Ephesians 3

Paul continues to rejoice in what God has done, both in the Ephesian's lives and his own. He recounts how God called and qualified him to minister the message of the gospel to those outside the Jewish race. God blessed the Gentile nations with equal standing in the church, so that His exquisite wisdom would be displayed to the world for the ages to come. This prompted Paul to respond in prayer for the Ephesians - that they would fully grasp all that God had done to make them partners in the grand and glorious display of His power and wisdom

Ephesians 2

Paul continues to lay out for his readers the great lengths to which God went to provide for their well-being. God took them from death, to life, and then to living. He gave them a standing, a hope, an inheritance, a share in His great wealth - all through the finished work of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus removed the barrier that separated God from man, as well as the barriers that separated men from each other. Men are now reborn into new creatures with a standing before God, created to show through their good works the transformation accomplished by Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1

Paul writes to followers of Jesus gathered in the city of Ephesus - a city in which he spent more time than any other. He writes to these friends about the great work done in their lives by Jesus Christ - giving them a standing with God and a share in an inheritance that belongs to Him. When Paul thinks about all the blessings the Ephesians enjoy, he cannot contain his joy and expresses it in a remarkable prayer of thanksgiving.

Galatians 6

Paul concludes his letter to the followers of Christ in Galatia by reminding them of their duty to one another. When one is weak, those who are capable of assisting should do so in a manner that is not boastful but carefully humble. The goal is restoration, not humiliation. Every event is to be seen as an opportunity to display the goodness of God and the transformation of life that His Son, Jesus Christ, makes possible.

Galatians 5

Paul continues to encourage the Galatian believers to rejoice in the freedom provided them by Jesus Christ. Because of this freedom, the Galatians do not need to live as though they were captives. They should be showing by their very lives the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit. Christ is able to cause this transformation!

Galatians 4

Paul reminds his audience that the coming of God's Son, Jesus Christ, marked an incredible transformation - changing those who once were slaves to the world into children of God. As children, they are also heirs to all that is promised the Son. Because God has performed this remarkable metamorphosis, those who have been changed ought to live according to His guidelines. There were those in the city of Galatia who were attempting to mislead these followers of Jesus; Paul begs them to think clearly and understand God's promises for what they truly are: statements of freedom, not constricting regulations.

Galatians 3

Paul stresses to his audience the importance of thinking clearly. The Galatians had forgotten that God's gift of salvation is predicated on His grace, not man's works. Keeping the law, living rightly, loving others does nothing to gain God's favor. God's laws highlight the fact that man is inherently evil and incapable of rescuing himself. Yet, those to whom God has shown grace will demonstrate that grace through their actions as outward evidence of an inward change. This inward change is only brought about by God's perfect sinless Son, Jesus Christ. Because mankind was inherently unable to merit God's favor, Jesus came to gain for us what could not be gained by ourselves. Because of His work, we can be called God's children - a designation unaffected by racial or social status.

Galatians 2

Paul continues to trace for the Galatian believers the path that took him to his current position. He carefully examined his teaching and conduct, to assure that the message he gave was accurate. There were even periods of debate and discussion to verify that God had done a great work in this man's life. After careful examination, Paul and his companions were given full fellowship with the apostles and were commissioned to minister among the Gentiles. This ministry not only excited Paul but benefited the Galatians as well. Paul was very careful to ensure that the message he preached was not "become a Jew to become a follower of Jesus" - a message some seemed to be preaching with their example (if not necessarily their mouths). The message that Paul carried to every corner was that God's gift of salvation was based on His free and mighty grace. The life Paul had was due to God's grace living in him; and he encouraged the Galatians to follow that example.

Galatians 1

Paul begins writing to the believers and followers of Jesus Christ in Galatia by asking them a question and introducing himself. The question he asks is "Why are you so quickly abandoning what you have heard to be Truth?" For some reason, these followers were leaving the path they had set out on to follow other teaching. Paul then reminded them of the veracity of his Gospel message to them. He recounted for their hearing the events leading to his own conversion - not so they would glory in his experience, but that God would be glorified for accomplishing so much in one so needy.

2 Corinthians 13

As Paul concludes his letter to the Corinthian believers, he urges them to be restored in their faith and in their dealings with one another. They are encouraged to test their faith, to ensure that it is genuine, so that they are not disappointed to live so earnestly and find their faith misplaced. Paul would return, Lord willing, to visit them and encourage them face to face. Until that time, they were to live as examples of God-pleasing living before one another.

