1 Year Bible—Colossians

Outline

B1 Chapter 1

C1 Salutation Chapter 1:1-2

C2 Thankfulness For the Colossians Chapter 1:3-8

C3 Prayer For the Colossians Chapter 1:9-14

C4 The Greatness of Jesus Christ and His Work Chapter 1:15-23

C5 The Greatness of Jesus Christ and His Gospel Chapter 1:24-29

B2 Chapter 2

C1 Paul’s Concern So They Will Not Be Deceived Chapter 2:1-5

C2 Not To Be Deceived by Philosophy or Arguments Chapter 2:6-15

C3 Not To Be Deceived by Being Subject to The Law Chapter 2:16-23

B3 Chapter 3

C1 Some Sins To Not Do Chapter 3:1-11

C2 Some Rules To Live A Christian Life Regarding Other Believers Chapter 3:12-17

C3 Some Rules To Live A Christian Life Regarding the Family Chapter 3:18-4:1

B4 Chapter 4

C1 Some Rules To Live A Christian Life Regarding Prayer Chapter 4:2-4

C2 Some Rules To Live A Christian Life Regarding Nonbelievers Chapter 4:5-6

C3 Final Greetings and Personal Requests Chapter 4:7-18

Notes

B1 Chapter 1

C1 Salutation Chapter 1:1-2

C2 Thankfulness For the Colossians Chapter 1:3-8

D1 The first thing Paul does is thank God and tells them that he is praying for them.

D2 Are we thankful for our brothers and sisters? Are we praying for them? In 2018, it was reported:

E1 Over 245 million Christians living in places where they experience high levels of persecution

E2 4,305 Christians killed for their faith

E3 1,847 churches and other Christian buildings attacked.

E4 3,150 believers detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned

D3 It is showing love for them and honor to God: 1 Thessalonians 4:9 NRSV Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.

C3 Prayer For the Colossians Chapter 1:9-14

D1 Filled with knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding…

D2 Propose: God expects these things in and from us.

E1 To live a Christian life

E2 To be fruitful

E3 To increase in the knowledge of God

E4 To be stronger in the faith

E5 To be steadfast

E6 To be longsuffering with joy

E7 To give thanks

E8 To be partakers of the inheritance

D3 Reason: God has redeemed and forgiven us. We should want to serve Him.

E1 The Father has rescued us from the power of darkness (satan’s control)

E2 The Father has transferred us into the His Son’s Kingdom

E3 We are redeemed through the Son (Jesus’s) blood

E4 We are forgiven, because Jesus suffered for our sins

C4 The Greatness of Jesus Christ and His Work Chapter 1:15-23

D1 Jesus is God. He is one person, yet He is 100% God of the same essence as God and He is 100% human of the same flesh as humans.

D2 Jesus is the head (authority) of the church.

D3 Jesus is the firstborn from the dead means that He is the first to have a permanent resurrection. The first to have the new glorified body.

D4 Jesus brought reconciliation. At one time were enemies of God, but no longer so because of Jesus.

D5 Jesus desires to present you holy, blameless, and above reproach in His sight.

D6 Our need to remain steadfast in the faith. Christianity’s doctrine does not change.

C5 The Greatness of Jesus Christ and His Gospel Chapter 1:24-29

B2 Chapter 2

C1 Paul’s Concern So They Will Not Be Deceived Chapter 2:1-5

D1 Paul is concerned they will be deceived.

D2 If we know the truth, the true Gospel, and true doctrine as taught in the Scriptures, we will be safe.

D3 False teachers use convincing arguments to deceive us and lead us astray. Beware!

D4 The solution? Know truth and Ephesians 5:6-7 GNB Do not let anyone deceive you with foolish words; it is because of these very things that God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him. 7 So have nothing at all to do with such people.

C2 Not To Be Deceived by Philosophy or Arguments Chapter 2:6-15

D1 One of the most common doctrines for false teachers to corrupt is the doctrine of the deity of Christ and the Gospel.

D2 2 Timothy 2:18 ISV They have abandoned the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place, and so they destroy the faith of others.

D3 2 Timothy 4:3-4 GNB The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear. 4 They will turn away from listening to the truth and give their attention to legends.

