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

1 Cor. 1:1	“Called by the will of God”—not his own doing or own decision.
2	We 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”.
4	We should thank God for His grace given to others, but also to ourselves.
5	We were enriched in Christ in every way.
7	The church will not be lacking in any spiritual gift until the revealing of Christ.
8	Christ will sustain us to the end—guiltless on the Day of Judgment.
9	We were called into fellowship by God.
10	We are to agree, having no division, being one mind with one judgment.
11	Quarreling due to teachers they follow.
12	We do not follow men, but Christ.
17	Eloquent wisdom empties the cross of its power.
18	Word of cross is foolishness to the perishing, but to those being saved it is power of God.
20	God has made foolish the wisdom of the world.
21	We are saved through the foolishness of preaching.
22	Jews demand signs, Greeks demand wisdom.
23-27	Christ 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.
29	None of us can boast in the presence of God.
30	God is our source of life in Christ; God made Christ our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
31	Boast only in the Lord.
2:6	Wisdom of the Spirit is not wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age.
7	Wisdom of the Spirit is secret and hidden wisdom of God.
10	God revealed these things to us through the Spirit.
11	The Spirit understands the thoughts of God.
12	We received the Spirit of God that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
13	The Spirit interprets spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
14	Natural man does not understand things of God because they are spiritually discerned.
15	Spiritual person discerns all things but is discerned of no man.
16	We have the mind of Christ.
3:1	Paul cannot address them as spiritual, but as fleshly babes in Christ.
2	He gives them milk because they are not ready for meat.
3	He says they are still of the flesh (contrast to being of the Spirit).
4	Following your favourite authors is being fleshly.
6	One plants, one waters, but God gives the increase.
7	Planter and waterer cannot boast, except in God who gave the growth.
9	We are God’s fellow-workers, His field, His building.
13	Our works will become manifest on the Day of the Lord as fire tests them.
14	Work that survives will yield a reward.
15	Work that burns up will yield loss, but the person will be saved.
16	We are God’s temple; God’s Spirit dwells in us (v.17; 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16).
17	We are God’s temple (v.16; 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16).
21	Don’t boast in man.
4:2	Stewards must be trustworthy.
3	Paul 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.
5	We are not to condemn—God will do this.
7	Why do we boast in what we have received as if we never received it?
8-13	Should be the reality of all Christians in the eyes of the world.
14	Paul doesn’t try to shame them, but admonish them.
15	We have many guides in Christ, but not many fathers.
16	“Be imitators of me” (see v.4).
17	Timothy would remind them of Paul’s ways in Christ, which he taught everywhere in every church (see v.4).
20	Kingdom of God consists in power—not talk.
21	Come with rod? Or with love in spirit of gentleness.
5:1	“Christians” doing things the world would not do.
2	Such sinners need be removed from the church.
5	Destruction of the flesh, deliverance of the spirit.
7	Christ has been sacrificed, therefore we are unleavened.
9-10	Correcting a misunderstanding from his previous letter.
11	Do not associate with sexually immoral people if they bear the name of Christ.
12	We are not to judge those outside the church, but those inside.
13	God judges outsiders. We need to remove the evil persons from among us.
6:1-6	If Christians have a dispute, it should come before the saints—not before the unholy, unrighteous courts of law.
7	Having lawsuits at all is already a defeat for us. Suffer loss as Christ.
9-10	Unrighteousness will not inherit the kingdom of God; these people will not inherit the kingdom of God.
11	We were such things but we are not now.
15	Our bodies are members of Christ, should we make them members of a prostitute? Never!
16	If you’re joined to a prostitute, you become one flesh.
17	If you’re joined to the Lord, you become one spirit.
18	Flee from sexual immorality (2 Tim. 2:22).
19	Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you (3:16-17; 2 Cor. 6:16).
20	You were bought with a price.
7:1	It’s okay to remain single without sexual relations.
2	Because of temptation, a man should marry a woman and a woman should marry a man.
3	Man and woman should give their conjugal rights to each other.
4	Neither has authority over their own body, but their spouse does.
5	Do not deprive each other, unless for an agreed upon time, so the devil does not tempt you.
8	It is good not to marry.
9	If you will burn with passion, marry!
10-11	The Lord gives this command: do not divorce; if you do, remain single or be reconciled.
12-16	Paul 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.
17	Remain as you were called.
18-19	Circumcision and uncircumcision count for nothing.
20	Remain in the condition you were called.
23	You were bought with a price, do not become slaves of men.
24	Remain in the condition you were called.
25-31	Live as though you have and are nothing because the things of this world are passing away.
32-35	We must have good order and undivided devotion to the Lord.
39	We 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.
8:6	All things are from God for whom we exist; all things are from Christ through whom we exist.
7	Through 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!
8	Food will not commend us to God. We are no better if we eat or do not eat. *Same with music!
9	Take 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.
27	Discipline your bodies; keep them under control lest we be disqualified.
10:5	With most God was not pleased and they were overthrown.
6-11	Example for us.
12	If you think you stand, take heed lest you fall.
13	God 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.
24	Don’t seek your own good but the good of your neighbour.
26	The earth and its fullness are the Lord’s.
31	Do all things to the glory of God!
11:1	“Be imitators of me as I am of Christ” (see 4:4).
2-13	Women wearing a covering.
14	Disgrace for men with long hair.
15	Glory for women with long hair—given to her for a covering (answer 2-13).
16	No such practices!
19	Must be divisions so that the genuine may be recognized.
20-22	Lord’s supper is not a place to eat and drink and fill ourselves while others go hungry.
23-25	Lord’s supper is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice.
26	We proclaim His death until He comes.
27-34	Do not partake of the Lord’s supper unworthily.
12:3	No one speaking in the Spirit of God says “Jesus is accursed!”; no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Spirit.
4	Variety of gifts, but one Spirit.
5	Variety of service, but one Lord.
6	Variety of activities, but one God who empowers them all in everyone.
7	Each is given manifestation of Spirit for common good.
