Titus 1

Paul writes a letter to Titus, a minister on the island of Crete, about the necessity of maintaining and defending the purity of the Gospel message. The threats to the gospel were prevalent in Crete and Titus was to demonstrate through his life and lifestyle how different the Christian life was after being transformed by the message of the Gospel. Leaders are to live exemplary lives.

2 Timothy 4

Because of the pressure on Timothy to stand firm in troubling times and the rampant reality of false teachers in his city, Paul encouraged him to do one thing: Declare Truth. A favorite mentor of mine used to say "Truth has enough buoyancy to float on the sea of confusion." When Truth is declared, it will attract those seeking it to itself. Paul had made a practice of doing this throughout his career, and now his time was ending. He had faithfully finished, but the task still remained. Timothy would need to continue declaring Truth in his city and training others to carry on that noble task where they ministered. Paul concludes his letter with greetings to those who partnered with him, as well as warnings against those whose lives were damaging to the message of the Gospel.

2 Timothy 3

Paul warns younger Timothy about the dangers that will face him as he continues in ministry. Men are not naturally eager to hear how wicked they are compared to God's holiness; their wickedness will continue to grow as they become more and more depraved - even seeking to drag others with them in their follies. Timothy, however, has learned the way of Truth and seen the difference it made in Paul's life and ministry. He is encouraged to follow that example, an example that sets a high priority and value on the sufficiency of Scripture. God's Word is vital; solely responsible for transforming and completing a man.

2 Timothy 2

Paul encourages Timothy to continue passing along the teachings learned from Paul so that the message would not be lost. This task would be difficult, so Timothy would need endurance, stamina, skill and dedication. Paul himself was an example of undeterred service not because of his personality or charisma but due to his unswerving confidence that Jesus was faithful to His promises. Timothy's dedication would need to be to God and His Word, not to the teachings or traditions of men. He would need to contend to be an honorable instrument in God's hands.

2 Timothy 1

Paul writes a second letter to Timothy, encouraging him to remain faithful to his ministry. Paul, in the twilight of his earthly journey, reminds his younger partner of the heritage he enjoys and the powerful courage and boldness that results from grounding in firm reliance on God. Timothy does not have to be ashamed of his work, his association with Paul, or of the people among whom he ministers. God remains faithful; Timothy is to reflect that faithfulness in his own life and work in the same way that others have done.

2 Timothy 1

Paul writes a second letter to Timothy, encouraging him to remain faithful to his ministry. Paul, in the twilight of his earthly journey, reminds his younger partner of the heritage he enjoys and the powerful courage and boldness that results from grounding in firm reliance on God. Timothy does not have to be ashamed of his work, his association with Paul, or of the people among whom he ministers. God remains faithful; Timothy is to reflect that faithfulness in his own life and work in the same way that others have done.

1 Timothy 6

Paul teaches Timothy how to handle those who disagree with him. All are to be encouraged to embrace the truth and those that teach contrarily to the truth are to be exposed as opposing the teachings of Scripture. Timothy is reminded about the task that is his: representing God to the city and congregation among which he ministers.

1 Timothy 5

Paul continues to encourage Timothy to treat all members of his church congregation with respect. Regardless of their age or position in life, they are to be encouraged in their growth and instructed to further growth. Those who show themselves capable of leadership are to be patiently groomed and guided toward a place of service through leadership.

1 Timothy 4

Paul reminds Timothy of the priorities that he should have as the time he has in Ephesus is short. The focus should be on Christ, not the trivialities of life. His youth is not a deterrent but an asset as he shows through his changed life the difference that a relationship with Christ makes.

1 Timothy 3

Paul lays out for Timothy the qualities to look for and appreciate in those that would lead the local assembly of believers. The list of qualifications is strict and difficult to achieve - and that seems to be by design. Those that would lead must do so first of all by example, secondly by example, and thirdly by example. Somewhere down the line is "by word of teaching." Personal qualities are that critical because these are the men who explain the mystery of God's manifestation among us in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 2

Paul continues to encourage Timothy's work in Ephesus by reminding him to be a man of prayer. His prayers are to extend to all, not just those with whom he has good rapport. Even those outside of his faith are to receive his prayers. Paul then goes on to talk about the proper place of gender in Timothy's church. The men and women were to serve in distinct roles, demonstrating their understanding of God's plan in their society.

1 Timothy 1

Paul writes a personal letter to his "son in the faith," Timothy. Paul reminds him of his task while in Ephesus: to strengthen the understanding and knowledge of those in his care, to inoculate them against the false teachings that were prevalent in that city and to continue sharing the good news about Jesus of Nazareth. Timothy is well aware of Paul's former condition - one who stood vehemently against Jesus and all who would follow Him. Timothy is also aware that God had transformed this former persecutor into one who now lived to serve the God he once opposed. Encouragement is given to Timothy to not abandon such a transforming faith.

2 Thessalonians 3

Paul encourages his readers concerning the needs that his ministry faces. He desires their prayers on his behalf, so that the Gospel message is presented and represented well. The Thessalonians, too, are to be engaged in activity - not just waiting around for the Lord to return and set all things in order. Laziness is not the hallmark of a follower of Jesus. Peace is, however, so Paul ends his letter praying for them to know the comforting peace of God.

2 Thessalonians 2

Paul comforts and instructs his readers about the coming return of the Lord. Those who say that the Lord has already returned, or that the "end has already begun" are not speaking the truth. There are definite signs of Christ's return (signs Paul had already explained to the readers) that were not being fulfilled. The proper response to false teaching is to hold firmly to Truth. Truth, as one man put it, has enough buoyancy to float in the sea of confusion.

2 Thessalonians 1

Paul continues to encourage the believers in Thessalonica to live lives that demonstrate the transforming power of God. Their lives will proclaim God's goodness even in times of difficulty and trial. Their grace, faith and love are demonstrated to others - especially in times of trial.

1 Thessalonians 5

Paul continues to instruct his readers about the coming return of the Lord. He gives them basic information, not a detailed point-by-point schedule. The reminders are to encourage boldness and faithfulness, not laziness or apathy. God will return; we are to be faithful in the interim.

1 Thessalonias 4

Paul encourages his readers to live holy lives so that they will be well-pleasing to God. This pleasures comes not from their actions, but from the lives that produce such actions. There are those who are no longer living in the Thessalonian assembly. Paul encourages the remaining believers that their departed loved ones have not missed out on any of God's promised blessings.

1 Thessalonians 3

Paul expressed his desire to see the Thessalonians personally, but he was unable to do so. The pain of separation became so great that he sent his associate, Timothy, to visit and encourage them. The reports that came back were very comforting and appreciated. Paul asked God to continue strengthening and causing growth among these believers so that they were adequately prepared to face the coming appearance of Jesus for His church.

1 Thessalonians 2

Paul continues to remind his readers that the presentation of the Gospel message they heard was not one of coercion or twists of logic. It was the gentle patient nurturing actions like one would find among nursing mothers. The message was easy to grasp, carefully and lovingly presented and repeated as often as necessary. This message was eagerly accepted by the Thessalonian people as the Word of God it was. Because of their response, Paul was excited to return among them, but was kept from doing so.

1 Thessalonians 1

Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica about the faith that they possess. It was not obtained through rhetoric or presentation, but in the power of God - transforming them into new creatures for God's glory. Their transformation was so radical that they were shining examples to others in the region about the power of God to recreate a life. Who is noticing my transformation? What does it say about God's power in my life?