Friday, February 7, 2014

Notes on the Epistles

How can I, like Enoch, walk with God?
How does God see the Christian? How He sees us is how we need to see ourselves.
What does God say about the Christian? What He says about us we need to believe.
What does God require from the Christian? What He requires we must be obedient to put into practice.

Not withstanding everything that Jesus had to say on the issue, which only compounds it even more, scroll through the below and pay close attention at precisely how the Bible answers my questions above. A great many people are self-deceived into believing they have been saved when they have never received salvation. The Bible has much to say on the issue, and we should approach it with fear and trembling rather than with nonchalance, because it could turn out that we are one of the self-deceived. What are we to do with passages like 2 Corinthians 13:5 that challenges us to "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?" Or what about Hebrews 12:14 that encourages us to "Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord." How about where Peter urges us to "be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble" (2 Peter 1:10). Again, not withstanding Jesus' own words where he says in Matthew 7:21 that "Not every who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter."

The Bible takes the issue of salvation very seriously, and so must we—especially for ourselves. Paul said that he disciplined his body and made it his slave so that he would not be disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). We cannot live in various sins and think we are okay with God. The Bible offers us no assurance of salvation if we are living in habitual sin (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; et at.). Keep this in mind: "If it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?" (1 Peter. 4:19). Let us heed the words of Scripture and take them seriously, working out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) while we make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25).

