The Word of Pod
By Matthew R. Steinfeld
The Word of PodFeb 21, 2020
Galatians 6:11-18 / Effective Religion Is A New Creation
Paul ends his letter to the Galatians by challenging them to look at the product of their religion. It is actually changing them into new people or simply a self-focus source of pride?
Galatians 6:1-10 / The Responsibility of the Mature
If one is truly mature in Christ they will seek the benefit of others, especially those in need. Also, when they complete their duty they will not seek glory as if they did something special but rather that it was what they ought to have done.
Galatians 5:16-26 / The Choice of Two Paths
In this passage, Paul walks through the two paths of life that each person must choose on a consistent basis: either the way of the flesh or the way of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:1-15 - Slavery and The Purpose of Freedom
Paul transitions his argumentation toward the purpose of freedom and how the Galatians, in their pursuit of holiness, are actually abandoning their righteousness by going back to spiritual slavery.
Galatians 4:21-31 - An Allegory of Two Women
Paul continues in his argumentation against the Galatians and now turns to allegory.
Galatians 4:8-20 - Paul's Personal Appeal
This episode covers Paul's transition from logic-based theology to personal appeal in his attempt to convince the Galatians they have abandoned their faith and him in their pursuit of Judaism.
Galatians 3:26-4:7 - Clothed in Christ and Heirs Through Faith
This episode explores the equality under both sin and therefore the gospel through faith. Those who are of this faith are the heirs of the promise given to Abraham.
Galatians 3:15-25 - The Seed and Promise to Abraham
This episode discusses Paul's interpretation of the promise to Abraham, that the Messiah is the "seed" mentioned in the promise given to Abraham from God.
Galatians 3:1-14 - "The Foolish Galatians" and Their New Allegiance
This episode discusses Paul's argument that the Galatians are turning against the Gospel and truth they once believed by their new desire to be back under the Law of Moses.
Galatians 2:11-21 - The Law and Faith
In this passage, Paul speaks about the role of the law of Moses and how the promise of salvation through faith compare in the life of the Christian.
Galatians 2:1-10 - The Jerusalem Council
In the episode, we discuss the issue of Jewish ceremonial practices based on the Law of Moses and the conflict that arose in the early church surrounding their importance.
Galatians 1:11-24 - Paul's Past
This episode explores Paul's statements about his past and ultimately how they did not accomplish what he was seeking and what the Galatians are now seeking.
Galatians 1:1-10 - Authority of the Gospel and Confrontation
This is the first episode of season 7, which is our coverage of Paul's epistle to the Galatians. He begins his introduction with the authority and source of his gospel message. He then confronts the Galatians for their turning to what he calls a "false gospel".
2 Peter 3:11-18 - Therefore, How Shall We Live?
This episode wraps up season 6 and 2 Peter with a strong call to continue to live in a disciplined way that focuses on the gospel and not potential teachings that might sound good but are destructive.
2 Peter 3:1-10 - The Day of the Lord and Doubters
This episode begins chapter 3 and Peter's call to remember the teachings of Christ. This is essential in a time when doubters will try to convince those of faith that they believe in vain.
2 Peter 2:12-22 / False Teachers and Their Tactics
This section continues on the description of false teachers and their approach to weaker Christians who are seeking relief from the often troubling experiences of a Christ-follower.
2 Peter 2:1-11 / The Coming False Teachers and Their Motivations
Peter begins chapter two with a discussion of the coming of false teachers in the church, the main departure of their teaching being their denial of Jesus.
2 Peter 1:12-21 / The Source of the Message
This episode gets into the details of the source of Peter's message and why it can be trusted.
2 Peter 1:1-11 / Introduction and Supporting One's Faith
As we kick off this book/letter, we discuss some issues pertaining to the reception of the letter. Peter claims God's divine power is given to the Christian and the response to such a gift ultimately determines how the gospel changes the life of the believer.
