Venice church of Christ
By Venice church of Christ
All lessons by Ethan R. Longhenry unless otherwise noted.
Venice church of ChristJul 26, 2020
Called to Freedom | Galatians 5:1-26
How could Jesus liberate us to serve one another in love?
How can Paul speak of loving neighbor as oneself as the fulfillment of the Law?
Called to Freedom | Galatians 5:1-26 | Paul's Letter to the Galatians
Outline | Conversation
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.
Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you at all! And I testify again to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be declared righteous by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace! For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait expectantly for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision carries any weight – the only thing that matters is faith working through love.
You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you! A little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise! I am confident in the Lord that you will accept no other view. But the one who is confusing you will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. Now, brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those agitators would go so far as to castrate themselves!
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.”
However, if you continually bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.
But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another.
Ruth
What is the book of Ruth all about?
What made Ruth's story of life and faith so extraordinary?
Ruth | Books of the Bible
Outline | Conversation
Children of Freedom | Galatians 4:1-5:1
From what did Jesus liberate all of us?
In what controversial and shocking ways did Paul characterize the Law of Moses and the old covenant?
Children of Freedom | Galatians 4:1-5:1 | Paul's Letter to the Galatians
Outline | Conversation
Clothed With Christ | Galatians 3:1-29
What does it mean for all Christians to be clothed with Christ and equal in Him?
How did Paul well demonstrate how the Law of Moses was not applicable to Gentile Christians?
Clothed With Christ | Galatians 3:1-29 | Paul's Letter to the Galatians
Outline | Conversation
Crucified With Christ | Galatians 2:1-21
How did Paul demonstrate the consistency of the Gospel between himself and those in Jerusalem?
What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?
Crucified With Christ | Galatians 2:1-21 | Paul's Letter to the Galatians
Outline | Conversation
Then after fourteen years I went up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas, taking Titus along too. I went there because of a revelation and presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did so only in a private meeting with the influential people, to make sure that I was not running – or had not run – in vain.
Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, although he was a Greek. Now this matter arose because of the false brothers with false pretenses who slipped in unnoticed to spy on our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, to make us slaves. But we did not surrender to them even for a moment, in order that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.
But from those who were influential (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism between people) – those influential leaders added nothing to my message. On the contrary, when they saw that I was entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised just as Peter was entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who empowered Peter for his apostleship to the circumcised also empowered me for my apostleship to the Gentiles) and when James, Cephas, and John, who had a reputation as pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we would go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They requested only that we remember the poor, the very thing I also was eager to do.
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he had clearly done wrong. Until certain people came from James, he had been eating with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he stopped doing this and separated himself because he was afraid of those who were pro-circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also joined with him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray with them by their hypocrisy.
But when I saw that they were not behaving consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “If you, although you are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you try to force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
We are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners, yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. But if while seeking to be justified in Christ we ourselves have also been found to be sinners, is Christ then one who encourages sin? Absolutely not!
But if I build up again those things I once destroyed, I demonstrate that I am one who breaks God’s law. For through the law I died to the law so that I may live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside God’s grace, because if righteousness could come through the law, then Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:1-21).
A Different Gospel | Galatians 1:1-24
What can we know about Paul's letter to the Galatians?
Why was Paul so frustrated with the Galatian Christians?
Why did Paul insist so strenuously on having received the Gospel by revelation?
A Different Gospel | Galatians 1:1-24
Outline | Conversation
From Paul, an apostle (not from men, nor by human agency, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead) and all the brothers with me, to the churches of Galatia.
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever! Amen.
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are following a different gospel – not that there really is another gospel, but there are some who are disturbing you and wanting to distort the gospel of Christ.
But even if we (or an angel from heaven) should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be condemned to hell! As we have said before, and now I say again, if any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let him be condemned to hell! Am I now trying to gain the approval of people, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ!
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. For I did not receive it or learn it from any human source; instead I received it by a revelation of Jesus Christ.