Rom. 1:2The gospel was promised through the prophets in the Holy Scriptures.
4Jesus declared Son of God by His resurrection from dead.
5We need obedience of faith.
6We are called to belong to Christ.
8Their faith was proclaimed in all the world.
16The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
17The gospel reveals the righteousness of God for “the just/righteous shall live by faith”—from faith to faith.
18The wrath of God is revealed against ungodliness and unrighteousness in men who suppress the truth.
19God has revealed Himself to men.
20His invisible attributes have been clearly perceived since creation in all things made; they have no excuses.
21They knew of God but did not honour Him as God or thank Him.
22Claiming to be wise they became fools.
23They exchanged the glory of God for idols.
24God gave them up to the lusts of their hearts, dishonouring their bodies.
25They exchanged the truth of God for lies and worshiped the created instead of the Creator.
26God gave them up to dishonourable passions.
26-27They engaged in homosexual activity and received the due penalty in themselves for their error.
28They did not want to acknowledge God so He gave them up to a debase mind to do what ought not be done.
29-31They were filled with evil.
32They know God’s decree but approve and practice such evil.
2:1We have no excuse when condemning others; when we condemn others we condemn ourselves because we do the same thing.
2The judgment of God rightly falls on these.
4God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance.
5Our hard, impenitent hearts store up wrath against us.
6God will give according to our works.
7Eternal life.
8Wrath and fury.
9Tribulation and distress for doing evil.
10Glory, honour, peace for doing good.
11God shows no partiality.
12If you sin without the law, you will perish without the law; if you sin under the law you will be judged by the law.
13Hearers of law not justified, but doers (James 1:22).
15Those without the law obeying the law show the law is written on their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness.
16The thoughts of men will excuse or accuse them when God judges the secrets of men.
17-24God is blasphemed when our actions do not match our words before the world (Titus 1:16).
25Circumcision is valid if obey law, otherwise it is uncircumcision.
26Uncircumcision obeying law is circumcision.
27The uncircumcised law keeper will condemn the circumcised law breaker.
28A Jew is not one outwardly, nor circumcision of the flesh.
29A Jew is one inwardly, circumcision is of the heart.
3:1What advantage has the Jew?
3Our unrighteousness shows God’s righteousness.
9All are under sin.
10-18No one is good.
19Law speaks to those under law to shut up every mouth so the world is accountable to God.
20By the works of the law no one is justified; law brings knowledge of sin.
21-22Righteousness of God manifested through faith in Christ.
23“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.
24We are justified by His grace as a free gift through redemption in Jesus.
25God put Jesus forward as a propitiation for our sins to be received by faith; God’s forebearance passed over our former sins.
31Law not overthrown by faith but upholds it.
4:5The one who trusts God to justify the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.
7-8Blessed are those forgiven whose sin is not held against them.
10Abraham’s faith was counted righteousness before his circumcision, so it wasn’t gained by works.
11His circumcision was a seal of that righteousness in order to make him the father of all who believe, Jew or Gentile, without being circumcised in the flesh so that righteousness is counted to them, too.
12To make him the father of the circumcised who walk in the footsteps of faith as Abraham before he was circumcised.
13The promise of the world not made through law but righteousness of faith.
14If adherents to law are heirs, faith is null and promise void.
15Law brings wrath—where no law, no transgression.
16Promise depends on faith for all who share that faith.
21Abraham was convinced God was able to do what He promised.
24It will be counted to us who believe God raised Jesus from the dead.
25He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
5:1Justification by faith brings peace with God through Jesus.
2Through Jesus we have also obtained access by faith into grace wherewith we stand.
3We rejoice in sufferings knowing they produce endurance.
4Endurance produces character, character produces hope.
5Hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us.
6Christ died for the ungodly.
8“God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.
9Justified by His blood, saved from the wrath of God.
10Reconciled by His death, saved by His life.
12Sin came by one man and death spread to all men.
13Sin is not counted where there is no law.
14Death reigned over all.
15Many died through one man’s sin; free gift abounds for many.
16Judgment brought condemnation; free gift brings justification.
17Death reigned because of one man’s sin; free gift of righteousness through Christ brings reign in life.
18One sin led to condemnation for all; one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all.
19One man’s disobedience made all sinners; one man’s obedience will make many righteous.
20Law came in to increase the trespass; where sin increased grace abounded more.
6:1Shall we continue to sin so grace abounds?
2NO! How can we who died to sin continue in it?
3We are baptized into Christ’s death.
4Buried by baptism; raised to walk in newness of life.
5United in death like His, united in resurrection like His.
6Our old self was crucified with Him so that we are no longer enslaved to sin.
11Consider yourself dead to sin (it’s a fact, see Rom. 7:1-6), alive to God.
12Sin should not reign in your body (v.6) to make you obey it.
14Sin will have no power over you; you are not under law but under grace.
15Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? NO!
16We are slaves to whom we yield ourselves.
17We were once slaves to sin but are now obedient from the heart.
18We have been set free from sin becoming slaves of righteousness.
22Set free from sin, slaves of God; our fruit leads to sanctification and eternal life.
23Wages of sin is death; free gift of God is eternal life.
7:1Law binding as long as person lives.
2-3Example relating to above statement.
4We have died to the law through Christ to belong to God and bear fruit for Him.
5While living in flesh our sinful passions bore fruit for death.
6We are released from law, dead to our captor in order to serve in new life of Spirit—not under old written code (law).
7Is the law sin? NO! Without law I would not know sin.
8Through law sin produced all sorts of evil; apart from law sin is dead.
9Commandment gave life to sin and I died.
10The commandment that promised life became death.
11Sin used commandment to deceive and killed me.
12Law is holy, commandment holy, righteous, good.
13Did the good commandment bring death to me? NO! It was sin through what is good so sin might be shown as sin and become sinful beyond measure.
14Law is spiritual, I am fleshly (carnal, worldly) sold under sin (sold = entirely under the control of the love of sinning).
15I do not habitually practice what I want (to obey the law), but I practice what I hate (breaking the law) [see v.7-8].
16Doing what I don’t want proves the law good.
17If I agree the law is good, then it is sin in me doing what I do not want.
18Nothing good dwells in my flesh; I have the desire (to obey the law) but not the ability to do it.
19I do not practice the good I want (obeying the law) but the evil I do not want (breaking the law) [see v.7-8] is what I habitually practice.
20If I do what I do not want (break the law) it is sin in me.
22I delight in the law of God in my inner being.
23I’m captive to the law of sin in my members (compare 6:11, 14, 17-18, 22; 7:6; 8:2).
24Who will save me from this body of death (body of sin)?
25Thanks to God through Christ. I serve the law of God (old written code—compare v.6) with my mind but serve the law of sin (compare 6:6, 7, 11, 14, 18, 22; 7:4, 6, 8:2, 13, etc.) with my flesh.
8:1There is no condemnation for those in Christ.
2The Spirit has set us free from the law of sin and death.
3Law weakened by flesh; Jesus sent in likeness of flesh to condemn sin in flesh.
4Righteous requirement of law fulfilled in us who walk according to the Spirit.
5Fleshly minded vs. spiritually minded (death vs. life).
6Flesh is death; Spirit is life.
7Mind set on flesh hostile to God; does not submit to law—cannot.
8In flesh cannot please God (Heb. 11:6).
9We are not in flesh but Spirit if Spirit dwells in us; if do not have Spirit, do not belong to Christ.
11Spirit gives life.
13Living according to flesh is death; murdering deeds of flesh by Spirit is life.
14Sons of God are lead by Spirit.
16Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are sons.
17We must share in Christ’s sufferings in order to share His glory.
18Sufferings not comparable to glory to be revealed.
19Creation awaits revealing of sons of God.
22Creation groans to be set free.
23We await our adoption as sons, our redeemed bodies.
24Hope seen is not hope (Heb. 11:1).
25Hoping for unseen, patiently wait for it.
26Spirit helps in our weakness; Spirit intercedes in prayer for us.
27Spirit intercedes according to the will of God.
28All things work together for good to those who love God, those called according to His purpose.
29Those foreknown are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ.
30Those predestined have been called, those called have been justified, those justified have been glorified.
31“If god is for us, who can be against us?”
33Since God justifies, no charge against us will stand.
34Christ intercedes for us, who can condemn us?
35Who can separate us from God?
36For Christ’s sake we are put to death (2 Cor. 4:11).
37We are more than conquerors.
38-39Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
9:4-5These things belong to Israelites.
6The word of God has not failed because “not all who are descended from Israel (physical, national) belong to Israel (true, spiritual)”.
7“Not all are children of Abraham because they are his (physical) offspring”.
8Not the children of the flesh who are children of God but children of promise are counted as offspring (Gal. 3:16, 29).
11God’s election is not because of works but because of His calling.
15God shows mercy and compassion on whomever He wills—he is no respecter of persons (see Acts 10:34).
16It does not depend on human will or exertion but on God who has mercy.
17God raised Pharaoh up for the purpose of showing His power and glory.
18God has mercy on whomever He wills and hardens whomever He wills.
20Who are we to question how God has made us?
21Can the potter not make vessels appointed to dishonour and destruction (raising Pharaoh for the purpose of destroying him) and other vessels to honour and glory?
22God endures with much patience the vessels of destruction…
23…in order to show His glory for vessels of mercy that He has prepared for glory.
24To us whom He has called, both Jew and Gentile.
25-26Fulfillment of Old Testament referring to Gentile inclusion.
27Only a remnant of Israel will be saved.
30Gentiles obtained righteousness by faith.
31-32Israel pursued a law that would lead to righteousness, but didn’t pursue by faith but by works.
10:1Paul desires his kinsmen of the flesh to be saved.
3They are ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God and seek to establish their own, not submitting to God’s.
4Christ fulfilled the law in righteousness and is its end to all who believe.
5Righteousness of the law means the person must live by the commandments—flawlessly.
6The righteousness of faith says…
9…if you confess Jesus is Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10With the heart one believes and is justified; with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
11Belief in Him will not be shame.
12No distinction between Jew and Gentile.
13Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord, whether Jew or Gentile, will be saved.
14How are they to call on Him they’ve never believed? How are they to believe Him they’ve never heard? How are they to hear without preaching?
15How are they to preach unless sent?
17Faith comes from hearing, hearing through the word.
18Have they not heard? They have!
19-20Have they not understood? They have!
21God held out His hands to a disobedient and contrary people.
11:1Has God rejected His people? NO!
4God has always kept a faithful remnant.
5So too at present time God has kept a faithful remnant, chosen by grace.
7Did Israel fail to obtain what they sought? The elect Israelites obtained it (the remnant) but the rest were hardened.
11Through their trespass salvation came to Gentiles to make Israel jealous.
17Branches broken off (unbelieving Israel—see v.20, 23), wild branches grafted in (believing Gentiles).
20Branches broken off due to unbelief, wild branches stand fast through faith.
23If they do not continue in disbelief, the natural branches broken off will be grafted back in.
12:1Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable; this is your spiritual worship.
2Do not conform to world; renew your mind and be transformed; discern the will of God—what is good, acceptable, and perfect.
3Don’t be high minded of self.
4Many members, different functions.
6-8Differing gifts given us.
9Love should be genuine; hate evil, hold fast to good.
10Love one another, outdoing each other in honour.
11Don’t be slothful but fervent—serve the Lord.
12Rejoice in hope; be patient in tribulation; be constant in prayer.
13Contribute to needs of saints; show hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you—do not curse.
15Rejoice with rejoicers, weep with weepers.
16Live in harmony, do not be haughty, associate with lowly, do not be conceited.
17Do not repay evil for evil but do what is honourable.
18If it depends upon you, live peaceably with all men.
19Do not avenge yourselves.
20Feed and give drink to your enemy.
21Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.
13:1Be subject to authorities.
2Resisting authorities is resisting God who put them there.
3Good conduct receives no penalties.
4If you do wrong, he is God’s servant to carry out justice.
7Give to all what is due them.
8Owe no man anything; love each other and fulfill the law.
9These commandments are summed up in loving our neighbour.
10Love does no wrong to neighbour; love is fulfilling of law.
11Wake! Salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
12Put on the armour of light.
13Walk properly, not in sin.
14Put on the Lord Jesus—make no provision (allowance) for the flesh to gratify its desires (Gal. 5:16, 24).
14:1Welcome the weak in faith but not to quarrel over opinions.
2-12Don’t pass judgment upon each other; what you do do to the Lord; we shall give an account to God.
13Do not pass judgment on each other but decide not to put a stumbling block before your brother.
14Nothing is unclean in itself, but is for the person who thinks it is.
15If your brother is grieved by what you eat, you no longer walk in love.
16Do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil.
17Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy.
18Whoever serves Christ is acceptable by God.
19Pursue what leads to peace and mutual edification.
20Everything is clean, but it is wrong to make another stumble by what you eat.
21It is good not to do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
22Keep your faith between you and God.
23Whatever is not of faith is sin.
15:1The strong need to bear the failings of the weak, not pleasing ourselves.
2Please our neighbour for his good and build him up.
3Christ bore our reproaches.
4Through endurance and Scripture we have hope.
5May God grant us to live in harmony with each other in Christ.
6Glorify God with one voice.
7Welcome one another as Christ welcomed us.
8-12Gentiles to glorify God with His people.
20Preaching where no one has laid a foundation (2 Cor. 10:13, 15-16).
21Those never told will see, those never heard will understand.
24We should enjoy each other’s company.
27We share spiritual blessings, we should serve with material blessings.
30Strive in prayers on behalf of others.
16:12Watch for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to doctrine taught—avoid them.
18They don’t serve Christ but themselves, deceiving their hearers with smooth talk.
19Be wise to what is good and innocent and as to what is evil.
20God will soon crush Satan.
25God is able to strengthen us through the gospel.
26Be obedient by/through faith.