C3 Not To Be Deceived by Being Subject to The Law Chapter 2:16-23

D1 Human rules and regulations do nothing to end sinful desires.

D2 They are only outward rules and do not affect the heart.

B3 Chapter 3

C1 Some Sins To Not Do Chapter 3:1-11

D1 Our greatest interest in life must be those of God and His kingdom.

E1 The Greek word for set you mind, think, etc. is φρονέω phronéō.

E2 It means the action of active thinking. It is

F1 People’s thinking affects their actions. If our thinking is the worldview of the unsaved, we will live that way. Romans 8:5 NIV Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. [Emphasis is mine and is the Greek word]

F2 Let us be careful that we do not think and act this way: Philippians 3:17-19 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

D2 These are things we MUST NOT do:

E1 Sexual sins

E2 Sexual impurity (For something to be pure, it must meet a standard of purity. God’s standard is THE standard. Sex is good and pure as long as it meets God’s standard. Anything else in thoughts, desires, words, or deeds is not pure).

E3 Evil passion (There is passion that is not evil, but the Greek word here implies it is evil passion).

E4 Evil lust (there is a good lust, which is a desire, longing, wanting the things of God. Evil lust is a desire, longing, wanting of things that God hates).

E5 Covetousness, which is idolatry

E6 Anger (This is not just displeasure. This anger is a strong emotion. Anger is not sinful at times (Mark 3:5). There must an end to anger (Ephesians 4:26)).

E7 Wrath (This is slightly different than anger. This is boiling anger that distorts the face. The link takes you to the verses that use this word, and we can see the different situations it is used).

E8 Malice (This is an attitude causing trouble and to hurt verbally, physically, emotionally, etc.).

E9 Slander (This is to lie, to slur the character of someone, to suggest something about a person that is false, etc.). For example, 1 Samuel 24:9 NLT Then he shouted to Saul, "Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you?

E10 Foul, abusive speech (1 Peter 3:1 WEB For, “He who would love life, and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit).

E11 Lying (Any type of lying whether words, appearances, actions, etc.) A couple of articles (I can’t vouch for the websites) on the types of lies here ( White lies, Broken promises, Fabrication, Bold-face lie, Exaggeration, Deception, and Plagiarism) and here (Error, Omission, Restructuring, Denial, Minimization, Exaggeration, Fabrication).

C2 Some Rules To Live A Christian Life Regarding Other Believers Chapter 3:12-17

D1 These are things we MUST do.

E1 Compassion (Noticing others needs, listening, etc. We are to be compassionate, because God is compassionate 2 Corinthians 1:3)

E2 Kindness (Kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Jesus shows kindness in coming as our Messiah (Titus 3:4))

E3 Humble (This is not thinking we are great, the greatest, that everyone should listen to, etc. Compare Luke 17:10 and Matthew 11:29).

E4 Meekness (The opposite of meekness is arrogance).

E5 Longsuffering (This is patience, endurance, waiting in hope).

E6 Putting up with (This is slightly different than longsuffering. This word has the idea of holding back, self-control, not reacting sinfully).

E7 Forgiving (We are not to seek revenge. We turn that over to God. We are not to remind them of there failures. If a crime is committed, however, we must notify law enforcement and let them take care of it. Not doing so would possibly endanger others).

E8 Love (It is a choice, not necessarily a passion. The actions of love are found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in the truth, 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8 Love never ends).

E9 Let God’s peace rule in our hearts (Bridgeway Bible Dictionary has this note:

That peace does not mean that they will have a trouble-free life. Rather it means that they now enjoy a state of spiritual wholeness and well-being that gives them strength and calmness even in the midst of suffering and trials (John 14:27; John 16:33; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7).

E10 Be thankful (this is recognition of someone’s help, deed, words, etc. Philemon 1:7 NLT Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people).

E11 Christ’s word (This means what Christ taught and what is taught about Him. We are to study and know the meaning increasingly over our lifetime).

E12 Teaching (All of us are teachers. We are a family and need each other).

E13 Admonishing (This is warning each other. I may be doing something foolish or stupid, but you have done that before and know it will harm me, so you warn me).