8-10	Gifts of the Spirit.
11	Empowered by one and same Spirit who gives as He wills.
12-27	Many members, one body—body of Christ.
28	Order appointed.
31	Desire the greater gifts, but there is a more excellent way.
13:1	Without love I am just noise.
2	Without love I am nothing.
3	Without love I gain nothing.
4-8a	Love is all these things.
8b	Gifts will pass away.
9	Our gifts are in part.
10	When the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
12	We see unclearly, but will see face-to-face; we know in part, but shall know fully as we have been known.
13	Faith, hope, and love—greatest is love.
14:1	Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy.
3	Prophesying builds up people and encourages.
4	Speaking in a tongue (language) builds up self, but prophecy builds up church.
5	Prophecy is greater than tongues, unless someone interprets so that the church is build up (edified).
6-9	If you speak in a tongue and it is unintelligible, how will they know what is said?
10	Many languages in the world but none is without meaning.
11	If I do not know the meaning of the language, then I am foreign to speaker and him to me.
12	Strive to excel in building up the church—not self.
13	Whoever speaks in a tongue (language) should pray to interpret.
16	If you praise with a tongue (language), how can an outsider say “Amen” if he does not understand?
17	Other person not built up.
20	Be infants in evil, but mature in thinking.
21	KEY!!! “By people of strange tongues (languages) I will speak to this people (Israel).”
22	Tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers (Jews—see 1:22); prophesy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.
23	If all speak in tongues (languages) and an outsider comes in, he will think you have lost your minds.
24	If all prophesy and an outsider comes in, he is convicted by all; he is called to account by all.
25	Secrets of his heart are disclosed and so he will worship God.
26	Let all things be done for edifying.
33	God is not the author of confusion.
40	All things should be done decently and in order.
15:1-2	We stand in the gospel by which we are being saved if we hold fast to it, unless we believed in vain.
3-4	Christ dies, was buried, and rose on the third day in accordance with Scripture (O.T.).
5-8	His appearing to the brethren as evidence of His resurrection.
10	God’s grace makes us what we are and gives us what we have.
12	If Christ is raised from the dead, it is foolish to say there isn’t a resurrection of the dead.
13	If there isn’t a resurrection of the dead, then Christ isn’t resurrected.
14	If Christ isn’t resurrected then preaching and faith are in vain.
15	We should be misrepresenting God.
16	See v.13.
17	See v.14—you are still in your sins.
19	We are a people to be pitied if this is true (v.12-18).
20	Christ 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.
23	Christ first, then at His coming all who belong to Him.
24	Then comes the end (the second coming) when Christ turns the kingdom over to God after putting all His enemies under His feet.
25	He must reign until His enemies are under food (refer to v.23-24).
26	Last enemy to be destroyed is death.
32	If 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.
35-49	Contrast 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.
51	We will not all die but we will all be changed.
52	At the last trump; it will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable and we will all be changed.
53	Perishable must put on imperishable, mortal must put on immortality.
54	When v.53 occurs, “Death will be swallowed up in victory”.
56	Sting of death is sin, power of sin is law.
57	God gives us the victory through Jesus.
16:2	Put something aside for the saints as the Lord prospers you.
13	Be watchful; stand firm in the faith; act like men; be strong.
14	Do all in love.
22	If 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.
4	God comforts us in our affliction so we may comfort others in their affliction.
3-7	We share sufferings and comfort.
8-11	Rely not on selves but on God who raises the dead.
20	In Christ the promises of God find their “Yes”.
22	Spirit given as a guarantee—down payment (2 Cor. 5:5; Eph. 1:13; 4:30).
2:8	Reaffirm our love to those who cause us pain.
15	We are the aroma of Christ among those being saved and among those perishing.
3:6	We are ministers of a new covenant—not by letter but by Spirit; letter kills, Spirit gives life.
7-11	Glory of Spirit bigger, brighter, better than glory of letter.
17	Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
18	Transformed into same image, from one glory to another (1 Cor. 15:40-41).
4:3	Gospel veiled to those who are perishing.
4	God of this world has blinded them.
6	God shone in our hearts to give light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
7	The treasure is the gospel light and grace.
8-12	Evil happens to us but does not discourage/dissuade us.
15	Grace extends to increase thanksgiving to glory of God.
17	Momentary affliction prepares us for eternal weight of glory.
5:5	Given Spirit as guarantee—down payment (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13; 4:30).
7	“Walk by faith, not by sight”.
10	We will all appear before the judgment seat to receive what is due, whether good or evil.
14	The love of Christ controls us.
15	We don’t live for ourselves but for Him.
17	If you are in Christ you are a new creation; the old has passed away, the new has come.
18	We were reconciled so that we may reconcile.
20	God makes his appeal through us.
21	Jesus was made sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God.
6:2	Now is the day of salvation.
4-5	Hardships.
6-7	Blessings.
8-10	Various conditions in this world we must face and stand appropriately.
13	Widen your hearts.
14	Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
16	We are the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19).
7:1	Cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bring holiness to completion in fear of God (relates to 6:16-18).
9	Grief should lead to repentance—godly grief.
10-11	Godly grief produces repentance, worldly grief produces death.
8:2	In severe affliction, the abundant joy and extreme poverty of Macedonian saints overflowed in wealth of generosity.
3	They gave according to and above their means.
4	Wanting to partake in the relief of the saints.
8	Genuine love is demonstrated by our aiding the saints.
14	Our abundance should supply need so that abundance may supply our need.
9:6	We reap what we sow (Rom. 8:5-6, 13; Gal. 6:7-8).
7	Give as we have determined, not reluctantly or compulsory.
10:1	Humble when face to face, bold when away.
17	Boast in the Lord.
11:14	Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15	His servants disguise themselves as ministers of light.
16-28	Paul 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”.
10	When we are weak we are strong.
21	We should mourn over the sin others refuse to repent of.
13:1	Every charge must be established by 2 or 3 witnesses.
5	Examine yourselves to see if you’re in the faith; Jesus is in you unless you fail the test.
9	Pray for the restoration of others.
11	Aim for restoration; comfort each other; agree; live in peace.