For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I was savagely persecuting the church of God and trying to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my nation, and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.
But when the one who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not go to ask advice from any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me, but right away I departed to Arabia, and then returned to Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and get information from him, and I stayed with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. I assure you that, before God, I am not lying about what I am writing to you!
Afterward I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. But I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.
They were only hearing, "The one who once persecuted us is now proclaiming the good news of the faith he once tried to destroy."
So they glorified God because of me (Galatians 1:1-24).
Judges
What is the book of Judges all about?
How well did it go for Israel as twelve autonomous tribes ruled over by YHWH?
Judges | Books of the Bible
Outline | Conversation
Finding Our Roots
Why are Americans so interested in ancestry and genealogy?
How can we root ourselves in God and His people?
Finding Our Roots
Outline | Conversation
Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
Joshua
What is the book of Joshua about?
How did God prove faithful to His promises in Joshua?
Joshua | Books of the Bible
Outline | Conversation
Disability and Faith
How can the people of God do better when it comes to treating people with disabilities?
How can we make sense of the treatment of the disabled and ill in the Old Testament?
What hope can animate us regarding disability and faith?
Disability and Faith
Outline | Conversation
Theology and Disability
How can disability exist if God made all things well?
How do we all experience disability and limitation?
What hope can we cherish regarding disability in the resurrection?
Theology and Disability | Disability and Faith
Outline | Conversation
The Prosperity Gospel
What makes the prosperity gospel so pernicious?
Why does the prosperity gospel show up in strange places?
How can we resist the siren song of the prosperity gospel in all its forms?
The Prosperity Gospel | Disability and Faith
Outline | Conversation
Deuteronomy
What is Deuteronomy all about?
Why did Moses rehearse the Law again for Israel?
What can we gain from Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy | Books of the Bible
Outline | Conversation
Grief
What is grief?
Why must we grieve?
How can we best support those who grieve?
Grief | Death and Grief
Outline | Conversation
Death
Why do we die?
How have we become so death afraid and avoidant?
How can we live in the face of death?
Death | Death and Grief
Outline | Conversation
The Promise in Christ
Which promises has God fulfilled in Jesus?
Which promises have yet to find their fulfillment?
Can we have confidence God will do what He has promised?
The Promise in Christ | The Promise
Outline | Conversation
The Promise to Israel
How did Israel maintain faith in YHWH despite the existential crisis of exile?
What promises did YHWH make to Israel?
How did YHWH accomplish the restoration promised to Israel?
The Promise to Israel | The Promise
Outline | Conversation
The Promise to David
What did YHWH promise to David?
How did it seem the promise failed?
How would the promise find its fulfillment?
The Promise to David | The Promise
Outline | Conversation
The Promise to Abraham
What did God promise to Abraham?
How did God prove faithful to His promises to Abraham?
By what means has God blessed the nations through the Descendant of Abraham?
The Promise to Abraham | The Promise
Outline | Conversation
Numbers
What is Numbers all about?
How can we maintain strong faith in God in times of difficulty?
Numbers | Books of the Bible
Outline | Conversation
Responding to God's Call
What can we learn from how people in the Scriptures responded to God's call?
How can we best respond to God's call?
Responding to God's Call | Salvation
Outline | Conversation
Conversion
What is involved in conversion?
How should our lives in faith be continually shaped by conversion and repentance?
Conversion | Salvation
Outline | Conversation
Leviticus
What is Leviticus all about?
Is Leviticus just boring? Are there important things for Christians to understand in Leviticus?
Leviticus | Books of the Bible
Outline | Conversation
Nineveh the Prostitute | Nahum 3:1-19
What happened to Nineveh, Assyria, and Nahum?
How was Nineveh a prostitute, and how would later cities imitate her?
Nineveh the Prostitute | Nahum 3:1-19 | The Vision of Nahum
Outline | Conversation
Woe to the city guilty of bloodshed! She is full of lies; she is filled with plunder; she has hoarded her spoil!