E14 Everything we do or say must glorify the Lord Jesus

C3 Some Rules To Live A Christian Life Regarding the Family Chapter 3:18-4:1

D1 We are to love each other. Love is a choice and the actions of love are in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.

D2 We not to be pushy and demanding. We are to listen to each other, help each other, give guidance to each other, etc.

D3 We are not to show favoritism.

E1 Romans 2:11 CSB For there is no favoritism with God.

E2 1 Timothy 5:21 CSB I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism.

B4 Chapter 4

C1 Some Rules To Live A Christian Life Regarding Prayer Chapter 4:2-4

D1 We are to pray with thanksgiving.

D2 We are not to quit praying.

D3 Prayer is simply talking to God. It is not some formula for success or manipulation of God.

C2 Some Rules To Live A Christian Life Regarding Nonbelievers Chapter 4:5-6

D1 Our lives are to be a daily walk in wisdom. James 3:17 NASB But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

D2 Our daily lives must reflect who we really are. Our lives are to be a witness for God. May God help all of us.

D3 What we say should be truthful and measured. Our words should be done in wisdom, love, and holiness. Again, may God help us.

C3 Final Greetings and Personal Requests Chapter 4:7-18

1 Year Bible—Philippians

Outline

B1 Chapter 1

C1 Prayer for the Philippians Philippians 1:1-11

C2 Paul and Persecution of Paul Philippians 1:12-26

C3 Prayer and Encouragement for the Philippians Philippians 1:27-30

B2 Chapter 2

C1 Encouragement to Have Humility Like Jesus Philippians 2:1-11

C2 Encouragement Not to Complain Philippians 2:12-18

C3 Encouragement That Some Helpers Are Coming to You Philippians 2:19-30

B3 Chapter 3

C1 Warning About Judaizers Philippians 3:1-14

C2 Warning About False Christians Philippians 3:15-21

B4 Chapter 4

C1 Plea for Unity Philippians 4:1-3

C2 Plea to Live a Christian Life Philippians 4:4-9

C3 Thank You For Your Help Philippians 4:10-20

C4 Final Greetings Philippians 4:21-23

Chapters

B1 Chapter 1

C1 Paul’s prayer

C2 3 important things

D1 The work Jesus began, He will finish

E1 Jesus is the master teacher.

F1 Since He is omniscient, omnisapient, and knowing how to communicate perfectly. We can understand.

F2 John 7:45-46 LEB So the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees. And they said to them, "Why did you not bring him?" 46 The officers replied, "Never has a man spoken like this!"

F3 Matthew 13:54 NLT He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, "Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?"

E2 We need to stay enrolled in God’s school. We need to read, study, believe, and apply the teaching of Jesus Christ.

D2 Their love would increase

E1 Love is a choice. If you and/or I love someone, we will treat them with the actions of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.

E2 The love of many is grown cold. People love themselves first. We must not fall back into that habit : Matthew 24:12 NLT Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.

E3 Our first, greatest, highest priority love must be Jesus, not our pastor and his wife, not our teacher, not our favorite theologian, etc. Revelation 2:4 NLT But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first!

E6 God teaches us so. His teaching is not just words, but also He tests and has us in situations to apply what He has taught, so expect to face some issues.

F1 Psalm 11:5 NLT The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. (Note, love violence refers to narcissists, domestic abusers, controlling people, etc. We need to remember God hates them).

F2 1 Thessalonians 4:9 NLT But we don't need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another.

D3 We need to judge and test everything

E1 We need a standard. The only eternal standard is God Himself. He has revealed this to us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 WEL All Scripture is inspired and is beneficial for doctrine, reproof, correction, and for instruction in righteousness, 17 So that God’s people may be completely ready, fully equipped for all good works

E2 We need to start with ourselves: 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 NLT Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 6 As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority.

E3 We need to test what is said, written, or communicated in any way whether it be a preacher, teacher, etc. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 NLT Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. [emphasis is mine]

E4 Ephesians 5:10 WEL Testing things [to see if] they are acceptable to the Lord.

C3 Philippians 1:21 NKJV For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Comment from Believer’s Bible Commentary on this passage:

Here, in a nutshell, is Paul's philosophy of life. He did not live for money, fame, or pleasure. The object of his life was to love, worship, and serve the Lord Jesus. He wanted his life to be like the life of Christ. He wanted the Savior to live out His life through him.

