The Epistles & the Practical Christian Life Class 3 The Doctrinal Epistles © John Stevenson, 2008

Paul’s Epistles & Theology Course Outline Week One Week Two Week Three Week Four Week Five Intro to Paul; Epistles as a genre Paul’s Epistles & Theology The General Epistles Life & Death Doctrinal Epistles Pastoral Epistles

Session Objectives Use basic hermeneutical principles for interpreting and applying epistles. See the Big Idea of Romans, Colossians, Philemon, & Ephesians. Continue developing skills to assess aspects of current worldview, ethical practice, and church life in light of theological principles taught in the epistles.

The Righteousness of God Romans The Righteousness of God

The Epistle to the Romans The most doctrinal and the most systematic of all of Paul’s writings. The first seven chapters are characterized by an argumentative style as seen by the repeated expression: “What shall we say then?” Romans 4:1 Romans 6:1 Romans 7:7 Romans 8:31 Romans 9:14 Romans 9:30

The Epistle to the Romans The most doctrinal and the most systematic of all of Paul’s writings. The first seven chapters are characterized by an argumentative style as seen by the repeated expression: “What shall we say then?” This is the only one of Paul’s epistles written to an audience with whom he had not previously met.

Righteousness of God Revealed Romans Prologue DOCTRINAL PRACTICAL Epilogue 1:1 1:17 12:1 15:14 Life By Faith Service By Faith Obedience of Faith (1:5) Obedience of Faith (16:26) Righteousness of God Revealed

I am not ashamed of the gospel… It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes In it the righteousness of God is revealed How is the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel? In the wrath of God toward those who sin (Romans 1-3) In the grace of God toward those who believe (Romans 4-8)

The Righteousness of God is revealed… In judging the pagans who rejected Him (Chapter 1) In judging the Jews who disobeyed Him (Chapter 2) In judging all men who have sinned against Him (Chapter 3)

The Righteousness of God is revealed… In reckoning men as righteous by crediting them with the righteousness of Christ (Chapter 4) In declaring men to be righteous on the basis of the reckoning described in the previous chapter (Chapter 5) What about sin? Can we continue to live in sin? (6) What about the sin that is still in our lives? (7) In adopting us as His children (Chapter 8)

What about Israel? How can we see God as righteous when His own chosen people do not believe and receive His promises? Not all Israel is Israel. God is sovereign and able to chose whom He wills. Salvation is offered to all who believe. Israel’s unbelief has resulted in blessings to the Gentiles. All Israel will be saved.

I Urge you… Chapters 1-11 Doctrinal Chapters 12-16 Practical So What? I Urge you… To present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice Do not be conformed to this world Be transformed by the renewing of your mind

Based on the Epistle to the Romans…. Group Activity Break into Groups of 3-4 Based on the Epistle to the Romans…. Group 1: Who are we apart from Christ? Group 2: Who are we in Christ?

Colossians Joy in the Journey

The Supremacy of Christ Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Doctrinal Practical The Supremacy of Christ The Fulness of Christ The Image of Christ The Servants of Christ

The Supremacy of Christ Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Doctrinal Practical The Supremacy of Christ Thanks to God Paul’s Prayer The Person and Work of Christ Paul’s ministry of the mystery

The Supremacy of Christ Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Doctrinal Practical The Supremacy of Christ The Fulness of Christ The Danger of Delusion Fulness and faith in Christ The Danger of False Teachers

The Supremacy of Christ Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Doctrinal Practical The Supremacy of Christ The Fulness of Christ The Image of Christ The Servants of Christ New Life in Christ New Self in Christ New Love New Peace Instructions to various groups

Instructions to Various Groups Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord (3:18). Husbands, love your wives, and do not be embittered against them (3:19). Children, be obedient to your parents in all things (3:20). Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart (3:21). Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth (3:22).

Instructions to Various Groups Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven (4:1).

General Instructions Devote yourselves to prayer (4:2). Alert in it An attitude of thanksgiving Praying for us as well Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity (4:5). Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person (4:6).

Servants of the Gospel Tychicus Onesimus (one of your number) He will bring you information about me Onesimus (one of your number) Aristarchus Sends his greetings Mark (Barnabas' cousin) Jesus who is called Justus Epaphras (one of your number) Luke, the beloved physician Demas