The chariot drivers will crack their whips; the chariot wheels will shake the ground; the chariot horses will gallop; the war chariots will bolt forward! The charioteers will charge ahead; their swords will flash and their spears will glimmer! There will be many people slain; there will be piles of the dead, and countless casualties – so many that people will stumble over the corpses.
"Because you have acted like a wanton prostitute – a seductive mistress who practices sorcery, who enslaves nations by her harlotry, and entices peoples by her sorcery – I am against you,"
declares YHWH of Heaven's Armies. "I will strip off your clothes! I will show your nakedness to the nations and your shame to the kingdoms; I will pelt you with filth; I will treat you with contempt; I will make you a public spectacle.
Everyone who sees you will turn away from you in disgust; they will say, 'Nineveh has been devastated! Who will lament for her?'
There will be no one to comfort you!"
You are no more secure than Thebes – she was located on the banks of the Nile; the waters surrounded her, her rampart was the sea, the water was her wall. Cush and Egypt had limitless strength; Put and the Libyans were among her allies. Yet she went into captivity as an exile; even her infants were smashed to pieces at the head of every street. They cast lots for her nobility; all her dignitaries were bound with chains.
You too will act like drunkards; you will go into hiding; you too will seek refuge from the enemy.
All your fortifications will be like fig trees with first-ripe fruit: If they are shaken, their figs will fall into the mouth of the eater! Your warriors will be like women in your midst; the gates of your land will be wide open to your enemies; fire will consume the bars of your gates.
Draw yourselves water for a siege! Strengthen your fortifications! Trample the mud and tread the clay! Make mud bricks to strengthen your walls! There the fire will consume you; the sword will cut you down; it will devour you like the young locust would.
Multiply yourself like the young locust; multiply yourself like the flying locust! Increase your merchants more than the stars of heaven! They are like the young locust which sheds its skin and flies away. Your courtiers are like locusts, your officials are like a swarm of locusts! They encamp in the walls on a cold day, yet when the sun rises, they fly away; and no one knows where they are.
Your shepherds are sleeping, O king of Assyria! Your officers are slumbering! Your people are scattered like sheep on the mountains and there is no one to regather them! Your destruction is like an incurable wound; your demise is like a fatal injury!
All who hear what has happened to you will clap their hands for joy, for no one ever escaped your endless cruelty! (Nahum 3:1-19)
Nineveh's Downfall | Nahum 2:1-13
How was Nineveh's fall just deserts for Assyria?
How does Nahum provide assurance regarding the prophetic word?
Nineveh's Downfall | Nahum 2:1-13 | The Vision of Nahum
Outline | Conversation
“An enemy who will scatter you, Nineveh, has advanced against you!”
“Guard the rampart! Watch the road! Prepare yourselves for battle! Muster your mighty strength!”
For YHWH is about to restore the majesty of Jacob, as well as the majesty of Israel, though their enemies have plundered them and have destroyed their fields.
The shields of his warriors are dyed red; the mighty soldiers are dressed in scarlet garments. The chariots are in flashing metal fittings on the day of battle; the soldiers brandish their spears. The chariots race madly through the streets, they rush back and forth in the broad plazas; they look like lightning bolts, they dash here and there like flashes of lightning. The commander orders his officers; they stumble as they advance; they rush to the city wall and they set up the covered siege tower. The sluice gates are opened; the royal palace is deluged and dissolves.
Nineveh is taken into exile and is led away; her slave girls moan like doves while they beat their breasts. Nineveh was like a pool of water throughout her days, but now her people are running away; she cries out: “Stop! Stop!” – but no one turns back.
Her conquerors cry out: “Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold!”
There is no end to the treasure; riches of every kind of precious thing. Destruction, devastation, and desolation! Hearts faint; knees tremble; every stomach churns, all their faces have turned pale!