And to die is gain. To die is to be with Christ and to be like Him forever. It is to serve Him with unsinning heart and with feet that will never stray. We do not ordinarily think of death as one of our gains.

B2 Chapter 2

C1 Philippians 2:6 NIV Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

C2 We learn the Chalcedon Statement

We, then, following the holy Fathers, all with one

consent, teach men to confess one and the same

Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in

Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God

and truly man, of a reasonable [rational] soul and

body; consubstantial [co-essential] with the

Father according to the Godhead, and

consubstantial with us according to the

Manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin;

begotten before all ages of the Father according

to the Godhead, and in these latter days, for us

and for our salvation, born of the Virgin Mary,

the Mother of God, according to the Manhood;

one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, only

begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures,

inconfusedly,

unchangeably,

indivisibly,

inseparably; the distinction of natures being by

no means taken away by the union, but rather

the property of each nature being preserved,

and concurring in one Person and one

Subsistence, not parted or divided into two

persons, but one and the same Son, and only

begotten, God the Word, the Lord Jesus Christ;

as the prophets from the beginning [have

declared] concerning Him, and the Lord Jesus

Christ Himself has taught us, and the Creed of

the holy Fathers has handed down to us.

B3 Chapter 3

C1 Beware of false teachers. In this passage, specifically, the Judaizers: Philippians 3:2 WEL Beware of dogs; beware of evil workers; beware of the mutilators.

C2 Philippians 3:14 NRSV I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

D1 What is our goal in life?

D2 Two verses:

E1 In our short time on earth, where are our eyes? The goal, the standard, the greatest and best, whom we serve must be the Lord Jesus our Messiah: Hebrews 12:2 BSB Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

E2 Let us pray to be faithful and steadfast until death: 2 Timothy 4:7 BSB I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

C3 We are citizens of God’s kingdom. Let our words, desires, words, and deeds be according to that kingdom. Philippians 3:20-21 WEL But our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Who will change our humiliated body, that it may become like his glorious body, according to the power by which he is able to even place everything under himself.

B4 Chapter 4

C1 What occupies our minds? What are we thinking about? Our Father knows life is rough, so He encourages us: Philippians 4:8 WEL Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are well spoken of, if there is any moral excellence, if there is anything praiseworthy, think about these things.

C2 We need to be thankful. Paul is thankful for the prayers and helps the Philippians have given him and his team.

Psalms 100:4-5 NKJV Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

1 Year Bible—Ephesians Part D

B2 Practical Chapters 4-6

C1 Encouragement for Spiritual Growth Chapter 4:1-16

D1 Spiritual growth is compared to physical growth. We mature in our knowledge, experience, wisdom, actions, etc.

D2 The potential is already there, but it needs proper nutrition to reach that potential.

D3 What does God require as seen in this passage?

E1 A holy life—as God has defined it in the New Testament

E2 Humility—not self promotion

E3 Gentleness—instead of abuse and control

E4 Forbearance—instead of rehearsing failures

E5 Love—as defined in 1 Corinthians 13 both public and private

E6 Unity in peace—instead of self-seeking

D4 It is not unity at any cost. It is not unity to tolerance in false doctrine, practices, or life. We must be in unity not only with believers today but also the whole body of believers from Pentecost to today.

D5 It is unity defined as

E1 One body—from Pentecost until the Rapture

E2 One Spirit—as a holy temple: Ephesians 2:21-22 BSB In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.

E3 One hope—of Him, our Messiah. This is one of many hopes we have: I John 3:2-3 BSB Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

E4 One Lord—Jesus There is no other lord whether spirit or human. There is only one authority—Jesus.

E5 Faith—the doctrines we believe. There is no change. What was taught by the Lord Jesus and His Apostles is still the same faith.

F1 1 Corinthians 16:13 NRSV Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.

F2 1 Timothy 6:20-21 WEB Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge; 21 which some profess, and thus have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

E6 Baptism—probably referring to the Baptism by the Holy Spirit.