Gal. 1:10	Do we seek man’s approval or God’s?
15	Before he was born, Paul had been set apart for the task he was now undertaking.
2:2	Paul went and made himself accountable, making sure the gospel he preached was correct.
4-5	Do not submit to those who would make you slaves instead of free.
6	Those Paul made himself accountable to added nothing to what he was preaching.
10	Remember the poor.
11-14	Watch 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).
20	I have been crucified with Christ; Christ lives in me; I live life by faith!
3:2	We receive the Spirit by hearing with faith (Rom. 10:17).
3	We began by the Spirit, we continue by the Spirit—not the flesh.
5	The Spirit and miracles are supplied by hearing with faith.
7	Those of faith are true sons of Abraham.
10	If you’re under the law, you are cursed.
11	The righteous shall live by faith!
14	In Christ, the blessing of Abraham is imparted to me.
16	The promises made to Abraham refer to Christ and are fulfilled in Christ.
17	The law doesn’t annul the covenant made with Abraham by God’s promise.
19-24	If 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.
29	If you belong to Christ, you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs of the promise.
4:8-9	You were slaves; how can you turn back and want to be slaves again?
11	Paul is worried they might be false converts.
21-27	Those 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.
28-31	Those born of the Spirit will be persecuted by those born of the flesh.
5:1	Christ set us free (John 8:32, 26) for freedom; we are to stand in that freedom and not enslave ourselves to our former lusts.
4	If a person desires to be justified by the law, he is severed from Christ and has fallen from grace.
6	Faith working through love (Rom. 13:8-10) is the key.
9	A bit of untruth will make the whole an untruth. Guard your doctrine (1 Tim. 4:16).
13	We were called to freedom; do not submit your freedom to the flesh.
14	Love is the fulfillment of the law (Rom. 13:8-10).
15	How the flesh acts—not how love of the Spirit act.
16	Walk by the Spirit (with His help) and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh.
17	The Spirit keeps you from doing the things you would normally do if you were in the flesh.
19-21	Evidences you are in the flesh—you will not inherit the kingdom of God if these characterize your life.
22-23	Evidence you are in the Spirit—born again.
24	If you belong to Christ, you have crucified the flesh and its desires.
25	If you truly live in the Spirit, walk by Him (with His help).
26	How the flesh acts.
6:1	Restore a brother caught in sin and watch we don’t fall into temptation ourselves.
2	Bear each other’s burdens with love.
7-8	CONTRAST: 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).
9-10	Do good to everyone, but especially to the brethren.
12-13	Those 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.
14	The world has been crucified to me and I have been crucified to the world.
15	A 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.
16	If you walk as a new creation, peace and mercy be to you.