1 Peter 5:1-14 / Leadership and Humility in the Church
This season finale wraps up 1 Peter as he addresses the need for leaders to lead, and the church to follow, with humility and affection in accordance with the life and actions of Jesus.
1 Peter 4:12-19 / God's Desire For Good During Suffering
This section reveals Peter's understanding of how God uses suffering in the life of the Christian to reveal the true nature of God and the value of the gospel.
1 Peter 4:1-11 / The Will of God and Desires of the Flesh
This section explores the comparison between the work and suffering Jesus versus the indulgence of the "pagan" libertines seeking their own pleasure who are undisturbed by the future judgment of God.
1 Peter 3:8-22 / The Christian Response to Suffering
Peter begins to conclude his letter to the Diaspora (scattered Christians across the Empire) focusing the proper perspective and response to suffering in a world that is against the teachings of Jesus.
1 Peter 3:1-7 / Submitting For Christ's Sake In Marriage
Though this text has been misused to propagate inequality, this passage is actually advocates for the Christian response of those who find themselves both in positions of power or lack thereof in the conventional spectrums of social and domestic inequality.
1 Peter 2:13-25 / Submitting For Christ's Sake
This text is a controversial passage about being willing to submit unto death, like Christ, for the sake of the gospel and a testimony for God.
1 Peter 2:1-12 / Becoming the People of God
This text is full of metaphor and imagery concerning the church and it's members. Peter relays to his struggling audience that they are chosen, special, and developing through the past and present work of Jesus.
1 Peter 1:13-25 / Being Mindful and Prepared to Live Holy
In light of the present inheritance and future salvation to be gained from the return of Christ, those who suffer and experience hardship should live a life ready to serve and love genuinely as they are loved by Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:1-12 / Introduction and the Refining of Sojourners
This episode introduces the first letter of Peter to the diaspora (exiled) Christians who are experiencing alienation and suffering as they seek to follow the life of Jesus Christ. Peter relates to them their hope and future despite their present circumstances.
Matthew 7:24-29 / The Houses on Rock and Sand
This text wraps up Jesus teaching about him in both literal and spiritual metaphor. This series of teachings known as the Sermon on the Mount is ultimately a revelation of who Jesus is, leaving them in amazement that Jesus can authoritatively speak about he Kingdom of God as the true Messiah.
Matthew 7:15-23 / False Prophets and Knowing Jesus
In this text, Jesus warns against false prophets and those who appear to follow God but who's deeds are not in fact for God. There are many, he explains, that do good deeds but in fact do not know Jesus, and, therefore, are not a true a disciple.
Matthew 7:7-14 / Asking and the Narrow Door
Jesus explains that the narrow door that leads to the Kingdom of God is narrow, difficult to get through, yet is accessible by request only.
Matthew 7:1-6 / The Repercussions and Motivation of Judging Others
Jesus warns about the repercussions of judging others and implies that the source of judgment can orginate in one's own sin: both trying to cover it up or being blind to it.
Matthew 6:25-34 / Worry and Seeking the Kingdom
Jesus teaches about worry (anxiety) and how it relates to ones perspective of the Kingdom. Jesus contrasts the nature of survival of the individual in contrast to the experience of one's life as the measure of true dependence
Matthew 6:19-24 / On Serving God and Money
Jesus teaches on the pitfalls of having one's heart set on money/wealth instead of "investing" on the treasures of heaven.
Matthew 6:5-15 / Jesus Teaches How to Pray
Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray, and the reward within this practice in comparison to those who would practice their religion publicly for praise.
Matthew 6:1-4; 16-18 / Public Worship and True Motivations
These texts, which are bookends to the Lord's Prayer, pinpoint motivations of public worship and therefore demonstrate the true beliefs and hope of the individual.
Matthew 5:38-48 / Love Your Enemies and Be Perfect!