2 Corinthians 12

Paul was honored to have been given insight into the mysteries and teachings of Scripture. He would not boast of such things, though. He was used to putting his experiences to use for the benefit of fellow believers. To remind him of his need for humility, God allowed Paul to carry a physical reminder of his need to depend on God. Paul encouraged his reader to respond correctly to God and His teachings so that Paul's next visit would be productive and not one characterized by discipline.

2 Corinthians 11:16 - 33

Paul states (with his tongue firmly in his cheek) that those who wish to boast of accomplishments have nothing against him! He has been in numerous outstanding circumstances because of his stance for the advancement of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Shipwrecked, beaten, abandoned, on the run from those wishing his destruction, fleeing from would-be assassins - Paul has endured it all. Why? So that the message of what God has done in Jesus Christ could be known by as many people as possible.

2 Corinthians 11:1 - 15

Paul expresses some concern for the discernment of the Corinthian followers of Jesus. They seem to be willing to listen to anyone who has anything to say without regard for the truthfulness of the matter. Paul takes time to remind his audience that he ministered to them in a very unique manner, not asking them to support him financially (which he did do in other cities). God still provided for his needs; but the Corinthians came away with a jaded view of ministers. As a result, they were becoming easily swayed by the opinions and words of others. Paul warns them to be discerning. Good words to heed today, too!

2 Corinthians 10

Paul reminds his readers that they are all engaged in a spiritual battle. The struggles they face will not be defeated with spears and stones but with discipline, devotion and dedication. He reminds his readers to take into consideration more than just outward appearances. Even when he writes to them, they should consider that he is seeking to accomplish much in their lives. Paul is not anything more than an instrument in the hand of God. The Corinthians should expect him to conduct himself in that regard - no more and no less. The accolades will come from God; not from Paul's own lips.

2 Corinthians 9

Paul encourages the Corinthians to follow through with their promise to send assistance to the believers in other areas. Their generosity had been something Paul was reporting to other groups of believers; and it was time for the Corinthians to (literally) put their money where their mouths had been! Paul says this so that all involved will be encouraged. Those giving will be blessed, those receiving will be blessed, and those hearing of the mutual encouragement will be blessed. Paul further asks that God would powerfully make up for any shortfall the Corinthian generosity might create. God IS able to provide!

2 Corinthians 8

Paul gives the Corinthians an update on the believers in Macedonia, telling of their spiritual development as a means to encourage the Corinthians to likewise be growing. Wherever the church is located, Christ is the example to follow. We are not to compete with other groups of believers, but be encouraged by their growth and challenged by their examples. The Corinthians were also encouraged to be a blessing to others in Judea who had need.

2 Corinthians 7

The letter Paul had previously written to the Corinthian belivers had an effect on them. They had responded properly - but were sorrowful that their behavior had prompted such a letter. Paul wrote that his letter was not written to humiliate them, but to produce repentence in their lives. Since they had responded properly, he was glad to have written - God's allowed the letter to produce the desired response.

2 Corinthians 6

The Corinthians were well aware of Paul's circumstances. He had faced various quandries and numerous difficulties. They were reminded at each remembrance of Paul's ministry that the task of ministering the gospel comes at a great cost. Because of this, they could not afford to be partnered with those whose goals ran counter to the goals of the gospel. Being unequally yoked would only lead to frustration and destruction.

2 Corinthians 5

Paul reminds his readers that while the body may dissolve, decay and become deceased, there is a life after this present one. When a believer is absent from their body, they are fully present with the Lord. All creation seeks to have this full presence with God and groans (much like labor pains) while they await that presence. Knowing that this is the common end of all, the follower of Jesus must be controlled and directed by God's love. It is God's great and gracious love that recreates His creatures, having made His Son (Who knew no sin) to BE sin for us so we could BE recreated in His righteousness.

2 Corinthians 4

Since God's light is the brightest, no one should brag about how greatly they perform. The glory belongs to God, Who uses we lumps of clay to demonstrate the magnificent brightness of His glory. Because we are His creatures and under His control, nothing need upset or dismay us. Not even the difficulties of life will dishearten us, for the things that are not seen far outweigh those temporary setbacks of what we can observe.