1 Cor. 1:1“Called by the will of God”—not his own doing or own decision.
2We are sanctified in Christ, called to be saints with all who call upon the name of the Lord—“Those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”.
4We should thank God for His grace given to others, but also to ourselves.
5We were enriched in Christ in every way.
7The church will not be lacking in any spiritual gift until the revealing of Christ.
8Christ will sustain us to the end—guiltless on the Day of Judgment.
9We were called into fellowship by God.
10We are to agree, having no division, being one mind with one judgment.
11Quarreling due to teachers they follow.
12We do not follow men, but Christ.
17Eloquent wisdom empties the cross of its power.
18Word of cross is foolishness to the perishing, but to those being saved it is power of God.
20God has made foolish the wisdom of the world.
21We are saved through the foolishness of preaching.
22Jews demand signs, Greeks demand wisdom.
23-27Christ crucified is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Greeks; to those who are called, both Jew and Greek, Christ is the power and wisdom of God.
29None of us can boast in the presence of God.
30God is our source of life in Christ; God made Christ our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
31Boast only in the Lord.
2:6Wisdom of the Spirit is not wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age.
7Wisdom of the Spirit is secret and hidden wisdom of God.
10God revealed these things to us through the Spirit.
11The Spirit understands the thoughts of God.
12We received the Spirit of God that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
13The Spirit interprets spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
14Natural man does not understand things of God because they are spiritually discerned.
15Spiritual person discerns all things but is discerned of no man.
16We have the mind of Christ.
3:1Paul cannot address them as spiritual, but as fleshly babes in Christ.
2He gives them milk because they are not ready for meat.
3He says they are still of the flesh (contrast to being of the Spirit).
4Following your favourite authors is being fleshly.
6One plants, one waters, but God gives the increase.
7Planter and waterer cannot boast, except in God who gave the growth.
9We are God’s fellow-workers, His field, His building.
13Our works will become manifest on the Day of the Lord as fire tests them.
14Work that survives will yield a reward.
15Work that burns up will yield loss, but the person will be saved.
16We are God’s temple; God’s Spirit dwells in us (v.17; 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16).
17We are God’s temple (v.16; 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16).
21Don’t boast in man.
4:2Stewards must be trustworthy.
3Paul leaves his judgment of himself in God’s hands, whose judgment is true.
4“I am not aware of anything against myself”—Paul’s testimony of himself; compare with Acts 24:16; Phil. 4:9; 1 Cor. 9:27; 2 Tim. 4:7—and yet people want to claim that Paul’s everyday life was one of defeat and not doing what he wanted to do or knew he should do.
5We are not to condemn—God will do this.
7Why do we boast in what we have received as if we never received it?
8-13Should be the reality of all Christians in the eyes of the world.
14Paul doesn’t try to shame them, but admonish them.
15We have many guides in Christ, but not many fathers.
16“Be imitators of me” (see v.4).
17Timothy would remind them of Paul’s ways in Christ, which he taught everywhere in every church (see v.4).
20Kingdom of God consists in power—not talk.
21Come with rod? Or with love in spirit of gentleness.
5:1“Christians” doing things the world would not do.
2Such sinners need be removed from the church.
5Destruction of the flesh, deliverance of the spirit.
7Christ has been sacrificed, therefore we are unleavened.
9-10Correcting a misunderstanding from his previous letter.
11Do not associate with sexually immoral people if they bear the name of Christ.
12We are not to judge those outside the church, but those inside.
13God judges outsiders. We need to remove the evil persons from among us.
6:1-6If Christians have a dispute, it should come before the saints—not before the unholy, unrighteous courts of law.
7Having lawsuits at all is already a defeat for us. Suffer loss as Christ.
9-10Unrighteousness will not inherit the kingdom of God; these people will not inherit the kingdom of God.
11We were such things but we are not now.
15Our bodies are members of Christ, should we make them members of a prostitute? Never!
16If you’re joined to a prostitute, you become one flesh.
17If you’re joined to the Lord, you become one spirit.
18Flee from sexual immorality (2 Tim. 2:22).
19Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you (3:16-17; 2 Cor. 6:16).
20You were bought with a price.
7:1It’s okay to remain single without sexual relations.
2Because of temptation, a man should marry a woman and a woman should marry a man.
3Man and woman should give their conjugal rights to each other.
4Neither has authority over their own body, but their spouse does.
5Do not deprive each other, unless for an agreed upon time, so the devil does not tempt you.
8It is good not to marry.
9If you will burn with passion, marry!
10-11The Lord gives this command: do not divorce; if you do, remain single or be reconciled.
12-16Paul says—not the Lord: if married to unbeliever and they are content, do not divorce; if they are not content, let them go. You are not enslaved. God has called you to peace. If they want to go and you force them to stay, you will not have peace. The unbeliever is made holy because of the believer. You do not know if you will save your spouse, so if they are content do not divorce them.
17Remain as you were called.
18-19Circumcision and uncircumcision count for nothing.
20Remain in the condition you were called.
23You were bought with a price, do not become slaves of men.
24Remain in the condition you were called.
25-31Live as though you have and are nothing because the things of this world are passing away.
32-35We must have good order and undivided devotion to the Lord.
39We are bound to our spouse as long as they live; when they die we are free to be married as long as that person is in the Lord.
8:6All things are from God for whom we exist; all things are from Christ through whom we exist.
7Through former association with idols, people eat food as if really offered to idols and their weak conscience is defiled. *This is true regarding those who once offered music to the devil!
8Food will not commend us to God. We are no better if we eat or do not eat. *Same with music!
9Take care that this right does not cause the weak to stumble.
9:20“Though not being under the law myself”.
21“Not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ”.
24“Run so that you may obtain the prize.
27Discipline your bodies; keep them under control lest we be disqualified.
10:5With most God was not pleased and they were overthrown.
6-11Example for us.
12If you think you stand, take heed lest you fall.
13God will not let us be tempted beyond what we are capable of handling, but He also provides a way of escape that we may endure it.
24Don’t seek your own good but the good of your neighbour.
26The earth and its fullness are the Lord’s.
31Do all things to the glory of God!
11:1“Be imitators of me as I am of Christ” (see 4:4).
2-13Women wearing a covering.
14Disgrace for men with long hair.
15Glory for women with long hair—given to her for a covering (answer 2-13).
16No such practices!
19Must be divisions so that the genuine may be recognized.
20-22Lord’s supper is not a place to eat and drink and fill ourselves while others go hungry.
23-25Lord’s supper is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice.
26We proclaim His death until He comes.
27-34Do not partake of the Lord’s supper unworthily.
12:3No one speaking in the Spirit of God says “Jesus is accursed!”; no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Spirit.
4Variety of gifts, but one Spirit.
5Variety of service, but one Lord.
6Variety of activities, but one God who empowers them all in everyone.
7Each is given manifestation of Spirit for common good.
8-10Gifts of the Spirit.
11Empowered by one and same Spirit who gives as He wills.
12-27Many members, one body—body of Christ.
28Order appointed.
31Desire the greater gifts, but there is a more excellent way.
13:1Without love I am just noise.
2Without love I am nothing.
3Without love I gain nothing.
4-8aLove is all these things.
8bGifts will pass away.
9Our gifts are in part.
10When the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
12We see unclearly, but will see face-to-face; we know in part, but shall know fully as we have been known.
13Faith, hope, and love—greatest is love.
14:1Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy.
3Prophesying builds up people and encourages.
4Speaking in a tongue (language) builds up self, but prophecy builds up church.
5Prophecy is greater than tongues, unless someone interprets so that the church is build up (edified).
6-9If you speak in a tongue and it is unintelligible, how will they know what is said?
10Many languages in the world but none is without meaning.
11If I do not know the meaning of the language, then I am foreign to speaker and him to me.
12Strive to excel in building up the church—not self.
13Whoever speaks in a tongue (language) should pray to interpret.
16If you praise with a tongue (language), how can an outsider say “Amen” if he does not understand?
17Other person not built up.
20Be infants in evil, but mature in thinking.
21KEY!!! “By people of strange tongues (languages) I will speak to this people (Israel).”
22Tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers (Jews—see 1:22); prophesy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.
23If all speak in tongues (languages) and an outsider comes in, he will think you have lost your minds.
24If all prophesy and an outsider comes in, he is convicted by all; he is called to account by all.
25Secrets of his heart are disclosed and so he will worship God.
26Let all things be done for edifying.
33God is not the author of confusion.
40All things should be done decently and in order.
15:1-2We stand in the gospel by which we are being saved if we hold fast to it, unless we believed in vain.
3-4Christ dies, was buried, and rose on the third day in accordance with Scripture (O.T.).
5-8His appearing to the brethren as evidence of His resurrection.
10God’s grace makes us what we are and gives us what we have.
12If Christ is raised from the dead, it is foolish to say there isn’t a resurrection of the dead.
13If there isn’t a resurrection of the dead, then Christ isn’t resurrected.
14If Christ isn’t resurrected then preaching and faith are in vain.
15We should be misrepresenting God.
16See v.13.
17See v.14—you are still in your sins.
19We are a people to be pitied if this is true (v.12-18).
20Christ has been raised, the first fruits of those who sleep (are dead).
22“All”—Adam effected all; “shall all”—condition, Christ effects only the believers.
23Christ first, then at His coming all who belong to Him.
24Then comes the end (the second coming) when Christ turns the kingdom over to God after putting all His enemies under His feet.
25He must reign until His enemies are under food (refer to v.23-24).
26Last enemy to be destroyed is death.
32If there is no resurrection, “let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die”.
33“Bad company ruins good morals”.
34“Do not go on sinning for some have no knowledge of God” and we’re the only Bible they may ever read.
35-49Contrast of physical body with spiritual body; what we have now is the image of Adam, what we will have then is the image of Christ.
50“Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God”; perishable does not inherit imperishable.
51We will not all die but we will all be changed.
52At the last trump; it will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable and we will all be changed.
53Perishable must put on imperishable, mortal must put on immortality.
54When v.53 occurs, “Death will be swallowed up in victory”.
56Sting of death is sin, power of sin is law.
57God gives us the victory through Jesus.
16:2Put something aside for the saints as the Lord prospers you.
13Be watchful; stand firm in the faith; act like men; be strong.
14Do all in love.
22If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed.