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

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

Col. 1:4	The Colossians had love for all the saints.
6	When 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”.
10	Walk 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.
13	God has delivered us from the domain of darkness (Rom. 6:13).
14	(See Eph. 1:7).
21	Once were alienated and hostile in mind (Rom. 8:7).
22	We were reconciled to be presented holy and blameless.
23	If you continue in faith, verse 22 is true of you—those who do not are false converts.
28	Mature in Christ. There must be growth.
2:6	As 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).
13-14	Good news!
16	Let no one pass judgment in regards to customs and traditions.
17	Sabbath was a foreshadow. It was not permanent.
20-23	Holding to rules is no value to the indulgence of the flesh.
3:1	If you have been raised with Christ, seek those things above.
2	Set your mind on things above.
5-6	Things of the flesh—put them to death (Rom. 8:13).
7	You once walked in these.
8-9	Put off these and the old self (Rom. 6:1-13, 14).
10	Put on the new self (Rom. 6:4).
12-15	Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, love, peace, and thankfulness (Gal. 6:2; Eph. 4:2).
16	Let the words of Christ dwell in you richly (John 15:3 [cf. 7]).
17	Do everything unto the Lord, giving thanks.
18-22	Relational advice.
23	Work as unto God and not men.
4:2	Continue steadfastly in prayer with watchfulness and thanksgiving.
5	Conduct yourselves wisely; make the best use of the time (Eph. 5:16).
6	Speak graciously, seasoned with salt.

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

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

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

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

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

Philemon

Philemon is about reconciliation and relationships between Christians.