2 Corinthians 3

Paul's verification of his ministry did not come from a letter of recommendation or self-promotion. It came from the Corinthians themselves. They knew what he had done among them during his time with them. Paul rested in the knowledge of that work - he did not need "independent verification" of his ministry. The 'cloudiness' over the understanding of some was not because of Paul's qualifications but due to the spiritual ignorance some had because of their spiritual deadness. Those who enjoy a relationship with the Lord, have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them and transforming them into knowledgeable and God-pleasing people.

2 Corinthians 2

Paul pours out his heart to the believers in Corinth. In his previous communications, he had called them to task in a few areas. He now writes that his intent was not to discourage them in their faith; but to encourage their growth and maturity in those specific areas. Those who had done wrong were to be forgiven so that all could progress in their development of faith. This matter was not a defeat for Corinth. Rather, it was like a victory parade. Depending on your role in the parade, it could be a great celebration (if you were the victor) or a funeral march (if you were the defeated). Paul reminds them that because of Christ's work in their life - they were victors!

2 Corinthians 1

Paul begins a second letter to the Corinthians by reminding them of the fellowship they have with one another - especially in difficult times. Paul had suffered many catastrophic events, and he reminded the Corinthians that he was able to endure them by remembering the grace that had been commonly shown to them both. He reminded them of his labor among them. There were no cleverly hidden messages; he always spoke to them plainly and clearly about the claims of the gospel message.

1 Corinthians 16

Paul concludes his letter to the Corinthian believers by encouraging them to assist others in their time of need. The church in Jerusalem, faced with famine and poverty, would greatly benefit from the assistance of other believers - even Gentile ones. Paul desires them to send one of their own to Jerusalem to communicate the friendship and bonds of faith that connect them to this church. He outlines some plans he has for travel and gives greeting to and from those known in their assembly. His final word is to express his desire to see the Lord return soon.

1 Corinthians 15:29 - 58

Paul continues to explain to the Corinthian believers about their future resurrection body. It will be unlike their current body but it will still give God all the glory. Knowing that this future state will give God glory, the Corinthians are encouraged to remain steadfast and loyal to the One who blesses them.

1 Corinthians 15:1 - 28

Paul states for his readers the centrality of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth to the gospel message. Without the reality of the resurrection, all is in vain. There is no effective faith, no afterlife, no hope for the future. If the resurrection did not occur, then those who believe in Jesus as the Messiah and Savior are the most deluded of all time and should rightly be pitied for their naivete. BUT, Paul says, HE IS RISEN! There is hope, there is a future, there is a Person in whom your faith can be anchored without disappointment. The question that remains, naturally, is where your faith finds its resting place.

1 Corinthians 14:21 - 40

Paul continues to emphasize the need for mutual growth in the Corinthian church. They were to be utilizing their spiritual gifts in a way that assisted others in spiritual growth without drawing attention to the bearer of the gift. By following this organization, Paul encouraged the believers to focus the attention and admiration on God Who gave the gifts rather than on any one personality in the church.

1 Corinthians 14:1 - 20

Paul encourages his readers to pursue the use of their gifts in a loving manner. Without love for others, the gifts one possesses will not be used in a helpful way. The possession of a spiritual gift is not the pinnacle of blessing; the proper use of that spiritual gift to encourage and build up others to the glory of God is. Paul uses, for an example, the gift of speaking in tongues. What benefit would there be if a person could speak fluently for an hour if none of the words were understood by those hearing them? Paul states that 5 understood words are far better than 10,000 unintelligible ones. The proper use of spiritual gifts is not self-gratification but mutual encouragement and growth.

1 Corinthians 13

Gifts given by the Holy Spirit to the body of believers for their mutual benefit are useless and worthless if they are not utilized in a loving manner. Communication is unprofitable if it is not done in a loving manner. Any good work done unlovingly is ultimately not a good work. Paul gives a detailed description of love; it assumes the best, it endures, it remains when all others have faded away.

1 Corinthians 12

Paul changes topics and begins discussing spiritual gifts. These gifts, given to all, are distributed by the Holy Spirit for the good of all - without regard for position, place or prominence. No one person has every gift, and not every gift is possessed by all. This highlights the need for a cooperative spirit in the church, so that all gifts are utilized in a way that mutually benefits all, and so that God receives the glory. For one member to think themselves able to operate outside the whole would be as ludicrous as an eye attempting to live independent of the body. Paul states that the operative motive is to desire the best gifts - those that will help the most people; and yet, he states, there is something even better.