F1 1 Corinthians 12:13 NRSV For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

F2 But also in water at our public profession of faith: Romans 6:3-4 NRSV Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

E7 One God and Father—there is no other God: Isaiah 43:10 NRSV You are my witnesses, says the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.

D4 2 Peter 2:1-5 WEL Beside this, be diligent to add to your faith moral excellence; to moral excellence add knowledge. 6 To knowledge add self-control; to self-control add perseverance; to perseverance add godliness. 7 To godliness add brotherly love; to brotherly love add unselfish, unconditional love. 8 For if these qualities are in you and are plentiful, they will make you not to be barren or unfruitful in the thorough knowledge concerning our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he who lacks these qualities is blind, short sighted, and become forgetful that he was totally cleansed from his past sins.

C2 Encouragement for Spiritual Life Chapter 4:17-32

D1 We must get rid of the old way of life as described in many places particularly in Galatians 5:19-21. Then, we must put on the new: Ephesians 4:22-24 WEL Get rid of the former lifestyle, the old nature, which is rotten from deceitful lusts, 23 Instead, be renewed in the spirit of your mind. 24 Put on the new nature, which according to God’s [likeness] is created in righteousness and true holiness.

D2 The rest of the chapter lists some of these new ways of life. These characteristics are the ones God has and is in His kingdom.

C3 Encouragement for Spiritual Lifestyle Chapter 5:1-20

D1 There is an obvious Christian life.

D2 It is not in a man-made list. The lifestyle is listed in Scripture.

D3 This is why we must read chapters like this and live it. We can do so with God’s grace.

C4 Encouragement for Living as a Godly Family Chapter 5:21-6:4

D1 Notice how husband and wife both must submit, that is, NOT be adamant and controlling. Ephesians 5:21 GW Place yourselves under each other's authority out of respect for Christ.

D2 Leadership in the family must be the same leadership style as Jesus has.

D3 A husband must love his wife (with the actions of 1 Corinthians 13), and the wife respect her husband.

D4 Fear has 2 senses

E1 A running away from: Genesis 3:8-10 GW In the cool of the evening, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking around in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees in the garden. 9 The LORD God called to the man and asked him, "Where are you?" 10 He answered, "I heard you in the garden. I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid."

E2 A running to:

F1 Cornelius feared God, yet came praying every day: Acts 10:2 NRSV He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God.

F2 Proverbs 18:10 GW The name of the LORD is a strong tower. A righteous person runs to it and is safe.

E3 Both seen. One does not come, the other does: John 3:20-21 NRSV For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.

C5 Encouragement for Living as a Godly Employee Chapter 6:5-9

D1 Carrying out their duties without pressure.

D2 Carrying out their duties properly.

C6 Encouragement for Living with God’s Armor Chapter 6:10-20

D1 Christians have 3 enemies: the devil, the world, and the flesh.

D2 The world is the mindset and worldview of those who are not believers.

D3 The flesh refers to the sinful desires of the flesh as seen in Galatians 5:19-21.

D4 God has given provision for fighting these 3 things.

D5 The armor of God is for all Christians.

E1 Truth

F1 John 8:32 NRSV and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

F2 Many interpret truth in various ways such as the Gospel, etc. Personally, I think the Lord means “truth.”

F3 Truth delivers from sin, from addiction, from stupidity, from wrong decisions, etc. Truth is delivering. Truth is the start of healing from abuse, addiction, stupidity, foolishness, etc.

F4 Truth as to doctrine and Christian living. The Bible must be interpreted in its plain, normal sense.

E2 Righteousness—to be free of guilt, a bad testimony, bad choices, etc. It leads to a good testimony, better choices, etc. It is protective. The devil wants us to sin.

E3 The Gospel—this is salvation. It is protective by God’s protecting the soul. The devil can kill, but he cannot kill the soul.

E4 Faith—this is believing God instead of something else.

E5 Salvation—this is deliverance. A promise of deliverance now and in the future. A person might be persecuted, but the knowledge and the possession of salvation comforts and gives assurance.

E6 The Word of God—the only source of 100% truth

E7 Prayer—this is asking for wisdom, deliverance, help in many ways. God’s wisdom is perfect. His decisions are done in wisdom, love, and holiness.