Where now is the den of the lions, and the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion, lioness, and lion cub once prowled and no one disturbed them? The lion tore apart as much prey as his cubs needed and strangled prey for his lionesses; he filled his lairs with prey and his dens with torn flesh.
"I am against you!" declares YHWH of Heaven's Armies: "I will burn your chariots with fire; the sword will devour your young lions; you will no longer prey upon the land; the voices of your messengers will no longer be heard" (Nahum 2:1-13).
YHWH the Avenger | Nahum 1:1-15
What is Nahum about?
How could the God of Jonah speak thus about Nineveh?
Why should we grapple with YHWH the Avenger?
YHWH the Avenger | Nahum 1:1-15 | The Vision of Nahum
Outline | Conversation
This is an oracle about Nineveh; the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite:
YHWH is a zealous and avenging God; YHWH is avenging and very angry. YHWH takes vengeance against his foes; he sustains his rage against his enemies. YHWH is slow to anger but great in power; YHWH will certainly not allow the wicked to go unpunished. He marches out in the whirlwind and the raging storm; dark storm clouds billow like dust under his feet. He shouts a battle cry against the sea and makes it dry up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither; the blossom of Lebanon withers. The mountains tremble before him, the hills convulse; the earth is laid waste before him, the world and all its inhabitants are laid waste. No one can withstand his indignation! No one can resist his fierce anger! His wrath is poured out like volcanic fire, boulders are broken up as he approaches. YHWH is good – indeed, he is a fortress in time of distress, and he protects those who seek refuge in him. But with an overwhelming flood he will make a complete end of Nineveh; he will drive his enemies into darkness. Whatever you plot against YHWH, he will completely destroy! Distress will not arise a second time. Surely they will be totally consumed like entangled thorn bushes, like the drink of drunkards, like very dry stubble.
From you, O Nineveh, one has marched forth who plots evil against YHWH, a wicked military strategist. This is what YHWH says: "Even though they are powerful - and what is more, even though their army is numerous - nevertheless, they will be destroyed and trickle away! Although I afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. And now, I will break Assyria's yoke bar from your neck; I will tear apart the shackles that are on you."
YHWH has issued a decree against you: "Your dynasty will come to an end. I will destroy the idols and images in the temples of your gods. I will desecrate your grave - because you are accursed!"
Look! A herald is running on the mountains! A messenger is proclaiming deliverance: "Celebrate your sacred festivals, O Judah! Fulfill your sacred vows to praise God! For never again will the wicked Assyrians invade you, they have been completely destroyed" (Nahum 1:1-15).
Exodus
What is Exodus all about?
How did God deliver Israel?
Why is there such emphasis on laws and building a tent?
Exodus | Books of the Bible
Outline | Conversation
Extrasensory Perception
What are extrasensory perception and paranormal phenomena?
How should we relate to extrasensory perception or paranormal phenomena?
What dangers might attend to extrasensory perception or paranormal phenomena?
Extrasensory Perception | The Senses
Outline | Conversation
Touch
What is touch all about?
How can touch be communal and relational?
Why do we associate sensation with emotion?
Touch | The Senses
Outline | Conversation
Taste
What is taste all about?
How can we taste that the Lord is good?
Why does God memorialize His saving acts with meals?
Taste | The Senses
Outline | Conversation
Genesis
What is Genesis all about?
How does Genesis set forth the beginning of the story of God and His people?
Genesis | Books of the Bible
Outline | Conversation
Smell
How marvelous is our sense of smell?
What kind of smells are there?
How can we become a sweet aroma before God?
Smell | The Senses
Outline | Conversation
Hearing
How marvelous is our sense of hearing?
How do music and language connect us to God and one another?
What happens when we do not hear God?
Hearing | The Senses
Outline | Conversation
Sight
How do light and sight testify to God our Creator?
What do we really "see"? How might we prove "blind"?
How can we walk in the light and avoid the darkness?
