Transcript Introduction to the Bible - Xenos Christian Fellowship

Introduction
to the Bible
Types
New Testament: Epistles
Bible books: Romans-Jude
Timeline: 40-95AD
What is an Epistle?
• A letter
• A situational document.
The early church grows as it is attacked by
persecution & false teaching.
For example-What prompted Paul to write to the
Galatians?
To oppose the false teaching of “Judeizers”
Key features of the Epistles
I. The Epistles were written during the
New Covenant (Hebrews 8:1-13; 2 Cor.
3:5-18)
OLD COVENANT
NEW COVENANT
Epistles
The Law
Pentecost
Key features of the Epistles
Under the New Covenant:
a. The Holy Spirit indwells true believers.
(Romans 8:9-11)
b. The Holy Spirit is the Sprit of Christ.
(Romans 8:9)
c. The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ
(John.16:13,14).
d. The Holy Spirit teaches us, reminds us
of grace. (1 Cor 2)
Key Features of the Epistles
II. The Epistles unpack the person and
work of Jesus Christ.
A. HIS PERSON:
1. The Epistles present Jesus as fully God
and fully human (Col. 2:9).
2. What we do is motivated by Christ’s
GLORY (Colossians 1:10)
Key Features of the Epistles
B. HIS WORK:
1. The Epistles look back at the significance
of Christ’s death and resurrection.
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–
–
Victory over sin (Col. 2:13,14;1 Peter 3:18)
Victory over death (2 Tim 1:10; Heb. 2:14,15)
Victory over Satan (1 John 3:8; Col. 2:15)
2. What we do is motivated by what Christ
HAS DONE (Ephesians 4:32)
Key Features of the Epistles
3. The Epistles look forward to what
Christ will do when he returns.
4. What we do is motivated by what Christ
WILL DO
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-7-What actions
are explicitly encouraged here? What
actions are implicitly encouraged?
Epistle Inductive Overview
1. Read the letter in one sitting.
2. Reconstruct the “occasion” for the letter
3. Outline the letter by writing a short title
for each paragraph.
4. Identify main themes in the letter
(Philippians).
2. Occasion
Author
Who wrote the letter?
Paul with Timothy (1:1)
What information does the author provide
about himself?
He is familiar with the recipients (1:3,7,8)
He is imprisoned, but it has advanced the gospel
(1:12-14)
2. Occasion
Audience
Who is the letter written to?
The Church at Philippi (1:1)
What information does the author provide
about his audience?
They are devoted followers of Christ (1:3-5; 2:12)
There is some conflict (4:2-3)
They have sent a gift (4:12-14)
2. Occasion
Third Party
Does the author mention anyone who
opposes* God’s work? If so, who are they?
False Teachers
What information does the author provide
about the opponents?
Judeizers “Circumcision” mentioned in 3:2,3
indicates that they are those who require one to
follow the Law to be saved (Major conflict in
Acts 15ff)
2. Occasion
Summary-From prison, Paul is writing an
affectionate and joyful letter to the
Philippians. He is thanking them for a
monetary gift and warning them of false
teaching.
3. Outline
Passage Title
1:3-11 Partnership in the gospel
1:12-21 Good News spreads in spite of
imprisonment
1:22-26 To Live is Christ
1:27ff Gospel-centered living
4. Main Themes
Ask: Are there any repeated words and
ideas?
–
–
–
–
Eternal life (1:10; 1:21-23; 3:14; 3:20)
Gospel (1:5, 7, 12, 16, 27; 2:22; 4:3, 15)
Joy (1:4; 1:25; 2:2; 2:29; 4:1)
Rejoice (1:18; 2:17,18; 3:1; 4:4, 10)
Ask: What large spiritual lessons are tied to
the letter’s occasion?
Value of eternal treasure over earthly
Revelation
The Book of Revelation describes how Jesus will bring
about an end to this present phase of history and reestablish his rule.
Quick summary:
– Written by Apostle John in 95 AD; exiled during persecution
– Includes lessons (especially in chs. 1-3), but is primarily
prophecy
– Often misinterpreted
– Ties together many themes
PURPOSE: To strengthen Christians to be faithful
witnesses in a hostile world by describing
Jesus’ authority over human history
What Now?
Are you going to be reading and applying
the Bible to your life one month from
now? A year from now? A decade from
now?
The key to continued learning of the Word
and continued motivation to learn is to
be a doer of the Word. (Matt. 7:24-27)
What Now?
Things you can DO that will lead to further
learning and motivation:
• Get involved in a learning community where you
receive & give truth in the context of close
relationships (Col. 3:16; Eph 4:15,16).
• Develop a habit of regular, prayerful, scripture
reading (Ps. 119).
• Be responsive to the promptings of the Holy
Spirit as He convicts you of sin and as He leads
you out on His mission to share the truth (Gal.
5:16-25, Matt. 28:18-20;; Acts 16:6-10).
What Now?
1. Set specific goals for Bible reading
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Carson, D.A., For the Love of God
One Year Bible
YouVersion, built in reading plans
2. Memorize scripture
3. Use the Study Center!