D6 The struggle is written about in Romans 7, while the cause is Romans 6, and the solution in Romans 8.

E1 Romans 6:12 GW Therefore, never let sin rule your physical body so that you obey its desires.

E2 Romans 7:23-24 GW However, I see a different standard at work throughout my body. It is at war with the standards my mind sets and tries to take me captive to sin's standards which still exist throughout my body. 24 What a miserable person I am! Who will rescue me from my dying body?

E3 Romans 8:26 NRSV Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. AND Romans 8:34 NRSV Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.

C7 Prayer for the Ephesians Chapter 6:21-24

1 Year Bible—Ephesians Part C

C5 Thanksgiving for Preaching Gospel to Gentiles Chapter 3:1-13

D1 Paul was given this ministry of God’s grace for their sakes: Acts 9:15 GNB The Lord said to him, "Go, because I have chosen him to serve me, to make my name known to Gentiles and kings and to the people of Israel.

D2 Paul is a prophet, for God gave him revelation of the message he is to preach. He also heard the Gospel directly on the Damascus Road. Galatians 1:11-12 NRSV For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; 12 for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

D3 For a proud Jew to come to this knowledge would be very difficult, but Paul became a new creation. Plus, the information came directly from God. Ephesians 3:5-6 GNB In past times human beings were not told this secret, but God has revealed it now by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 The secret is that by means of the gospel the Gentiles have a part with the Jews in God's blessings; they are members of the same body and share in the promise that God made through Christ Jesus.

D4 Ephesians 3:8 WEL...the unsearchable riches of Christ…

E1 A few of these are:

F1 Wisdom and knowledge. Do we need an answer? We have the greatest source: Colossians 2:3 NASB in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

F2 Memorizing and deeply thinking about the words of Scripture are very rich: Colossians 3:16 WEL Let Christ’s word live in you abundantly in all wisdom. Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

F3 Kindness, forbearance, and patience: Romans 2:4 NRSV Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

F4 Grace: Ephesians 1:7 NASB In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

F4 God’s glory: Ephesians 3:16 WEL That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner being,

E2 For both Jews and Gentiles, that is, Christians: Romans 10:12 NASB For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;

D5 God has a purpose and plan in Ephesians 3:11

D6 We have boldness to pray directly to Him. All brothers and sisters in Christ can pray directly. We do not need any mediator, priest, holy person, etc. other than Jesus.

C6 Prayer for the Ephesians Chapter 3:14-21

D1 God’s glory:

E1 Christians will share: Romans 5:2 NLT Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.

E2 The Temple seen by the Apostle John was full of God’s glory, thus light, power, strength, holiness, etc.: Revelation 15:8 NLT The Temple was filled with smoke from God's glory and power. No one could enter the Temple until the seven angels had completed pouring out the seven plagues.

E3 As he was dying, Stephen saw God’s glory: Acts 7:55 NLT But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand.

E4 Jesus’s glory is God’s glory:

F1 Hebrews 1:3 NLT The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.

F2 Luke 9:28-29, 32 CSB About eight days after this conversation, he took along Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. ... 32 Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep, and when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who were standing with him.

F3 God’s glory is the beauty of His character, His attributes, expressed through His thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

D2 Paul prays that the believers

E1 May understand God’s

F1 Ephesians 3:18...the breadth, length, depth, and height which refers to the unlimitedness, boundless, and vastness of His love

F2 Ephesians 3:19 …to know (experience first hand) the love of Christ…

G1 Which is beyond our understanding. We receive this from studying the Scriptures: Psalm 119:104 NIV I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

G2 Which endures forever: See Psalm 136.

F3 Starts when we believe and place our trust into Christ: Proverbs 9:10 NIV The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

F4 Understanding comes from God: 1 John 5:20 NIV We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

E2 Ephesians 3:20-21 WEL Now to him who is able to do way more than all we ask or think according to the power that works in us. 21 The glory be to him in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever and forever. Amen

F1 The power that works in us is the Holy Spirit:

G1 Romans 15:13 NIV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

G2 The Holy Spirit does not make us timid, He gives the power, love, and self-discipline we need to accomplish His will: 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

F2 It is not just can do all things that He wants us to do but way beyond all things: ὑπὲρ πάντα.