Sight | The Senses
Outline | Conversation
Stand Firm | 1 Peter 5:6-14
What did Peter emphasize as he concluded his first letter?
How can we stand firm in the grace of God?
Stand Firm | 1 Peter 5:6-14 | The First Letter of Peter
Outline | Conversation
And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you.
Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering.
And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him belongs the power forever. Amen.
Through Silvanus, whom I know to be a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you, and so does Mark, my son.
Greet one another with a loving kiss.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ (1 Peter 5:6-14).
Aspiring to Be a Deacon
What are deacons all about?
How can we all serve the Lord Jesus Christ?
Aspiring to Be a Deacon | Aspiring to Service | Outline | Conversation
Aspiring to Be an Elder
What are elders all about?
Why should men aspire to be elders?
Aspiring to Be an Elder | Aspiring to Service | Outline | Conversation
Blameless on the Day of the Lord | 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
What would Paul say to exhort Christians who had no need to be reminded of how to serve God and love one another? Paul's answer is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28.
Blameless on the Day of the Lord | 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 | Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians
Outline | Conversation
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them most highly in love because of their work.
Be at peace among yourselves.
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all.
See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.
Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not extinguish the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt. But examine all things; hold fast to what is good. Stay away from every form of evil.
Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy and may your spirit and soul and body be kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will in fact do this.
Brothers and sisters, pray for us too.
Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss.
I call on you solemnly in the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28).
Elders and Youth | 1 Peter 5:1-5
Who are these "elders" Peter addressed? What should they be doing?
What should the youth do? In what would Peter have all Christians "dress"?
Elders and Youth | 1 Peter 5:1-5 | The First Letter of Peter | Outline | Conversation
So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you: Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly. And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock. Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away. In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:1-5).
The Awake | 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
What is known about the "times and seasons" of the Day of the Lord?
How should Christians live between now and the end?
The Awake | 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 | Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians
Outline | Conversation
Now on the topic of times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come in the same way as a thief in the night. Now when they are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction comes on them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will surely not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would. For you all are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness. So then we must not sleep as the rest, but must stay alert and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But since we are of the day, we must stay sober by putting on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet our hope for salvation.
For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that whether we are alert or asleep we will come to life together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11).
The Asleep | 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
What was causing consternation among the Christians of Thessalonica?
How did Paul comfort them in their grief?
What is the ultimate hope of the Christian?
The Asleep | 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 | Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians | Outline | Conversation
Now we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also we believe that God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep as Christians. For we tell you this by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not go ahead of those who have fallen asleep.
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be suddenly caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.
Therefore encourage one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Do So More and More | 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
What did Paul want reinforced for the Thessalonian Christians?
How can we best follow Jesus' commands, love one another, and aspire to live quietly?
Do So More and More | 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 | Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians | Outline | Conversation
Finally then, brothers and sisters, we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us about how you must live and please God (as you are in fact living) that you do so more and more. For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
For this is God’s will: that you become holy, that you keep away from sexual immorality, that each of you know how to possess his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God. In this matter no one should violate the rights of his brother or take advantage of him, because the Lord is the avenger in all these cases, as we also told you earlier and warned you solemnly. For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. Consequently the one who rejects this is not rejecting human authority but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
Now on the topic of brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. And indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers and sisters in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, to aspire to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you. In this way you will live a decent life before outsiders and not be in need
(1 Thessalonians 4:1-12).
Good News of Your Faith | 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13
How was Paul encouraged by the news he received about the Thessalonian Christians?
What did Paul pray for Jesus to do for the Thessalonian Christians?
Good News of Your Faith | 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 | Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians | Outline | Conversation
But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time (in presence, not in affection) we became all the more fervent in our great desire to see you in person. For we wanted to come to you (I, Paul, in fact tried again and again) but Satan thwarted us.
For who is our hope or joy or crown to boast of before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not of course you? For you are our glory and joy!