2 Cor. 1:1“By the will of God”—not his own doing or own decision.
4God comforts us in our affliction so we may comfort others in their affliction.
3-7We share sufferings and comfort.
8-11Rely not on selves but on God who raises the dead.
20In Christ the promises of God find their “Yes”.
22Spirit given as a guarantee—down payment (2 Cor. 5:5; Eph. 1:13; 4:30).
2:8Reaffirm our love to those who cause us pain.
15We are the aroma of Christ among those being saved and among those perishing.
3:6We are ministers of a new covenant—not by letter but by Spirit; letter kills, Spirit gives life.
7-11Glory of Spirit bigger, brighter, better than glory of letter.
17Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
18Transformed into same image, from one glory to another (1 Cor. 15:40-41).
4:3Gospel veiled to those who are perishing.
4God of this world has blinded them.
6God shone in our hearts to give light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
7The treasure is the gospel light and grace.
8-12Evil happens to us but does not discourage/dissuade us.
15Grace extends to increase thanksgiving to glory of God.
17Momentary affliction prepares us for eternal weight of glory.
5:5Given Spirit as guarantee—down payment (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13; 4:30).
7“Walk by faith, not by sight”.
10We will all appear before the judgment seat to receive what is due, whether good or evil.
14The love of Christ controls us.
15We don’t live for ourselves but for Him.
17If you are in Christ you are a new creation; the old has passed away, the new has come.
18We were reconciled so that we may reconcile.
20God makes his appeal through us.
21Jesus was made sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God.
6:2Now is the day of salvation.
4-5Hardships.
6-7Blessings.
8-10Various conditions in this world we must face and stand appropriately.
13Widen your hearts.
14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
16We are the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19).
7:1Cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bring holiness to completion in fear of God (relates to 6:16-18).
9Grief should lead to repentance—godly grief.
10-11Godly grief produces repentance, worldly grief produces death.
8:2In severe affliction, the abundant joy and extreme poverty of Macedonian saints overflowed in wealth of generosity.
3They gave according to and above their means.
4Wanting to partake in the relief of the saints.
8Genuine love is demonstrated by our aiding the saints.
14Our abundance should supply need so that abundance may supply our need.
9:6We reap what we sow (Rom. 8:5-6, 13; Gal. 6:7-8).
7Give as we have determined, not reluctantly or compulsory.
10:1Humble when face to face, bold when away.
17Boast in the Lord.
11:14Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15His servants disguise themselves as ministers of light.
16-28Paul boasts a little since the Corinthians seem to enjoy putting up with boasters, but he boasts in his weaknesses.
12:9“My grace is sufficient for you; mo power is made perfect in weakness”.
10When we are weak we are strong.
21We should mourn over the sin others refuse to repent of.
13:1Every charge must be established by 2 or 3 witnesses.
5Examine yourselves to see if you’re in the faith; Jesus is in you unless you fail the test.
9Pray for the restoration of others.
11Aim for restoration; comfort each other; agree; live in peace.