F3 We are to give God credit (glory) for all these things.

The prayer closes with a soul-inspiring doxology. The preceding requests have been vast, bold, and seemingly impossible. But God is able to do more in this connection than we can ask or think. The extent of His ability is seen in the manner in which Paul pyramids words to describe superabundant blessings:

Able

Able to do

Able to do what we ask

Able to do what we think

Able to do what we ask or think

Able to do all that we ask or think

Able to do above all that we ask or think

Able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think

Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think

The means by which God answers prayer is given in the expression, according to the power that works in us. This refers to the Holy Spirit, who is constantly at work in our lives, seeking to produce the fruit of a Christlike character, rebuking us because of sin, guiding us in prayer, inspiring us in worship, directing us in service. The more we are yielded to Him, the greater will be His effectiveness in conforming us to Christ.

(Source:Believer’s Bible Commentary by William MacDonald 1995

How to Answer Questions More Correctly

Found this post on Dr. Wayman's site and written by Marc Cortez


The following is a conversation that recently took place in my daughter’s middle school group. And I think it does a good job highlighting three mistakes that we often make when we talk about the sovereignty of God and how it relates to sin and suffering in the world.

Youth pastor: God is sovereign. That means he controls everything that happens.

Middle-schooler: So God was in control when my dog died? Why would God kill my dog?

Youth pastor: That’s a tough one. But sometimes God lets us go through hard times so that we’re prepared for even more difficult things in the future. I remember how hard it was when my dog died. But going through that helped me deal with an even more difficult time later when my grandma died. Does that make sense?

Middle-schooler: (Long pause.) So God killed my dog to prepare me for when he’s going to kill my grandma?

Youth pastor: (Silence.)

You can read the rest here.

A Few Thoughts About Giving Answers

Two passages

B1 Matthew 9:9-17 GNB Jesus left that place, and as he walked along, he saw a tax collector, named Matthew, sitting in his office. He said to him, "Follow me." Matthew got up and followed him. 10 While Jesus was having a meal in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and other outcasts came and joined Jesus and his disciples at the table. 11 Some Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such people?" 12 Jesus heard them and answered, "People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. 13 Go and find out what is meant by the scripture that says: 'It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices.' I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts." 14 Then the followers of John the Baptist came to Jesus, asking, "Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don't fast at all?" 15 Jesus answered, "Do you expect the guests at a wedding party to be sad as long as the bridegroom is with them? Of course not! But the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 "No one patches up an old coat with a piece of new cloth, for the new patch will shrink and make an even bigger hole in the coat. 17 Nor does anyone pour new wine into used wineskins, for the skins will burst, the wine will pour out, and the skins will be ruined. Instead, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins, and both will keep in good condition."

B2 Proverbs 26:4-5 NRSV Do not answer fools according to their folly, or you will be a fool yourself. 5 Answer fools according to their folly, or they will be wise in their own eyes.

Two types of questions

B1 The questioner/s in our first passage

C1 In Matthew 9:9-13, A Pharisee is asking a question, but his attitude is snarky. (of a person, words, or a mood) sharply critical; cutting; snide—source is Bing search)

C2 In Matthew 9:14-17, John the Baptist’s disciples are asking a question and their attitude is one of seeking clarification. They want to learn.

B3 The questioners in our second passage

C1 The word fool in Proverbs 26 passage is the Hebrew word כְּסִיל kᵉçîyl.

D1 It means someone who is arrogant and has all the answers. These fools

D2 Hate knowledge: Proverbs 1:22 NIV How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?

D3 Don’t want to understand; they just want to give their opinion (which is the best answer of course and full of wisdom). This kind doesn’t listen well, for they interrupt and start giving advice. Proverbs 18:2 NIV Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

D4 Love wicked schemes:

E1 Proverbs 10:23 NIV A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

E2 2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

D5 Believe it is fun to do wrong: Proverbs 10:23 CEV Fools enjoy doing wrong, but anyone with good sense enjoys acting wisely.

D6 Blurt out their evil foolishness: Proverbs 12:23 GNB Smart people keep quiet about what they know, but stupid people advertise their ignorance.

