in chapters 9-11 whether the promises God made to ethnic Israel will be fulfilled. If his promises to the Jews remain unfulfilled, how can Gentile Christians be sure that he will fulfill the great promises that conclude chapter 8? Paul answers that God is faithful to his saving promises to Israel (9:6) and that he will ultimately save his people (11:26).”

The Roman’s Road The “Roman’s Road” is a progression of verses from Romans that clearly present the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is handy to chain these verses together in your Bible so you are always equipped to share the gospel. Make a note in the front of your Bible that the “road” begins in Romans 1:20, and then turn to Romans 1:20 and write 3:23 in the margin to guide yourself to the next verse on the road. Turn to each verse and write the subsequent verse alongside it, thus creating a chain. If you are not saved, but believe these verses, praise God! Tell God that you are the sinner described here and then thank Him for dying for you! Talk to a pastor or elder; they will praise God with you and talk to you about how to begin your fabulous new life in Christ!

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The Romans Road Romans 1:20-21 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 10:9-10 ...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Romans 10:13 For whoever will call on the name of the LORD will be saved. Romans 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

Thoughts to consider through Romans 1. Is my confidence in my salvation based on my faith or on the things that I do? 2. Notice the repetition of the phrases, “much more” and “even so” in Chapter 5. You might even want to underline them. Paul’s excitement about Christ is uncontainable. How does your life and conversation reflect your love for Christ? 3. D oes your life reflect a growing righteousness that comes from being freed from sin? How are you living in light of your freedom from slavery to sin? 4. Do you share Paul’s passion for the lost? If not, pray for it!

Notes

Week

Memory Verse REVIEW WEEK Philippians 3:7-14 & Titus 2:11-14 Praise God! You have hidden all of our memory passages in your heart. Use this week to ensure that you can say both the Philippians and Titus passages seamlessly and with meaning - or use the week to catch up.

Reading Plan Mon

Romans 12, 13, 14

Tue

Romans 15, 16

Wed

Introduction to Philemon; Philemon Introduction to I Timothy; I Timothy

Thu

II Timothy 2,3

Fri

II Timothy 4

Journey Notes • This week we reach our final destination on the Gospel Journey. Over the past weeks we have witnessed the miraculous birth of the church and the powerful advance of the gospel to the world. We have seen the gospel change lives. We pray that you have been in awe of the power of God and have continuously been brought to a place of worship and humble submission before your Savior. We also pray that you long to experience regular, ongoing change in your life due to the power of the gospel! This final week the scriptures offer you very practical instructions and examples of how to live in the miraculous power of Christ every day. • R omans 12 – 16 instruct us how to give our lives as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. Paul exhorts us with very specific ways to give our bodies, our minds and our very lives to the service of Christ. • O ur Journey closes with two very personal letters from Paul, Philemon and II Timothy. Philemon is a small snapshot of changed lives. In 25 verses we witness a once rebellious slave who has been transformed to a helpful worker and we also see Paul gently calling another believer to practice mercy when the man would be perfectly within his rights to demand justice. Paul asks him to extend grace just as Christ has done for us. Christ is bringing unexpected things into the lives of Philemon and Onesimus. • We close with Paul’s final words to Timothy. Paul knows that his life is coming to an end. Six years earlier in Philippians 2 Paul had said, “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.” Now he tells Timothy “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” (4:6,7) Thoughts to consider through Romans 1. R emember that becoming righteous like Christ is a life-long process and we will never arrive, but Romans 12-16 give us lots of instructions concerning our attitudes and behaviors. Ask God to show you where he wants to change you this week. 2. Think back over the many people that God has used in many different ways to advance the gospel. Look at the variety of people listed at the end of Romans. How is God using you?

Introduction through Philemon The main theme in this beautiful small book is forgiveness, even though the word is not mentioned. Onesimus, Philemon’s slave, had run away to Rome to hide among the mass of people, and through circumstances not recorded, Onetime meets Paul, becomes a Christian and a valuable helper to Paul. Philemon had probably been saved under Paul’s ministry in Ephesus and because of that relationship it is believed that Onesimus would also have known Paul. Paul writes to ask Philemon to accept Onesimus back, to charge any loss to Paul’s account and to refresh Paul’s heart by doing what’s right. Notice the humility required by all in this letter: Paul as he writes as a friend, not from the position of an apostle; Philemon as he receives Onesimus back and forgives him; and Onesimus who willingly returns to face his master. Philemon at a glance Verse Topic

Topic

1-7

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Character of Philemon

8-16

Petition of Onesimus

Conversion of Onesimus

17-25

Promise to Philemon

Confidence of Paul

Thoughts to consider Through Philemon: 1. Are there visible changes in your life because of the gospel? New changes? 2. D o you gently counsel people in difficult situations as Paul did? Do you appeal to their love for Christ and appeal to their desire for Christ’s glory? (This type of counsel is not always fruitful, but is a loving place to start.) 3. Are you willing to decide to forgive just as Paul has counseled Philemon?

Introduction to II Timothy II Timothy is believed to be Paul’s last inspired letter written to Timothy in 67 A.D. The references to his circumstances make it quite clear Paul is no longer under house arrest; he is somewhere far worse. Many believe Paul was in the Mamertine Prison a place of extreme harsh treatment. The letter stirs deep emotions as one realizes that this is Paul’s dying legacy and final instructions to Timothy. His first letter to Timothy was strong on the organization of the church; this is an intimate appeal for Timothy to personally and pastorally faithfully press on. The letter is highlighted with a Christ/Gospel centrality that is to be invested in faithful men who firmly hold to the sufficiency of the Word of God even during difficult times that are prophesied to come. Paul ends the letter with one last charge to Timothy to finish well and to complete his ministry for the glory of Christ. The letter closes with the largest list of people mentioned in any of his letters. At least twelve new names have never been mentioned before. Most were serving well, but some were a tremendous disappointment. Paul’s final words ever penned were that the Lord and His grace be with you.

I Timothy at a glance Chapter

Topic

1-2

Persevere in present testing

3-4

Endure in future testing

Thoughts to consider through II Timothy: 1. Do you love the word of God when it is popular and when it is not? 2. D o you believe that the Bible has the answers for every situation in your life (3:16) and do you seek its counsel in all things? 3. I I Timothy promises that our present day leaders will suffer for teaching and preaching. How do you encourage them in those times?

end notes All of our “At a Glance” charts that provide outlines of each the epistles are from Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, ( Thomas Nelson Inc., 1996). The charts are only a taste of the extensive information provided in this valuable book. If you enjoy such helpful information for your own Bible reading or teaching, we highly recommend that you purchase the book (ISBN 0-7852-1154-3). We made great use of Adventuring Through the Bible by Ray Stedman (Discovery House Publishers (September 1, 2005)for our Journey Notes and the MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series (Moody Publishers, 2007) for some book outlines.