Gal. 1:10Do we seek man’s approval or God’s?
15Before he was born, Paul had been set apart for the task he was now undertaking.
2:2Paul went and made himself accountable, making sure the gospel he preached was correct.
4-5Do not submit to those who would make you slaves instead of free.
6Those Paul made himself accountable to added nothing to what he was preaching.
10Remember the poor.
11-14Watch your lifestyle and do not act hypocritically; there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free—act in a manner worthy of the truth of the gospel (Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12).
20I have been crucified with Christ; Christ lives in me; I live life by faith!
3:2We receive the Spirit by hearing with faith (Rom. 10:17).
3We began by the Spirit, we continue by the Spirit—not the flesh.
5The Spirit and miracles are supplied by hearing with faith.
7Those of faith are true sons of Abraham.
10If you’re under the law, you are cursed.
11The righteous shall live by faith!
14In Christ, the blessing of Abraham is imparted to me.
16The promises made to Abraham refer to Christ and are fulfilled in Christ.
17The law doesn’t annul the covenant made with Abraham by God’s promise.
19-24If the law could have given life, righteousness would have been by the law. Scripture has concluded all under sin. The law was our school master guiding toward Christ where faith would be revealed.
29If you belong to Christ, you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs of the promise.
4:8-9You were slaves; how can you turn back and want to be slaves again?
11Paul is worried they might be false converts.
21-27Those born under the law are of the flesh; those born under the Spirit are of the promise; the bride (the church) will have less children than those who are unsaved.
28-31Those born of the Spirit will be persecuted by those born of the flesh.
5:1Christ set us free (John 8:32, 26) for freedom; we are to stand in that freedom and not enslave ourselves to our former lusts.
4If a person desires to be justified by the law, he is severed from Christ and has fallen from grace.
6Faith working through love (Rom. 13:8-10) is the key.
9A bit of untruth will make the whole an untruth. Guard your doctrine (1 Tim. 4:16).
13We were called to freedom; do not submit your freedom to the flesh.
14Love is the fulfillment of the law (Rom. 13:8-10).
15How the flesh acts—not how love of the Spirit act.
16Walk by the Spirit (with His help) and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh.
17The Spirit keeps you from doing the things you would normally do if you were in the flesh.
19-21Evidences you are in the flesh—you will not inherit the kingdom of God if these characterize your life.
22-23Evidence you are in the Spirit—born again.
24If you belong to Christ, you have crucified the flesh and its desires.
25If you truly live in the Spirit, walk by Him (with His help).
26How the flesh acts.
6:1Restore a brother caught in sin and watch we don’t fall into temptation ourselves.
2Bear each other’s burdens with love.
7-8CONTRAST: You cannot mock God; if you sow to your flesh, you will die; if you sow to the Spirit, you will live (Rom. 8:5-6, 13).
9-10Do good to everyone, but especially to the brethren.
12-13Those who don’t want to be persecuted for the cross of Christ make a good show in the flesh so they can boast in the flesh of themselves to others.
14The world has been crucified to me and I have been crucified to the world.
15A new creation is what counts—am I born again? Has there been a change in my life? Has the liar become truthful? Has the deceiver become honest? Examine the life of Zacchaeus.
16If you walk as a new creation, peace and mercy be to you.

Eph. 1:3God has blessed us with every heavenly blessing.
4Before the world had been created, God chose us (believers) to be holy and blameless.
5In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Christ, according to the purpose of His will.
7We are redeemed through Christ’s blood and forgiven our trespasses (Col. 1:14).
11God works all things according to His will.
13If we believed on Christ, we were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit—we cannot lose our salvation (4:30).
14The Spirit is our guarantee of inheritance until we acquire it.
15The Ephesians loved all the saints, not just those who were exactly like them.
16Remember the saints and give thanks for them in prayer.
2:1You were dead in trespasses and sins (Rom. 7:7-12).
2You once walked.
2-3Following the world, the devil, and our flesh, carrying out the desires of body and mind, we were children of wrath.
4God is rich in mercy and full of love.
5By grace you were saved—not anything else (Rom. 5:8).
6Positionally, we are already raised up and seated with Christ in victory.
8By grace you are saved through faith—faith is a gift from God.
9Faith is not a work of the flesh, so men cannot boast their faith saved them—it was grace.
10We were created in Christ for good works that God determined before that we should walk in them.
20Jesus is the cornerstone, the apostles and prophets the foundation.
3:6The mystery of the gospel is that Gentiles are fellow heirs and partakers of the promise.
4:1Walk in a manner worthy of your calling (Phil. 1:27; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12).
2Walk in humility, gentleness, patience, bearing each other in love (Gal. 6:2; Col. 3:12-15).
15Speak truth in love; grow up in every way in Christ.
17Don’t walk in the futility of the mind.
20You did not learn Christ to give yourself to sensuality.
22Put off the old self (Rom. 6:1-12, 14; Col. 3:8-9).
23Be renewed in the spirits of your minds (Rom. 12:2).
24Put on the new self (Rom. 6:4; Col. 3:10).
25Put away lies and speak the truth.
27Do not give opportunity to the devil.
28Evidence of the new creation.
29No corrupt or perverse talk is to be in our mouths; what is in the heart will come out of the mouth (Matt. 12:34) and that bears witness against us.
30Do not grieve the Holy Spirit. We were sealed by the Spirit until the day of redemption—you cannot lose your salvation.
31These are works of the flesh, not the Spirit.
32These are works of the Spirit.
5:1Be imitators of God!
2Walk in love (1 Thess. 3:12).
3-5These have no place among the saints and those who do them have no inheritance in the kingdom of God.
8You once were darkness but are now life; walk as children of light.
9The fruit (evidence) of light is found in all that is good, right, and true (Phil. 4:8).
10Discern what is pleasing to the Lord—that which isn’t, do not do.
11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but expose them.
15Look carefully how you walk, being wise.
16Don’t squander your time, make the best use of it (Col. 4:5).
17Understand what the will of the Lord is.
18Don’t be filled with wine, which leads to debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.
20Give thanks always and in everything.
22-23Marital advice.
6:1-4Parental advice.
5-9Applies to the work place—do the will of God from the heart, not to please men but to please God.
11Put on the armour of God so you can stand firm.
14Be girded up with truth; act in righteousness.
15Walk in the peace of the gospel.
16Hold faith as your shield to defend against all—faith is the key to the Christian life.
17Know your salvation and use the Word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12).
18Pray at all times (1 Thess. 5:17); keep alert, make supplication for the saints.

Phil. 1:6If God began a work in us, He will complete it.
9-10Our love should abound with knowledge and discernment so we can approve what is excellent and be pure and blameless (Acts 24:16).
11We should be filled with the fruit of righteousness.
20Christ should be honoured in our bodies, whether by life or by death—is my life honouring to Him?
27Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel (Eph. 4:1; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12).
29It has been granted that we should believe in Christ but also to suffer for Him.
2:3Consider others more significant than yourselves.
4Look to other people’s interests as well.
8Christ is our example—be humble and obedient.
10-11Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.
12Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; be sure of it.
14-15Do not grumble or complain when you do things; be blameless and innocent.
21Most seek their own interests rather than Christ’s interests.
29-30Honour those who labour for Christ and nearly die.
3:3Believers are the true circumcision.
8(See Luke 14:26 and Matt. 10:37, 39).
9Righteousness from God depends on faith.
12We are not perfect, but we press on toward the goal.
16If we have attained righteousness, let us hold true to it.
17Imitate the godly and walk according to their example.
18-19CONTRAST: to verse 17.
4:4Rejoice in the Lord always.
6Do not be anxious for anything. In all things, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
8This is how a Christian—born again as a new creation—is to think, but also do (see verse 9).

Col. 1:4The Colossians had love for all the saints.
6When you hear and understand and believe the gospel, it will bear fruit and grow. “bearing fruit and growing…since the day you heard and understood”.
10Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord (Phil. 1:27; Eph. 4:1; 1 Thess. 2:12); pleasing Him and bearing fruit in every good work.
13God has delivered us from the domain of darkness (Rom. 6:13).
14(See Eph. 1:7).
21Once were alienated and hostile in mind (Rom. 8:7).
22We were reconciled to be presented holy and blameless.
23If you continue in faith, verse 22 is true of you—those who do not are false converts.
28Mature in Christ. There must be growth.
2:6As you received Jesus (if you received Him) so walk in Him!; established in the faith, abounding in thanksgiving.
11“Circumcision without hands” (see Rom. 2:29).
12(See Rom. 6:4).
13-14Good news!
16Let no one pass judgment in regards to customs and traditions.
17Sabbath was a foreshadow. It was not permanent.
20-23Holding to rules is no value to the indulgence of the flesh.
3:1If you have been raised with Christ, seek those things above.
2Set your mind on things above.
5-6Things of the flesh—put them to death (Rom. 8:13).
7You once walked in these.
8-9Put off these and the old self (Rom. 6:1-13, 14).
10Put on the new self (Rom. 6:4).
12-15Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, love, peace, and thankfulness (Gal. 6:2; Eph. 4:2).
16Let the words of Christ dwell in you richly (John 15:3 [cf. 7]).
17Do everything unto the Lord, giving thanks.
18-22Relational advice.
23Work as unto God and not men.
4:2Continue steadfastly in prayer with watchfulness and thanksgiving.
5Conduct yourselves wisely; make the best use of the time (Eph. 5:16).
6Speak graciously, seasoned with salt.