Matthew 5:27-37 / Adultery and the Breaking of Covenants
This episode continues Jesus aggressive condemnation against practices that would have been relevant to his audience. As he continues his raising of moralistic standards, he causes his audience to question their righteousness and ability to follow the law.
Matthew 5:21-26 / Judgment and the Disciple's View of Grace
This episode explores the idea that if one is not able to extend grace to someone else, then they do not understand the grace that they have recieved. Because of this, one might be in danger of their own wrong doing which will result in judgment. The metaphor is extended to include a cosmic judgment, with Satan as prosecutor, and it is imperative one "deals with" the accusations before the court is in session.
Matthew 5:12-20 / Salt, Light, and Impossible Righteousness
This episode transitions into the text where Jesus calls his followers "salt" and "light" and how his own ministry on earth is to fulfill the Law. This raises the question of "How can one become righteous if the Law is not abolished?" Jesus challenges the thinking of his followers which is his goal to get them to question what it is that they are trusting for godliness: their own moral lives or something else.
Matthew 5:1-11 / The Beginning and Promise of Blessing
This episode is the beginning of Season 4 and the Sermon on the Mount. This text begins Jesus's message of an echatological breakthrough into the present world for those who are currently seeking him for change. Though this is clearly before Jesus' death and resurrection, it is his introduction to what they faithful would have in store, that is, assuming they except his terms.
Philippians 4:10-23 / The Sharing of Tribulations and Support
This season finale of Paul's Letter to the Philippians displays much of Paul's perspective. He is very much thankful for the support he has recieved from the Philippians, but what he wants more is there own growth in Christ. He has relayed his growing perspective, in the midst of his suffering, in order that he might instill in them the same growth and maturity in their Christian life.
Philippians 4:1-9 / Praise and Mindset in the Midst of Suffering
This particular passage reveals Paul's own perspective as he faces prison and encourages the Philippians in their own hardships. He tells them to rejoice and focus on the good things God has provided. God's power shows up in the midst of actively pursuing the life and perspective of Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-22 / Attaining To That Which Has Been Accomplished
In this passage, Paul admits he has not attained the full benefits of being in Christ, yet he strives on toward his goal like an athlete in the games. He forgets the losses, the sins, behind him and strives toward his goal. He urges the Philippians to do the same as they, and he, continue to suffer.
Philippians 3:1-11 / Gratitude and Not Relying on Accomplishments
This passage tells of Paul's safeguard against suffering and how he has transitioned from trusting his abilities and following of the law to attaining salvation through Christ and participating in his suffering.
Philippians 2:19-30 / Letter Couriers and Genuine Service
This particular passage, though it may appear mundane or insignificant, gives an indirect account of both Paul's heart and motivations, but also those of the early churches he has been working with. Service and a genuine interest in others is always a reflection of the life of Christ in Paul's message to the Philippians.
Philippians 2:12-18 / Working Out Salvation to Shine
Paul encourages the Philippians to seize (or achieve) the salvation that they have already been given, to actually a continue what they have been doing, in order that they might fulfill their role in the world as representatives of Christ. This, Paul says, will allow him to rejoice that all of his work was not in vain.
Philippians 2:1-11 / A Reminder of Christ's Obedience
Paul reminds the Philippians that their humility, compassion, patience and forgiveness of others is not just simply a moralistic response of duty, but rather a reaction to the same that has been received from God through Jesus Christ. That such obedience and service is exactly what Jesus had done in his earthly ministry.
Philippians 1:12-2:4 / Appointed to Suffer
Paul begins to transition the conversation with the Philippians toward suffering and the purpose of the Christian: to live in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. While he doesn't focus on service as a means to salvation, he does suggest that service comes out of one's joy and gratitude in regard to salvation.
Philippians 1:12-26 / Competition, Passion, and Purpose
As Paul sits in prison, he indirectly shares his thoughts which are meant to encourage the Philippian church, but also give us a glimpse into Paul's own development and growth in a challenging time.