So when we could bear it no longer, we decided to stay on in Athens alone. We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and encourage you about your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know.
So when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter somehow tempted you and our toil had proven useless.
But now Timothy has come to us from you and given us the good news of your faith and love and that you always think of us with affection and long to see us just as we also long to see you! So in all our distress and affliction, we were reassured about you, brothers and sisters, through your faith. For now we are alive again, if you stand firm in the Lord.
For how can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we feel because of you before our God? We pray earnestly night and day to see you in person and make up what may be lacking in your faith.
Now may God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you.
And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you, so that your hearts are strengthened in holiness to be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13).
A Nursing Mother of Children | 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16
How could Paul consider himself as an infant, a nursing mother of children, and a father toward the Thessalonian Christians?
How can we imitate Paul in these ways?
A Nursing Mother of Children | 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 | Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians
Outline | Conversation
For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, about our coming to you – it has not proven to be purposeless. But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of much opposition. For the appeal we make does not come from error or impurity or with deceit, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts. For we never appeared with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is our witness – nor to seek glory from people, either from you or from others, although we could have imposed our weight as apostles of Christ; instead we became little children among you. Like a nursing mother caring for her own children, with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
For you recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery: By working night and day so as not to impose a burden on any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, as to how holy and righteous and blameless our conduct was toward you who believe. As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you live in a way worthy of God who calls you to his own kingdom and his glory.
And so we too constantly thank God that when you received God’s message that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human message, but as it truly is, God’s message, which is at work among you who believe. For you became imitators, brothers and sisters, of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, because you too suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they in fact did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us severely. They are displeasing to God and are opposed to all people, because they hinder us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. Thus they constantly fill up their measure of sins, but wrath has come upon them completely (1 Thessalonians 2:1-16).
Turning to God From Idols | 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Why did Paul write to the Thessalonians?
Do we have any kind of similar witness to the Thessalonians?
Turning to God from Idols | 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 | Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians | Outline | Conversation
From Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you!
We thank God always for all of you as we mention you constantly in our prayers, because we recall in the presence of our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, in that our gospel did not come to you merely in words, but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (surely you recall the character we displayed when we came among you to help you). And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you received the message with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, despite great affliction.
As a result you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For from you the message of the Lord has echoed forth not just in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place reports of your faith in God have spread, so that we do not need to say anything. For people everywhere report how you welcomed us and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10).
Time for Judgment | 1 Peter 4:12-19
Should Christians expect persecution?
Is every difficulty or trial evidence of persecution?
What should Christians do when persecuted?
Time for Judgment | 1 Peter 4:12-19 | The First Letter of Peter | Outline | Conversation
Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be glad. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God, rests on you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a troublemaker. But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name.
For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house of God. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God? And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinners?
So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good (1 Peter 4:12-19).
Junia, Phoebe, and Priscilla
What can we know, and what remains ambiguous or unrevealed, about Junia, Phoebe, and Priscilla?
How should we grapple with Paul's affection for and commendation of Junia, Phoebe, and Priscilla?
Junia, Phoebe, and Priscilla | The Cloud of Witnesses | Outline | Conversation
Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, so that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and provide her with whatever help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many, including me.
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life. Not only I, but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Also greet the church in their house....
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my compatriots and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me (Romans 16:1-3a, 7).
Bathsheba
What do we know, and what is left unrevealed, about Bathsheba bat Eliam?
How does the way we characterize the wife of Uriah tell us about ourselves?
How was Bathsheba vindicated?
Bathsheba | The Cloud of Witnesses
Outline | Conversation
Leah and Rachel
How are Leah and Rachel portrayed in the Bible?
Was Rachel that great?
How was Leah vindicated?
Leah and Rachel | The Cloud of Witnesses | Outline | Conversation
Rebekah
How is Rebekah characterized in Genesis?
What can we gain from her story?
Rebekah | The Cloud of Witnesses
Further Thoughts | Conversation