1 Thess. 1:6Become imitators of the godly and of God.
10Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come.
2:4Speak to please God who tests our hearts, and not to please men.
10You are witnesses how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was—can we say that about ourselves?
12Walk in a manner worthy of God (Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27; Col. 1:10).
13Believer God’s Word for what it is—God’s Word!
3:3We are destined for afflictions.
5Paul sent to make sure they weren’t one of the 3 bad soils, having been tempted by the tempter.
12Abound in love (Eph. 5:2).
13So we may be blameless in holiness.
4:1How you ought to live and please God—there is a way to live that leads to life.
3The will of God is our sanctification; that we abstain from sexual immorality.
4That we know how to control our bodies in holiness and honour.
5CONTRAST: (verse 4) Not in the passion of lust as those who do not know God.
7God has not called us for impurity but in holiness.
8Disregarding what we are called for is disregarding God.
13-17They were worried what would happen to those who died.
5:9We are not destined for wrath but salvation.
12Respect those who labour among you.
13Esteem them highly in love because of their work; be at peace among yourselves.
14Admonish the idle; encourage the fainthearted; help the weak; be patient with all.
15Do good to all, not evil.
16Rejoice always.
17Pray without ceasing.
18Give thanks in all circumstances (this is the will of God).
19Do not quench the Spirit.
20Do not despise prophecies.
21Test everything; hold to what is good.
22Abstain from all appearances of evil.
11-2722 commandments for the Christian.
27God is faithful and will do what He has called you to.

2 Thess. 1:3Our love for others should be increasing.
7-8“Revealed form heaven with mighty angels in flaming fire…” (Rev. 19:14).
2:3The day of the Lord, where we shall be gathered to Him, will not occur until the apostasy comes and the man of sin is revealed.
4The man of sin will proclaim himself to be god.
8The coming of the Lord will destroy the man of sin.
11God sends the perishing a strong delusion so that they believe the lie of the man of sin.
12All who did not believe the truth are condemned.
3:6Keep away from any brother walking in idleness.
7Imitate the godly.
10If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

1 Tim. 1:5Love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.
8The law is good if used lawfully.
9-10The law is for the unjust, disobedient, ungodly, sinners, unholy, profane, and all else.
13Paul received mercy because he acted ignorantly in unbelief.
15Christ came to save sinners.
19Hold faith; hold a good conscience.
2:1Supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgiving for all men.
2For high authorities (presidents, prime ministers, kings, etc.).
3:2-5Good qualities for any godly man.
8-12Good qualities for any godly man.
4:1In the last days there will be apostasy.
4If a thing is received in thanks, it is good and made holy by the word and prayer.
7Train yourself for godliness.
12Set an example for others in speech, conduct, love, faith, purity.
13Devote yourself to public reading of Scripture, exhorting, and teaching.
16Watch your lifestyle closely, and your doctrine/teaching.
5:1Encourage older men like fathers; do not rebuke them.
8Provide for your own family.
14What women should do to avoid doing verse 13.
20Rebuke those persistent in sin before all.
22Keep yourself pure! (1 John 3:3).
25Good works cannot remain hidden.
6:6There is great gain in godliness through contentment.
8We should be content with good and clothing.
11Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
12Fight the fight of faith.
18Do good, be rich in good works, be generous and ready to share.

2 Tim. 1:7God gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-control.
9We’re called to a holy calling.
2:10“Elect…may obtain the salvation” – means they have not yet obtained it.
15Study to be approved by God, rightly handling the word of truth.
19Everyone who names the name of the Lord must depart from sin.
20(See Rom. 9:21).
21Expanding on verse 19 (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5-6).
22Flee youthful passions (1 Cor. 6:18); pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace.
23Avoid foolish, ignorant controversies.
24Don’t quarrel; be kind; teach; patiently endure evil.
25Correct opponents with gentleness; “God may grant them repentance”—God gives it.
3:2-5Avoid these people.
12All who desire to live a godly life will endure persecutions.
16All Scripture comes from God and is able to teach what is wrong, what is right, how to get right, and how to stay right.
4:2Reprove (convict), rebuke (correct), and exhort (teach).
3-4People will not endure sound teaching but will go for what pleases their ears.
7Can we say these about ourselves?

Titus 1:6-9Good qualities for any godly man.
16False converts profess to know God but deny Him by their works.
2:2-8How they should act.
12CONTRAST: We are to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives (Rom. 8:13).
3:1Be submissive, obedient, ready for good works.
2Speak evil of no one (James 4:11); avoid quarrels; be gentle and show courtesy to all.
3We were once foolish, disobedient, slaves to passions.
9Avoid foolish controversies and quarrels about the law.
10Those who try to divide, warn hem twice and then have nothing to do with them—they are self-condemned.

PhilemonPhilemon is about reconciliation and relationships between Christians.

