1 Timothy 1:1-4 (Introduction)

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1Ti 1:1          Why was it important for Paul to identify himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus in this letter to Timothy, who was one of his closest and most trusted companions?  Hint: “you” in 1Ti 6:21 is plural in the Greek.  How was Paul unique in the history of the Church, and why would…

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Introduction to the Pastoral Epistles

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Pastorals The pastoral epistles consist of Paul’s two letters to Timothy and his letter to Titus.  They are grouped together because of similar teaching, similar phrases and other language, and similar time of composition.  They have been termed the “pastoral” epistles because of their pointed instruction to those who would succeed the apostle Paul in…

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Philippians 3:1-11 (True Gain: Righteousness Through Faith in Christ)

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Phil 3:1          Notice the preceding and following context of Paul’s admonition in this Phil 3:to rejoice in the Lord, and recall Paul’s circumstances as he was writing; is our joy as Christians dependent upon circumstances?  What (or Who) is it dependent upon?  See also Phil 1:15-18, 4:4.  Note: in 2 Cor 13:5 Paul admonishes us to…

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Philippians 2:19-30 (Paul’s Fellow Workers / Divine Healing)

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Phil 2:19-24 For what purpose does Paul say in Phil 2:19 that he planned on sending Timothy to the Philippians?  Why was he concerned about their condition?  See Phil 1:27, 2:2-3.  Why would good news of their condition be an encouragement to him in his present circumstances?  For what other purpose did he want to…

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Philippians 2:14-18 (Without Grumbling or Disputing)

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Phil 2:14-16 Note: In Phil 2:15 NASB “prove yourselves” (KJV “be”) is literally “become” (see NASB text note).  NASB “above reproach” (KJV “without rebuke”) means unblemished or without defect, and is the word found throughout the OT to describe the sacrifices acceptable to God (e.g. Ex 29:1, Lev 1:3); see also Eph 5:27, Col 1:22,…

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Philippians 1:27-2:4 (Conduct Worthy of the Gospel)

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Phil 1:27        Note: “conduct yourselves” is literally “live as a citizen” and refers to the responsibilities of citizenship.  What are the responsibilities of our U.S. citizenship?  See Rom 13:1-7.  What are the responsibilities of citizenship in Christ’s kingdom?  See also Phil 1:29.  What do Paul’s words here indicate about a potential problem facing the Philippians? …

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