Heb. 1:1	God used to speak through prophets.
2	God now speaks through His Son.
3	Jesus has the same nature as God.
4	He is superior to angels.
5	Which angel did God ever call “son”?
6	The angels worship the Son.
7	Angels are His ministers.
8-9	The Son, who is God, reigns forever with anointing.
13	Which angel did God ever tell to sit at His right hand?
14	Angels are ministering servants to those who inherit salvation.
2:1	Therefore, pay attention to what you heard.
2	Since the message from angels was true…
3	…How shall we escape if we neglect such salvation?
4	God bore witness of the truth.
5	God did not subject the world to angels.
6-9	Everything was made subject to Christ.
10	All things exist for and by God.
11-13	He who sanctifies and those sanctified have one origin.
14	Since we share flesh and blood, he partook of the same in order to free us.
16	He helps the offspring of Abraham—Jews and Gentiles in faith.
17	He had to become like us to make propitiation for sins.
18	Because he suffered when tempted, He is able to help us
3:2	Jesus was faithful to God.
3	Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses.
5	Moses was faithful in God’s house.
6	Jesus was faithful over God’s house as a son; we are his house (temple) if we hold fast.
7-11	If the Spirit calls, don’t harden your heart.
12	Take care not to have an unbelieving heart leading you to fall away from God.
13	Exhort one another that none be hardened by deceitful sin.
14	We share in Christ if we hold our confidence firm to the end (Matt. 24:13; 10:22; Mark 13:13; Luke 21:19).
4:3	We who believe will enter Christ’s rest.
6	Failure 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”.
9	There remains a Sabbath rest for God’s people—believers (see. v.3).
11	Strive to enter that rest so you don’t fall by disobedience.
12	The Word of God is able to discern our thoughts and intents of the heart.
13	Nothing is hidden from God whom we shall give account.
14	Jesus is our High Priest.
15	Jesus was tempted like us, yet without sin, and can sympathize with us.
16	Draw near to the throne so God can help in our need.
5:5-6	Christ was appointed high priest by God.
8	He learned obedience through suffering.
9	Jesus is the source of eternal salvation to all who obey.
11	Some of you are dull of hearing.
12	You should be teachers by now but still require teaching of the basics; you need milk instead of meat.
13	Children live off milk, unskilled in the Word.
14	Solid food is for the mature who have discernment.
6:1	Leave the basics and mature; you cannot lay the foundation of repentance (from works) and faith (toward God) again.
4-6	Those who have partaken of and know the truth of Christ, if they apostatize, cannot repent because they crucify Christ again (see v.8).
10	Serve the saints.
11	Show earnestness to have full assurance of hope until the end.
18	It is impossible for God to lie.
7:2	Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; he was king of Salem (peace).
9	Levi paid tithes through Abraham.
10	Because he was in Abraham’s loins at the time (hence why we were sinners when Adam sinned—because we were in his loins).
19	The law made nothing perfect.
22	Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant.
25	He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him since He makes intercession for them.
27	Christ offered Himself a sacrifice for sins once for all.
8:1	Jesus is seated at the right hand of God.
2	“True tent (tabernacle)” set up by the Lord—not man.
5	Earthly priests serve a copy and shadow of heavenly things.
6	The covenant Christ mediates is better, enacted on better promises.
7	If first covenant faultless, no need for second.
8-12	The new covenant (Jer. 31:31-34).
13	The first covenant has been made obsolete.
9:1-10	The earthly holy place; tabernacle.
9	The first section of the holy places “is symbolic of this present age”.
11	“More perfect tent” not made with human hands.
12	Christ entered the holy places once for all by means of His own blood, securing eternal redemption.
14	How much will Jesus’ blood purify our conscience from dead works to serve God?
15	Christ is mediator of new covenant; called to receive promised eternal inheritance; His death redeems us from our sins committed under the first covenant.
17	A will requires death in order to be established. A will is not in force as long as the person lives.
18	First covenant inaugurated by blood, too.
22	“Without the shedding of blood there is no remission (forgiveness) for sin”.
24	Christ did not enter holy places made by hands, copies of true things, but entered heaven itself, appearing before God on our behalf.
26	He appeared once for all at “the end of the ages” to put away sin by His sacrifice.
27	Man dies once and then comes judgment.
28	Christ will appear a second time to save those eagerly waiting for Him.
10:1	The law has a shadow of the true realities and cannot make perfect those who draw near.
4	Blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin.
9	He abolished the first covenant to set up the second covenant.
10	By God’s will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Christ once for all.
12	After offering a single sacrifice, Christ sat down at the right hand of God.
13	He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool (1 Cor. 15:25-28).
14	With single offering He perfected those being sanctified.
18	Where there is forgiveness for sin there is no longer offering for it.
20	We enter the holy places by Jesus’ blood.
21	Jesus’ flesh was the reality of the curtain; when flesh torn open, living way opened for us.
22	Draw near to God with a true heart full of assurance of faith.
23	Hold fast our confession without wavering; God is faithful.