Heb. 1:1God used to speak through prophets.
2God now speaks through His Son.
3Jesus has the same nature as God.
4He is superior to angels.
5Which angel did God ever call “son”?
6The angels worship the Son.
7Angels are His ministers.
8-9The Son, who is God, reigns forever with anointing.
13Which angel did God ever tell to sit at His right hand?
14Angels are ministering servants to those who inherit salvation.
2:1Therefore, pay attention to what you heard.
2Since the message from angels was true…
3…How shall we escape if we neglect such salvation?
4God bore witness of the truth.
5God did not subject the world to angels.
6-9Everything was made subject to Christ.
10All things exist for and by God.
11-13He who sanctifies and those sanctified have one origin.
14Since we share flesh and blood, he partook of the same in order to free us.
16He helps the offspring of Abraham—Jews and Gentiles in faith.
17He had to become like us to make propitiation for sins.
18Because he suffered when tempted, He is able to help us
3:2Jesus was faithful to God.
3Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses.
5Moses was faithful in God’s house.
6Jesus was faithful over God’s house as a son; we are his house (temple) if we hold fast.
7-11If the Spirit calls, don’t harden your heart.
12Take care not to have an unbelieving heart leading you to fall away from God.
13Exhort one another that none be hardened by deceitful sin.
14We share in Christ if we hold our confidence firm to the end (Matt. 24:13; 10:22; Mark 13:13; Luke 21:19).
4:3We who believe will enter Christ’s rest.
6Failure to enter is due to disobedience.
7“Today”—today is the day of salvation.
8“If Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of a future day”.
9There remains a Sabbath rest for God’s people—believers (see. v.3).
11Strive to enter that rest so you don’t fall by disobedience.
12The Word of God is able to discern our thoughts and intents of the heart.
13Nothing is hidden from God whom we shall give account.
14Jesus is our High Priest.
15Jesus was tempted like us, yet without sin, and can sympathize with us.
16Draw near to the throne so God can help in our need.
5:5-6Christ was appointed high priest by God.
8He learned obedience through suffering.
9Jesus is the source of eternal salvation to all who obey.
11Some of you are dull of hearing.
12You should be teachers by now but still require teaching of the basics; you need milk instead of meat.
13Children live off milk, unskilled in the Word.
14Solid food is for the mature who have discernment.
6:1Leave the basics and mature; you cannot lay the foundation of repentance (from works) and faith (toward God) again.
4-6Those who have partaken of and know the truth of Christ, if they apostatize, cannot repent because they crucify Christ again (see v.8).
10Serve the saints.
11Show earnestness to have full assurance of hope until the end.
18It is impossible for God to lie.
7:2Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; he was king of Salem (peace).
9Levi paid tithes through Abraham.
10Because he was in Abraham’s loins at the time (hence why we were sinners when Adam sinned—because we were in his loins).
19The law made nothing perfect.
22Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant.
25He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him since He makes intercession for them.
27Christ offered Himself a sacrifice for sins once for all.
8:1Jesus is seated at the right hand of God.
2“True tent (tabernacle)” set up by the Lord—not man.
5Earthly priests serve a copy and shadow of heavenly things.
6The covenant Christ mediates is better, enacted on better promises.
7If first covenant faultless, no need for second.
8-12The new covenant (Jer. 31:31-34).
13The first covenant has been made obsolete.
9:1-10The earthly holy place; tabernacle.
9The first section of the holy places “is symbolic of this present age”.
11“More perfect tent” not made with human hands.
12Christ entered the holy places once for all by means of His own blood, securing eternal redemption.
14How much will Jesus’ blood purify our conscience from dead works to serve God?
15Christ is mediator of new covenant; called to receive promised eternal inheritance; His death redeems us from our sins committed under the first covenant.
17A will requires death in order to be established. A will is not in force as long as the person lives.
18First covenant inaugurated by blood, too.
22“Without the shedding of blood there is no remission (forgiveness) for sin”.
24Christ did not enter holy places made by hands, copies of true things, but entered heaven itself, appearing before God on our behalf.
26He appeared once for all at “the end of the ages” to put away sin by His sacrifice.
27Man dies once and then comes judgment.
28Christ will appear a second time to save those eagerly waiting for Him.
10:1The law has a shadow of the true realities and cannot make perfect those who draw near.
4Blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin.
9He abolished the first covenant to set up the second covenant.
10By God’s will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Christ once for all.
12After offering a single sacrifice, Christ sat down at the right hand of God.
13He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool (1 Cor. 15:25-28).
14With single offering He perfected those being sanctified.
18Where there is forgiveness for sin there is no longer offering for it.
20We enter the holy places by Jesus’ blood.
21Jesus’ flesh was the reality of the curtain; when flesh torn open, living way opened for us.
22Draw near to God with a true heart full of assurance of faith.
23Hold fast our confession without wavering; God is faithful.
24Stir up each other toward love and good works.
25Do not neglect coming together in fellowship; encourage each other.
26If we sin deliberately after knowing the truth, there is no sacrifice for sins.
27Only fearful expectation of judgment.
29How bad is the punishment for spurning Christ, profaning the blood of the covenant that sanctifies us, and outraging the Spirit of grace?
31It is fearful to fall into the hands of God.
11:1Faith is assurance/substance of things hope for, the conviction/evidence of things not seen.
4Abel commended as righteous for his faith.
5Enoch commended as pleasing God for his faith.
6Without faith it is impossible to please God; must believe He exists and rewards seekers.
7Noah became an heir of righteousness for his faith.
8-10Abraham looked forward by faith to a city built by God (the New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, the church).
11Sarah by faith considered God faithful.
12States the fulfilling of the promise.
35-38Trials, tribulations, and persecution of the faithful.
40Apart from us they (Old Testament saints) should not be made perfect.
12:1Lay aside all hindrances and sin and run with endurance.
2Jesus is founder and perfecter (finisher) of our faith.
4Our struggle against sin has not resisted to point of shedding blood.
6God disciplines those He loves, and chastises sons.
7We endure for discipline.
8Illegitimate children receive no discipline.
10God disciplines us so we may share His holiness.
14Strive for peace with everyone; strive for holiness without which you will not see God.
15Make sure no one fails to obtain grace and that no root of bitterness springs up.
18-21We have not come to Mount Sinai.
22-24We have come to Mount Zion.
25Do not refuse/reject Him who warns from heaven.
26He shook the earth before by speaking, but will shake the heavens and earth next time.
28We have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken; our God is a consuming fire.
13:1Continue in brotherly love.
2Do not neglect hospitality to strangers – we entertain angels unaware.
3Remember those in prison.
4Marriage should be held in high honour, the bed undefiled.
5Keep your life free from love of money; be content with what you have.
7Consider the outcome of the life of your leaders and imitate their faith.
8Jesus does not change.
9Don’t be led astray by different/strange teachings.
16Do not neglect good; share what you have.
17Obey your leaders and submit to them, they watch over your soul (and will give account), let them do it with joy and not groaning.

James 1:3Testing of our faith produces steadfastness.
4The full effect of steadfastness is to be perfect and complete lacking nothing.
5Ask God for wisdom and you will receive.
6Ask in faith without doubting.
8The double-minded man is he who asks of God and doubts.
12Blessed is the steadfast man under trial.
14Temptation comes when we are lured by our desires.
15When desire has acted it brings forth sin and sin brings forth death.
16Good and perfect gifts come from God.
19Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
20Anger does not produce righteousness (Eph. 4:26).
21Put away filthiness and rampant wickedness.
22Be doers of the word and not hearers only—what it teaches, put into practice.
23-25Hearers walk away and forget the message, while doers act upon it.
26Control your tongue.
27Visit orphans and widows in their afflictions; remain unstained from the world.
2:1-9Show no partiality to persons but “love thy neighbour as thyself”.
10If you try to keep the whole law but break it in one area, you’re guilty of all of it.
13Mercy triumphs over judgment.
17Faith not followed by good works is dead faith; you act according to what you believe—if you say you believe a thing but do not act accordingly, your actions condemn your so-called faith as dead.
18Faith is seen according to your works.
21-23Abraham’s faith was active with his works and complete his works (Eph. 2:10).
24*Works are the lifeblood of faith.
3:2If we can control our tongue, we are able to control our body.
1-12CONTRAST: A spring cannot pour forth both fresh water and salt water. A salt pond cannot yield fresh water. As Jesus said, fig trees cannot bear thorns and thorn bushes cannot bear figs. Verses 9-10 are key: “these ought not to be!”
17Wisdom from God is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere.
4:1Quarrels come from fleshly passions not put to death.
3Asking wrongly will result in not receiving.
4You cannot be friends with the world.
6(See 1 Pet. 5:5).
7Submit yourself to God; resist the devil and he will flee.
8Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
10Humble yourselves.
11Do not speak evil against brothers (Titus 3:2).
13-15Don’t make concrete plans because you don’t know what tomorrow holds—don’t take tomorrow for granted. “If the Lord wills, then…”
17Knowing the right thing and not doing it is sin.
5:7Be patiently waiting upon the Lord.
8Establish your hearts in your patience.
9Do not grumble against each other (Phil. 2:14; 1 Pet. 4:9).
12Do not make oaths—say either “yet” or “no”.
13If you suffer, pray; if you are cheerful, sing praise.
14If you’re sick, let the elders pray over you.
16Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another to be healed—the prayer of righteous men does great things.