D7 Their foolishness just pours out, bursts out, and even belches out: Proverbs 15:2 NLT The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

D8 Love their own foolishness and love hearing and reading the same type of foolishness in others: Proverbs 15:14 NRSV The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

C2 Sometimes the best answer is silence. Why even bother answering them?

D1 An example: 1 Samuel 10:27 LEB However, some worthless men said, "How can this man deliver us?" So they despised him and brought no gift to him, but he kept silent.

D2 Proverbs 10:19 NRSV When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but the prudent are restrained in speech.

B3 The Lord Jesus’s answer for the first passage

C1 To the Pharisee

D1 “I’m here on a healing mission. It is to heal souls sick from the stains of sin.”

D2 “I want you to study this passage: (Hosea 6:7 Brenton/LXX. In our Bibles it is Hosea 6:6) For I will have mercy rather than sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than whole-burnt-offerings.”

D3 God would rather show mercy than judgment. The Pharisee needs to learn this truth.

D4 We see an example of this in Jonah 3:10 LEB And God saw their deeds—that they turned from their evil ways—and God changed his mind about the evil that he had said he would bring upon them, and he did not do it.

C2 To John’s disciples

D1 The Believer’s Bible Commentary answers this question:

The Lord answered with an illustration. He was the bridegroom and His disciples the wedding guests. As long as He was with them, there was no reason to fast as a sign of mourning. But He would be taken from them; then His disciples would fast. He was taken from them—in death and burial, and since His ascension He has been bodily absent from His disciples. While Jesus' words do not command fasting, they certainly approve it as an appropriate exercise for those who await the Bridegroom's return.

D2 Bishop Ryle writes:

[Ye shall weep and lament, etc.] I believe, with Augustine and Bede, that the whole verse is meant to be a general description of the state of things between the first and second advents of Christ. "During my absence from the world after my ascension, you, my beloved disciples, and all believers after you, shall have many reasons to lament and mourn, like a bride separate from her husband, while the wicked world around you shall rejoice in my absence, and not wish to see Me return. During this long weary interval, you and all believers after you shall often have sorrow and tribulation; but at last, when I come again, your sorrow shall be turned into joy." In support of this view I advise the reader to study Mat 9:15. The idea in each place seems the same. (Compare also Isa 65:14.)

D3 Two responses to their question

E1 Jesus states that as long as He is here, there is no need to fast, but the time is coming when He will return from heaven. While the believers wait, they will mourn and fast for His return.

E2 The old ways, the Old Testament, were still in effect, but the time is coming when the Old Testament will be done away with. (Hebrews 8:12-13) The New Testament and its rules will be what believers are to live by.

Two types of response

B1 The genuine questioner needs an answer that teaches them truth. It is to lead them to wisdom and knowledge.

C1 In the Matthew 9:9-13 passage, the Lord Jesus wishes to teach them

D1

C2 In the Proverbs 26:4-5 passage, we are instructed to expose foolishness, thus lead them to true wisdom, that is, God’s wisdom.

D1 We need God’s armor: Ephesians 6:10-18.

D2 We need God’s grace to recognize these schemes. Studying the only source of 100% truth helps.

E1 2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

E2 John 8:32 NIV Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

B2 The snarky questioner needs an answer that is to expose their foolish attitude. It is to lead them to repentance.

We need to give an answer to all. 1 Peter 3:15 NLT Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.

B1 If the questioner is asking a serious question, we need to answer with truth.

B2 If the questioner is sarcastic, rude, mocking, etc., we still need to answer them. We don’t answer them the same way they asked, but we love them and want them to think.

B3 We must pray to God:

C1 In boldness: Hebrews 4:16 NRSV Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

C2 Seeking wisdom: James 1:5 NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

C3 Example: Exodus 17:4 NET Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What will I do with this people? - a little more and they will stone me!”

B4 Our attitude must be gentle yet true: Proverbs 15:1 NLT A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

B5 Think carefully before answering: Proverbs 15:28 NLT The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

B6 Trust God to give the correct answer: Proverbs 16:1 NLT We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.

Proverbs 22:20-21 RSV Have I not written for you thirty sayings of admonition and knowledge, 21 to show you what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?