24	Stir up each other toward love and good works.
25	Do not neglect coming together in fellowship; encourage each other.
26	If we sin deliberately after knowing the truth, there is no sacrifice for sins.
27	Only fearful expectation of judgment.
29	How bad is the punishment for spurning Christ, profaning the blood of the covenant that sanctifies us, and outraging the Spirit of grace?
31	It is fearful to fall into the hands of God.
11:1	Faith is assurance/substance of things hope for, the conviction/evidence of things not seen.
4	Abel commended as righteous for his faith.
5	Enoch commended as pleasing God for his faith.
6	Without faith it is impossible to please God; must believe He exists and rewards seekers.
7	Noah became an heir of righteousness for his faith.
8-10	Abraham looked forward by faith to a city built by God (the New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, the church).
11	Sarah by faith considered God faithful.
12	States the fulfilling of the promise.
35-38	Trials, tribulations, and persecution of the faithful.
40	Apart from us they (Old Testament saints) should not be made perfect.
12:1	Lay aside all hindrances and sin and run with endurance.
2	Jesus is founder and perfecter (finisher) of our faith.
4	Our struggle against sin has not resisted to point of shedding blood.
6	God disciplines those He loves, and chastises sons.
7	We endure for discipline.
8	Illegitimate children receive no discipline.
10	God disciplines us so we may share His holiness.
14	Strive for peace with everyone; strive for holiness without which you will not see God.
15	Make sure no one fails to obtain grace and that no root of bitterness springs up.
18-21	We have not come to Mount Sinai.
22-24	We have come to Mount Zion.
25	Do not refuse/reject Him who warns from heaven.
26	He shook the earth before by speaking, but will shake the heavens and earth next time.
28	We have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken; our God is a consuming fire.
13:1	Continue in brotherly love.
2	Do not neglect hospitality to strangers – we entertain angels unaware.
3	Remember those in prison.
4	Marriage should be held in high honour, the bed undefiled.
5	Keep your life free from love of money; be content with what you have.
7	Consider the outcome of the life of your leaders and imitate their faith.
8	Jesus does not change.
9	Don’t be led astray by different/strange teachings.
16	Do not neglect good; share what you have.
17	Obey 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 1:3	Testing of our faith produces steadfastness.
4	The full effect of steadfastness is to be perfect and complete lacking nothing.
5	Ask God for wisdom and you will receive.
6	Ask in faith without doubting.
8	The double-minded man is he who asks of God and doubts.
12	Blessed is the steadfast man under trial.
14	Temptation comes when we are lured by our desires.
15	When desire has acted it brings forth sin and sin brings forth death.
16	Good and perfect gifts come from God.
19	Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
20	Anger does not produce righteousness (Eph. 4:26).
21	Put away filthiness and rampant wickedness.
22	Be doers of the word and not hearers only—what it teaches, put into practice.
23-25	Hearers walk away and forget the message, while doers act upon it.
26	Control your tongue.
27	Visit orphans and widows in their afflictions; remain unstained from the world.
2:1-9	Show no partiality to persons but “love thy neighbour as thyself”.
10	If you try to keep the whole law but break it in one area, you’re guilty of all of it.
13	Mercy triumphs over judgment.
17	Faith 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.
18	Faith is seen according to your works.
21-23	Abraham’s faith was active with his works and complete his works (Eph. 2:10).
24	*Works are the lifeblood of faith.
3:2	If we can control our tongue, we are able to control our body.
1-12	CONTRAST: 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!”
17	Wisdom from God is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere.
4:1	Quarrels come from fleshly passions not put to death.
3	Asking wrongly will result in not receiving.
4	You cannot be friends with the world.
6	(See 1 Pet. 5:5).
7	Submit yourself to God; resist the devil and he will flee.
8	Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
10	Humble yourselves.
11	Do not speak evil against brothers (Titus 3:2).
13-15	Don’t make concrete plans because you don’t know what tomorrow holds—don’t take tomorrow for granted. “If the Lord wills, then…”
17	Knowing the right thing and not doing it is sin.
5:7	Be patiently waiting upon the Lord.
8	Establish your hearts in your patience.
9	Do not grumble against each other (Phil. 2:14; 1 Pet. 4:9).
12	Do not make oaths—say either “yet” or “no”.
13	If you suffer, pray; if you are cheerful, sing praise.
14	If you’re sick, let the elders pray over you.
16	Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another to be healed—the prayer of righteous men does great things.

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

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

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

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

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

Jude 3	Contend for the faith.
4	False teachers are perverting God’s grace for sensuality and denying the Lord.
5	Jesus saved the Israelites from Egypt, but killed those who did not believe.
9	Angels 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).
22	Have mercy on doubters.
23	Save some with fear.
24	Jesus is able to keep believers from stumbling and to present us blameless.