1 Pet. 1:3God causes us to be born again—it is not of our own will.
5God’s power guards us through faith not our own (Eph. 2:8) for salvation to be revealed.
7The genuineness of our faith will result in praise and glory and honour of Jesus.
9Outcome of faith is salvation.
14As obedient (Rom. 6:17) children, do not
15As he is holy, you also in all your conduct.
22-25We purify ourselves by obedience (1 John 3:3) because we have been born again, made obedient from the heart by God (Rom. 6:17).
2:1-3If you have tasted—if your conversion is true (see 2 Cor. 13:5—if you fail the test).
5(See Rom. 12:1 and Heb. 13:5).
8People stumble over Jesus because they disobey the Word. Destined to disobey.
9We were called out of darkness and into light. Promises made to Israel spoken of Christians.
10(See Rom. 9).
11Abstain from passions of the flesh.
16Free from sin (Rom. 6:1-8:13) not a cover up for evil (Gal. 5:1).
17Honour everyone—love the brethren.
18-21Applies to the work place.
3:7A husband’s prayers can be hindered if his relation with his wife is not right.
17
(See v. 2:18-21).
4:1-2Ceased from sin, living no longer for human passions but after the will of God (Matt. 7:21).
7Be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers (see John 15:7).
8Love is the fulfillment of the law (Rom. 13:8-10).
9-11Serve each other for the glory of God.
12Trial, tribulations and persecutions will come if you belong to Christ.
19Trust in God in your sufferings and do not faint.
5:5-7Clothe yourselves with humility because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
8-11Be wise and discerning because the devil is looking to attack you.

2 Pet. 1:3Christ’s power has given us all things that pertain to eternal life and godliness.
5-7We are to strive in making these our own.
8If we belong to Christ, these are ours and will be increasing, making us effective and fruitful.
9Whoever lacks these is blinded, forgetting they were cleansed of their former sins.
10Make sure that you are truly saved—if you practice the qualities of v.5-7 you will never fall.
11By following verse 10 you secure your entrance into heaven.
16-18We were eyewitnesses, so you can believe us.
19-21But there is a more sure word than ours—Scripture—the Old Testament.
2:1False prophets existed then, false teachers exist now, teaching destructive heresies and denying Jesus Christ, bringing destruction on themselves.
2False teachers seeking their own desires will cause the Word of God to be mocked and blasphemed.
3False teachers greedy for gain will twist Scripture to exploit you.
10bThey do not tremble as they blaspheme rulers.
11Angels will not do as false teachers do.
20If they tasted of Jesus and went back to their former ways, it proves they were never of us (1 John 2:19) and their state will be worse now (Luke 11:24-26).
21Would be better had they never known the truth than to know it and reject it.
22This is never true of the Christian.
3:3Mockers will mock and follow their sinful desires.
4Example of their mocking, probably what Noah heard in his day from them.
5-7World once flooded with water will soon be burned with fire.
8-9God is patient, to save those He has chosen to save for His glory.
11“What sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness?”
14Be diligent to be found spotless and blameless, at peace with God.
15Patience of God is salvation.

1 John 1:1-4Testimony of the Word of Life.
5God is light and in Him is no darkness.
6If we say we have fellowship while we walk in darkness, we lie.
7If we walk in the light, we have fellowship together; Jesus’ blood cleanses us from all sin.
8If we say we have no sin, we lie.
9If we confess our sins, He will forgive them and cleanse our unrighteousness.
10If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar.
2:1If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus.
2He is the propitiation for our sins.
3We know Him if we keep His commandments.
4Whoever says they know Him but doesn’t keep the commandments is a liar.
5Whoever keeps His word, the love of God is perfected.
6Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk as He walked.
8The True Light is already shining.
9Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.
10Whoever loves his brother abides in the light.
15Do not love the world or its things or the love of the Father is not in you.
16Desires of flesh, desires of eyes, pride in possessions are from world – not Father.
17World is passing away; whoever does will of God abides forever.
18We know it is the last hour because many antichrists have come.
19They went out from us because they were not of us; they would have stayed if they were of us.
20We have been anointed by the Holy One.
22He is a liar who denies Jesus is the Christ; he is antichrist who denies Father and Son.
23No one who denies Son has Father; whoever confesses Son has Father.
24Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you and you will abide in the Son and Father.
25He promised us eternal life.
28Abide in Him so you have confidence at His coming.
29If you know He is righteous, everyone practicing righteousness is born of Him.
3:1The Father has loved us by calling us children.
2We don’t know what we will be, but when He appears we will be like Him.
3Everyone who hopes in Him purifies Himself as He is pure.
4Everyone who makes a practice of sinning practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
5He appeared to take away sins; in Him is no sin.
6No one abiding in Him continues to sin; no one continuing to sin has seen or known Him.
7Whoever practices righteousness is righteous like Him.
8Whoever practices sinning is of the devil.
9No one born of God makes a practice of sinning; he cannot continue sinning because he has been born of God.
10Whoever does not practice righteousness or love his brother is not of God.
11Love one another.
13Don’t be surprised the world hates you.
14We passed from death to life because we love the brothers; whoever does not love abides in death.
15He who hates his brother is a murderer.
16We know love because Jesus laid down his life for us and we ought to lay our lives down for the brethren.
22Whatever we ask we receive from Him because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him.
23Believe in the name of Jesus and love one another.
24Whoever keeps His commandments abides in Him and He in them; we know He abides in us by the Spirit He has given us.
4:1Do not believe every spirit; test the spirits to see if from God; many false prophets have entered world.
2Every spirit that confesses Jesus has come in the flesh is from God and has the Spirit.
3Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not of God but is antichrist.
4He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
6Whoever is from God listens to us and whoever is not does not; this is how we know the Spirit of truth versus the spirit of error.
7Love one another for love is from God and whoever loves has been born of and knows God.
8Anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love.
9God’s love was made manifest by sending His Son so that we may live through Him.
10Love was God sending His Son to be propitiation for us.
11Since God loved us this way, we ought to love each other the same.
12If we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us.
13We know we abide in him and He in us because He has given us His Spirit.
14The Father sent His Son to be Saviour of the world.
15Whoever confesses that Jesus is Son of God, God abides in him and he in God.
16God is love. Whoever abides in love abides in God and God in him.
17This is how love is perfected in us.
18There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; fear has to do with punishment.
19We love because He first loved us.
20If any says he loves God but hates his brother, he is a liar.
21Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
5:1Whoever believes Jesus is the Christ has been born of God.
3The love of God is that we keep His commandments, which are not burdensome.
4Everyone born of God overcomes the world, and do so by faith.
10Whoever does not believe God has made Him a liar.
11The testimony is that God gave us eternal life in His Son.
12Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son does not have life.
13We may know that we have eternal life.
14If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15We know we have the requests we asked for.
16There is sin that leads to death.
17All wrong doing is sin; but there is sin that does not lead to death.
18Whoever has been born of God does not continue sinning.
19Whole world lives in power of evil one.
20Keep yourselves from idols.

2 John 5-6Walk according to love and be obedient out of love.
9If you don’t abide in the teachings of Christ, you have never known Him.

3 John 4It is a joy to hear people walking in the truth.
8Supporting those who go out makes us fellow-workers. Am I a supporter? Or a goer?
11CONTRAST: A true convert versus false convert.

Jude 3Contend for the faith.
4False teachers are perverting God’s grace for sensuality and denying the Lord.
5Jesus saved the Israelites from Egypt, but killed those who did not believe.
9Angels do not judge or blaspheme the ungodly, but leave it to Jesus, as we should (1 Cor. 5:12-13).
14“Holy ones” = angels (see Rev. 19:14).
22Have mercy on doubters.
23Save some with fear.
24Jesus is able to keep believers from stumbling and to present us blameless.